who are envied, to unprovoked resentments, defamation, injustice, and other injuries, equally dishonorable and criminal.

There is nothing indeed within the bounds of human malevolence which this vicious passion cannot perpetrate, when it has got full possession of the heart. And therefore, the wise man observes, "Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous, but who is able to stand before envy." Through envy Cain killed his brother Abel, "because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous." Joseph's brethren envying him for the particular affection of his parents, and the honor and respect which he had dreamed would be paid him, by all his family, sold him to the Midianites, to be carried into Egypt, as a servant forever. Saul envying David the glory he obtained by his victory over Goliah, pursued him with inveterate hatred, and hunted him for his life. And to name no other instance, because none greater can be named, moved with envy, at the miracles, authority and reputation of Christ, the rulers of the Jews persecuted him with unrelenting malice; and at last, delivered him to the Romans to be put to death. So great an evil is envy, and so necessary to be excluded from the breasts of all who would wish to preserve the peace of their own minds, and be clear of the guilt of destroying that of others!

In order to this, consider, that as far as some may be superior to you in any of the means of happiness, you may be superior to others, and that the same righteous providence which hath given you the particular advantages you enjoy, hath given to others, those which place them above you. There is therefore no more reason why you should be dissatisfied with others, for their enjoyments, whatever they be, than that others should be dissatisfied with you, for yours.

Consider also, that to envy others the happiness that God hath given them, is to find fault with the distribution he hath made of his favors, which is highly criminal in his sight, "who giv. eth no account of any of his matters."

Endeavor to be contented with your lot, whatever disadvantages may attend it. There is nothing will make you easier, in the most unfavorable circumstances, so effectually prevent all the motions of envy, and its attendant disquietudes, as this. Should you have no more than the mere supports of life, remember that the best of men have sometimes been destitute even of these"both naked and without any certain dwelling place."

Consider how certainly an envious temper will render you incapable of enjoying the advantages that are in your possession; and disqualify you for those habits of benevolence which are neces

sary for you, both as men and christians, and for that state of happiness hereafter, from which envy and competion will be utterly excluded. Cultivate a vigorous good will to all men, and instead of repining at their happiness, you will make it an occasion of increasing your own. With such a temper, if others weep you will weep with them, and your sympathy will be repaid with substantial pleasure; if others rejoice you will rejoice with them, and so your enjoyment will be doubled.

3. Ambition is also a turbulent and dangerous passion, against which it will be necessary for you to be as much on your guard.

This is sometimes called emulation-which in a qualified sense, is an argument of a generous spirit; and under proper regulations, highly useful both to individuals and society.

It gives animation and vigor both to the body and mind; and often produceth excellence in knowledge, art and enterprize, which without it, would never have appeared. It is however too commonly accompanied with envy, by which it is at least hurtful to those who possess it. Ambition in its customary acceptation, is generally attended with malevolence, in a less or greater degree, according to the objects to which it aspires. When it aims at distinction in wealth and figure, in fame of valor and conquest, in authority and dominion; and especially when it is intense and

ន

violent, it occasions more disorder in the mind, and greater evils to society than any other passion. There is nothing, however mean and criminal in itself, or injurious to others, that it does not employ in its service. Dissimulation, flattery and falshood, bribery, injustice and cruelty, faction and tumult, bloodshed and desolation, are often made subservient to its purposes. Nor are the ties of friendship or even of nature strong enough to restrain it, when it is necessary to its views, that they should be broken.

up

"

Indeed, the greatest part of the history of the world is made of horrid details of war, cruelty and massacre, produced by the phrenzy and madness of ambition.

But happy for mankind, there are few in circumstances to admit of prospects sufficient to excite it to that ferocity, which equally destroys, without hesitation or remorse, the rights and peace of individuals, and nations.

In the bulk of men, it aims at nothing more than to gain some trifling advantage in name or appearance above those who are in the same way, or condition of life, or to make a show of dignity and importance, above their real merit and circum

stances.

The following are the more common instances of it; and therefore, most deserving of our at tention. It prompts some to make a figure in dress,

equipage and manner of living, which they have not ability to support. By this unreasonable vanity they often exhaust, in a little time, the fund they set out upon; and which with more moderate views, might have supported them with comfort, decency and credit. The consequence of which is that they are obliged to fall back, with mortification and dishonor, into circumstances which they before despised; and there perhaps, to continue. And it often happens, that they who have innocently contributed to its gratification, are involved in the ruin that follows it. The hireling and mechanic are defrauded of the reward of their labors, the merchant of the value of his goods, and perhaps the orphan of his portion and dependance.

It puts others upon wild and extravagant projects, which, if practicable at all, cost more in the execution, than they are afterwards worth; yet, when such men have set out in a favorite enterprize, they will continue in their error, to the detriment, if not ruin of their estates, and families; rather than be thought destitute of spirit and perseverance; or weak enough to attempt that, which they could not effect.

By the same vanity, others engage in employments, and set up for offices, for which they have. no competent qualifications; and the consequence is, that if they do not bring upon themselves con