2. To see the wicked flourish is matter rather of pity then envy; 1'Tis all the heaven they must have. Woe to you rich men, for you have received your consolation*. Hence it was that David made it his solemn prayer, Deliver me from the wicked, 3from men ⟨p. 98⟩of the world which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure, Psal. 17. 14. The words (me thinks) are Davids Litany; from men of the world which have their portion in this life, Good Lord deliver me. When the wicked have eaten of their dainty dishes, there comes in a sad reckoning which will spoil all. The world is first musical, and then tragical; if you would have a man fry, and blaze in hell, let him have enough of the fat of the earth. O remember, for every sand of mercy that runs out to the wicked, God puts a drop of wrath into his Vial. Therefore as that soldier said to his fellow, Do you envy me my grapes? they cost me dear, I must die for them. So I say, Do you envy the wicked? alas, their prosperity is like Hamans banquet before execution. If a man were to be hanged, would one envy to see him walk to the gallows through ⟨p. 99⟩pleasant fields and fine galleries, or to see him go up the ladder in cloth of gold? The wicked may flourish in their bravery a while, but, when they flourish as the grass, it is, that they shall be destroyed for ever*. This proud grass shall be mowen down. Whatever a sinner enjoys he hath a curse with it*; and shall we envy? What if poisoned bread be given to dogs? The long furrows in the backs of the godly have a seed of blessing in them, when the table of the wicked becomes a snare, and their honour their halter.
2. To see the wicked flourish is matter rather of pity then envie; 1'Tis all the heaven they must have. Wo to you rich men, for you have received your consolation*. Hence it was that David made it his solemne prayer, Deliver me from the wicked, 3from men ⟨p. 98⟩of the world which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure, Psal. 17. 14. The words (me thinks) are Davids Letany; from men of the world which have their portion in this life, Good Lord deliver me. When the wicked have eaten of their dainty dishes, there comes in a sad reckoning which wil spoile all. The world is first musicall, and then tragical; if you would have a man fry, and blaze in hel, let him have enough of the fat of the earth. O remember, for every sand of mercy that runs out to the wicked, God puts a drop of wrath into his Vial. Therefore as that souldier said to his fellow, Do you envy me my grapes? they cost me dear, I must die for them. So I say, Do you envie the wicked? alas, their prosperity is like Hamans banquet before execution. If a man were to be hanged, would one envie to see him walk to the gallowes through ⟨p. 99⟩pleasant fields and fine galleries, or to see him go up the ladder in cloth of gold? The wicked may flourish in their bravery a while, but, when they flourish as the grasse, it is, that they shal be destroyed for ever*. This proud grasse shall be mowen down. Whatever a sinner enjoyes he hath a curse with it*; and shal we envie? What if poisoned bread be given to dogs? The long furrowes in the backs of the godly have a seed of blessing in them, when the table of the wicked becomes a snare, and their honour their halter.
- 12. Reply.
- *Luke 6. 24.
- 3Psal. 17. 14.
- *Ps. 92. 7
- *Mal. 2. 2
