me as it did Core; that I should " perish" miserably like Balaam; and that Thou shouldst cast me out of Thy presence for ever like Cain, imitating in pain those whom I imitated in sin. But by Thy grace I differ from Cain in this, that, confessing Thy mercy is greater than my wickedness, I hope to obtain entire pardon of it! Amen.
POINT III.
Thirdly, I will consider the great benefits which are included in the mortification of envy, and in embracing brotherly charity; [1] pondering first the acts of charity as they are contrary to envy, i. The first is to resist evil motions, in such a manner that though I feel myself to be assailed with grief for the prosperity of my neighbour, yet I give not consent to it ii. That it is better to rejoice at his good, as if it were my own, and to congratulate him upon them. iii. The third and most perfect is to wish that many had the same excellences that I have, and even greater, if it should so please God, rejoicing for this cause as if it were my own.
1. To move me to such excellent acts, I am to ponder that it is the generosity of a Christian mind to seek more God's pleasure than its own; and that it may be spread among many, and that in many respects. And if it be His will and for His glory that others should have greater natural or supernatural gifts than myself, it is just that my will also should condescend to it. I must not be like Josue the servant of Moses, who was envious that others should prophesy, but like Moses himself, who said, " Oh that all the people might prophesy, and that the Lord would give them His spirit," [2] that all were wise, were prudent and holy, and all served and glorified Almighty God. I must not
