whilst it incapacitates 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 un- reasonableness 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 chanty —
[There is really in many religious professors almost the same acrimony against the ungodly world, as there is in the ungodly 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 b? And, if we see others yet lying in their natural 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 religion0. 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'1." If this principle preside not in our hearts, we shall do nothing welle. 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 menf." If he might but " gain the more," he was ready to deny himself the most innocent enjoyments, 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 himg; and convey instruction to a blind and obstinate opposer11! How cautiously will he " cut off" occasion from those who seek occasion against him1!" How watchfully will he " abstain even from the appearance of evilk," and prevent, if possible, his good from being evil spoken of1. 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
b 1 Cor. iv. 7. c 1 Tim. i. 5. M Cor. xiii. 1.
e 1 Cor.xvi. 14. f 1 Cor. ix. 19—22. e 1 Pet. iii. 15.
h 2 Tim. ii. 25. i 2 Cor. xi. 12. * 1 Thess. v. 22.
1 Rom. xiv. 16. m Prov. viii. 12.