SERMON VII. 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 Captain of the Host?" And she answered, “I "dwell among mine own people." SERMON A PIOUS of and respectable woman simplicity of those times, where he might according to the was wanted for his VII. his entertainment. In the text, the Pro- SERMON phet, 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 mildly replies, "I dwell among "mine own people." "I dwell in the con"dition to which I was born; in my native "land; among my original connexions, "and persons of my own rank; and living "there in peace, I have no desires of aspiring to a higher rank.' " 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 SERMON often sets men at variance with their condi VII. tion 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 * I VII. muring against the Providence of Heaven. SERMON "In that state in which it pleased God "to place me at my birth, I am ready to remain, as long as it shall be his pleasure "to continue me there. He has placed me "among my equals. Such comforts as he "saw meet for me to possess, he has be"stowed. 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 superiour 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 man SERMON kind. But these are only a few scattered VII. 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 inyolve 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 |