BERM. $XVI., CHRISTIAN MORALITY, VIZ. JUSTICE, &C. 427 concerning oppression. They gripe those that are poor, because they themselves are mighty. They refuse to pay the just demands of their neighbours, they speak loftily, and stand it out with them against all right and justice, because they are great in the world. It is the rule of justice to change places with our humble neighbour, and ask ourselves what we should think due to us, ifwe were in his place. Or at least we should set ourselves and our neighbourupon the level, and consider what is just and right.on both sides. But the heart of pride cannot bear such a rule, it exalts itself far above the level of man- kind, and practises toward those: that are around it with a superior insolence and injustice. Cursed pride, the .first-born of hell ! It seized our first parents, and tempted them to aim at godhead, to practise injury to God himself; and assumea right to the fruit of the for- bidden tree ! Vile iniquity, that hath tainted all the seed of Adam ! It is a haughty poison that was infused into ourveins with the first sin; and where shall we find the son or. daughter of Eve that is not infected with it? Blessed be the grace of God, wheresoever its dominion is broken, so that it does not break out into all the works ofunrighteousness The third springof injustice among men is profuseness and luxury. When persons affect to live in a manner above what their circumstances will afford, they are tempted to intrench upon the property of their neigh- bour, either by.cheating or by violence. It is the language of luxury, " I must indulgemy ap- petite, my table must be furnished with a costly variety, and I must eat and drinkwith elegance, as is the modish phrase. I must treat my friends, when they visit me, with fashionable entertainments ; *I must keep fine co:o- pang, and make a figure in the world; I must appear in such an equipage as my neighbour allows himself, though he be ten times richer than Ì am. I must have many changes of raiment, for it is a mean and vulgar thing to appear too often in the sane dress: My house must be furnished after the mode, and I -must shine at home and abroad in silks or in silver ; for L cannot bear the thought that such or such a one should outshine and over-top me." Then the patrimonyis sold or mortgaged tó raise present supplies, and the rich food and clothing,
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