VNder false balances are comprehended all vniust weights , lines , and measures . And therewithall is condemned whatsoeuer kinde of guile , and deceit may bee found either in the buyer , or seller . As when that which is sold is defectiue either in quantitie , or qualitie , not being fit for the vse that it is bought for , or not correspondent to the price that is paid for it , or not answerable to the testimonie that is giuen of it . And with these doth Amos charge the wicked wealthy men of his age : They make the Epha , or measure small , and the shekell , or price great , Amos 8. 5. and falsifie the weights of deceit . That they may buie the poore for siluer , and the needie for shooes , and sell the refuse of their wheate . So on the other side in the buyer , when he shall faile of all meete proportion betweene the price that he payeth , and the commoditie that he buieth , giuing farre lesse than the worth and valew of it . And where it is said , They are abomination to the Lord , it is not ment that his quarrell is against the insensible creatures , but he is displeased with the iniquitie of the persons , which make , vse , keepe , or allow them . Whereby the other clause may bee better vnderstoode , that the Lord is pleased with such as doe vprightly vse them , and with loue of equitie exercise it in their traffique and couenants .

Doct. 1 All instruments and meanes of falsehood are hatefull to God . If God speake this but once , and in one place , and no where else but in this place , yet he is of sufficient authoritie to require credit to his word , because he that cannot lie hath spoken it , who also knoweth best both what doth offend , and please him : but hee doth often confirme it in the scriptures , that the multiplicitie of testimonies may the more forcibly perswade vs to beleeue . The selfe same words in effect are not only repeated , but redoubled in this booke , and that sometimes in one chapter . Diuers weights , and diuers measures , both these are euen an abomination to the Lord . Diuers weights are abomination to the Lord , and false ballances are not good : Cap. 20. 10. 23.

Reasons . First , his commandement is hereby violated : for he hath expressely forbidden such vnrighteous dealing : Thou shalt not haue Deut. 25. 15. 16. in thy bagge two manner of weights , a great and a small , neither shalt thou haue in thine house diuers measures , a great , and a small ; but thou shalt haue a iust weight : a perfect , and a iust measure shalt thou haue , &c. For all that doe such things , and all that doe vnrighteouslie , are abomination to the Lord thy God . Which is not so to be vnderstood , as though it were absolutely vnlawfull to haue diuers sorts of weights or measures , as ounces and pounds , as yards and elles , as peckes and bushels , &c. Neither yet to haue many of the same sort : for many may be needefull , according as men haue manifold occasions to vse them : but to haue them vnequall each to other , which ought to be of the same size , as some of larger content to buy with , and others of lesser quantitie to sell with , this is that which is here prohibited .

Secondly , his ordinance by this is inuerted : for he hath instituted the vse of negotiation , market and exchange , for the mutuall benefit of both sides ; and this is for the good of neither : for the one is endamaged in his purse , and the other in his conscience . He would haue commerce and traffique to proceede from loue , to be exercised in loue , and more to increase loue : and this course is altogether contrarie to loue , and a meanes to ingender vnkindnes and hatred . Hee requireth that iustice and equitie should moderate these affaites , and that no man should oppresse or 1. Thes. 4. 6. defraude his brother in any matter : but here is filthie lucre most respected and followed , and our brethren wronged and beguiled .

Thirdly , this sinne is so much the more lothed of God , by how much it is better liked of them that practise it . Their closenes and cunning in acting of it , doth for a time augment their wealth , and not impaire their credit , and therfore they count their course lawfull , and themselues happie for such prosperous successe : because man findeth no fault with them , they thinke that God findeth no falsehood in them : and seeing yet they haue no punishment inflicted vpon them , they dreame also that no wickednesse is committed by them . For so the Prophet complaineth : Hee is a Hos. 12. 7. 8. Merchant ; the ballances of deceit are in his hand : hee loueth to oppresse . And Ephraim said , notwithstanding I am rich : I haue found me out riches in all my labours : they shall finde no iniquitie in me , that were wickednesse .

Vse 1 Admonition , not onely to forbeare all fraudulent and wrongfull dealing , but with hatred to detest it , and with horror to flie farre from it . That which is hurtfull to our brother is hatefull to God , and therefore can neuer bee helpefull to vs . If he iudge it vnrighteous we shall finde it vnprofitable : if it be damnable in his sight , and therefore his soule doth hate it , it will at last bee in our sense , and our soule shall rue it . It may bring monie and wealth , and raise vp mens state and familie , but it will draw downe iudgements vpon familie , state , and wealth , and monie , and make all to be execrable . For that which is spoken in another case , is also verified in this : Bring not abomination into thine house , lest thou bee Deut. 7. 26. accursed like it , but vtterly abhorre it , and count it most abominable , for it is accursed . As the gold , and siluer , and other costly matter , whereof the idols were made , and wherewith they were adorned , was execrable in respect of impietie ; so is this trade of getting , and riches so gotten in regard of iniquitie . And therefore both are very offensiue to the Lord : both are pestilent to mens families : both are perilous to their state : both are pernicious to their soules . For a cursed possession may make the person accursed , and bring the whole house to desolation . Which should perswade men not onely to make stay of getting goods vniustly , but to make no stay of ridding their hands iustly thereof . For as they sinne grieuouslie which indirectly receiue that which is none of their owne ; so doe they also that retaine it , and restore it not to the right owner . And therefore in Micah it is set as a note of sinners , and such as are obstinately sinfull , and which conceiue of God as a patron of their sinfulnesse , that vpon admonition giuen vnto them from the Lord , would not reforme their falsehood . Are yet the treasures of wickednesse in the house of the wicked , and Micah . 6. 10. the scant measure that is abominable ? Shall I iustifie the wicked ballances , and the deceitfull weights ?

Reproofe and terror of gamesters , and those that make Dice , Cardes , and Boules , with such like instruments of iniury , to be the measures of their trade , and the meanes of their maintenance . Thereby are they made as odious to God , as infestuous to men , and as great aduersaries to equitie , as they which by false weights doe wrong their chapmen . They being ashamed to appeare in their practise , doe secretly defraud men like theeues that filch in a corner : but these impudently glorying in their sinfulnesse , doe openlie professe their purpose , like robbers that commaund mens purses by the hie way side . They take the way to bring some part of their neighbours goods to their hands , by receiuing much for a little : but these striue to draw euery part to themselues , by getting all for nothing . And for this cause whatsoeuer successe they haue , howsoeuer the world goeth with them , they speed vnhappily . If they winne other mens mony , they lose their blessednes , and Gods gratious fauour : If they lose their owne monie , they get a curse , and Gods grieuous displeasure .

Doct. 2 But a true weight , &c. The Lord doth not onely respect the pietie which is vsed in his owne worship , but the truth and iustice that is performed to men .

When the Lord himselfe is asked what manner of men should dwell in his tabernacle , and rest in his holy mountaine , that is , which should haue a good estate here , and an habitation for euermore in heauen , he describeth them by their innocent , and harmelesse behauiour towards their brethren . Hee that walketh vprightly , and Psalm. 15. 2. worketh righteouslie , and speaketh the trueth in his heart . Hee , certenlie , regardeth that worke which hee so largely rewardeth with such wages : and hee is well pleased with that person in this life , whom he will receiue to life euerlasting : and equall it is with him , that they which conuerse with earthly people in righteousnesse , should also continue with heauenlie saints in glory .

Reasons . First , they doe seruice herein to God himselfe ; for in conscience of his will , and obedience to his word they giue themselues to this vprightenesse .

Secondly , it is his owne worke , and proceedeth from himselfe : for all righteousnesse is the grace , and fruite of his holie spirit . As flesh and bloud , with nature , and reason did neuer yet beget any sound pietie , and religion ; so it neither will , nor euer can direct any mans heart to true iustice , and righteousnes .

Thirdlie , trueth both in word and deed is a part of his glorious image , whereby his people are confirmed , and made like vnto him , and therefore he cannot but take delight in that which is so agreeable with his owne nature , and a liuely representation of himselfe .

Vse . Consolation to them that doe constantly , and conscionablie addict themselues to the exercise of equitie . None hath truely learned this , but such as haue been apprentices in heauen , whom the Lord hath informed in the mysterie of this trade . Ob. But manie others gaine more monie , and thriue faster , and grow greater then they doe . Sol. But they gaine more comfort , and thriue better , and grow happier then all others doe . For howsoeuer it fareth with their state for quantitie of earthly possessions , it cannot but goe well with their soules , for plentie of heauenlie graces , and though paraduenture they haue presently but little substance in their houses , yet there remaineth from them an ample treasure in the heauens : and that which is best for them , is most firmely assured to them , which is Gods euerlasting loue and fauour . Albeit therfore thy vocation bee meane and of no great account , and thy stocke slender and of no great value , thy returne seldome , and of no great commoditie ; yet if thou bee faithfull in a meane trade , with a small stocke , and a slow returne , all shall bee acceptable , all shall be profitable , all shall be comfortable . So often as thou hast mans custome to buy or sell with thee , thou hast Gods companie to reward and blesse thee ; and whensoeuer thou dealest well with any , he taketh notice of it , to deale better with thy selfe .

WHen pride commeth ] that is , when it groweth to maturitie , hauing power to puffe vp mens hearts , and shewing it selfe in words , or workes , in countenance , apparell , or gestures , then commeth contempt , that is , shame then approcheth and is neere at hand , marching in the next ranke after this loftie hart , and insolent behaiuour . As is to be seene in many who hauing bin first lifted vp in their owne hautie mindes , were afterwards cast downe by Gods righteous iudgements , either into phrensies , or grosse sins , or ruine of state , or obloquie for their former hidden faults now published at last to their great disgrace . The other part of the antithesis , containing the honour that doth accompanie humilitie , is argued by consequent , in this manner : When pride commeth , then commeth follie , which euer bringeth shame : but when humilitie commeth , then commeth wisedome , which is neuer without glorie .

Doct. 1 Pride is a forerunner of shame and reproach . It is a common prouerbe ordinarie in the mouth of the people : Pride goeth before , and shame commeth after . And it is an holie prouerbe often vsed by Salomon in this booke : Pride goeth before destruction , and an high minde before the fall , Prou. 16. 18. & 18. 12. And it is a select poruerbe often vsed by Christ in the new Testament ; Whosoeuer exalteth himselfe shall bee brought low , and hee that humbleth himselfe shall be exalted . Luk. 14 , 11.

We see in buildings that when walls waxe thicker by hallownes and swelling , they will shortlie come lower by downefall and ruine ; and so standeth the case with all proud persons , their great heart doth threaten some great mischeefe to bee nigh vnto them . Which may be exemplified by diuers presidents in the scriptures , which are proposed as real examples , for euery man to take warning by . When Nebuchadnezzar was bragging of his Babell which he had built for his glorie , he was banished from all habitation , not hauing so much as a cottage , and like a beast made to liue among the the beasts in the fields , with ignominie . When Haman thought to ride on horseback and to be waited on like a King , hee was driuen to lackie on foote , and to waite attendance like a page : and purposing to hang Mordecay on high to honour himselfe , he prepared an high gallowes to bee hanged on himselfe . When Herod thought himselfe good enough to take vpon him the state and honour of a god , the Lord declared him to be bad enough to be deuoured of contemptible vermine .

Reasons . First , they haue God to bee their enemie , he resisteth them , and they are all an abomination vnto him : not onely some arrogant Iam. 4. 6. Prou. 16. 5. fellowes that haue proud hearts and beggars purses , but euen such also as sit vpon princely thrones , and beare kinglie Scepters , and weare imperiall Diadems . And if he see them to be abomination , and doth therefore abhorre them , they shall appeare abominable , and men will despise them .

Secondly , they are fooles , as the text it selfe intendeth , and therefore cannot but behaue themselues foolishlie , like drunkards Hab. 2. 5. which are ouercome with wine . They are sinfull fooles , more destitute of grace then of wit . For proud behauiour is the foame or froath that proceedeth from much wickednes , and a proud heart is a prison wherein they are withheld from comming to repentance . And so their owne follie , and Gods wisedome ; their owne sinfull waies , and Gods righteous iudgements ; their owne impenitencie , and Gods seueritie will bring them to the possession of their inheritance , and that is shame and dishonour , how highlie soeuer they haue been exalted . Prou. 3. 35.

Thirdlie , they are sacrilegious persons , and robbe God of his glory , which is most proper and pretious vnto him , and therfore it is equall that he should strippe them of the honour which is so much desired of them .

Vse . Reproofe of their follie that vse pride as a stirrop to mount vp thereby to promotion and credit , that thinke it the onely way to preferment , if they can set forth themselues with some ostentation , and lift vp their eye-brows aboue their brethren . And this is growne almost to an vniuersall contagion , wherewith the greatest number of states and ages , of sexes , and persons in all places , are dangerouslie infected . Some thereby seeking to be admired , others to be aduanced , many to be feared , and al to be better satisfied in the accomplishment of their desires . But how manie loose by seeking , and sinke , by aspiring , and runne into reproch by hunting after vaine estimation ? whiles they leaue their standing , and would rise aboue the toppe of their places , they faile of their footing , and fall downe to the bottome .

Instruction to be as much afraid of pride , as of shame , and euen of secret conceitednes within , no lesse than of open discredit without , and therefore to vse al good remedies to cure this dangerous inflamation of such a windie stomacke . And first for this purpose let euery man take heede that he bee not illuded with the glosses and colourable appearances of knowledge and wisdome , or anie other good parts of nature or grace in himselfe , when in trueth they are nothing but shews and shadowes . For diuers by an ouerweening conceit haue themselues in hie admiration , when others to whom they are better knowne , haue them in great derision . And albeit others either in flatterie , or good opinion should commend vs for those good things which wee are priuie to our selues not to be in vs , yet let vs not receiue the doubtfull testimonie of straungers against the euident witnesse of God , and our owne consciences . For this were as absurd as if a needie creature pinched with penurie , and almost hunger-staruen , should bee brought to beleeue that he swimmed in plentie and were a liberall house-keeper , hauing his table alwaies furnished with varietie of dishes ; or one deepelie indebted , and readie to breake for want of abilitie , should bee induced to thinke himselfe the onelie monied man in the countrie , sufficient in wealth to lend and to giue to many others . Secondlie , when God hath graced any with excellent gifts which are not adulterate , and counterfeit , but such as are currant , and able to abide the touchstone , and to hold weight in the ballance , yet as they feele what they haue , so let them find what they want : as they see their graces and vertues , so let them search into their corruptions , and vices : as they haue a good conscience in the performance of many good duties , so let them consider the innumerable sinnes that they haue committed , the multitude of seruices which they haue neglected , the hypocrisie , infidelity , vnchearefulnesse , and other imperfections that haue stained their best words and actions : and these will helpe to hold downe their hearts in humilitie , and take away all matter of glorying . For the best in the world shall haue cause to blush and hang downe their heads , if they make comparison betweene that they are , and that which they ought to be . Though thy knowledge bee great , yet how much art thou ignorant of that thou mightest haue knowne , if thou hadst been as diligent to seeke it , as God was to offer it vnto thee ? Though thou haue faith , and loue and repentance , and by vertue thereof doest shew forth the fruites of the spirit in holie obedience , yet how small time hast thou spent , how softlie hast thou trauailed , and how little ground hast thou gotten in this way that leadeth to eternall life ? But in the course of sinfulnes diddest thou not begin the race soone , and runne swiftly , and come backe againe slowlie ? Thirdly , it will much diminish a selfe-liking , and too great opinion of our owne excellencie , if wee turne our eyes without enuie to the excellent graces of knowledge and discretion of zeale , and moderation , and of all other amiable gifts of our brethren , wherein they goe beyond vs . And this is the receipt which the holie ghost prescribeth to the Philippians against this verie maladie : Let nothing , saith he , bee done in contention , or vaine glory , but in meekenes of Phil. 2. 3. 4. mind , let euery one esteeme others better then himselfe . Looke not euery man on his owne things , but euery man also on the things of other men . Lastlie , consider the hand which ministreth euery good thing that we enioy , whether it bee gift of nature , or of grace , or of outward possession ; whether it concerne the bodie , or the minde , the state , or the dignitie . All is of God , all is from God , and all is for God , and therefore let all the glorie be giuen to God . What hast thou , saith S. Paul , that thou hast not receiued ? If thou hast receiued it , why gloriest thou as though thou haddest not receiued it ? 1. Cor. 4. 7. It becommeth not a beggar that liues of the almes basket to bragge of his meate , nor insolentlie to compare with him , or his , that relieueth him in his miserable necessitie .

Doct. 2 But with the lowlie ] Euerie humble man is also indued with wisedome . Lowlie and wise bee so farre conuertible as that the one can neuer be affirmed of any , without the other : the habit of humilitie doth inferre the possession of wisedome , and the want of either doth euict the priuation of both .

Reasons . First , the fountaine from whence lowlinesse floweth , doth alwaies in the same current send forth the streames of wisedome . The Lord Iesus doth neuer deriue to any the power and ability of subduing his heart , but he giueth him also sound knowledge how to obtaine it , and holie vnderstanding how to vse it .

Secondly , God himselfe is the instructour of all humble persons , and frameth their hearts to be teachable , that they shall not faile to learne of him , and therefore must needs receiue wisedome from him . This is agreeable to the promise which hee maketh , Psalm . 25. 9. Them that bee meeke will he guide in iudgement , and teach the humble his way . He giueth grace and guidance with his precepts , for minde , and heart , for knowledge , and affection , for will , and conscionable practise .

Thirdly , the happinesse which they procure to themselues doth giue a cleere testimonie of their wisedome . They enioy the fauour of God , and the friendship of Gods people . In their hearts they haue peace , ouer their affections they haue power . They are alwaies in the way of preferment , either to come to honour in a great place , or for honour to come to them in a meane place . For euerie state they are fitted : whiles they are to be tried with aduersitie , they can beare it without impatiencie ; when they shall be called to prosperitie , they can vse it without insolencie : as long Psalm. 37. 11. as they continue in this world they are rightfull possessours of the earth ; as soone as they depart to an other world , they shall be glorious inhabitants of heauen . In which respects the spirit of God saith , that it is better to be of an humble mind with the lowlie , then to deuide the spoiles with the proud , Prou. 16. 19. The meanest and most afflicted vnderling that is humble and meeke , is in farre better case then the mightest and most puissant conquerour that is proude and haughtie .

BY vprightnesse is not meant an extrauagant well meaning without further rule or warrant , as though good intents were competent guides of our waies to saluation : but the sinceritie of an heart faithfullie , though not perfectlie willing to beleeue and obey that which it knoweth , and resolutelie , though not absolutelie , desirous to know that which God shall reueile vnto it . Now this is said to guide righteous men , that is , shall procure good direction from the Lord , both for his seruice , and their owne happines , and make them tractable to follow the same . Contrarie to this is the condition of the wicked , who are not ledde with vprightnesse , but carried with peruersenesse , and therfore misled by the same to their vndoing . For thus standeth the opposition : the vprightnesse of the iust shall guide them in the way , and so preserue them : but the frowardnes of the wicked will keepe them from the way , and so destroy them .

Doct. 1 The vprightnesse ] Euery one that is truely godlie hath a faithfull guide and counsellour in his owne breast . A sound heart is the sterne of the soule , and a good conscience is the pilot to gouerne it , which will leade him thorow the whole course of his life , till hee come to the hauen of safetie and blessednes . So is the vprightnesse of Iob commended , that it directed him to the feare of God , and caused him to eschew euill . So is the soundnes of Zacharie and Elizabeth notified , that by vertue thereof they walked in all the commandements and ordinances of the Lord without reproofe . And so is the sinceritie of all blessed persons extolled and praised by the same effects in the hundred and ninteenth Psalme , that they keepe the commandements of God , and worke no iniquitie . Psal. 119 2. 3.

Reasons . 1 First , it will stirre vp men diligentlie to seeke for knowledge and vnderstanding , attending daily as suters at wisedomes gate in all the ordinances of God . When hee speaketh , they will bring an eare to hearken : When he teacheth , they will bring an heart to learne . When neede requireth , they will vse their lippes to aske counsell : in the word they will digge for wisedome : by prayer they will call for assistance : by meditation they will applie all good instructions . And so seeking of God with an whole heart is set in the scriptures , as an effect of vprightnesse , and a cause of walking in the law of the Lord . Psalm. 119. 2.

Secondlie , where a good conscience is present , there the word of God is neuer absent : for that doth alwaies dwell with fidelitie and trueth . The same heart that entertaineth the one , doth euermore enioy the other . And that dealeth faithfullie with them that be faithfull : it will not suffer them to wander aside thorow want of guidance , or to fall into mischeefes for fault of direction . It shal leade thee , saith one scripture , when thou walkest ; it shall watch for thee when thou sleepest , and when thou wakest it shall talke with thee . Prou. 6. 22. Thine eares shall heare a word behind thee , saith an other scripture , saying , this is the way , walke in that , when thou turnest to the right hand or to the left . Isai. 30. 21.

Thirdlie , the spirit of God is alwaies in them that are vpright and true hearted , it moueth them to aske , to heare , to pray , to reade , and to meditate : it maketh the word effectuall to speake to their soules , also flexible to yeeld to the word , it worketh sound iudgement in the mind , holie affections in the heart , alacritie and readinesse in the will , faith in the whole soule , and sincere sanctitie in the conuersation . Hereof the Apostle speaketh to the Romanes : As manie as are lead by the spirit of God are the sonnes of God . And it is as true on the other side , as manie as are the sonnes of God , are lead by the spirit of God : for this is euer reciprocall , and conuertible .

Vse . Confutation of the erronious opinion whereby manie illude themselues , and their false bostings whereby they would deceiue others . They roue abroad in all the waies of sinfulnes , in euerie by lane of licentiousnesse , in ignorance , pride , wantonnes , vnthriftines , crueltie , blasphemie , &c. Yee may finde them almost euery where sauing in religious and honest exercises , and those they flie from , as if they were gaoles and dungeons to hold them in : and yet they thinke , and say , and face it out , that their heart is honest , though their life be lewd : all is well within , though all be naught without : they haue as good soules to God as the best , although they serue Satan asmuch as the worst . If these men haue vprightnesse , vprightnes hath lost her wonted vertue , and ceaseth to be vpright . For that which was vprightnesse in Salomons time , and in all former ages was more faithfull , and forcible to preserue them whom it tooke charge of ( as it doth all in whom it inhabiteth ) from such inordinate and vicious behauiour . To which may be added also another brood of a wandring and vagrant mind , altogether vnsetled in all points of religion . They heare of multiplicitie of opinions , and the differences of mens iudgements one from another : some are Papists , some are Protestants , some are Brownists , so that they know not what to beleeue , nor whom to trust , and therefore iudge it their readiest way to credit none of them all , and not cleaue to any side . But the righteous are not tossed vp and downe with such waues of vncertainetie and doubtfulnes : sinceritie leaueth not men to shift for themselues , that for want of due information in the waies of God , they should walk in flat Atheisme : The Lord promiseth better things to his people that faithfully serue him . What man is hee that feareth the Lord ? him will he teach the way that he shall chuse , Psalme 25. 12. Are ye left then without direction ? then ye are found without righteousnesse . Doth not God teach you his way ? then yee are vtterlie void of his feare .

Reproofe of them that commit themselues to the leading of contrarie guides , which withhold all their passengers from sincerities counsell and direction , and that is to vaine pleasure , to filthie lucre , to carnall reason , to brutish lust , to the example and fashion of the wicked world , and to the sinfull motions which the diuell himselfe most craftilie suggesteth . These are they that almost in all places are taken vp for leaders , they are neuer without worke , they haue continuall imployment , and therefore it plainly appeareth that there is little vprightnesse , and that is as little regarded , & as few iust persons there are to be guided by it .

Consolation against the discouragements wherewith manie faithfull Christians are assaulted in respect of the manifold perils which they passe thorow . When they look abroad into the world , they see all kinds of inducements to euill , by perswasions , by threatning , by examples , and sophisticall defences ; their carnall friendes would allure in kindnesse , their craftie foes would illude them by cunning , the violent tyrants would compel them by force . When they search into themselues , they finde corruptions , ignorance , errors , fearefulnesse , and inconstancie , which causeth them to fall into many feares , and doubts of their perseuerance . How , say they , shall we persist and hold out in the dangerous dayes ? How if the word of God should be taken from vs ? how if deceiuers should be turned in among vs ? how then shall we find the way to euerlasting saluation ? The holie Ghost telleth you in this place , if your hearts be righteous , and plaine , and honest , your vprightnesse shall leade you , the spirit of God will teach you , and his grace will establish you . Which S. Iohn doth also testifie , for the confirmation of such as were in the same case : These things , saith he , haue I written vnto you concerning them that deceiue you . But the anointing which you receiued of him dwelleth in you : and yee neede not that any man teach you : but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things , and it is true , and is no lying , and as it taught you , it shall abide in him .

THese wordes seeme to containe an anticipation , or preuenting of an obiection , which might bee moued against the latter point of the former verse . What speake you of destruction to come vpon wicked men ? I trust you will not extend it to all : for many of them are substantiall wealthy men , of great state , and abilitie . Who can destroy them ? What shall their power , and riches doe the while ? To this it is here answered , that riches auaile not in the day of wrath : their wealth can neither withstand the strokes of God , nor lessen them , nor make them any whit the more able to beare them , when his anger doth execute iudgements , and when his iudgements declare his anger . But righteousnesse is that which deliuereth from death , and all other miseries , that the sting thereof shall neuer make any man miserable . See the more full handling and prosecution of these words , in the second verse of the tenth chapter .