An exposition with practical observations continued upon the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters…

First, Wicked men, how powerful, how strong soever, shall fall before the wrath and indignation of God. The day of the Lord shall be against every one that is high, and that is lifted up. God desires in a special manner, to be dealing with these, for they, in the pride of their spirits, think themselves a match for God; though indeed, their strength be but weakness, and their wisdom foolishness; yet in their own conceits they are stronger, and wiser then God himself. Hence (like Pharaoh) they send defiance to Heaven, and say, Who is the Lord, Exod. 5. 1. When God sees the hearts of men swollen to this height, of insolent madness, he delights to show himself, and grapple with them, that the pride of man may be abased, and every one that is exalted may be laid low: ⟨p. 66⟩that he only may be exalted, and his Name set up in that day; David was much troubled, at that murder of Abner, yet he could not take vengeance presently, upon the fierce Lion, that had sucked his blood. Why? his power did not reach it, ye sons of Zerviah (saith he) are too hard for me, (2 Sam. 23. 3.) But there are no sons of Zerviah too hard for God, no Lions so strong, but he can tear them, with infinitely more ease, then a Lion can the tender kid.

First, Wicked men, how powerfull, how strong soever, shall fall before the wrath and indignation of God. The day of the Lord shall be against every one that is high, and that is lifted up. God desires in a speciall manner, to be dealing with these, for they, in the pride of their spirits, think themselves a match for God; though indeed, their strength be but weaknesse, and their wisdome foolishnesse; yet in their own conceits they are stronger, and wiser then God himselfe. Hence (like Pharaoh) they send defiance to Heaven, and say, Who is the Lord, Exod. 5. 1. When God sees the hearts of men swolne to this height, of insolent madnesse, he delights to shew himselfe, and graple with them, that the pride of man may be abased, and every one that is exalted may be laid low: ⟨p. 66⟩that he only may be exalted, and his Name set up in that day; David was much troubled, at that murther of Abner, yet he could not take vengeance presently, upon the fierce Lion, that had suckt his blood. Why? his power did not reach it, ye sonnes of Zerviah (saith he) are too hard for me, (