The Scripture directory for church-officers and people, or, A practical commentary upon the whole…

First, Turn Envy into Pity; and this is an excellent cure. Nothing breaketh Envy, so soon as Pity. Now their is no good thou enviest at in others, but it affords meditation of Pity and Prayer for them that have it, rather then Envy. For if they be wicked men, whose prosperity thou enviest, David tells you, they stand in slippery places, and they are fatted to destruction. Does any envy the Garlands and Crowns that were put on Beasts, when they went to be sacrificed? The godly, who are so apt to look with an ill eye, at the great abundance, success, and outward happiness of wicked men, should remember this; Their great Honours, are but like oil poured into the fire, to make it burn hotter. And if he be godly that hath outward mercies, then he hath the greater account to give: He hath received more Talents, and so greater increase is expected. So that he is more to be prayed for: He having a greater Treasure, is more obnoxious to thefts and dangers.

First, Turn Envy into Pity; and this is an excellent cure. Nothing breaketh Envy, so soon as Pity. Now their is no good thou enviest at in others, but it affords meditation of Pity and Prayer for them that have it, rather then Envy. For if they be wicked men, whose prosperity thou enviest, David tels you, they stand in slippery places, and they are fatted to destruction. Does any envy the Garlands and Crowns that were put on Beasts, when they went to be sacrificed? The godly, who are so apt to look with an ill eye, at the great abundance, success, and outward happiness of wicked men, should remember this; Their great Honours, are but like oyl poured into the fire, to make it burn hotter. And if he be godly that hath outward mercies, then he hath the greater account to give: He hath received more Talents, and so greater increase is expected. So that he is more to be prayed for: He having a greater Treasure, is more obnoxious to theifts and dangers.

Secondly, Consider That if instead of Envy, thou wouldst bless and praise God for the Gifts and Graces bestowed upon others, they would thereby be made thine. When thou canst glorify God for the great abilities given to others, and rejoice in the success they have; though thy glory be obscured, this makes it accountable to thee. For as he that wills, and consents, and delights in other mens wickedness, makes theirs his, so it is in good things.