Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

For this cause he hath anointed me.] This second member was added in stead of an exposition. For first it would have been obscure to us, If he had concealed the cause, wherefore God had given him his Spirit: but now we may evidently perceive his meaning, when he shows the use thereof: namely, that he exerciseth a public office, that so he may not be taken as some private person.

For this cause he hath anointed me.] This second member was added in stead of an exposition. For first it would haue been obscure to vs, If he had concealed the cause, vvherefore God had giuen him his Spirit: but now wee may euidently perceiue his meaning, when he shewes the vse thereof: namelie, that hee exerciseth a publicke office, that so hee may not bee taken as some priuate person.

Now as often as the Scripture mentions the spirit of God, and saith, that it dwells in us: ¹1. Cor. 3.16. let us consider of his efficacy and power; and not imagine it to be some vain and idle thing in us without any effect. Wherefore after the Prophet hath spoken of the Spirit of the Lord: in the second place he adds the anointing thereunto: thereby understanding the virtues which proceed from that spirit. To which purpose Paul saith, 1. Cor. 12.4. that there are divers gifts: but only one spirit from whence they flow.² This place is diligently to be observed of us, for no man ought to take unto himself power or authority to teach in the Church of God, unless he be able to show that he is called thereunto by the virtue of Gods spirit. And so testifies S. Paul in 1. Cor. 12.3. namely, that no man can say, Jesus is the Lord, but by the holy Ghost.