Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, [and] lest they should say, Our hand [is] high, and the LORD hath not done all this.
Ver. 27. Were it not that I feared.] See Deuteronomy 32:20 .
Lest their adversaries.] This is that, likely, that moves the Lord hitherto to spare England. God hath dealt with us, not according to his ordinary rule, but according to his prerogative. England, if it may be so spoke with reverence, is a paradox to the Bible. Pererius, the Jesuit, commenting upon Genesis 15:16, If any marvel, saith he, why England continueth to flourish, notwithstanding the cruel persecution - just execution, he should have said - of Catholics there; I answer, Because their sin is not yet full: Sed veniet tandem iniquitatiscom plementum, &c. We hope better, though we deserve the worst that can be. But somewhat God will do for his own great name; and lest the enemy exalt himself, Psa 140:8 and say, "Our hand is high, the Lord hath not done this."