George Hutcheson
19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: But because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
The second argument of consolation is taken from what their suffering from the world may evidence unto them; Namely, that they are not of the world, but chosen out of it, and therefore the world hates them; whereas if it were otherwise with them, the world would love his own. So the force of the Argument, is, partly, that they behoved to make for trouble, as being inevitable, considering they are not of the world; and partly, their suffering from the world was so clear an evidence of their good condition, that they ought not to be discouraged at it. What Christ saith, that the world would love his own, doth not contradict the frequent experiences of wars, contentions and emulations, among men of the world. For, 1. If we compare the hatred they carry toward their own, with what they have against the godly, it is nothing so violent and extream. 2. They dister not in contrary general principles and ends, but only in contrary lusts, and when the interest of one interferes with another, and crosseth it. 3. They do easily agree in hating the godly, as Herod and Pontius Pilate did. 4. Albeit some wicked men hate some wickednesse, yet it is not a pure hatred, but for their own corrupt ends. Doct. 1. There are in this world two seeds, who stand in opposition one to another, and betwixt whom there is a conspicuous difference; for, there are some of the world, and some not of the world 2. The difference betwixt the godly and the world is not of the godlies making, but doth slow from Gods free grace; for, ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, by eternal election, and actual vocation, whereby they are made not to be conforme to this world, in judgement, affections and practice. 3. Christ by his free grace can make a great change in men, and make excellent vessels out of the vilest matter; for, saith he, I have chosen you, to all this dignity and excellent condition, out of the world. 4. Saints, being separate from the world, and their courses, must expect to be hated by the world, upon that very account; and that because the world hates God and his image in them, and they cannot endure to be condemned by the light that shineth in the godly; for, because I have chosen you out of the world, therefore doth the world hate you. 5. As the world do keep up their love from the godly, so their love will be little worth to a right discerner; when he considereth that to be beloved of the world is but an ill token, and evidenceth that either the person beloved is of their own stamp, or, at least, complieth too much with their evil fashions; therefore, doth he illustrate this from the contrary, If ye were of the world, the world would love his own. 6. As evidences of our Regeneration are worthy to be sought after, at any rate; so in particular, it may sweeten the worlds hatred to Saints, when they consider that the world cannot sincerely love what is good: And therefore their hating of them for good, is a real confirmation of their good estate; for, this is the encouragement, that the world hateth you, because I have chosen you out of the world.
