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DUTIES PECULIARLY CHRISTIAN.

[Pakt VI.

law of the land, and call the strong arm of civil governmentto our aid. While we conform to the rule of forgiveness, and“overcome evil with good,” we are to retain prudence, circum-spection, and a just self-regard.

2. An undistinguishing beneficence to men, whether friendlyor inimical to us, is enjoined upon us neither by Scripture norby right reason. We are to do good to all, but more especiallyto some, according to their differing merits, claims, circum-stances, necessities, and connexion with ourselves.

3. It is by no means inconsistent with the rule of forgiveness,nor with the duty of “ overcoming evil with good,” that we shouldfeel disapprobation of the evil and of its author. The rule sim-ply prescribes the course to be pursued towards those who areguilty of the evil. Great compassion and kindness towards- adrunkard, for instance, are by no means incompatible with entiredisapprobation of him and his ways. Neither is disapprobationof the conduct of those, who do us wrong, incompatible withkindness towards them. On the contrary, it is this very disappro-bation which is to awaken our good-will, and to induce us toadopt that course which is best calculated to produce a reforma-tion in those who have done the wrong. Philosophy has taughtus many excellent lessons, but this rule is unknown to the philos-ophy of Aristotle, of Socrates, of Plato, and of Cicero. *

* This Chapter is much indebted to the “ American Advocate of Peace,”Vol. I. pp. 317 - 324. Art. III. which, partly by abridgment, partly by ampli-fication, and other changes, the author has converted to his purpose. Hisattention was drawn to it by a friend, who has manifested much interest inhis undertaking.