vocations derive their bitterness, only from our distempered fancies! how many injuries have their origin in unfounded suspicion, which the slightest word might explain, the smallest concession dissipate! But we are too proud to speak the word, or make the concession: as if we could be degraded by the conduct which becomes the Christian; the conduct which he is enjoined to exercise; the conduct which the holy apostles, and our blessed Saviour himself, did not disdain to exemplify! Nay, we are deaf to the representations of others; we are callous to their sorrow, and will not listen to their excuses. But was there not one who said, "if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive you?" Was there not one, who commanded his followers to pardon the offences of their brethren, though repeated "until seventy times seven?" Was there not one who declared, "blessed are the meek;" and sanctioned the precept by a promise: "for they shall inherit the earth." This reward promised to Chris

tian meekness, forms the conclusion of my

discourse.

To prove the happy consequences attendant on this disposition; need I point out to you, my brethren, the miseries as well as the crimes, which the absence of it has occasioned in the world? Need I show you kingdoms desolated, and myriads of human beings destroyed? The ravages of famine, earthquake, and pestilence, have not done so much to depopulate the earth, as the ungovernable passions and violent dissensions of mankind. In the humbler walks of life, where the consequences of unregulated temper and unmortified pride are confined to a narrower circle; they still are to be deeply deplored. They make up what they want in weight, by their constant recurrence. They mingle with every avocation of life; disturb the harmony of social intercourse, and destroy the pleasures of mutual confidence. Now, to all these sources of public and private misery, Christian meekness would put an effectual stop. Its consequences to individuals, as well as to nations,

nations, would be peace. Could we hope to see a society formed upon the model of the Gospel, perfectly obedient to its laws, and entirely swayed by its spirit; we should see the force of our Saviour's declaration, "blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." Not that the honours, riches, and pleasures of the world, are here promised to the heart that can renounce them. Not that temporal success will attend the graces of the Gospel; or earthly elevation be the consequence of Christian humility. It is the inward feeling of tranquillity, contentedness, and joy. It is the meek and gentle spirit, which weathers the storm of adversity, by bending beneath its fury. It is the mild submission, which is inaccessible to envy, pride, and hatred; and which disarms the malice of its enemies, by heaping coals of fire upon their heads. To such a temper the inheritance of the earth may be promised with propriety and truth: for to such a temper, every event, however apparently unprosperous, will bring with it a blessing. The

heart,

grace of

heart, which is uninfluenced by the God, finds itself wretched amidst affluence and respect; amidst pleasure and pomp; amidst companions and friends; and all the external advantages of life: for prosperity has but increased its wants, and made it more acutely sensible of the slightest opposition, and more alive to the most trifling annoyance. But" if any man have the spirit of Christ," he will turn outward poverty to inward riches, and outward disgrace to inward elevation. In the absence of apparent pleasure, his will be the hidden consolations, that flow from chastised desires, subdued affections, and thoughts firmly fixed upon eternity. In the midst of neglect, unkindness, and censure, his will be the cheering conviction, that there is one who ever will befriend him; that there is one, who " searcheth the heart," and can appreciate its most secret struggles. This chastisement of the temper, this correction of the feelings, this subjugation of the mind, will at first be difficult, even to him who begins the important work upon

the

the principles that will ensure success.

But

every evil disposition checked is a motive to farther exertion, is a reward for that already made. The conviction that we advance, though slowly, in the path of life, and the tranquil pleasure which attends the exercise of the Christian temper, are our immediate recompence. But a richer treasure remains behind. When we are told that "the meek shall inherit the earth; we anticipate the glories of eternity, as well as the consolations of time. We look forward to the state, where the temper, which true Christianity partially produces here, shall be perfected; and where the happiness attendant on it shall be unalloyed. This is the end and aim of Christian meekness; and when we are taught to cherish this, or any virtue of the Gospel, it is that we may be prepared for the holy occupations, and holy society, above. It is true that he who would be saved, must be saved upon Christian principles: that he must feel his inward poverty; mourn his inward sinfulness; and rely on the merits,

and