wise lose its reward, much less shall services rendered to an enemy for his sake pass unnoticed. St. Peter tells us, that we are called to such trials, and carried through them hi a triumphant manner, on purpose " that we may inherit a blessing""." But the point is repeatedly asserted by our Lord himself: "Blessed are the merciful ; for they shall obtain mercy :" " Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven ^" Let this thought occupy the mind; and the performance of the duty will be a delightful task.]
Address —
\. Guard against those reasonings which favour the indulgence of a vindictive spirit —
[You will be sometimes inclined to think that the exercise of resentment is necessary ; and that if some displeasure be not manifested, your enemies will be emboldened to proceed to still further outrages. But look at the command of God ; and, if this be clearly on the side of forbearance and love, say to every contrary suggestion, " Get thee behind me, Satan ; thou art an offence unto me."]
2. Set the Lord Jesus Christ before you as your example —
[There are many passages in the Psalms which seem to breathe a spirit of revenge*^: but these are frequently only prophecies, which might properly have been translated in the future tense ; and when they are clearly imprecations, as some- times they doubtless are, they are spoken in the person of the Messiah, who had a right either to denounce or imprecate judg- ments on those who obstinately rejected all the offers of his grace. David, when speaking in his own person, manifested the same spirit that becomes us". But David was a fallible man, like unto us ; as we have seen in the case of Nabal. Look therefore to the Lord Jesus Christ himself, in whom was no sin. When you were enemies, He left the bosom of his Father for yovi : yea, " when you were yet enemies, he died for
you" ■ — I need say no more. Set him before you, and
your way will be clear; and, if you look to him for all needful succour, his "grace shall be sufficient for you," and you sliall be able to do all things thi'ough the strength he will impart.]
r 1 Pet. ill. 9. ^ Luke vi. 37.
t Particularly Ps. cix. throughout. ^ Ps. xxxv. 13, 14.