a little displeased] I was willing to punish my people by their means, but with a moderation, a little time befitting the end; which was to correct them, and according to my mercy toward them: But the instruments which I have made use of therein, have added their rage, and the excesses of their crueltie thereunto: not containing themselves within the limits of my revealed will: though they could not go beyond my secret permission. See Isaiah 47:6.