302 DOCTRINE OF 11E PASSIONS. him ; if he thirst, give him drink ; so shalt thou heap coals offire upon his head ; either to melt him down to friendly submission,' or to bring the vengeance of God upon him, if he will not be re- conciled. 11. If you are angry with a good man, do you not hope to meet him shortly in heaven, in the regions of peace and love ? Andwill you not be ashamed to meet him in heaven, whom you reviled and persecuted here on earth ? If it be a wicked man; against whom you shew your resentment, he will shortly fall un- der the just wrath of God, unless he repent, and he needs not to have the addition of yours : He will be given ep to the rage and insults of devils hereafter, andyou need net begin to torment him here with your revenges. 12. Suppose you knew that you were near death, and that your enemy Were also dying, would you notdesire to be recòn- ciled to him beforethat awful moment ? Consider that you are both dying creatures, borderers on the grave and eternity Suffer the sun to gó down upon your wrath ; Eph. iv. 26. lest both your souls should be required this night, lest yod die before you are reconciled ; and I am sure, if you are christian, ait unreconciled spirit will make the hour of death very uneasy, and render your passage out of this world dark and uncomfortable. But I per- suade myself better things concerning every one who is a true disciple of Christ. SECT. XXIV.Some Universal Directions which Relate to all the Forementioned Passions, and the Regulation 'of them. I shall divide these last general directions into two sorts; The first sort may be called moral and philosophical ; and the second, religious or divine. The moral or philosophical direc- tions are these : 1. Let the regulation of your passions be the care of your younger years, and carry on this necessary work through your whole life, without intermission. The grave is the only burying- place of unruly affections. If you are' so happy as to have begun this self-government in childhood, and been taught to suppress the irregular motions of the heart betimes, you will make the remaining work much more easy, and the following parts of life more peaceful and honourable ; though perhaps there is no complete victory till we are dismissed from flesh and blood. Root up the foul weeds of pride, malice and envy, assoon as ever you find them springing : Let thembe nipt in their very bud and infancy, lest they fix their roots too deep in the heart tó be removed, and bear the bitter fruits of mischief, iniquity, and death. A tender plant is sooner rooted up than an old and sturdy tree. Bend the more lawful and useful passions of love,
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