1. It is not well with bad men here.
Ans. 5. Unequal dispensations do not argue carelessness. A father may give one child a gayer coat than he gives another, yet he extends his fatherly care and tenderness over all. According to the several employments he puts his children upon, he is at greater expense, and yet loves one as well as another, and makes provision for all. As the soul takes care of the lowest member, and communicates spirits to every part for their motions; so though God place some in a higher, some in a lower condition, yet he takes care of all: God 'divides to every man as he will,' 1 Cor. 12:11. Every man hath a several share, according to God's pleasure, of a goodness in the world, as well as of gifts in the church.
Ans. 6. Yet upon due consideration the inequality will not appear so great as the complaint of it. If the wants of one, and the enjoyment of another, were weighed in the balance, the scales might not appear so uneven; we see such a man's wealth, but do you understand his cares? A running sore may lie under a purple robe. Health, the salt of blessing, as one calls it, is bestowed upon a labourer, when many that wallow in abundance have those torturing diseases which embitter their pleasures. If some want those worldly ornaments which others have, may they not have more wisdom than those that enjoy them
(the noblest perfection of a rational creature)? Prov. 3:13, 14, 'The merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold:' Prov. 15:16, 'Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure, and trouble therewith.' As some are stripped of wealth and power, so they are stripped of their incumbrances they bring with them. One hath that serenity and tranquillity of mind, which the cares and fears of others will not suffer them to enjoy, and a grain of contentment is better than many pounds of wealth. It is not a desirable thing to be a great prince, attended with as many cares and fears as he hath subjects in his empire. He made a true estimate of his greatness, that said he would not stoop to take up a crown if it lay at his feet. But more particularly to the parts of the case.
1. It is not well with bad men here.
(1.) Is it well with them who are tortured by their own lusts? What peace can worldly things bestow upon a soul filled with impurity? In 2 Cor. 7:1, sin is called filthiness: Can it be well with them that have nasty souls? Is it well with them who are racked by pride, stung with cares, gnawn with envy, distracted by insatiable desires, and torn in pieces by their own fears? Can it be well with such who have a multitude of vipers in their breasts, sticking all their stings into them, though the sun shine, and the shadows drop upon them? You are spectators of their felicity, but do you understand their inward gripes? Prov. 14:13, 'Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful.' Can silken curtains or purple clothes confer a happiness upon those who have a mortal plague-sore poisoning their bodies, and are ready to expire? Sin is their plague, whatever is their happiness. 1 Kings 8:38, sin is called the plague of the heart. Their insolent lusts are a far greater misery than the possession of all the kingdoms in the world can be a happiness.
(2.) Is it well with them who have so great an account to make, and know not how to make it? Those that enjoy much are more in God's debt, and therefore more accountable. The account of wicked men is the greater, because of their abundance; and their unfitness to make that account is the greater, because of their abuse. Would any reckon themselves happy to be called upon to give an account of their stewardship for talents, and know not how to give a good account of one farthing? Luke 16:2, 'Give an account of thy stewardship.'
(3.) Is it well with them who are the worse for what they have? Is it a happiness to command others, and be more slaves to the worst of creatures than any can be to them? The wicked man's well-spread table sometimes proves his snare, Ps. 69:22, and his destruction is bound up in his very prosperity: Prov. 1:32, 'And the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.' Prosperity falling upon an unregenerate heart, like the sun and rain upon bad ground, draws forth nothing but weeds and vermin. Would you think it your happiness to be masters of their concerns, and slaves to their pride? Is a