had much knowledge of his own heart, and of the hearts of men in general, and was therefore well qualified to describe the various dispositions of his fellow creatures, and this he has so done, throughout the several parts of the Book of Proverbs, that every one, whose eyes are not blinded by the thickest cloud of prejudice, must be obliged to subscribe to the truth of what the Prophet Jeremiah asserts→→→ "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked ;"* and if he be thoroughly convinced, that such is the real state of things, and that his own heart is not exempt from the general corruption, then, as a Christian who wishes to imitate his Saviour, who did no sin, and in whose lips no guile was found, he will make it his earnest endeavour to cleanse himself from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, and to perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord.†

Besides the careful avoidance of all those sins, which are a disgrace to his high and holy profession, such as drunkenness, profaneness, lewdness, dishonesty, and the like, the man, who fears God, will be diligent to adorn the Gospel, by exhibiting in his life and conversa tion every gracious and amiable temper, which is likely to recommend the doctrine which he holds, and which cannot fail of affording the

clearest proof to every considerate person, that not a zeal to gain converts to an opinion, but only a wish to render men happy, is the reason, whether by preaching, by writing, or by conversation, he is desirous of making his fellow creatures acquainted with the Gospel, which is verily the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.*

Seeing, then, we should all be persons eminent for morality, virtue, and every thing which deserves the name of goodness, let us take into consideration the precept contained in the text. Let us inquire, if it be generally attended to, and if not, in what manner we may avoid transgression upon any future occasion.

"A soft answer turneth away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger." Could any person, who goes much abroad into the world, suppose that these words were contained in a book, which is generally acknowledged to be our rule of life, or, who, indeed, without going much abroad, has ears to listen to what is passing just around him, could entertain such a belief? Do we not often feel in ourselves, and perceive in others, the most direct violation of the precept, as if men thought, that to shew anger, and to pour out opprobrious language was the most effec

* Rom, i. 16.

tual way of accomplishing their desires? Now, as I wish, as much as lies in my power; to put a stop to railing, I shall endeavour to convince

you,

I. Of the folly of it;

II. Of its impiety.

1st. I shall endeavour to convince you of the folly of it. I apprehend it is not possible, while we live among men of such various and perverse dispositions, as are to be found in every neighbourhood, to avoid giving offence in some way or other; and whether it be done wilfully, or with the best intention in the world, abuse generally follows the provocation. Abuse to this is as generally returned; and oh! what oaths and curses are uttered, what spite and malice, what slanders, what threatenings are manifested upon such occasions! And all this too is brought out with an air of triumph, as if it were a glorious thing to return railing for railing, and that person is supposed to have the most spirit, who has most to say. But, let me ask, what good does this do? Certainly none to the person railed at, and as certainly not any to the railer. We are all dependant upon one another, and there is no one, who may not sometimes happen to be in such a condition, as to be capable of receiv ing assistance from his neighbour. Why then should we do that, which will make him our

enemy, and which will deprive him of the inclination, whenever he has the ability, to do us good? Besides, if we are displeased at him, and are sure that we have right on our side, before we make use of any harsh and severe expressions, let us consider, whether the object we have more immediately in view can be gained thereby. Suppose the person, upon whom your rage is vented, to be a wife, a child, a servant, or one in any other inferior capacity; they will probably, from motives of fear, obey you at the moment, but you will not be likely to scold them into a habit of obedience; for they will neither love nor respect you, unless they are bound by a very strong religious principle, which, it is too well known, is only the case with a few. On the contrary, they will not perform their duty in future with near so much diligence and steadiness, as a kind and tender conduct on your part would have secured. You think, perhaps, you have to deal with persons of a perverse and obstinate temper. It may be so, yet I do not imagine harshness is the way to mend it, but, on the contrary, that method, which will convince them of your sincere desire to do them good, and prove to them that you will be their friend as long as they are disposed to commit themselves to your protection; and if you doubt of

the wholesomeness of this advice, at least make the trial, and I am much mistaken, if you will not find fair and gentle means the most effectual to accomplish your wishes.

Again; as inferiors, perhaps, you are saucy and impertinent to those, who are set in authority over you, and are determined not to put up with their revilings. Hence it comes to pass, that many are always going about from place to place, and can never fix with satisfaction and content; while others, who are, perhaps, on the whole exposed to greater provocation, and meet with severer treatment, are able, by their meekness, gentleness, and patience, to appease the wrath of those that blame them, and can contrive to live with a tolerable degree of comfort among persons, who, if they were ópposed and contradicted, would become very violent and outrageous. Thus you may perceive, that a contentious temper is also a foolish one, as the wrathful, by his fury, usually fails of obtaining the ends for which he is most desirous. But, I am to shew,

2nd. That such a conduct is not only foolish, but also impious. This it is, as being expressly contradictory to what the Christian Religion enjoins. So writes St. Paul to the Colossians, ch. iii. 12, 13, "Put on, as the elect of God,