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ple; and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead."*

As to the favour of men, then, how vain is it! Nor let it be supposed, that even the favour of princes and the great of the earth, can secure our happiness; for this also is subject to change. Nay, it is often the case, as one observes, “that in the courts of great princes, a man may be in favour one day, and the next lie under heavy displeasure; one while he may be graced with the chief honours of a kingdom, and soon after be utterly neglected, disgraced, and discarded."+ Haman, that proud favourite, who ruled King Ahasuerus at his pleasure, was cast out of favour upon one complaint, and the king would not hear him plead for his life. He was hanged on that very day which he expected would have been the day of his greatest honour. David had learned, by his own experience, the inconstancy and mutability of the favour of princes, and therefore says, "it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes."+

* Acts xiv. 19.

+ Mrs. Head.

Psalm cxviii. 9.

The celebrated philosopher Seneca was tutor to Nero in his youth, and was in such credit with him after he became emperor, that for a time he managed all the affairs of his estate. Nero often shewed him the greatest tokens of love possible; and yet, afterwards, afforded him no other favour, but the choice of what death he would suffer.

After Bellisarius, that famous general under Justinian the emperor, had been victorious in many battles, conquered many countries, and had led in triumph Gillemer, King of the Vandals, in fetters of gold, for his own greater honour, he was cast out of favour, had his eyes put out; and being led up and down the city of Rome, was obliged to procure a scanty maintenance by soliciting the charity of those he met with.

Clitus, who was an intimate friend of Alexander the Great, was put to death by Alexander, only because he was a little too familiar with him.

Mahomet the Second, that conquered Constantinople, had a most beautiful virgin, named Irene, brought to him when he was sacking that city; and he was so fond of her company, that he forsook his bashaws, and disregarded all the

affairs of his empire. But he could not bear it to be said, that he who had conquered so much was at length led captive by a woman. And, therefore, when he understood that his bashaws were dissatified with his conduct, and was afraid of losing his reputation, he commanded Irene to attire herself in the richest and costliest apparel that could be devised. This being done, he took her by the hand, and led her into the room where all his bashaws were assembled by his command, and asked whether each of them would not, as well as he forget every thing but her. They were so amazed to see such a wonderful beauty, that they condemned themselves for censuring the emperor, and justified him in what he had done. But Mahomet told them that he would shew them he was master of his passions; and immediately struck off her head!

PLEASURE.

Does it tend to

How much is thought of worldly pleasure: but what is it? Is it rational; suited to the capacities, and worthy of the pursuit of such a being as man? Is it obtained and enjoyed without any inconvenience and expense? dignify and enlarge the mind? Does it awaken in man those reflections, and prepare him for those exertions, which ought to characterize him as an immortal creature? And when it is past, is the review of it such as produces satisfaction; does it never leave a sting behind? Alas! let the worldling answer. What are called by too many the pleasures of life are just the reverse. They are often mean in their nature, transitory in their enjoyment, and ruinous in their consequences. They take off the mind from the contemplation of superior objects; render the heart insensible to what is good, and expose it to the most dangerous temptations. "As Judas gave a sign to the officers that came with him to apprehend Jesus, whomsoever I shall kiss, the

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same is he; hold him fast. The same sign doth the world give Satan. Whomsoever I shall caress and favour, whomsoever I shall heap honour and riches on, whomsoever I shall embrace and kiss, the same is he; hold him fast!"*

How much too does it cost some men? What sacrifices doth it require? What large gifts must be presented at the shrine of pleasure? A man cannot be permitted to worship this goddess without offerings of a most valuable nature. O, how many have destroyed a fine constitution; thrown themselves on the bed of sickness; or dragged through life a miserable frame-and all for a short-lived pleasure! How many in one hour at the gamingtable have lost what would have been sufficient to have supported them for a long period! What has not been suffered in order to witness exhibitions of a vain, and often profane tendency! By listening to the voice of this charmer, how too has reputation been injured; shame and remorse have followed, and the unhappy captive has scarcely been able to hold up his

* Hopkins.
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