The Evil and Folly of Ccvetoufnefs. 3 19 no boundaries fet to it by nature and reafon, S E R M. being originally not of their production, fo it XI. hath none in the defires and purpofes of the "'' covetous heart ; it is enlarged by every ac- quifition, and groweth outrageous upon every difappointment; it engroffeth all the thoughts and counfel of the heart, and robbeth it of the innocent pleafures which an eafy content- ed mind enjoyeth in the contemplation of the gifts of nature to all mankind, and which a benevolent mind enjoyeth in the profperity of others, becaufe it can never be fatisfied without fuch a poffeffion as none elfe (hall partake in, and would, as the prophet ex- preífeth it, be left alone in the midfl of the earth. The covetous know belt the anxietÿ and diftrefies of their own minds, but it is not in their power altogether to conceal them, and it too plainly appeareth, that between a folicitous care to fecure what they have, and a reftlefs eagernefs in feeking for more, their very lives are confumed in pain, as the Pfalmift fpeaketh, they rife early and fit up late, and eat the bread of furrow, never en- joying with fatisfaCtion the fruits of their own exceffive labours. I (hall conclude this difcourfe with ob- ferving the form of our Saviour's exhortation in the text, take heed and beware of covetouf- 3 nef .
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