Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

But, may some say, we see that every one brags of the spirit. For the Pope, Object. the Anabaptists and other heretics and fanatical spirits have always the holy Ghost in their mouths, as if he were their governor. How, or by what means then may we discern of him that is sent by God, and conducted by his spirit, from him that is not? By the anointing. That is to say, Ans. if he be endued with gifts answerable to this charge. If he then who is sent of God have the graces and gifts which his office requires; then hath he assuredly the holy Ghost. But if he will take upon him the office of a teacher; and in the mean while is destitute both of knowledge and doctrine, let him be held for a seducer.

But, may some say, wee see that euery one bragges of the spirit. For the Pope, Obiect. the Anabaptists and other heretikes and fanaticall spirits haue alwaies the holy Ghost in their mouthes, as if hee were their gouernour. How, or by what meanes then may wee discerne of him that is sent by God, and conducted by his spirit, from him that is not? By the anointing. That is to say, Ans. if he be endued with gifts answerable to this charge. If hee then who is sent of God haue the graces and gifts which his office requires; then hath he assuredly the holy Ghost. But if hee will take vpon him the office of a teacher; and in the meane while is destitute both of knowledge and doctrine, let him be held for a seducer.

To preach.] The Prophet attributes not unto himself the authority of a teacher, till he hath made it manifest that he was sent of God. His authority is founded upon his anointing: namely, in being fitted and furnished by the Lord with sufficient gifts. It is our duties to give him audience then, not as to a private person, but as unto a public Minister sent from heaven.

To preach.] The Prophet attributes not vnto himselfe the authoritie of a teacher, till hee hath made it manifest that he was sent of God. His authoritie is founded vpon his anointing: namely, in being fitted and furnished by the Lord with sufficient gifts. It is our duties to giue him audience then, not as to a priuate person, but as vnto a publike Minister sent from heauen.