Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Hence we may easily collect, that Isaiah spake not in the former verses of doctrine but of men,¹ whereof the spiritual building of the Church is compact. I grant, the Church is builded by doctrine, but that is done in gathering men in, and by fitting them to be lively stones in this building, 1. Pet. 2.5. See the difference now between Paul and Isaiah. Paul refers precious stones to doctrine, and Isaiah to the gifts of the holy Ghost, wherewith men are enriched and endued, that of them a Church may be reared up. But the diversity of gifts wherewith the Lord adorns his servants are to be observed. For all are not Sapphires or Carbuncles: the Lord distributes to every one his measure according to his own will, 1. Cor. 12.11. Eph. 4.7.11. Whence we also are to remember, that whatsoever serves for the adorning of the Church, proceeds only from the mere grace of God. For if we be Carbuncles and Sapphires because we are taught of God, then it follows that we get not this honour by nature.

HEnce wee may easily collect, that Isaiah spake not in the former verses of doctrine but of men,¹ whereof the spirituall building of the Church is compact. I grant, the Church is builded by doctrine, but that is done in gathering men in, and by fitting them to be liuely stones in this building, 1. Pet. 2.5. See the difference now betweene Paul and Isaiah. Paul referres pretious stones to doctrine, and Isaiah to the gifts of the holy Ghost, wherewith men are inriched and endued, that of them a Church may be reared vp. But the diuersitie of gifts wherewith the Lord adornes his seruants are to be obserued. For all are not Saphires or Carbuncles: the Lord distributes to euery one his measure according to his own wil, 1. Cor. 12.11. Eph. 4.7.11