Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

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.

In the meane while we must not omit that which I touched erewhile: namely, that God feedes his elect liberally in this world, to the end thy might feele that their estate is better then that of the infidels. For howsoeuer they may want many things, yet a little contents them; for which they giue God heartie thankes: so as their wants to them are much better, then all the wealth of the world is to the wicked.

By the word Priests he shows, that the condition of the common people shall be much better then it was in times past. As if he should say, Hitherunto the Lord hath chosen you for his heritage only: but hereafter he will indue you with more excellent gifts, for he will make you Priests. Now howsoever all the people were a kingdom of Priests, Exod. 19.6. yet we know that the Tribe of Levi only exercised this office, Deut. 33.10. But our Prophet here testifies that afterward it shall be common to all. Yet this was not manifested till Christ came. I grant that the restoration of the Church began at the return of the people out of Babylon: but in the end at Christs coming, the faithful were adorned with this dignity.

By the word Priests hee shewes, that the condition of the common people shall bee much better then it was in times past. As if he shuld say, Hitherunto the Lord hath chosen you for his heritage onely: but hereafther he will indue you with more excellent giftes, for hee will make you Priests. Now howsoeuer all the people were a kingdome of Priests,