[We should not have ventured to deduce such a position as this from an altercation that took place between two chil- dren so many hundred years ago, if an inspired Apostle had not put this very construction upon it. But the disagreements of Cain and Abel, and of Ishmael and Isaac, are recorded on purpose to shew us what is in the heart of man. The principles upon which they acted are common to the whole human race ; and will operate in a similar manner whenever circumstances arise to call them forth into action. On this ground we might have formed a reasonable conjecture, that every one who resembled Ishmael, would be hostile to those who resembled Isaac. But the Scriptures supersede all conjecture about the matter : for they affirm, in reference to this very history, that " as then he that was born after the flesh, persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now0." Indeed the very same things are grounds of offence to the carnal man in this day, as were in the days of Ishmael. He cannot endure that any persons should be marked by God as his favoured and peculiar people. Our blessed Lord says, " Because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth youd." The very name of "saints" and "elect" is as offensive to the world, as that of Isaac was to Ishmael, because it imports a preference in the Father's esti- mation of them. Some indeed will say, that there is no per- secution in this day : but St. Paul expressly calls Ishmael's conduct towards Isaac "persecution :" and let it be remem- bered, that to be mocked and despised by our relations and friends is as bitter persecution, and as difficult to bear, as almost any other injury that men can inflict. The Apostle thought so when he numbered " mocking s and scourgings with bonds and imprisonment6." And if those who profess religion are not imprisoned and put to death for their adherence to Christ, sure I am that they are mocked and derided as much as in any age ; and that, in this sense at least, " all who will live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution*."]
2. That they alone are members of the true church —
[St. Paul explains this whole history as an allegory g. He tells us that Hagar, the bond-woman, typified the Mosaic covenant entered into at Mount Sinai, which brought forth children in a state of bondage : but Sarah, the free woman, typified the Christian covenant, which brings forth children in a state of liberty. The natural seed of the former represents all who are born after the flesh : the spiritual seed of the latter, that is, the child of promise, represents those who are born
c Gal. iv. 29. d John xv. 19. e Heb. xi. 36.
' 2 Tim. hi. 12. s Gal. ill. 24—28.