purpose, if he were not allowed to exercise it in the support of virtue and the punishment of vice11. Parents, masters, ministers, must exercise the authority committed to them. It is the vindictive disposition that is forbidden, and the unwearied exercise of love that is inculcated ]
2. Enforce it —
[Many arguments will arise in our corrupt minds against the discharge of this sublime and self-denying duty. ' The persons who have used us ill, do not deserve kind treatment ; and the exercise of continued kindness to them will only en- courage them to proceed in their injurious conduct ; whereas a proper display of spirit on our part will tend to intimidate and restrain them.' This may appear to be just reasoning; but it is directly contrary to God's command. We are not to consider what others deserve to suffer, but what we are required to do. As to the use that others will make of our kindness, that is no concern of ours ; we have only to obey God, and leave all events to him. To yield, to turn the left cheek to him that smites us on the right, and to return good for evil, may sound to us as " hard sayings ;" but they are the path of duty, of honour, and of happiness ]
3. Give directions for the performance of it —
\Get a deep sense of your own vileness. — When you are thoroughly sensible how many talents you owe to your Heavenly Master, you will not very readily take your fellow-servant by the throat for the few pence that he may owe to you.
Contemplate frequently the mercy which Christ has vouch- safed, and is daily vouchsafing, to you. — How will this put you to shame, when you feel the risings of anger or revenge against even your bitterest enemy ! Surely you will fall upon your knees before God, and pray for grace to " forgive others even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you :" and that not thrice, or " seven times, but seventy times seven."
Be much in prayer to God for the assistance of his Holy Spirit. — Without his aid you can do nothing: but there is nothing so great, which you shall not be able to do through Christ strengthening you0,]
n Rom. xiii. 4. ° Phil. iv. 13.