presume to use the petulant language of Cain™—, but rather endeavour to obey the injunction which God has given us" — ; and, with respect to ourselves, let us seek in all things that conformity to Christ which is required of us° — .]
They afford us a proper example for our imitation —
[Phinehas of old was called to execute the judgment he inflicted on Zimrip. Thus Jesus, as the Prophet of the Most High, was called to vindicate God's honour. In the same manner we should do whatever our place and station require : we must not all take on ourselves the office of magistrates, or assume the authority which does not belong to our situation and circumstances. Our zeal must be regulated by the word of God. It must be in a good cause ; and in support of truth and virtue q : it must be pure ; and free from bigotry, ostenta- tion, or wrath1: it must be discreet, not precipitating us into unbecoming conduct s : it must be proportioned, in a measure, to the occasion that excites it ; and it must be uniform, opposing sin in ourselves, as much as in others*. Such a zeal as this cannot be too vigorously maintained". An intemperate zeal will injure the cause it attempts to serve ; but that which is duly tempered with meekness and wisdom, will be productive of much goodx. Let us then check the unhallowed zeal that would call fire from heaven y, and cherish that which is meek, humble, pious and benevolent2. Thus shall we approve ourselves to be God's peculiar people3; and, while we please our God, shall be a blessing to all around us.]
m Gen. iv. 9. n Lev. xix. 17. ° 1 John ii. 6.
P He was a ruler himself, and acted by the command of the chief magistrate. Compare 1 Chron. ix. 20. Numb. xxv. 5, 7, 8.
i Rom. x. 2. r 2 Kings x. 16. * Jude, ver. 22, 23.
r Rev. hi. 19. u Rom. xii. 11. * Gal. iv. 18.
y Luke ix. 54. z Jam. hi. 17. a Tit. ii. 14.