Fifthly, avoid all scenes where you are likely to be drawn into quarrels; and for that reason, amongst others, avoid every kind of vice. It is in the alehouse, it is at the gaming-table, it is in scenes of riot and unlawful pleasure, that quarrels commonly arise. "Who hath woe, who hath sorrow, who hath contention, who hath babbling, who hath wounds without cause? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine." It is in bad company that we fall into danger of every kind; and corrupt as the world is, we may generally pass quietly through it, if we are prudent in the choice of our companions. Even if it should happen that a man is mad enough to attack you without any provocation, yet if you are yourself calm and composed, and perfectly master of your temper, it gives you a very great advantage over him. Every man who is in a passion is mad, and like other madmen should be avoided and pitied; though like other madmen he is dangerous, and in some cases he must be restrained from doing mischief. In general, however, there will be no quarrel, unless both parties are to blame. Guard your own conduct, learn to command

* Prov. xxiii. 29.

your own temper, and you will not often be engaged in disputes.

Lastly, my beloved brethren, let me sum up all, by giving you one general rule, which is applicable to all cases, from the greatest to the most trifling offences; and which I wish to impress strongly on the memory of all who hear me, as the surest guard against immoderate anger and unchristian resentment. If you think yourself injured by any person, before you take any method to bring him to punishment, and, if possible, before you allow yourself to express your resentment to him, or any one else, retire for a moment, and throwing yourself on your knees before GOD, pray for the happiness of that person in this world and in the next. If you cannot do this from your heart, your heart is not right before God; and the malice which dwells there may make you more guilty in his sight, than the person who has injured you. If, on the contrary, you can sincerely pray for your enemy, there is reason to hope that anger or resentment will never lead you into any action unworthy of the faithful disciple of Him, who, while we were yet sinners, died for our salvation; and in whose mercy we trust, that it will plead

for us all, as it did for his murderers, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!"

To Him, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, be glory now and for ever. Amen.

SERMON XVI

ST. LUKE ii. 37, 38.

And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served GOD with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

HAVE now, to the best of my abilities, endeavoured to explain the duties towards GoD and towards man, which are required of every human being. I have recommended the sacred Word of God as the only light of our paths. I have enforced the necessity of prayer, of selfexamination, of the religious observance of the Sabbath and the great festivals of the church, and of frequent attendance at the LORD's table. I have spoken of the reverence due to the holy name of GOD, and of that constant and pious

regard to his commands which ought to direct all our actions. I have mentioned the duties

which belong to particular

what is required of us, as

situations in life, and children, as young

men, as husbands, as fathers. I have shown you where to look for protection against the temptations of vice, and for support in the hardships. of poverty. I have recommended sobriety, industry, and contentment, as necessary for our own happiness in this world and the next. I have exhorted you to promote the happiness of others by mutual kindness and charity; and the good of your country by dutiful submission to the laws. I have recommended the christian duties of resignation and forgiveness of injuries; and I have constantly set before your eyes the bright example of every virtue which is left us by our Saviour JESUS CHRIST. In the course of these inquiries I hope I have proved that in this life, as well as in the next, happiness can only be found in the paths of piety and virtue; and that high and low, rich and poor, will alike know and feel the truth of the Prophet's awful declaration, "There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked."*

* Isaiah xlviii. 22.