aspects, and prosecute its operations with dissimilar advantages. There is one description of individuals laid open beyond others to its influence; those, namely, who for whatever purpose are associated, whether avowedly or tacitly, into a party. I mean not to speak of political parties in the legislature; though to them, and especially to the leaders of them, the spirit of the observations to be subjoined, if it will apply to any man, will apply with particular pertinency. I speak of petty parties in private life. These, at one time, arise from the pursuit of a common professional object; at another, from union in a commercial underfaking; at another, from concurrence in some religious distinction. Into all these associations, blameless or laudable as the origin of them may be, the general evils adhering to party insinuate themselves. The persons who stand at the head are very generally seen to become elated by pre-eminence. If the party be formed on a religious ground; the leader, not unusually, grows supercilious, dogmatical, impatient of contradiction. But in each association, and from the highest even to the lowest member of it, Partiality is commonly discernible, often prevalent. There is a manifestation of a narrow-minded spirit

of exclusion towards persons who do not belong to the body. Towards those who do belong to it, unreasonable preferences and unmerited countenance are extended. For their several interests, as well as for the general advantage of the body, proceedings widely at variance with the rule of Christian love to our neighbour are adopted and upheld. In parties constructed on a still smaller scale kindred consequences are visible. An individual becomes in his own circle, or in his own house, the head of a little knot of partizans. Into the number of these favourites, who commonly owe the distinction to an acquiescence in the opinions, a compliance with the humours, and a support of the projects, of the principal, no one who does not evince corresponding acquiescence, and compliance, and support, finds admission. At any rate, when refractoriness becomes. evident, favour is withdrawn. On behalf of those who continue to submit, Partiality is constantly exercised. Their good qualities are overcharged; their faults are vindicated; their interests are promoted at the expence of other men. Among the female sex also these minor parties are not very unfrequent. Whether subsisting among women or among men, they are highly inju

9*

rious

rious to the individual who governs, and to the persons who are held in subjection. They foster on the one side self-conceit, ungraciousness of manners, irritability and impetuosity of temper: on the other, flattery, direct or indirect, servile obsequiousness, dissimulation and cunning: on both sides, Partiality. Where is the spirit of Christian humility? Where is the spirit of Christian sincerity? Where is the spirit of Christian love?

SER

And in those Days, when the Number of the Disciples was multiplied, there arose a Murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their Widows were neglected in the daily Ministration.

SUSPICION is the second subject, to which the passage of Scripture now before us leads our meditations.

The Grecian Jews, feeling themselves in some measure considered as foreigners at Jerusalem, would easily be tempted to apprehend that their widows would not be relieved with the same fairness and liberality as those of the Hebrews. And if they were also conscious that the fund from which the relief came had been raised principally among the Hebrews, their suspicions would be strengthened. Yet it is very possible that, notwith

notwithstanding their surmises *, the distribution had been made with impartiality and propriety: or at any rate that, if the reasonable claims of the Grecian widows had been more or less overlooked, the neglect had arisen from accident, not from evil intention.

There are various sources from which a habit of suspicion may arise.

Some persons are naturally of a fearful turn of mind. Open to alarm, and apprehensive of injury or of danger, they easily suppose mischief and unkindness to be in contemplation against them; and attribute malevolent intentions to others not only beyond proof, but without proof, without evidence, without probability.

Others are rendered suspicious by a consciousness of weakness. Perceiving that plans to their detriment might be accomplished without difficulty, they conclude that their situation cannot escape the notice of designing and interested men, and will of itself invite and persuade them to take advantage of it.

Some persons again, overvaluing worldly objects and worldly estimation, and being in consequence extremely solicitous to retain

The original words, yeyyvoμos of apεtemplo, &c. might perhaps be rendered-" there arose a murmuring that their "widows were neglected."

possession