332 PSALMS, cii. 2. [403.
Saviour *." Such a disposition is lovely even in the sight of God himself, and is esteemed by him as " an ornament of great priced." It should seem that this was a distinguishing feature in our Lord's character, since the Apostle particularly beseeches us '' by the meekness and gentleness of Christ^ :" and the more we have of the mind of Christ in this respect, the more " wisely shall we walk both towards them that are without^" the pale of the Church, and those that are within. The want of this dispo- sition renders our way far more difficult, whilst it incapa- citates us for encountering the difficulties which it puts in our way. This then we conceive to be our first object, to obtain a humble and subdued spirit, which, whilst it offends none who differ from us, qualifies us to bear with patience, and to turn to good account, whatever evils the unreasonableness of wicked men may inflict upon us. By means of it we shall " out of the eater bring forth meat, and out of the strong bring forth sweet ;" or, in other words, we shall make " all things work together for our good."]
2. With kindness and charity —
[There is really in many religious professors almost the same acrimony against the ungodly world, as there is in the un- godly world against them. But how unbecoming is this ! for, if there be a difference between"; us and others, who is it that has made us to differ **? And, if we see others yet lying in their na- tural enmity against God, what does their state call for, but pity and compassion ? Besides, love is the very end, yea the sum and substance, of all religion*. If we have not love, we may give all our goods to feed the poor, and our body to be burned, and yet be no better than "sounding brass, and tinkling cymbals'^." If this principle preside not in our hearts, we shall do nothing well*. This will lead us to consult the best interests of all around us : to study how we may most influence them for their good ; and to bend to circumstances, in order to abate their prejudice, and gain the easier access to their minds. It was from this principle that St. Paul " became all things to all men^" If he might but '* gain the more," he was ready to deny himself the most inno- cent enjovments, and to comply with any requisitions, which would consist with fidelity to his God. How conciliatory will be the conduct of one who acts under this principle ! With what ^' meekness will he give to an inquirer a reason of the hope that is in him ^ ; and convey instruction to a blind and obstinate opposer^! How cautiously will he *^ cut off occasion from those who seek occasion against him'!" How watchfully will he
" abstain
*Tit. ii. 10. MPet. iii. 4. *2Cor. x. 1.
° Col. iv, 5, •" 1 Cor. iv. /. " 1 Tim. i. 5.
•" 1 Cor. xiii. 1. « 1 Cor. xvi. 14, '1 Cor. ix. 19—22.
» J Pet. ill. 13. " 2 Tim. ii. 25. ' 2 Cor. xi. 12.
403.] A WrSE DEPORTMENT DELINEATED. 333
"abstain even from the appearance of evil''," and prevent, if possible, his good from being evil spoken of^ In a word, where love is in the heart, and " the law of kindness is in the lips," the enemies of religion will be '' put to silence, and the mouths of gainsayers be stopped."]
3. With prudence and foresight —
[Solomon observes, " I Wisdom dwell with Prudence™." But many seem to think that they have nothing to do with pru- dence : they have only to follow their own notions of duty, and to leave all conse(|uences to God. Hence they go forward in their own way, and in their own spirit ; never once considering, what may be the effect of their conduct on the minds of others : and, though they may do some good, they do more injury than they can well conceive. But if we would behave ourselves wisely in a perfect way, we must consider the probable consequences of our actions", and endeavour to accomplish our ends by the most inoffensive means. When Paul went to Jerusalem, where God's design of calling the Gentiles into his Church, and of abrogating the Mosaic ritual, was but imperfectly understood, he took the precaution of conferring privately with the leading members of that Church in the first instance °, in order to explain his views to them, and through them to remove the prejudices of the people at large. This was wise; and the wisdom of it appeared in the effects which followed. Similar precautions should be used by us in all our commerce with the world at large, or with the Church in particular : we should " give no unnecessary offence either to the Jew, or to the Greek, or to the Church of God." We should consider what every one can bear ; and should suit ourselves to his capacity or condition. Our blessed Lord himself set us this example, speaking every thing in a way of parables, according as his auditors were able to receive it?, St. Paul also administered *^milk or strong meat" to his con- verts, according as the measure of their proficiency required''. And we also are taught to act under the influence of the same principle, towards all whom we may have occasion to address 3 '^ not casting our pearls before swine," " nor pouring new wine into old bottles," but accommodating our instructions to the necessities and dispositions of all who hear us. In a word, " I would," as St.Paul says, "have you wise concerning that which is good, and simple concerning evil '^."]