The fact is, that so odious is this principle in the estimation of the whole world, that there is not to be found on earth a person who will acknowledge himself to be actuated by it : though the real truth is, that there is not an unconverted man in the whole universe who is not, as I shall have presently to shew, under its baneful influence. But the very circumstance of all persons disavowing it, whilst they will readily acknowledge that they are led captive by pride, or anger, or impurity, is sufhcient to
^ 2 Cor. xii. 20. '' 1 John iii. 1'). <■ Gal. v. 20, 21.
" Rom. i. 29,30. ^ Gal. iv. 5, 8. ^ Gcn.xxxvii. 1 1, 18 — 20.
e 2 Cor. xi. 3. i' 1 Pet. v. 8. ' Jam. iii. 14— IG.
shew how odious it is in itself, and how despicable in the eyes of every living man.]
The evil of envy will yet more strongly appear, whilst I shew,
II. What a destructive principle it is —
There is not a person in the universe able to stand before it. Its workings are inconceivably subtle —
[Persons are not always aware what principle it is which stirs within them, when they are under its influence. Joshua conceived that he was only shewing a commendable regard for the honour of Moses, when he desired that Eldad and Medad, who were prophesying in the camp, should be silenced. But Moses reproved him, saying, " Enviest thou for my sake ? Would to God that all the Lord's people were prophets'^!" And doubtless those who, in order to grieve the Apostle Paul, preached Christ of envy and strife', gave themselves credit for a purer motive in their performance of that duty. There are a variety of ways by which men contrive to hide it from them- selves. They see some evil in the conduct which they blame : or, if it was not evil in itself, it was faulty in the time, or man- lier, or measure, in which it was done : or, if no fault attach to it in any of those respects, it was from an improper motive. In short, something shall be found in every thing that a person does, either to make it appear blame-worthy, or, at all events, to abate its excellence : and the person judging of these things will not openly condemn them, but only utter praise in a fainter tone, and in more qualified terms, that so the measure of praise accorded to the agent may be diminished, and his merits be comparatively obscured. This, to the person forming the judgment, shall appear only strict justice : but God, who sees the heart, will designate it envy.]
It finds an advocate in every bosom —
[There is in all a wish to be exalted among their equals : and if there be any who have raised themselves by their own merits above the common standard, every mind will be gratified with hearing of something which shall divest them of their im- puted excellence, and reduce them to their former level. Hence the envious man finds an ally in eveiy bosom, and a readiness in all around him to listen to any representation that is of an unfavourable nature ; because every one seems to himself elevated in proportion as others are depressed. The means of misrepresentation are infinite in number : and if every state- ment were carefidly investigated before it was received, a man
k Numb. xi. 20. i Phil. i. 15.
o-