fickle and inconstant; it is very fading and withering. Now they
Gen. 4, forever, than to be excommunicated out of "the general
assembly of the saints, and congregation of the first-born which are
written in heaven," Heb. 12:23; and therefore away with this
objection. But,
3. Thirdly, The favor and friendship of such carnal people is very
fickle and inconstant; it is very fading and withering. Now they
stroke, and at another time they strike; now they lift up, and at
another time they cast down; now they smile, and at another time
they frown; now they kiss, and at another time they kill; now they
cry, "Hosanna! Hosanna!" and at another time they cry, "Crucify
him, crucify him!" Haman is one day feasted with the king, and the
next day made a feast for crows, Esther 7. The princes of Babylon
were highly in king Darius his favor one day, and cast into the lion's
den the next, Dan.6. The scribes and pharisees that cried up Judas
one day, did in effect bid him go and hang himself the next day, Mat.
27:3-5.
Such men's favor and friendship are as Venice glasses, quickly
broken, and therefore not much to be prized or minded. Histories
abound with instances of this nature. But I must hasten: only
remember this, that every day's experience tells us that wicked men
can soon turn tables, and cross their books; their favor and
friendship is usually like to a morning cloud, or like to Jonah's
gourd: one hour flourishing and the next hour withering; and why
then should you set your heart upon that which is more changeable
than the moon? But,