A plain and familiar exposition of the eleventh and twelfth chapters of the Proverbs…A plaine and familiar exposition of the eleuenth and twelfth chapters of the Prouerbes…

Secondly, it is impossible for them, be they never so many, to diminish his power and make him the weaker. When all Sodom and the other cities by it were ungodly and wicked, he could as easily destroy them with fire and brimstone, as though they had been but a few. When the whole world was given over to sinfulness and rebellion, he could as easily destroy it with rain and water, as if it had been but one man.

Secondly, it is impossible for them, be they neuer so many, to diminish his power and make him the weaker. When al Sodome and the other cities by it were vngodly and wicked, hee could as easily destroy them with fire and brimstone, as though they had been but a few. When the whole world was giuen ouer to sinfulnes and rebellion, he could as easily destroy it with raine and water, as if it had been but one man.

Thirdly, they cannot thereby increase their own power, to make themselves able to encounter with him, and so to avoid his strokes by resistance: for strength and might consists not in the multitude of men, but is limited by Gods hand, who only hath the bestowing of it, because it is his own; and to whomsoever he giveth it, from the same he can at his pleasure take it, when it is abused by them. Were it not so, the devil and all his host about him would try what they could do, before they ⟨p. 73⟩would be cast into that miserable and desperate torment at the last day. There was never so great an army, as that will be of reprobate men and angels, and if any thing would make them to strive, it would be the damnable estate whereunto they shall be adjudged then presently to enter: but they shall sensibly see and feel it to be bootless, and therefore they will never attempt any such matter.

Thirdly, they cannot thereby increase their owne power, to make themselues able to incounter with him, and so to auoide his stroakes by resistance: for strength and might consists not in the multitude of men, but is limited by Gods hand, who onely hath the bestowing of it, because it is his owne; and to whomsoeuer he giueth it, from the same he can at his pleasure take it, when it is abused by them. Were it not so, the diuell and all his hoste about him would trie what they could doe, before they