Kaina kai palaia Things new and old, or, A store-house of similies, sentences, allegories, apophthegms, adagies, apologues, divine, morall, politicall, &c. : with their severall applications / collected and observed from the writings and sayings of the learned in all ages to this present by John Spencer ...

[ 399] Prosperity of the wicked is destructive.

I Have seen the wicked (saith David) in great power,* 1.1 and spreading himself like a green Bay-tree. And why like a green Bay-tree? because in the Winter, when all other Trees, as the Vine-tree, Fig-tree, Apple-tree, &c. which are more profitable Trees, are withered and naked, yet the Bay continueth as green in the Winter as the Summer: So fareth it with wicked Men, when the children of God in the storms of persecutions and afflictions,* 1.2 and miseries seem withered, and as it were dead, yet the wicked all that time flourish, and do appear green in the eyes of the World; they wallow in worldly wealth, but it is for their destruction; they wax fat, but it is for the day of slaughter; It was the case of Hophni and Phinees, the Lord gave them enough,* 1.3 and suffered them to g•• on, and prosper in their wickednesse; but what was the reason? because he would destroy them.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Psal. 37. 35.
• * 1.2

  Tangerlarii Postill••.
• * 1.3

  1 Sam. ••. 25.