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gained, there is some reason to hope, that the threatened and approaching

paroxysm may be averted. A spark is more easily extinguished than a flame. "The discretion of a man deferreth his anger."-"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city."

Thirdly, Let the expressions of an evil Temper be resolutely controlled. "A soft answer turneth away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger." While cutting words exasperate the individual against whom they are directed, they have the effect of stimulating to more tumultuous emotions the passion from which they spring. How often do we feel

conscious, that our words are not only the utterance, but the instruments, and the excitements of thought; and if thus they operate when we use them mentally, how much more powerful must be their operation when we use them audibly! Our very tones of voice seem to have a power over our tones of feeling; and, by an instantaneous reaction, arising out of the mysterious sympathy and harmony of the inner and the outer man, they assume the character at once both of causes and effects. We are aware also, that when our feelings have not only been strongly excited, but also strongly expressed, we stand committed; we have taken a decided step, and we know not how to retract. The desire

of consistency, at least in appearance, urges us to proceed; and into that desire there enters much of the spirit of pride. What abundant reason, then, have we to present the Psalmist's prayer:-"Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips!"

Fourthly, Let the dispositions and tempers of others be duly studied and regarded.

Often does a regard to self-interest induce men to study the character of others. They deem it important to ascertain, what may be calculated to please, and what may have a tendency to disturb and to annoy. Of these discoveries, they find it beneficial to avail themselves, in order to

extend the sphere of that influence which they know how to employ for the accomplishment of their sinister ends. Now shall we not study the character of those with whom we have intercourse, for nobler purposes, and from purer motives? It would be worthy of an enlightened disciple and follower of Jesus, thus to reason and reflect:-"I am aware that I have my own peculiarities of temper and of disposition; yet I am accustomed to expect from others some degree of indulgent kindness: is it not then incumbent on me to be kindly considerate and equally indulgent towards them? Shall I make an attack on that which I have reason to regard as the weakest and most

vulnerable point, in the mental character of another? Shall I act towards one who has claims on my kindness, or towards any human being upon earth, the part of a tempter, by stirring up the dormant evil of the heart? Shall I elicit a spark, which I have reason to fear may soon enkindle a flame, or even produce an explosion? Oh, this would be to indulge the adversary of God and of man with a double triumph;-first, a triumph over myself, degraded into the character of a tempter; and then over a fellow-creature, whom, as though Satan's emissary, I have actually tempted and ensnared !"

Fifthly, Whenever there is the consciousness of having culpably given

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