Self- government e f fential to Wifdotn, 219 Firfi, Let us confider what it is to have SE R M. rule over our own fpirits. It is obferved by IX. expofitors, that the word rendered fpirit, `'Y"'' fometimes, in the writings of this author, fignifieth anger, as, Ecclef. x. 4. If the fpirit of the ruler (that is his wrath) rife againfi thee, leave not thy place; for yielding paci- fieth ofences. And Prov. xvi. 32. He that is flow to anger, is better than the mighty, and he that ruleth his fpirit, than he that taketh a city. This, no doubt, is one of the pafions which ought to be kept under a fteady government, if we would make any proficiency in wifdom, for it refleth in the jofom of fools. But there are other affeaions and pallions of the human nature, which for the fame reafon it is neceffary to reftrain and controul, becaufe, often riling to an ex- orbitant height, they are enemies to virtue. To have a juft view of this fubjea, we ought to confider the intire conftitution of our minds, and all their powers and facul- ties, affections and paffions, between which there is fuppofed a great difference, feeing it is the fame agent who is to rule and be ruled ; that is, the fame fpirit. There is fomething in it which hath a right to do- minion, as being in its nature fuperior ; there
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