18. Are we to exercise this duty, even when we are suffering for good conduct?

If when ye do well and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God; for even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps. (I. Pet. 2. 20, 21.)

19. Is patience very beneficial and necessary?

Ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. (10 Heb. 36.)

It is good that a man should both hope, and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. (3 Lam. 26.)

20. Are we required to be followers of the Saints

now in bliss?

Be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (6 Heb. 12.)

21. Are we to fulfil these duties in all our social relations?

Comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man: but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. (1 Thes. 5. 14, 15.)

22. What promise encourages perseverance?

Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord. (6 Hos. 3.)

23. How does Christ enforce this duty?

No man having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (9 Lk. 62.)

Continue ye in my love. (15 Jn. 9.)

24. How does the Apostle refer to his determined perseverance?

This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (3 Phi. 13, 14.)

25. How did the Apostle stimulate the Hebrews?

Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God: for consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. (12 Heb. 1, 2, 3.)

26. What advice does St. Paul give to Timothy?

Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned, and hast been assured of. (II. Tim. 3. 14.)

27. Is the contemplation of Christ suited to promote steadfastness ?

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (4 Heb. 14.)

28. Is God displeased with those who do not persevere ?

Now the just shall live by faith; but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. (10 Heb. 38.)

29. How does St. Peter exhort to perseverance and growth in grace?

Beware lest ye also being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, aud in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: To bim be glory both now and ever, Amen. (II, Pet. 3. 17,18,)

XIX. ANGER, STRIFE, HATRED, MALICE AND REVENGE.-ENVY.

Commands against anger, strife, hatred, malice and revenge-Evil effects of Punishment of Cautions against-Duty of governing the passions-Envy.

1. How does the Psalmist caution against anger? Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. (37 P. 8.)

2. How does Solomon exhort against it?

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry; for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. (7 Ec. 9.)

3. How does St. Paul guard the Ephesians against evil passions?

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil-speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. (4 Eph. 31, 32. and 5 Eph. 1, 2.)

4. What does St. Paul say on this subject to the Phillipians?

Do all things without murmurings, and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world: holding forth the word of life. (2 Phil, 14 to 16.)

5. How does St. James caution against wrath?

Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. (I. Jas. 19, 20.)

6. What evils does St. Peter say must be laid aside?

All malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings: as new-born babes desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby. (I. Pet. 2. 1.)

7. Is that man a hypocrite who professes to love God and yet hates his brother?

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God, love his brother also. (I. Jn. 4. 20, 21.)

8. What is the sixth Commandment? Thou shalt not kill. (20 Ex. 13.)

9. How does St. John explain the extent of this command?

Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer. (I. Jn. 3. 15.)

10. How does Solomon caution against the beginning of strife?

The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water, therefore leave off contention before it be meddled with. (17 Pr. 14.)

11. How is strife produced?

A wrathful man stirreth up strife, but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. (15 Pr. 18)

Hatred stirreth up strifes, but love covereth all sins. (10 Pr. 12.)

12. To what does Solomon compare the man who has no command over his passions?

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. (25 Pr. 28.)

13. Is he likely to be punished who needlessly meddles with strife?

He that passeth by and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. (26 Pr. 17.)

14. What punishments did Christ denounce against anger?

Whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause, shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say unto his brother, Raca, * shall be in danger of the council; but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. (5 Mt. 22.)

15. Are our passions often regulated by our words? A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger. (15 Pr. 1.)

16. When anger is justly excited how must it be always governed?

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath, neither give place to the devil. (4 Eph. 26, 27.)

17. Is revenge wholly prohibited?

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (12 Ro. 18 to 21.)

*Thou empty worthless fellow.