Chap. I.]

FORGIVENESS OF INJURIES.

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IV. The intrinsic nobleness of the rule of forgiveness andgood-will is worthy of further and distinct consideration. Itadmits that wrong has been done, and addresses itself to the partywho has suffered it. It says, Be not overcome by that wrong,that is, yield not to feelings of anger or vengeance, let not un-kindness on the part of others awaken unkind feelings in yourown breast towards them, return not insult for insult, injury for♦ injury. Pursue an entirely opposite course ; return friendly ser-vices for unkindness, blessings for insults, and beneficence forinjury.

“ Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”To rise above the impulses of a fallen nature, to conquer the evilpassions, first in our own breasts, and then in those of others, isindeed a victory. It is implied by the rule, that the contest is atfirst defensive ; u Be not overcome of evil.” We must repelaggression by preserving a calm, tranquil, and benevolent state ofmind, and its force will soon be exhausted. And then we mustact upon the offensive; “ we must overcome evil with good.”By heaping benefits upon the aggressor, we shall subdue his heart,win his regard, and render it impossible for him to do us injury.But this is not the consummation of the victory ; it extends muchfurther. By such a course, we learn to live and act as spiritualand immortal beings. We feel that it is not in the power ofothers to injure us, we can only injure ourselves. We arm our-selves with a panoply impenetrable. And the voice of conscience,too, assures us, that we are at peace with Him who alone haspower to hurt and to destroy. “ If our heart (conscience) con-demn us not, then have we confidence toward God.” *

To prevent all misunderstanding, I subjoin two or three quali-fications of the principle and line of conduct, which have justbeen discussed and recommended.

1. We are not required to put ourselves in the power of ourenemies ; that is, of our own accord, to put it within their powerto injure us. Not only so ; we are to,use all rightful means toprotect ourselves from injury and wrong. We may, on suitableoccasions, and in a suitable spirit, too, resort for redress to the