An exposition with practical observations continued upon the eighth, ninth and tenth chapters of…An exposition with practicall observations continued upon the eighth, ninth and tenth chapters of…

First, Wicked men may abound in earthly things.

They may have the earth and the fullness of it; The earth, and all that is earthly; their bellies are filled by God himself with hidden treasure (Psal. 17.14.) Precious things are usually hidden, and all that's named treasure (though it be but earthly) hath a preciousness ⟨p. 325⟩in it. Hidden treasures of the earth fill their bellies who sleight the treasures of heaven, and whose souls shall never have so much as a taste of heavenly treasures: riches and honour are the lot of their inheritance, who have no inheritance among those whose lot is glory. They have the earth in their hands, who have nothing of heaven in their hearts: they bear sway in the world, who are slaves to the world: they govern and order others at their will, who are led captive by Satan at his will. Be not offended and troubled to see the rains of government in their hands, who know not how to govern themselves, or to see them rule the world, who are unworthy to live in the world. Remember, the earth is given into the hand of the wicked. We must submit to the judgement of God, though it leave us under the injustice […] men. And we have little reason to envy them a great portion […] his life, who have all their portion in this life.

They may have the earth and the fulnesse of it; The earth, and all that is earthly; their bellies are filled by God himself with hidden treasure (Psal. 17.14.) Precious things are usually hidden, and all that's named treasure (though it be but earthly) hath a preciousnesse ⟨p. 325⟩in it. Hidden treasures of the earth fill their bellies who sleight the treasures of heaven, and whose souls shall never have so much as a taste of heavenly treasures: riches and honour are the lot of their inheritance, who have no inheritance among those whose lot is glory. They have the earth in their hands, who have nothing of heaven in their hearts: they bear sway in the world, who are slaves to the world: they govern and order others at their will, who are led captive by Satan at his will. Be not offended and troubled to see the rains of government in their hands, who know not how to govern themselves, or to see them rule the world, who are unworthy to live in the world. Remember, the earth is given into the hand of the wicked. We must submit to the judgement of God, though it leave us under the injustice men. And we have little reason to envy them a great portion his life, who have all their portion in this life.