+A THE AO AHTAGES OF HttMtL1TY {SECT. M. scorner is an abomination to men : He that takes this toad to grandeur widely mistakes his way, for he often ruins his interest instead of advancing it. And if he Should happen to arrive at greatness he leaves behind him the more virtuous and tasteful pleasures of friendship and love: If he could but hear with what contempt and hatred he is treated behind his backs he would endure much anguish of soul with inward shame and lasting vexation : And it is pity but he should hear it some- times, to punish at least, if not to cure his insolence. Has divine providence raised me to any accidental degrees of elevation above my neighbours, let my heart Seek their love rather than their fear : Let me find pro- per seasons to place myself as it were upo* a level with them with all due and condescending decency, and thus let nie seek and obtain the esteem and hearty benevolence of mankind, and particularly of those whom providence has placed beneath me. There is an art of bearing,up One's highest character and dignity amongst men without the haughty airs, the exalted eye-brow and the insolent tone tfvoice. IV. Low and humble thoughts ofourselves will teach tis to bear the admonition of our friends with a gentler temper, and receive the blessing with a return of thank- fulness : We shall sustain the reproaches of our enemies also with a greater calm of soul, and stand the rudest Shock óf calumny with a more steady patience. What is it but the pride of our hearts, and the great An sacred image which we frame of ourselves, that makes us so hasty to resent the softest admonition of a friend ? Our hearts and lips stand always ready pressed to vindicate our whole conduct, and sometimes we let loose our fire. and thunder on a sudden upon thosewho give us the most friendly rebuke. Self is our shining idol, and no man must dare to suppose there is any ble- mish or spot Upon it. Therefore we repay the kindest advice with railing, and revile men for the greatest bene- fit they can bestow upon us. We forni so innocent and .so venerable an idea of ourselves, we fancy our beloved selves to be wise, so unblameable and perfect, that we cannot endure to hear or suspect there are any failings belonging to us, and we resent it as an high offence when they are pointed out to us by the gentlest hand. We are
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