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SERMON XVIII.

PRIDE A WORLDLY QUALITY: IRRELIGIOUS AND IRRATIONAL.

1 JOHN ii. 16.

-The pride of life is not of the Father, but is of the world.

THAT the maxims of the world are often at variance with those of Christianity, is a truth, which needs not excite our astonishment. A renunciation of the pomps and vanity of the world is one of the terms, on which we are admitted into the Christian Church: "not to be conformed to the world" is one of the rules, by which we are to be regulated in our Christian course: and we are frequently admonished by the word of truth, that the world is one of the

most dangerous enemies, against which we have to struggle in our progress towards Christian perfection. It is of course to be expected, that whilst its practices contribute to vitiate our hearts, our understandings also should be liable to be dazzled and deluded by its maxims.

I am led to these remarks by reflecting on the difference, which prevails between the ordinary language of the world and the representations of Christianity, on the subject suggested by the words of the Apostle.

The mind of the child is soon impressed with the necessity of entertaining, what is called by a strange inconsistency and perversion of language," a proper pride." As young persons make their entrance into life, they are instructed to "take pride” in distinguishing themselves, and surpassing their fellows. The force of early instruction and of general example cooperates with the propensities of a vicious nature, prone to weakness and vanity; till as we grow up, we make no scruple of pro

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fessing that we "pride ourselves" on a variety of things which we speak, think, or do. Nations are only aggregates of individuals and it is natural that the feelings of the several members should be transferred to the body at large. If a bountiful Providence exempts us from miseries, to which our less favoured neighbours are exposed, and showers on us peculiar blessings, we represent ourselves as placed on a proud eminence:"-if almighty God crowns our arms with victory, it is celebrated as a "proud day" for England:-if we are reminded of our national demerits and offences, we do not perhaps deny the charge; but adverting to some more pleasing trait in the national character, or to some splendid act of national benevolence, we thank God with a false and pharisaical humility, that we have something to be "proud of."

Now whatever may be intended by this quality of "pride," which we inculcate and adopt as a principle of action, and a ground of self-congratulation, our language at least is certainly not in harmony with

the language of Christianity; but it has, I apprehend, an obvious tendency to confound in our minds the distinction between right and wrong; and to diminish our abhorrence of a quality, which is totally inconsistent with the temper recommended by the Gospel, and which the Gospel explicitly condemns. Look to the constituent parts of that character, which our Saviour proposes as the model for a Christian's imitation, and on which he promises especial blessings, in the beginning of his sermon on the mount; and you will find that it consists of dispositions, in which pride has no portion. The first three blessings are pronounced on "the poor in spirit ;" on " them that mourn;" and on "the meek:" and the qualities which follow, are all of a kindred temper. Look to the example of our blessed Lord, whose life is especially proposed as a pattern of humility, patience, and meekness. Look to the conduct of his Apostles, who in imitation of their Master, were made (in the forcible language of St. Paul)" as the filth of the world, and the off-scouring of all things "."

a 1 Cor. iv. 13.

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