Doubtless such treatment is hard to be borne ; but the Christian distinguishes himself by,
II- His behaviour under it —
There are two things that characterize a true Christian under all his trials :
1. A passive meekness —
[The saints are men of like passions with others ; but, through grace, they are enabled to repress the workings of corruption, and to regulate their tempers by the word of God. Instead of giving loose to a vindictive spirit, they bear with silent resignation the injuries that are inflicted on them, or, if they speak, it is only in words of gentle *' entreaty." David, in his conduct towards Shimei'" and Saul", exemplifies in both these points of view the Christian's duty, and the Christian's experience. There are indeed occasions whereon, through inadvertence or the power of temptation, they may be over- come": but, on the whole, they will "possess their souls in patience P," and " shew all meekness unto all meni." Rather than provoke contention they will endure the wrong that is done towards them "^y and, forbearing to notice it in complaint to man% will commit themselves into the hands of a righteous God*.]
2. An active benevolence —
[The natural man, under injuries received, is mindful only of his own troubles : but the Christian feels a concern for the
g Ps. xvi. 3. Prov. xii. 26. h Matt. v. 10. Luke vi. 22. John iii. 19, 20. > 1 John iii. 12. ^ Gen. iii. 15. Gal. iv. 29. Ps. xxxviii. 20. ' John XV. 18 — 20. "> 2 Sam. xvi. 5 — 11.
" 1 Sam. xxvi. 8, 9, 18—20, 24.
° e. g. Moses, Numb. xx. 10. Ps, evi. 32, 33. and Paul, Acts xxiii. 3 — 5.
P Luke xxi. 19. i Tit. iii. 2. ■• 1 Cor. vi. 7.
s Ps. xxxviii. 12—14. ' 1 Pet. iv. 19.