SLRM. XXVIII.) A LOVELY CARRIAGE,. &C. 46:3 And. as he never loves to give offence to any man, so neither is he presently offended. It is only the more peevish and feeble pieces of human nature, that are ready to take offence at trifles, and many times they make their own foolish jealousies a sufficient ground for their indignation. We cannot expect to pass through theworld, and,find every thing peaceful and pleasant in it. All men wilt not be of our mind, nor agree to promote our interest. There are savages in this wilderness, which lies in our way to the heavenly Canaan; and we must sometimes hear them roar against us. Divine courage will enable us to walk onward without fear, and meekness will teach is to pass by without resenting. We should learn to feel many a spark of angry fire falling upon us from the tongues of others, and yet our hearts should not be like tinder ready to catch the flame, and to return the blaze. The meek Christian, at such a season, possesses his soul in patience, as good David did, when Shimei sent his . malice and his curses after him; The saint at that time . was in an humble temper, and said, "Let Shimei curse," `.` We should not render evil for evil, but according to the sacred direction of scripture, endeavour to overcome evil with good," Rom. xii. 21. . Anger is not utterly forbidden to the Christian ; yet happy is he that has the least occasion for it. In Eph. iv. 26. the apostle gives us this rule: " Be ye angry, and sin 'net." As if he would have said, when. the affairs of life seem to require a just resentment and anger, look upon it as a dangerous moment, and watch against a sin- ful excess. Let us never give awild loose to our wrath, but always hold the reins of government with a strong hand, lest it break out into forbidden mischief. When we give ourselves leave to be offended, let the anger ap- pear to. he directed against the sin of the offender, if pos- sible, more than against his person. Let our anger be well-timed, both"as to the season and the length of it. The seasons of it should be very un- common; a Christian should seldom awaken his anger, and the continuance of it must be very short. " Let not the sun go down upon your wrath, nor give, place to the devil," Eph. iv. 26, 27. The long: sullen resentment which is practised by some persons, carried on from,day 5
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