To envy the rich, as if they were the certain possessors of comfort and ease, is one of the greatest of all mistakes and follies; happiness must dwell in the mind and the heart; it must depend altogether upon the state of mind and heart; it is not to be purchased with money; money, we must grant, may be made to minister to it, but this must entirely depend upon the disposition, the spirit, the manner, in which it is used: the smallest pittance upon earth, possessed in the faith of the gospel, in the fear and love of God, produces infinitely more enjoyment, than the countless treasures of those, who seek or spend or save them, with a view to themselves and this world alone. Some are revelling in the dreams of ambition; and imagine, that if they could attain a particular eminence, they should be happy: but the road is steep and slippery, toilsome and dangerous; and the summit, if ever they reach it, is not a land of repose, not the habitation of contentment and peace; “seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not.” {322} Ambition is always dissatisfied; if not the most unclean, it is one of the most tormenting spirits in the bosom of man; and yet it is fondly and generally cherished both by rich and poor. Be humble; be moderate; be content; if thou wouldest be happy. In what are called the pleasurable scenes of life, it is unnecessary for me further to insist, how vainly we rove in quest of substantial delight: this indeed is a truth still more level to the experience of us all; it is a path we have often trodden, but never I think with satisfaction. Witness the continual changing, the endless variety of amusements, which are found necessary in order to relieve satiety and disgust, necessary even when they are innocent; and in sinful pleasures, in lust and intemperance of every kind, it is needless to tell you, there can be no peace; health is impaired and the conscience is burdened; they are like a two-edged sword, cutting on both sides, destroying both body and soul.