Sidor som bilder
PDF
ePub

EXPLAINED AND DEFENDED,

IN A

SERIES OF SERMONS;

BY

TIMOTHY DWIGHT, S. T. D. LL. D.

LATE PRESIDENT OF YALE COLLEGE.

WITH A

MEMOIR

OF

THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR.

IN FOUR VOLUMES.

NINTH EDITION.

VOL. IV.

NEW HAVEN:

PUBLISHED BY T. DWIGHT & SON, AND SOLD BY LEAVITT, LORD, & CO. 180 BROADWAY, NEW YORK.

1836.

[ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small]

CONTENTS OF THE FOURTH VOLUME.

Pag

[ocr errors]

49

-

60

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

-

-

-

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]
[merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]
[ocr errors][merged small]

182

[ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small]
[ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small]
[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

·

273

286

298

[ocr errors]

312

324

339

355

370

[ocr errors]

386

430

[ocr errors][merged small]
[ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small]
[ocr errors][merged small]
[ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small]

SERMON CXXXII.

TENTH COMMANDMENT.-AMBITION.

ROMANS xii. 16.-Mind not high things.

THE subject of the preceding discourse, you may remember, was Avarice. In the present, I shall consider the other great exercise of a covetous spirit, viz. Ambition.

Ambition is an affection of the mind, nearly related to Pride and Vanity. Vanity is the self-complacency, which we feel in the consciousness of being superior to others. Pride is the same selfcomplacency, united with a contempt for those, whom we consider as our inferiors. Ambition is the desire of obtaining, or increasing, this superiority. Vanity, usually makes men civil and complaisant. Pride, renders them rude, imperious, and overbearing. Vanity, chiefly subjects men to the imputation of weakness; and excites mingled emotions of pity and contempt. Pride, is often attended with a kind of repulsive dignity; is rather seen to be deserving of contempt, than realized as the object of it; sometimes awakens awe; and always creates hatred and loathing. Vain mea are always ambitious; proud men generally; but they sometimes appear satisfied with their present envied superiority to all around them. Ambitious men are frequently vain, and sooner or later are always proud. Vanity rests chiefly on personal attributes. Pride, in addition to these, fastens on every thing, which is supposed to create distinction.

This love of superiority is the most remarkable exercise of Covetousness; and, united with the discontentment and envy, by which it is regularly accompanied, appears to constitute the prin cipal corruption of the human mind. It is impossible, without wonder, to observe the modes, in which mankind exercise it; and the objects, in which it finds its gratification. They are of every kind; and are found every where. We are proud and vain of whatever, in our own view, raises us above others; whether a gift of nature, an attainment of our own, or a mere accident. Our pride and vanity are excited by the possession of personal beauty, strength, or agility; by a lively imagination, clear judgment, and tenderness of feeling; by patrimonial wealth, and distinction of family; by the fact, that we live in the same neighbourhood, or even in the same country, with persons of eminence; that we know them; or even that we have seen them. No less commonly are we proud and vain of bodily feats, graceful motions, and

« FöregåendeFortsätt »