Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Neither must we reap this fruition of other mens goods, as if those which should be converted unto Christ should gripe unto themselves riches, glory, or the dignities of others; for this would not stand with the rules of charity. But in respect that all things should be subjected under Christs dominion; that so he might obtain the sovereign rule and authority over them. This is it which I have already said, to wit, that the Prophet hath not so much regard of the members, as of the head himself. But when riches are brought under Christs power, then they are called ours; because he hath nothing which belongs not to his spouse the Church. It is said in chap. 45.14. in the same sense that the enemies of Christ shall fall down at his feet, and make supplication unto him: and yet this is done to the Church, in whom they acknowledge Christ, & submit themselves unto his doctrine. See chap. 60.14. Isaiah then shows what the Father will give to the Son, who hath lawful power over all the world: to whom also all things ought to be subject.

Neither must we reape this fruition of other mens goods, as if those which should bee conuerted vnto Christ should gripe vnto themselues riches, glorie, or the dignities of others; for this would not stand with the rules of charitie. But in respect that all things should be subiected vnder Christs dominion; that so he might obtaine the soueraigne rule and authoritie ouer them. This is it which I haue alreadie said, to wit, that the Prophet hath not so much regard of the members, as of the head himselfe. But when riches are brought vnder Christs power, then they are called ours; because he hath nothing which belongs not to his spouse the Church. It is said in chap. 45.14. in the same sense that the enemies of Christ shall fall downe at his feet, and make supplic•tion vnto him: and yet this is done to the Church, in whom they acknowledge Christ, & submit themselues vnto his doctrine. See chap. 60.14. Jsaiah then shewes what the Father will giue to the Sonne, who hath lawfull power ouer all the world: to whom also all things ought to be subiect.

In the mean while we must not omit that which I touched erewhile: namely, that God feeds his elect liberally in this world, to the end thy might feel that their estate is better then that of the infidels. For howsoever they may want many things, yet a little contents them; for which they give God hearty thanks: so as their wants to them are much better, then all the wealth of the world is to the wicked.