Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Now he reproves their insatiable avarice and covetousness; from whence frauds, injuries, and violences do commonly arise. For it is not a thing unlawful in it self to join one field to another, nor one house to another: but he aims at the heart; which by no means whatsoever can be satisfied, ⟨p. 53⟩when it is once set on fire with desire of having. He describes the affection of those then which think they have never enough: neither are content, how rich soever they be. We may see that the covetous are possessed with such a greedy lusting, that they desire to have all to themselves alone; & think that that which others have, is their want, or is taken from them.¹ And therefore Chrysostom hath an elegant speech to this purpose: That the covetous would gladly take away the sun from the poor; if it were in their power. For they grutch their brethren, the very elements which yet are common, and would gladly swal ow them up: not to enjoy them; but because their lust deprives them of understanding in this behalf. In the mean while they consider not that themselves are not able to do any thing without the help of others, & that a man being alone by himself is unprofitable; they only cark and care how to gather much together; and therefore they devour all by their covetousness.