1 S4 Of Patience. SERM. the variety of their pallions, which it is the VJI. province of patience to fupprefs ; I shall L.') briefly mention fome of them, and thereby farther Phew you how we ought to be ex- ercifed under the chaftening, which for the prefent feemeth not to be joyous but grievous. In general it is to be obferved, that the calm - nefs and ferenity of the mind is its health and vigour; when we are difpafíionate and fedate, acting upon cool and ferious thoughts with deliberation, then only it is that we enjoy ourfelves, and behave as becometh reafonable creatures and chriftians. The preferving this temper under afi &ion is practifing the vir- tue of patience. And every prevailing paillon is contrary to it, which hurries us with vio- Ience, and breaks the compofure of our fpi- rits, whether it be an exceffive dejection of mind, fear, or anger. Defpair is an extreme we are apt to fall into, or an immoderate, overwhelming foù ow, without hope, which worketh death. How apt are fome at leaft, to fink under difcouragement, and faint in the day of adverfity, becaufe their firength is (mall? There is no fpirit left in them, no expectation of any relief. Chearfulnefs and courage therefore, in oppofition to this, is one neceffary ingredient in the chriflian virtue
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