Touching this particular, I shall handle it to you in this method.
First, I shall shew you that Godly men are apt to be dis∣quieted in soul for the wickeds prosperity.
2. Shew you reasons why you should reason against & check the soul for all disquietings because of their prosperity.
Thirdly and lastly, Lay down some considerations, where∣by you may reason against disquietings of the soul, because of the prosperity of wicked men.
First, Godly men have had their souls greatly disquieted, because of the prosperity of wicked men.
There are four or five instances of good men in this kind; In David the father, and Solomon the son, you have a disco∣very of great disquietings of soul.
First, In David the father, Psal. 73. 3. and in the 12, 13. v. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked; Behold these are the ungodly which prosper in the world, they increase in riches; verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency: as if he should say, It is in vain for me to be godly, because I see wicked men do so prosper in the world. It is a great stumbling block in good mens wayes to Heaven, to see wicked men prosper; good men have been overtaken with this, discouraged and disquieted in soul to see wicked men prosper in the world.
Secondly, Solomon was troubled for the very same thing, Eccles. 10. 6, 7. Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in the low place; I have seen servants on horses, and Princes as servants, walking upon the earth.
To see servants ride on horse-back, &c. that is, to see wicked men advanced, prosperous and successeful, and to see the godly in an object, despicable and low estate, this disquieted Solomon.
Thirdly, Look further into the Prophet Jeremiah, he was greatly disquieted because of this, Ier. 12. 1. Righteous art thou O Lord, when I talk with thee; let me talk with thee of judgements; wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? &c. He would reason with God; what did he say to God? let