Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

¹Even as in the former verse the Prophet hath highly magnified the work of God: so now he also shows that it is not to be thought impossible; neither ought any to call his power into question, seeing it far surmounts all the whole order of nature. For if we consider who it is that speaks, and how easy a matter it is for him to perform that which he hath promised, we shall not be so incredulous; but that we shall forthwith remember that the restoration of the whole world is in his hands, who in a moment can create a hundred worlds, if it please him. A little before by intermingling an admiration, he meant to extol the greatness of the work: but now to the end the hearts of the faithful should not be hindered nor depressed, he exhorts them to think well of his power. And that he might the better persuade them that nothing is so impossible with man, but it is easy with him, and by and by obeys his commandment; he propounds and sets before them the things which we see every day by experience. For who perceives not evidently his admirable power in women's bearing of children? But will not the Lord trow ye show himself, much more wonderful in the increasing and multiplying of his Church, which is the most excellent theatre of his glory? What a perverseness of mind is it then to limit and restrain his power, or to think that he is less able when it pleaseth him by himself alone to work without means, and as it were with an out-stretched arm, then when he useth natural means?