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 neighbour as himself, is proved by the great commandment of the gospel. That man seeks his happiness in the very reverse, in the love of himself and of the world, is proved by the experience of every human being. The love of rule is the universally prevalent affection of fallen humanity. The disciples of the Lord, like the men of the world, are ever contending who shall be greatest. Religion is infected with bigotry and intolerance; philanthropy with jealousy, lest its alms should be forestalled; literature pours forth half-digested crudities, fearful of losing the credit of originality; wealth demands its privileges, poverty its tights; infancy and age alike love rule. From the cradle to the grave, man strives to rise above his neighbour. Adored be that Infinite mercy, which out of evil bringeth forth good! which converts even the sources of misery into means of happiness. Does not that very love of rule, which, in its state of alienation from God, thirsts for universal dominion, become, when submitted to the Divine government, the most important means of promoting the welfare of mankind? Is it not that desire of achievement by which noble ends are attained, difficulties overcome, and every useful service to the state accomplished?

The aim of wisdom, then—the design of the Divine Providence—is not to annihilate man's selfhood or proprium, but to regenerate it. Not to destroy what God has made, but to raise and purify what man has corrupted. If the love of rule, separate from God, lusts for dominion and spurns authority; seeks to suppress, while it boasts of, freedom; is rash and revengeful, cruel and proud;—when submitted to God, and controlled by his Spirit, it becomes his faithful