484 DOCTRINE OF THE PASSIONS. one large branch of it, that is, the knowledge of yourself, for that would make you humble. 6. When the thoughts of pride arise from any excellency you possess, turn your eye immediately upon some of your fail- ings and follies. This would be aproper weight put into the ba- lances, lest while one of them is lifted too high, you imagine the other tooweighty. 7. Remember that pride keeps the mind ever uneasy, and fills it with everlasting vexation, while the meek and humble possess abundant peace. The proud man finds many more affronts than his neighbours, partly, because he is more unbelov- ed, and partly, because he calls almost every thing an affront, which the man of meekness would take no notice of. He is ever fretting, because he never finds so much respect and sub- mission as he desires and expects. Thus he becomes a per- petual torment to himself. Learn of me, says the blessed Jesus, for I am meek and lowly, and ye shallfind rest toyour souls; Mat. xi. 29. 8. Think what mischiefs have arisen frompride through all ages of the world, and even before this world began. Angels were the first proud beingswe hear of : Pride turned them into devils, and sent them to hell. It is only from pride come endless contentions, and resentments, murders, wars, and bloodshed, through the nations of mankind. 9. Remember that God himself abhors the proud, and dwells with thehumble. A scorner of the poor, and ascoffer at the weak, are some of the most hateful objects in his sight. 10. Think, In the last place, what will be your end, where will be your dwelling, and who will be your company. IfGod abhors the proud, and beholds them with contempt afar off, he will appoint them a place far distant from his own dwelling, even the place of torment and shame, and immortal anguish, which he built for the eldest sons of pride. But blessed are the humble and poor in spirit ; for their's is the kingdomof heaven; Mat. v. 3. SECT. XIX.Rules to Prevent or Suppress Malice and Envy. 1. Benot too fond of yourselves, and you will not take up easilyan ill-will to others. This excessive selfishness is a great evil, therefore guard against it. It is this narrow and selfish spirit that lessens the general benevolence and good-will which is due to your neighbour, and makes you too soon conceive a dis- like to him. Take heed of all little prejudices and unreasonable aversions to any person whatsoever ; nor. stamp a hateful cha- racter on him at once on account of an action or two which are not good. Too high an esteem of self will tempt you to scorn otherswithout reason, perhaps upon the account of their aspect
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