rulers, under whose administration the empire, though engaged in a hazardous and expensive war, has all along continued to hold a high rank among the nations of Europe, and has attained to that flourishing state of commerce, opulence, and safety, in which we behold it at this day: insomuch that perhaps the greatest dangers we have to apprehend, arise from the jealousy with which rival nations behold our superiority at sea, and our wealth and strength at home.-Let our prayers ascend frequently to Heaven for the continuance of those blessings; for the peace of our Jerusalem; for peace within her walls, and prosperity within her palaces; and let the admonition of Scripture never be forgotten; My son, fear thou God; honour the king; and meddle not with them that are given to change.

* Prov. xxiv. 21. 1 Peter, ii. 17.

SERMON LXXVIII.

On a CONTENTED MIND.

2 KINGS, iv. 13.

Say now unto her, " Behold thou hast been careful for "us with all this care; what is to be done for thee?

"Wouldst thou be spoken for to the King, or to the

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Captain of the Host?" And she answered, "I "dwell among mine own people."

APIOUS and respectable woman of Shunem had

exercised great hospitality to the prophet Elisha. In order to accommodate him in his various journeyings, she had caused a chamber to be built for him, adjacent to her house, where he might be furnished with all that, according to the simplicity of those times, was wanted for his entertainment. In the text, the Prophet, by his servant Gehazi, acknowledges the obligations he lay under to this good woman for her care and attention; and being at that time in favour with the king of Israel, desires to know, whether, in return for her kindness, he should apply to the king, or the captain of the host, in her behalf, and procure advancement to her in rank and fortune. Her answer bespeaks all the modesty of one who was satisfied and contented with her present lot. Without any affectation of uncommon virtue, or any haughty contempt of the prophet's offers, she

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mildly replies, "I dwell among mine own people." "I dwell in the condition to which I was born; in my native land; among my original connections, "and persons of my own rank; and living there in peace, I have no desires of aspiring to a higher "rank."

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The temper of this worthy Shunamite, who could so properly set bounds to her desires, and enjoy her present condition with contentment, is what I now propose to your imitation. It stands in opposition to that restless and discontented spirit which so often sets men at variance with their condition in the world, makes them look with contempt on that state of life and sphere of action which Providence has allotted them; and encouraging every real or supposed discouragement to prey upon their minds, makes them pine for some change of fortune.

It is proper, however, to observe, that this moderation of spirit which I am now recommending, is not inconsistent with our having a sense of what is uneasy or distressing in our lot, and endeavouring, by fair means, to render our condition more agreeable. Entire apathy, or passive indifference to all the circumstances of our external state, is required by no precept of religion. What a virtuous degree of contentment requires and supposes, is, that, with a mind free from repining anxiety, we make the best of our condition, whatever it is: enjoying such good things as God is pleased to bestow upon us, with a thankful and cheerful heart; without envy at those who appear more prosperous than us; without any attempt to alter our condition by unfair means; and without any murmuring against the Providence of Heaven. -"In that state in which it pleased God

"to place me at my birth, I am ready to remain, as

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long as it shall be his pleasure to continue me there. "He has placed me among my equals. Such com"forts as he saw meet for me to possess, he has "bestowed. These I shall study to improve; and

by his kind providence favouring my industry and "application, I may hope they will be increased. In "the mean time, I rest satisfied; and complain not. "I dwell among mine own people."

But if this acquiescence in our condition is to be considered as belonging to that contentment which religion requires, what becomes, it will be said, of that laudable ambition, which has prompted many boldly to aspire with honour and success far beyond their original state of life?—I readily admit, that on some among the sons of men, such high talents are bestowed, as mark them out by the hand of God for superior elevation; by rising to which, many, both in ancient and modern times, have had the opportunity of distinguishing themselves as benefactors to their country and to mankind. But these are only a few scattered stars that shine in a wide hemisphere; such rare examples afford no model for general conduct. It is not to persons of this description that I now speak. I address myself to the multitude; to the great body of men in all the various walks of ordinary life. Them I warn of the danger of being misled by vanity and self-conceit, to think themselves deserving of a much higher station than they possess. I warn them, not to nourish aspiring desires for objects beyond their power of attaining, or capacity of enjoying; and thereby to render themselves unhappy in their present condition, and dissatisfied with all that belongs to it. By this

restless discontented temper, I shall proceed to show that they incur much guilt, and involve themselves in great folly and misery.

FIRST, discontent carries in its nature much guilt and sin. With this consideration I begin, because I am afraid that discontentment is commonly treated, in a religious view, more slightly than it deserves. A contented temper, we are apt to say, is a great happiness to those who have it; and a discontented one, we call an unlucky turn of mind; as if we were speaking of a good or bad constitution of body, of something that depended not at all on ourselves, but was merely the gift of nature. -Ought this to be the sentiment, either of a reasonable man, or a Christian? of one who knows himself to be endowed with powers for governing his own spirit, or who believes in God, and in a world to come? What, I beseech you, do all the risings of discontent within you import, but so much concealed rebellion against the government of that Supreme Being, who hath appointed your place in the world? When you repine at your state, as below what you deserved, do you not inwardly tax Him with injustice and partiality, for conferring his favours on others more unworthy of them, and leaving you neglected and humbled? By treating with contempt the blessings he allows to your state, do you not, in effect, tell him that his blessings are not worthy of being enjoyed, and merit no thanks, because he does not give you more? The outward expressions of such sentiments, you may suppress. You may affect to appear religious by shows of reverence and homage; but such appearances deceive not God. Every habitually