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

And hence we may draw down a difference between Gods exaltation of his own people, and the exaltation of his enemies and wicked ones. Wicked men are oft times exalted, and God exalts them, though they know it not: but how? He exalts them to a high place, but doth exalt them to a safe place? No, the Psalmist, after a long temptation, concludes, Thou hast set them in slippery places, thou castest them down into destruction; how are they brought into desolation, as in a moment, Psal. 73. 18, 19. Haman was exalted high, but not in safety: Many are exalted, as Jezebel exalted Naboth, high among the people; but it was to stone him, rather then to honour him. It is said of Pharaoh, he lifted up the head of his chief Baker, he lifted up his head out of prison indeed, but he lifted up his head to the gallows also; he lifted him out of prison, but it was unto his death. Such is the lifting up of wicked men, they may be set on high, but they are never set in safety. How many have we seen suddenly advanced, and as suddenly depressed? We are never safe, but where God sets us, or while God holds us in his hand. Fourthly observe;

And hence wee may draw downe a difference between Gods exaltation of his own people, and the exaltation of his enemies and wicked ones. Wicked men are oft times exalted, and God exalts them, though they know it not: but how? He exalts them to a high place, but doth exalt them to a safe place? No, the Psalmist, after a long temptation, concludes, Thou hast set them in slippery places, thou castest them downe into destruction; how are they brought into desolation, as in a mement, Psal. 73. 18, 19. Haman was exalted high, but not in safety: Many are exalted, as Jezabel exalted Naboth, high among the people; but it was to stone him, rather then to honour him. It is said of Pharaoh, he lifted up the head of his chiefe Baker, he lifted up his head out of prison indeed, but he lifted up his head to the gallowes also; he lifted him out of prison, but it was unto his death. Such is the lifting up of wicked men, they may be set on high, but they are never set in safety. How many have we seen suddenly advanced, and as suddenly depress'd? We are never safe, but where God sets us, or while God holds us in his hand. Fourthly observe;