A Christian library, or, A pleasant and plentiful paradise of practical divinity in 37 treatises of sundry and select subjects ... / by R. Younge ...

CHAP. XIII.

I Might go on, and shew you that as they hate and persecute the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 because they do well, so likewise because they fare well, and are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before them. As why was Cain wroth with his brother Abel, and after 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him, as affirmeth the holy Ghost, but because the Lord had respect unto ▪ and to his offering, but unto Cain and his offering he had no respect, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Why did Esau hate Iacob, and purpose to kill him, but because of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wherewith his father bless••d him? Gen. 23.41. Isaac's blessing 〈…〉〈…〉 hate. Again, wherefore did the Philist••nes and 〈…〉〈…〉

stop up his wells, and banish him from them, but because the Lord so abun∣dantly blessed Isaac, as appears Gen. 26.12. to 18. Wherefore did Io∣sephs Brethren hate him, not being able to speak peaceably unto him, and after sell him into Egipt? but because his father more favoured him, and they fear••d he should reign over them, Gen. 37.4, to 9. If Ioseph be his fathers darling, he is his brethrens eye-sore. Wherefore did Saul persecute David, and pur∣sue after him from place to place to take away his life, but because he was so praised and preferred of the people before himself? and the Lord was with David, and prospered him in every thing he took in hand, 1 Sam. 18.12, 13, 28, 29. Davids successe is Sauls vexation; yea, he findes not so much pleasure in his Kingdome, as vexation in the prosperity of David? And last∣ly (for I passe by the Elder Brothers envie in the Parable against his younger Brother, when his Father so royally entertained him at his return, Luke 15.28. which is meant of the Iewes envying the Gentiles conversion, and many the like instances.) Why was Eliah wroth with his younger brother? 1 Sam. 17.28. but because he should be more exalted. And I doubt whether Da∣vids brethren were more glad that Goliah was slain, or angry that he was slain by their brother: For envie is sick if her neighbour be well, and the good mans honour is the envious mans torment, as it fared between Haman and Mordecai; as hereafter the glory of Christ shall add to these Reprobates confusion, when they are driven to confess this is he whom we once had in de∣rision, Luke 13.28. I might also apply all this to many in our times. As why do many mens hearts rise against every holy man they meet? as some stomacks rise at the sight of sweet meats: Why do all drunkards and vitious livers hate the religious? and so belch out their enmity and spleen against them, in raising and spreading of slanders as they do: but although partly to rescue themselves from contempt, and to procure a contrary esteem by putting a foul, and ugly vizard upon vertue, and decking up vice in a gorgeous and comely attire; yet chiefly because they partake of the divine nature, and are one with the Father and the Son, John 17.14.21, 22. 2 Cor. 6.18. I might, I say, be large upon this, and many the like, but I must only mention them.