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DUTIES PECULIARLY CHRISTIAN.

[Part VI.

required of us never to be angry, but he has required of us notto be angry from slight causes ; and he has unequivocally forbid-den the indulgence of all wilfully cherished, and especially alllong-continued anger. “ Be ye angry and sin not; let not the sungo down upon your wrath.” * We are required to forgive anoffence “ until seventy times seven,” if the offender manifestsregret, and a disposition not to repeat the offence.

In view of the destructive effects which spring from anger,our Saviour has made him, who offers the first provocation , prin-cipally responsible for the consequences which may result. Hedeclares, that whoever shall use harsh and irritating language,“ shall be in danger of the council, and even of hell-fire.” f Andthe reason for throwing the chief responsibility for whatever mayensue, on him who first offers provocation, is very plain. Everyone, by a small effort of forbearance, can abstain from offeringprovocation to another; but, such is “the infirmity with whichwe are clothed,” and such is the constitutional temperamentwith which men are formed, that many cannot be expected toremain unmoved and undisturbed, when assailed by strong provo-cation. The distinction is made by him who “knew perfectlywhat was in man,”J and who has suited his instructions, in allrespects, to the nature, the wants, the circumstances, and eventhe infirmities of mankind.

II. I proceed to review'the chief cases in which Christiancharity is violated.

1. This duty is violated, when we permit ourselves to indulgein unjust, unreasonable, and injurious suspicions of the feelings,motives, wishes, and designs of others respecting us.

To give way to unfounded jealousies and suspicions of others,is alike unjust and injurious to them, and ruinous to our ownpeace and tranquillity of mind. Few passions are more debasingin their influence, than jealousy and suspicion. Like all otherpassions, too, they grow strong and craving by indulgence, untilat length, ever-wakeful and ever-watchful, every look, expression,gesture, and action of others, is seen in the false and gloomylight, which these baleful passions throw around every object.

Ephesians iv. 26.

t Matt. v. 22.

$ John ii. 25,