envy are they beheld, to whom precedence has been given ! What indignation do they excite, who overlook our superior claims e! A slight, whether real or supposed, will often fill us with rancour as much as the most serious injury could have done : but let humility possess our minds, and this source of uneasiness is destroyed. If we be willing to give honour to others, and be indifferent to it ourselves, and especially if we count ourselves unworthy of it, we shall feel no pain at seeing others preferred before us.
Nor does any thing more tend to the peace and comfort of society. What is it but pride that makes every neighbourhood a scene of contention1? What is it but pride that creates such factions in a state ? What is it but pride that involves nations in war and desolation &? Even the Church of God itself is often torn and distracted by this fatal principle. Let humi- lity once gain a proper ascendant in the hearts of men, and universal harmony will reign. Surely the importance of this principle cannot be too highly rated, or expressed in too energetic terms.]
2. It is that whereby men most eminently adorn the Gospel —
[The avowed scope of the Gospel is to improve the prin- ciples and practice of mankind; and they who receive the truth, are expected to excel in every thing that is amiable and praiseworthy. How unseemly did the ambition of the sons of Zebedee appear h! The ungodly themselves do not hesitate to pronounce them hypocrites who, while they profess religion, are under the dominion of pride and ambition. On the other hand, humility irresistibly commends itself to all. Who does not admire the concessions made by Abraham to his nephew Lot'? Who does not adore the condescension of our Lord in washing his disciples' feetk? Even those who are most elated with pride themselves, are constrained to applaud humility in others ; and though nothing but the grace of God can induce any to embrace the Gospel, a suitable deportment in its pro- fessors will often silence the cavils, and disarm the prejudices, of those who ignorantly reject it1.]
This subject will naturally lead us to contemplate,
1. The folly of sin—
[There is really as much folly, as there is sinfulness, in sin. In how many instances do men attain by integrity and
e This idea will be fully understood by those who have ever mixed in public assemblies.
f Jam. iii. 14—16. s Jam. iv. 1. h Matt. xx. 20—28.
1 Gen. xiii. 9. k John xiii. 4, 5. ! 1 Pet. ii, 13 — 15.