the secure thoughts of sinners, yet it is his irrevocable sen∣tence to punish these who continue impenitent in luxuri∣ous courses, and he is able to execute it: for, the Lord God hath sworn by himself, or by his life, or soul, that he will do this. He not onely swears by himself, because there is not a greater: But this oath imports further, that men may swear in a sudden passion and change again, but he is Jehovah and unchangable; Men may swear to be avenged, yet they may die and their thoughts perish, but he liveth to see his will done, and giveth his life for assurance of it; and men may swear to be avenged, and yet want power; but he is the Lord God, and again, the Lord the God of hosts, who sweareth this. 3. A peoples excellencies and privi∣ledges will not hinder their being hateful to God, who is no respecter of persons, when they provoke him; Yea when priviledges are abused and carnally rested upon, they become abominable; especially when men neglect and despise what is their true excellency, and content them∣selves with what is baser: All these are imported in that assertion, I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces; Whereby is signified, 1. That though Jacob have peculiar excellencies and priviledges, yet now God abhorreth him. 2. That his excellencies and priviledges are a∣bominable and stinking before God, when he is proud of them, as the word also signifieth. 3. That it was a∣bominable in him, on whom greater priviledges and ex∣cellencies were allowed, to glory onely in wealth and palaces, and therefore that word is sub-joined as an expli∣cation of the former. Doct. 4. When men will not take notice of Gods abhorring them, when it is intimate from the word, he will make them feele it by effects, by giving themselves and all they gloried in, to be trod upon by enemies; Therefore it is added as an evidence and effect of his abhorring them, Therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.