The Spirit who makes doctors of his Word

"But be assured that no man can make a Doctor of Holy Scripture except the Holy Spirit from heaven. As Christ says in John 6:[45], 'They must all be taught by God himself.' Now the Holy Spirit does not ask for red or brown birettas or other decorations. Nor does he ask whether a person is young or old, lay or cleric, monk or secular, unmarried or married. In fact, in ancient times he actually spoke through an ass against the prophet who was riding it [Num. 22:28]. Would to God that we were worthy to have such doctors given to us, regardless of whether they were lay or cleric, married or single! They now try to force the Holy Spirit into pope, bishops, and doctors, although there is not the slightest sign or indication whatever that he is in them." Martin Luther, To the Christian Nobility