A26810:65
Spiritual perfection, unfolded and enforced from 2 Cor. VII, 1 having therefore these promises,…
Spiritual perfection, unfolded and enforced from 2 Cor. VII, 1 having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God / by William Bates ...
London: printed for Jonathan Robinson, 1699
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
2. Try by gentle and meek addresses to compose the ruffled Minds of those who are provoked. 'Tis the observation of the wisest of Men, that a soft Answer breaks the Bones: 'Tis usually successful to make stubborn Spirits compliant. Indeed some are so perverse in their Passions, that the mildest words will incense them; no submission, no satisfaction will be accepted; their Anger causes mortal and immortal Hatred. But these are so far from being Christians, they are not Heathens; but devested of all Humanity.
2. Try by gentle and meek addresses to compose the ruffled Minds of those who are provoked. 'Tis the observation of the wisest of Men, that a soft Answer breaks the Bones: 'Tis usually successful to make stubborn Spirits complyant. Indeed some are so perverse in their Passions, that the mildest words will incense them; no submission, no satisfaction will be accepted; their Anger causes mortal and immortal Hatred. But these are so far from being Christians, they are not Heathens; but devested of all Humanity.
3. If Anger has rushed into the bosom, that it may not rest there, cancel the remembrance of the Provocation. The continual reflecting in the thoughts upon an Injury, hinders Reconciliation. The art of Oblivion, if practised, would prevent those resentments that eternize Quarrels. For this end, let us consider what may lessen the Offence in our esteem: In particular, if very injurious words are spoken against us by one in1 a transport of Anger, they should be more easily despised, when they seem more justly provoking; for they proceed from Rage, not from Reason; and no Person, that is of a wise and sober Mind, will regard them, but as words spoke ⟨p. 28⟩by a sick Man in the height of a Calenture.
3. If Anger has rush'd into the bosom, that it may not rest there, cancel the remembrance of the Provocation. The continual reflecting in the thoughts upon an Injury, hinders Reconciliation. The art of Oblivion, if practic'd, would prevent those resentments that eternize Quarrels. For this end, let us consider what may lessen the Offence in our esteem: In particular, if very injurious words are spoken against us by one in