the form of true religion was observed, the law taught, and the
ordinances of God outwardly kept. But yet there were in that body, I mean,
in the body of the visible church, a great number that were hypocrites, as
this day yet are among us that profess the Lord Jesus, and have refused
papistry; also not a few that were licentious livers; some that turned
their back to God, that is, had forsaken all true religion; and some that
lived a most abominable life, as Ezekiel saith in his vision; and yet
there were some godly, as a few wheat-corns, oppressed(8) and hid among
the multitude of chaff: now, according to this diversity, the prophet
keeps divers purposes, and yet in most perfect order.

And first, after the first part of the complaint of the afflicted as we
have heard, in vehemency of spirit he bursts forth against all the proud
enemies of God's people, against all such as trouble them, and against all
such as mock and forsake God, and saith, "The dead shall not live, the
proud giants shall not rise; thou hast scattered them, and destroyed their
memorial." In which words he contends against the present temptation and
dolorous state of God's people, and against the insolent pride of such as
oppressed them; as if the prophet should say, O ye troublers of God's
people! howsoever it appears to you in this your bloody rage, that God
regards not your cruelty, nor considers what violence you do to his poor
afflicted, yet shall you he visited, yea, your carcases shall fall and lie
as stinking carrion upon the face of the earth, you shall fall without
hope of life, or of a blessed resurrection; yea, howsoever you gather your
substance, and augment your families, you shall be so scattered, that you
shall leave no memorial of you to the posterities to come, but that which
shall be execrable and odious.

Hereof the tyrants have their admonition, and the afflicted church
inestimable comfort: the tyrants that oppress, shall receive the same end
which they did who have passed before; that is, they shall die and fall
with shame, without hope of resurrection, as is aforesaid. Not that they
shall not arise to their own confusion and just condemnation; but that
they shall not recover power, to trouble the servants of God; neither yet
shall the wicked arise, as David saith, in the counsel of the just. Now
the wicked have their councils, their thrones, and finally handle(9) (for
the most part) all things that are upon the face of the earth