The Institution of Christian Religion

Now it is to be noted, that the title of commendation of Christ belongeth §2to these three offices. For we know that in the time of the law, as well the Prophets as Priests and Kings were anointed with holy oil. For which cause the renowned name of Messiah was given to the promised Mediator. But though in deed I confess (as I have also declared in an other place,) that he was called Messiah by peculiar consideration and respect of his kingdom: yet the anointings in respect of the office of prophet & of priest, have their place, and are not to neglected of us. Of the first of these two is express mention made in Isaiah,¹ in these words: The spirit of the Lord Jehovah upon me. Therefore the Lord hath anointed me, that I should preach to the meek, should bring health to the contrite in heart, should declare deliverance to captives, should publish the year of good will. &c. We see that he was anointed with the Spirit, to be the publisher and witness of the grace of the Father. And that not after the common manner: for he is severed from other teachers, that had the like office. And here again is to be noted, that he toke not the anointing for him self alone, that he might execute the office of teaching, but for his whole body, that in his continual preaching of the Gospel, the virtue of the Spirit should join withal. But in the mean time this remaineth certain, that by this perfection of doctrine which he hath brought, an end is made of all prophecies: so that they do diminish his authority, that being not content with the Gospel, do patch any foreign thing unto it. For that voice which thundered from heaven,² saying: This is my beloved Son, hear him: hath advanced him by singular privilege above the degrees of all other. Then, this ointment is poured abroad from the head unto all the members: as it was forespoken by Joel:³ your children shall prophesy, and your daughters shall see visions. &c. But where Paul saith, that he was given us unto wisdom: and in an other place. that in him are hidden all the treasures of knowledge and understandin he: this hath somewhat an other meaning: that is, that out of him there is nothing profitable to know, and that they which by faith perceive what he is, have comprehended the whole infiniteness of heavenly good things.