Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

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.¹ Thus then all faithful teachers are admonished to craue that of Gods Spirit, which otherwise they can neuer haue. I grant they ought to studie diligently, lest they should get vp into the chaue without sufficient preparation: but yet we must hold this principle, that whatsoeuer serues to furnish them for able Ministers, must be so many gifts of the holy Ghost. And to speake the truth, what boldnesse and presumption is it to represent themselues in the publike assemblies in the name of God, if they bee not the organs and instruments of the holy Ghost.

1. 1None are fit to teach others, but such as have first been taught of the Lord.None are fit to teach others, but such as haue first been taught of the Lord.

That I should know.] Somewhat must be supplied here (which we also have done) that is, to minister or publish. Under the word To know he comprehends that wisdom and dexterity which a Pastor of the word ought to have that means to preach the word faithfully and fruitfully. As if he should say; I have been well instructed in Gods school, and therefore I have attained sufficient skill to speak a word in due season, for their comforts that are laden with the burden of their sins.