SECTION XXIII. 495 their own hands against themselves, to put an end to theirmisera- ble life on earth, by plunging into eternity witha venture ofever- lasting misery. 11. When your thoughts have meditated on all these dismal attendants of immoderate sorrow, set your will and your hands to work, as well as your mind. Endeavour to employyourself in some business, though your sorrow would plead for sloth, and would let all things run at random. Instead of wasting life in fruitless moans and complaints, do something, ifpossible, toward the relief of your presentaffliction, and they removal ofthat burden which overpresses you. Arise and shake off this Leavy clog, break these fetters of the soul, constrain yourself to activity of some kindor other, if it be but in a way of amusement. Divert the mind this way from the dark and mournful ideas that press upon it. Many a person had gone down mourning to their graves, for the loss of some dear friend or relative, if the neces- sary duties and business of life hadnot given theta a constant and powerful relief. 12. Read over the commands of scripture, to rejoice in the Lord, Phil. iv. 4. and make conscienceof fulfilling that duty, as well as any other: True religion gives a sufficientyoundatïon for constant joy, and the joy of the Lord shall be your strength; Neh. viii. 10. to discharge many other duties of righteousness. Ifa spirit of melancholy, seize you, there may be -severaluseful advices found in Mr. Roger's " Treatise of Trouble of Mind," second edition 1700, and Mr. Baxter's Accountof Melancholy, and his Directions about it, gathered out of his works, by Mr. Samuel Clifford, and reduced to order in a little book, 1716. SECT. XXIII.Rules to Govern our Anger, and to Prevent the sinful E,feet ofit, viz. Revenge. Anger, considered in itself, is not an unlawful passion. If we otrselves were perfect and innocent, and were to converse only with innocent creatures, perhaps there would be no occa- sion for the exercise ofit. But since we dwell in aworldwhere vice, folly, impiety, oppression, injustice and wickedness abound, there will be frequent and just occasion for anger. We have reason, too often, to be angry with ourselves, when we indulge iniquity and folly And we maylawfully express our resentment against the crimes and vices of others. Their offences against God, against men, against ourselves, may raise in us a righteous resentment. Bold impiety against our Maker, or injusticeand cruelty against our fellow- creatures, stir up our just indignation and wrath. Insolence, oppression and mischief, practised or attempted against ourselves, or our friends, awaken the powers of flesh and blood for sudden self- defence, or the relief of the sufferer. These ferments and commotions of nature, were
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