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DUTIJES PECULIARLY CHRISTIAN.

[Part VI.

burning coals, and as wood to fire, so is a contentious man tokindle strifes.” *

On the other hand, it is equally true, that the natural tendencyof kindness from others is to awaken kind feelings in our mindstowards them. When a man injures an individual, and he, in-stead of retaliating, generously forgives him, and, resisting the im-pulse of his fallen nature, pursues the elevated course prescribedby the rule of forgiveness, embracing every opportunity to dohim a kindness, it invariably, if he is not a monster, softens andsubdues his hostile feelings. He soon begins to accuse himselfof having been in the wrong, and feels disposed to make amendsfor the past, and to act otherwise in future. Here, then, wemay see how similar conduct on our part will affect the mind ofanother. “ As, in water, face answereth to face, so the heart ofman to man.” f Consulting the laws of human nature, therefore,our reason must unite with Scripture in convincing us, that wecan overcome evil only by returning good. J We must, in thespirit of our religion, rise above the first impulse of our depravednature, and, ever aiming to do good, pursue the course prescribedby this Christian rule.

Further argument to my purpose may be derived from theconsideration, that the course of conduct prescribed by this ruleis attended by what does not attend an opposite course, to wit,an approving conscience. He who returns kindness for injury,who fills with good the very hand that is lifted to do him harm,feels that he is acting an elevated and magnanimous part. In thegentleness of his own mind there is an inward peace, in the verybenevolence of his intention there is a happiness, pure and sub-stantial. There is a voice speaking within him which nothingcan silence, and it tells him that he is doing right. Compare thisspirit with its opposite, and it may be seen who is the enviableman; he, who, fretting and raging at the injuries which he hasreceived, would hurl vengeance on the aggressor, or he, who,calming down every rising passion, keeps his spirit in subjection,and, looking with benevolence upon one who has wronged him,

* Proverbs xxvii. 21.

t Proverbs xxvii. 19.

t Romans xii. 21.