Imatges de pàgina
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soon displeased on ordinary occasions. Every one has his frailty, which easily besets him, when any accidental cause occurs to excite it. One is displeased at the pride of a superior; another at the opposition of an equal; a third at the contumacy of an inferior. Many are provoked to the indulgence of bad humour from the cares of the world, from the unsuccessful issue of their pursuits, and from the unavoidable accidents of human life. When such things befal them, they are apt to discharge their ill-nature on every one around them, however undeserving of such treatment. Not a few are so impious as to repine at the course of the seasons, the changes of the weather, and the dispensations of providence; which renders them uneasy in themselves, and ready to display their sullen temper towards all within their reach.-Nay, the least circum. stance which displeases them in their domestic concerns, is often sufficient to put their spirits in a ferment; which does not subside, till it has evaporated in spiteful effusions and contumelious reproaches. Even a word unadvisedly spoken, will kindle in the breasts of some men a degree of wrath as vehement as it is inexcusable, which disturbs the tranquillity of a whole family. And when to these causes are added, the various offences which originate from the perverseness of mankind with whom we converse, it is no wonder that the irritable acquire a habit of impatient anger, which breaks out on the least occasion. But if we reflected on the unimportant nature of those matters which often excite our irrascible affections, and how unworthy they are of discomposing us to such a degree; we would be ashamed to indulge that spirit of bitterness and wrath, which we daily exhibit, and preserve our souls in equanimity and peace.

More especially would we be induced to forbear all excesses of anger, if we considered the if we considered the consequences which generally ensue from it. This passion creates in the mind the most uneasy sensations, and fills it with such tumultuous emotions, as render the man addicted to it, incapable for a while of enjoying himself, or any other thing, with satisfaction. And when it rises to such a height as transports us beyond the bounds of moderation, its agita

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tions are the source of mental anguish the most acute; and, when they frequently return, disorder the animal spirits in so great a degree, as to superinduce a gradual relaxation of the nervous system. Also, when the paroxysm of rage has abated, and we begin to reflect on the folly of our conduct, self-reproach is the unavoidable consequence; which is the more intolerable, as we are then sensible that no sufficient reason was afforded for that excess of passion, which we displayed in so unwarrantable a manner. Moreover, by those incivilities of which we have been guilty in a moment of irritation, we may have alienated the affections of our dearest friends; and said or done things which we shall regret for ever afterwards, without being able to repair them. For, as the wise man says, "a brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city;" and therefore if we would not exasperate the feelings of those whom we should love as our own soul, let us leave off contention, before it be meddled with."

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Besides, by the violent emotions thereby excited, it will not permit us to have recourse to those measures, which are requisite for insuring success in our most important affairs. For," he that hath no rule over his spirit, is as a city broken down and without walls;" liable to be imposed on by his own passions, and by those with whom he has intercourse.-In addition to this, the wrathful man exposes himself to the scorn of others, by uttering such indecent expressions as he would be ashamed of in his sober moments; so that he verifies the maxim of Solomon, that he who is hasty of spirit exalteth folly." Even the capricious fretfulness which some indulge, proves a source of constant uneasiness to their domestic companions, who must bear it all, however undeservedly. And if anger bursts forth into passionate rage, it will instigate us to utter the most malignant reproaches, and insinuate the most bitter invectives against those whom we should treat with kindness and esteem. If it leads us moreover, to conceive a prejudice against another, it will never rest satisfied, till it pursues him with unrelenting hatred, and satiates its vengeance by some act of spiteful mischief on

the head of the obnoxious individual. Such are the direful consequences arising from the indulgence of this infuriated passion, which should render it detestable in our estimation, and induce us to check the least tendency to it in our breasts.-That we may do so, let us consider,

III. The reasons by which we should restrain our anger within the bounds of moderation.

The occasions on which we have to express our displeasure against others are generally such, that a determined disapprobation of the offence committed, uttered in a temperate and dispassionate manner, (with a signification of our wish that it shall not be repeated, under pain of losing our favour,) will generally be more effectual to deter others from injuring us, than the most boisterous effusions of rage and indignation. Let us therefore reflect, that there is no necessity for exciting our feelings to a state of irritation, in order to keep mankind in awe; since a resolution on our part to resist steadily every encroachment on our rights, to defend ourselves by lawful means against their oppressions, will prevent them from provoking us, when they know that it will not be done with impunity.If reason is a better defence than passion against injurious treatment, and therefore should in a great measure supersede its indulgence; how much more unwarrantable is it to be exasperated at the petty faults and follies of those with whom we converse? Sometimes these are so trifling as to be beneath our regard; sometimes they proceed from unguarded negligence; and sometimes from ignorance in the persons who commit them. In such cases, it is surely unreasonable to be transported with passion, when there is no sufficient grounds to justify it.

Let us reflect also, that mankind have their prejudices, their interests, and humours, which often prompt them to act in a manner which we cannot approve: but that this is only what might be expected from them, and therefore should not render us uneasy,' as it must needs be that offences will come, as long as human nature is so much perverted. Let us therefore bear them, as our allotted trial in the present world, and in patience possess our souls

amidst the unavoidable provocations to which we are subjected. But we may allege, that we sometimes meet with reproaches which cannot be tolerated without resentment. We know, however, that those men who offer them are void of that sense of propriety which becomes them, and therefore are rather objects of contempt than indignation ; and that we degrade ourselves by taking any notice of their brutal behaviour. Or, if others from whom we had reason to expect better treatment, sometimes offend us, it is perhaps in an evil hour, when their spirits are inflamed by passion or other incidental causes, and therefore we should impute their behaviour rather to the influence of circumstances, than to a malevolent intention. For provocations have no power to injure our feelings, unless from the conception we entertain of their nature; and if we thus resolve to regard them in such a light as has been represented, we may preserve our minds from the emotions of anger, and live peaceably with all men.-But if we will still indulge bitterness and wrath, let us be persuaded to conquer such an unruly passion, by representing to ourselves, how much vexation of mind it produces; how it exposes us to contempt from men, and renders us obnoxious to the divine displeasure. These are reasons which should check the impetuosity of our tempers, if we have any regard to our happiness, reputation, or peace of

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Besides, is it not much more noble to overcome the violence of our spirits, and maintain self-command, than to yield to every turbulent emotion which rises in our breasts? "The discretion of a man deferreth his anger, and it is his glory to pass over a transgression." To be angry about trifles is unmanly, to be transported with rage is brutish, and to be sullen or malicious is devilish; whereas to be forbearing and forgiving is godlike and divine. "The wisdom that is from above is peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated." It teaches us, that though another be rude and uncivil, we should not imitate him by a similar conduct, but "let our moderation be known unto all men."-Another reason for suppressing our anger is, because it renders us incapable of performing

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the offices of life in an acceptable manner. A heart full of rage and spite can never offer an agreeable service either of a religious or social nature; and accordingly our Saviour enjoins, that "if we bring our gift to the altar, and there remember that our brother hath ought against us; we must go our way, first be reconciled to our brother, and then come and offer our gift." Our religion requires, that we should agree with our adversary quickly while we are in the way with him; and that all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and malice, should be put away from us, as becometh saints. Again, let us consider how many provocations the Almighty has received from us, which he is ready to pardon for Christ's sake; how he bears with our perverseness, and is still waiting to be gracious; and therefore we should also forgive the offences of our brethren. If God has remitted us ten thousand talents, is it a hard matter to excuse them a hundred pence? "Let us not be overcome of evil, but let us overcome evil with good."-But the reason which, above all, should induce us to the exercise of clemency is, that it is the condition on which depends our forgiveness with God. For, saith the scripture, if we forgive not men their trespasses, neither will our heavenly Father forgive us." As we all stand in need of the divine mercy, let us not exclude ourselves from it by implacable resentment: but "let us put on as the elect of God, bowels of mercies, kindness, meekness, long-suffering, forbearing one another, and forgiving one another: if any man have a quarrel against another, even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."-Finally, let us consider, that if we expect to meet in heaven, with those friends whom we now converse with on earth, we must be kindly-affectioned one towards another, for in that happy place no strife nor contention shall ever enter: and therefore" let us now love one another with pure hearts fervently." For, "charity is not easily provoked," but "suffereth long and is kind: it beareth all things, hopeth all things, and endureth all things." Charity never faileth, but shall cement the hearts of the redeemed around the throne of God. Let us, then, learn to practise this virtue as we have opportunity, and we shall be

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