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Objection 1: It would seem that one miracle is not greater than
another. For Augustine says (Epist. ad Volusian. cxxxvii):
"In miraculous deeds, the whole measure of the deed is the power of
the doer." But by the same power of God all miracles are done.
Therefore one miracle is not greater than another.
Objection 2: Further, the power of God is infinite. But the
infinite exceeds the finite beyond all proportion; and therefore no
more reason exists to wonder at one effect thereof than at another.
Therefore one miracle is not greater than another.
On the contrary, The Lord says, speaking of miraculous works
(Jn. 14:12): "The works that I do, he also shall do, and
greater than these shall he do."
I answer that, Nothing is called a miracle by comparison with the
Divine Power; because no action is of any account compared with the
power of God, according to Is. 40:15: "Behold the Gentiles
are as a drop from a bucket, and are counted as the smallest grain of a
balance." But a thing is called a miracle by comparison with the
power of nature which it surpasses. So the more the power of nature is
surpassed, the greater the miracle. Now the power of nature is
surpassed in three ways: firstly, in the substance of the deed, for
instance, if two bodies occupy the same place, or if the sun goes
backwards; or if a human body is glorified: such things nature is
absolutely unable to do; and these hold the highest rank among
miracles. Secondly, a thing surpasses the power of nature, not in
the deed, but in that wherein it is done; as the raising of the dead,
and giving sight to the blind, and the like; for nature can give
life, but not to the dead; and such hold the second rank in miracles.
Thirdly, a thing surpasses nature's power in the measure and order in
which it is done; as when a man is cured of a fever suddenly, without
treatment or the usual process of nature; or as when the air is
suddenly condensed into rain, by Divine power without a natural
cause, as occurred at the prayers of Samuel and Elias; and these
hold the lowest place in miracles. Moreover, each of these kinds has
various degrees, according to the different ways in which the power of
nature is surpassed.
From this is clear how to reply to the objections, arguing as they do
from the Divine power.
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