Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Vers. 7. Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that wander unto thine house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him, and hide not thy self from thine own flesh?

Vers. 7. Is it not to deale thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poore that wander vnto thine house? When thou seest the naked, that thou couer him, and hide not thy selfe from thine owne flesh?

¹He goes on in describing the duties of love, which he touched in the former verse. For having said in the first place, that §1we must abstain from doing any wrong; §2now he admonisheth us to show our selves liberal and lowly towards the afflicted, and such as stand in need of our help.² For there are two parts of equity and justice. First, that §1we offer no man any wrong: secondly, that §2we employ our riches and goods towards the maintenance of them that are in want and necessity: and these two parts must be joined together. For it is not enough to abstain from violent courses, unless therewithal we show mercy in relieving our poor brethren's wants. Neither is it sufficient to succour one, if you rob from some to bestow upon others; for we must not relieve our neighbours wants by thefts and pillages. And if thou hast committed any injustice, cruelty, or extortion, thou oughtest not to make amends by calling in God to thee, as if thou wouldst make him partner with thee of thy spoils. It is necessary then, you see, that these two parts be joined together, if we would have God to approve and allow of our charity.

¹HEe goes on in describing the duties of loue, which hee touched in the former verse. For hauing said in the first place, that