In deprecating pride, whether of mind, body, or estate, after discussing the latter, he remarks on the more seductive influence of intellectual superiority; he says: "The mind is no more ours than the body;" that the success of intellect depends on varieties of opportunity, qualities of mind, &c.; that all are alike given us, and that any merit which the mind may bring, consists, not in the successes of intellect, but in the purity of the motive by which they are guided.
PRIDE OF POSITION.
"It requires great and constant reflection to prevent a man from becoming vain, who is placed in high office. He receives such constant deference and respect to his opinions and wishes from all around him, such ready obedience, that he might be led to imagine he was a creature of superior order."
In some memoranda connected with things which had vexed him, we find: "If justice, good will, and candour, were common, the world would be too happy; it would not be what it now is—a state of exertion and trial; of strenuous efforts, which contribute to the general good; and, when efforts are unavailing, of trials which demand fortitude, patience, and submission." MSS.
In allusion to some preceding reflections, "It being intended to show that the conduct enjoined by the Scriptures is the same that philosophy should inculcate, and that the preceding considerations would not only almost persuade, but oblige every one to be a Christian in conduct, whatever he might be in creed."
"To me it seems that the inspired origin of Christianity may be fairly inferred from its wonderful adaptations to the wants and feelings of the human mind. The Author of the Christian Religion knew the mind of man, and all those feelings and considerations which support and confirm him in well-doing. That feelings, to become vivid, strong, and habitual, must be often repeated; and therefore that prayer and the ceremonials of Religion were not only right, but due to that Power by whose ordinances we live, and move, and have our being. How perfect a knowledge of the human mind evince those precepts which instruct us, distrusting our own constancy, to shun temptation and evil society. To engage ourselves in constant and useful employment, and to suppress the first movements of the mind, which, if continued, would urge us with increased force and velocity to error. Human observation teaches that the feelings of man are the source of their happiness or misery, and the causes of their conduct. The Christian Religion operates on our feelings, by teaching us the government of the mind, and showing that Christianity does not consist merely in evil doing, but in evil thinking."