Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

¹HE confirms the former sentence, and sets before us a more full consolation by a repetition of the duties of his calling, and the testimony of his own conscience. And this ought to be a strong tower for us to run unto; for nothing disquiets nor troubles our minds more, then when we be uncertain under whose leading it is that we enterprise this or that. Isaiah therefore brings us to the certainty of our vocation. First then the faithful §1Ministers say with Christ their Prince and Captain, that God hath formed them, in regard he always endues them whom he sends and calls to the office of teaching, with necessary gifts, for they draw all the graces wherewith they are furnished from the only fountain of grace the holy Ghost. Thus then in the first place God hath set his seal upon Christ: next unto him, upon all his Ministers, §2whom according to their measure he fits and prepares, that they may have wherewithal to execute their charge. There withal he sets down the end of their calling: for the Apostles and teachers of the Church are ordained and sent to gather the scattered flock of Christ together, that all his sheep may be folded under him into one body. For there is a woeful scattering in the world, but in Jesus Christ all are gathered in, as S. Paul saith