Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Now he saith that the Lord gave him a tongue; to the end the promises, whereby he seeks to cheer up the peoples hearts, might have the greater weight: for our faith soon begins to waver, if we once deem that men speak without warrant. Besides, the condition of this people was so forlorn, that they could not be drawn nor allured by any reasons that could be alleged to hope or expect deliverance. The sum is then, that the message of their present deliverance is brought them from heaven: so as if any will refuse to credit it, such a one shall show himself no better then a rebel against God.

Now hee saith that the Lord gaue him a tongue; to the end the promises, whereby hee seekes to cheere vp the peoples hearts, might haue the greater weight: for our faith soone begins to wauer, if we once deeme that men speake without warrant. Besides, the condition of this people was so forlorne, that they could not be drawne nor allured by any reasons that could be alleadged to hope or expect deliuerance. The summe is then, that the message of their present deliuerance is brought them from heauen: so as if any will refuse to credit it, such a one shall shew himselfe no better then a rebell against God.

Now howsoever the Prophet endeavours to purchase authority unto himself in this behalf: yet hence we may gather in general, that none are fit to teach, unless they be first taught and instructed of the Lord.¹ Thus then all faithful teachers are admonished to crave that of Gods Spirit, which otherwise they can never have. I grant they ought to study diligently, lest they should get up into the chair without sufficient preparation: but yet we must hold this principle, that whatsoever serves to furnish them for able Ministers, must be so many gifts of the holy Ghost. And to speak the truth, what boldness and presumption is it to represent themselves in the public assemblies in the name of God, if they be not the organs and instruments of the holy Ghost.

Now howsoeuer the Prophet indeuors to purchase authoritie vnto himselfe in this behalfe: yet hence we may gather in generall, that none are fit to teach, vnlesse they be first taught and instructed of the Lord.