Bates - BT766 B3 1699

2 50. Spiritual Perfec`7ion. But the Command is, Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good. The Duty is fo pleafant in its exercife, and attended with fuch comfortable Con- , fequences, that 'tis recommended to our Reafon, and our Affe&ions. Love fuf- fers long ; Love bears all things, endures all things : And what is more ingaging than the delightful difpofition of Love ? Thedoing Good for Evil often gains the Heart of an Enemy : If there be any vital fpark of Humanity, it cannot be refilled. There is an Inirance of it re- corded in Scripture : Saul the unrighte- ous and implacable Enemy of David, yet being fpar'd when he was entirely at his Mercy, was moved and melted into tendernefs : Is this thy voice, my Son David? Before, he in Contempt called him the Son of fefe. Thou art more righteous than I ; I will do thee no more evil. Howwill fome of the Heathens con- demn Chriftians, both as to the Rule and Pra&ice of this Duty ; for whereas 'tis efieem'd to be the Chara&er of Pu- fillanimity or Stupidity to Qar frequent and great Injuries unrevend. One of their Poets mixed this Counîel among other excellent Rules of Morality, That Man is arrived at an heroick degree of Goodnef, who is inflriaed in a difpafonate manner,

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