Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-11-03
THE GAZETTE.
THURSDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 3, 1859.
ICOAMUSICATED.
ENIY.-BY !. u. JOHNSON.

lCOAMCSlCATED.
ENNl.-BY J. u. JOHNSON.
How foul is Envy. and like tepToSy it
essays to blight by its contamination, all
that is good, lovely, and useful. II converts
the bosom in which it dwels into a Sahara,
whence it sends forth typhon that is inten-
ded 10 destroy all save the offspring OF Its
own morbid and unholy wishes. Seli-con-
ccit is its parent, and Incidence its nurse
The eyorbtant value which the former sets
upon its claims, and the extreme difficulty
of making that value current, give prece-
dence to the loftier but less froward emotions
of another, and by this triumph Of rival is
occasioned the birth Of Envy, which when
fully grown becomes the most malign OF mo
raj diseases, and when once fastened upon
the soul, renders it not only an infection TO
the body which it WHITES, but u pestilence TO
that superiority in others which it 50 much
loathes. and 50 much desires to obscure
Panoplied in the full armor OF seli-impor-
lance. il sneers at its nei ghbors; and should
its snarls fail to iniure its superiors, 1t re
pines in the sorest disappointment because
they will prosper in spite OF its determlna-
ton to impede their steps towards success
and usefulness.
No affection ia more detestably inveterate:
and notwithstanding it may be occasionally
appeased by the kindly indifferent treatment
of those against whom it is directed, 1t IS
sure to relapse again into all its vlrulency,
and to manifest all its former malignity.-
II works by cunning and deceit, and Sows us
vile seed among the generous acts of another,
in order to rust and blight his wellcarned
harvest 1t is the despoiler Of public and
social peace: and why some persons should
spend the best moments OF their lives III de-
yising means to overthrow another'S welfare,
j. difficult to expound and Illuminating I"
contemplate.
Let those who are possessed OF this mir
mity. think, not only to what extent they
injure the innocent but also how much they
debsse themselves, and dishonor the name
of man. Let them remember, that the will
is its own effect, and makes good of evil or
evil Of good; and that when invidlously Oh,
rected, acknowledges its own inierlority, and
pays the highest compliment to the virtue
of those whom it strives to depresS: Tor Merit
needs not even Envy to indicate It's worth,
and being occupied in the execution OF pure
designs, it is too noble in its attributes 70
stoop 70 mean competition and low jealousy.
Those who would escape the infection OF
Envy must avoid the disgusting traits OF pet
~ pride and eschew the vice of Incidence;
for they beget it; and when once aroused,
no emotion degrades an individual more, or
occasions him less pleasure or more pam.
The invidious too, are constantly digging
pits for others, and fell therein themselves;
and so intent are they upon obstructing the
progress of their neighbors 10 prosperity,
that they neglect their own welfare, and
like dogs baying the moon, watch the on
ward steps OF others, and lose golden oppor,
tunities of improving their own powers, and
OF treading the path which leads 10 the eml,
hence which they so meanly c"vet, but have
not the courage to strive to attain; Tor they
perish by the wayside, filled to the last with
bitterness by the sight Of the advancement
of those whom they would blast by look
October 81, 1859.