Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

The Prophet shows the cause why the Assyrian will not think himself to be the ⟨p. 118⟩rod of God; namely, because he was so blinded with pride, that he acknowledged not any power above his own. Neither can it otherwise be, that those should in any sort submit themselves under the providence of God, who resting upon their greatness, attribute this and that unto their own forces. For then are we said to give the chief dominion unto God, when we believe that it is unpossible to move the least finger without his will. Contrariwise whosoever thinks himself to have any power of his own, he usurps Gods power unto himself, with a pride full of sacrilege: as in this place the Prophet describes the insolencie of a profane King in lively colours, who proudly vaunted as one having all things. This especially happens to great Princes; for they are so blinded with abundance of riches, munition, and power, that they hardly can be brought to think themselves men. Of which we have too much experience: for what Prince shall we see at this day, who thinks or remembers that he is a man, and subject to the miseries of this present life? They are so carried away with giddiness of spirit, that they think to •ttaine to the top of whatsoever they have determined by and by, and that in despite of all impediments whatsoever.

THe Prophet shewes the cause why the Assyrian will not thinke himselfe to bee the ⟨p. 118⟩