composed; so it makes a man not only happy in himself, but a blessing and comfort to all about him; and consequently attracts the love, esteem, and admiration, of all those that see and feel the kind and benign influence of so divine a temper. Great peace, says the Psalmist, have they which love thy Law, and nothing shall offend them. Ps. cxix. 165. And the Prophet assures us, That the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effects of righteousness, quietness and assurance for ever. Is. xxxii. 17.

But now, on the other hand, the life of an angry and revengeful man is all storm and tempest: he is like a troubled sea when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. Is. lvii. 29. He is a stranger to peace, and all the blesscd fruits and effects of it: for, where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. evil work. James iii. 16. His mind is continually restless and uneasy, agitated to and fro with the violent force of unruly passions, which lead him on from one evil to another, and frequently hurry him.

into those that are of the most mischievous consequence. What misery and torment must a man feel, who is possessed with a spirit so directly contrary to that of the Gospel! how little can he taste of the true happiness of Life, whose mind is always discordant and out of tune! he may perhaps possess a plentiful share of the good things of this world, but can have very little enjoyment for what comfort can he find from any thing, who has no peace in his own mind; who is at enmity with himself, and with almost every one else, and is capable of being put out of humour by every trifling, cross accident? Is it possible for a man of such a temper to be happy, even in the midst of the greatest prosperity? No, certainly: it is the meek spirited, that our Saviour hath pronounced blessed: they shall inherit the earth, and be refreshed, as the Psalmist speaks, in the multitude of peace, Matt. v. 5. and shall find a real comfort in whatever they possess; which, though it should happen to be but little, yet, being enjoyed in peace and quiet, and with a contented mind, will un

doubtedly yield them a much greater and truer satisfaction than a man of a contrary disposition can reap from large possessions and ample revenues. 5. I shall mention but one advantage more which a good man has above a wicked one as to this world; and that is, in respect of dutiful and obedient children: which is allowed by all to be a great blessing in itself, and is what the former has much more reason to expect and hope for, than the latter. For, if it pleases God to bless a good man with children, he begins very early to instil into their tender minds the principles of virtue and Religion; he teaches them to remember their Creator in the days of their youth; and brings them up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. He sets. before them, in his own conduct, the example of a holy and religious Life: and endeavours to wean them from the pride and vanity of the world, and from those hurtful lusts and passions, which tend only to make then miserable both here and hereafter. He instructs them in that knowledge which is useful and

profitable, which will give them a right understanding of themselves and of their duty; and inake them wise unto salvation. When the grace of God co-operates with these endeavours: (as it will not fail to do), what comfortable hopes may not such a parent entertain of reaping the happy fruits of all his labours; instead of looking upon his children with grief and trouble, and having his grey hairs, by their means, brought down with sorrow to the grave; how much rather may he expect to behold them with pleasure and delight, when he sees them as so many olivebranches round about his table, fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge and love of God?

There is no person, I believe, but will allow, that this is the most likely way a man can take to be happy in his children. And though it should not prove effectual, (for success is not in our own power); yet of this he may be assured, that his pious and sincere endeavours to train up his children in a sober, honest, and religious course of Life, will certainly recommend him to

the favour and love of God; as is manifest from the great regard God expressed for Abraham on this very account. And the Lord said, shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do: seing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment: that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. Gen. xviii. 17, 18, 19. This is a great encouragement to parents, to be very careful in the education of their children: they are making provision for their own happiness, at the same time that they are endeavouring to secure that of their children. But, should they be disappointed in these their pious endeavours; they are laying up in store a good foundation of comfort, to themselves at least, against the day of trouble; I mean, if it should please God that they should live to see their chil