Still he continues to extol Gods providence,1 by which he governs the whole world, but especially mank nd. In the former verse he begun to touch this doctrine; to wit, that God hath not created the world to ⟨p. 412⟩leave it at six and seven, as we say, but hold his sovereignty and dominion over it; meaning still to retain the keeping and sustaining of it in his own hands. But because it pleaseth him to show himself more familiarly to men, the Prophet hath chosen this particular, that he might therein set forth and praise his providence. The sum is, that Gods dominion extends it self far and wide, so as he governs all things in heaven and earth according to his good pleasure: but therewithal he teacheth (which was a point worthy of note) that in his government of mankind one may manifestly perceive notable marks of his power and providence. Now he contents not himself to note it in general terms, but picks out one particular instance which might the better awaken our drowsy minds. All things that befall the common multitude are soon forgotten, and is quickly out of mind as matters unworthy the talking of: but when Kingdoms and Monarchies wherein men are advanced to great dignities come once to fall, then it seems the very earth is shaken with it. The Prophet therefore stirs up our attention very fitly by such documents. Surely a man would think that Princes and Magistrates are separated from the common condition of men, and exempt from the ordinary calamities which befall others, because by their glory they seem to dazzle the eyes and minds of every one that beholds them: but they themselves for the most part are utterly blind, and therefore our Prophet especially aims at them, saying, That the Lord brings them to nothing. Hath the Lord so great force against the mighty Princes of the earth? What shall become of the baser sort? Can he not, trow ye, deal well enough with them, and handle them as he list? Can he not give, and take away strength, and the greatness of mens spirits when he will?
STill hee continues to extoll Gods prouidence,1 by which hee gouernes the whole world, but especially mank nd. In the former verse he begun to touch this doctrine; to wit, that God hath not created the world to ⟨p. 412⟩leaue it at sixe and seuen, as we say, but hold his soueraigntie and dominion ouer it; meaning still to retaine the keeping and susteining of it in his owne hands. But because it pleaseth him to shew himselfe more familiarly to men, the Prophet hath chosen this particular, that he might therein set forth and praise his prouidence. The summe is, that Gods dominion extends it selfe farre and wide, so as he gouernes all things in heauen and earth according to his good pleasure: but therewithall he teacheth (which was a point worthie of note) that in his gouernment of mankind one may manifestlie perceiue notable marks of his power and prouidence. Now he contents not himselfe to note it in generall termes, but picks out one particular instance which might the better awaken our drouzie minds. All things that befall the common multitude are soone forgotten, and is quickly out of minde as matters vnworthie the talking of: but whē Kingdomes and Monarchies wherein men are aduanced to great dignities come once to fall, then it seemes the very earth is shaken with it. The Prophet therefore stirres vp our attention very fitly by such documēts. Surely a man would thinke that Princes and Magistrates are separated from the common condition of men, and exempt from the ordinarie calamities which befall others, because by their glorie they seeme to dazell the eies and minds of euery one that beholds them: but they themselues for the most part are vtterlie blind, and therefore our Prophet especiallie aimes at them, saying, That the Lord brings them to nothing. Hath the Lord so great force against the mightie Princes of the earth? What shall become of the baser sort? Can he not, trow ye, deale well enough with them, and handle them as he list? Can he not giue, and take away strength, and the greatnes of mens spirits when he will?
- 1Now he comes to speak of Gods providence in particular.Now hee comes to speake of Gods prouidence in particular.
