A Saint Indeed

When I read what lenity and tenderness Lycurgus showed to an insolent fellow that had struck out one of his eyes; I am ashamed to see how much Christians are out shot by Heathens, who by mere moral arguments and precepts, had thus meekened their Spirits and conquered their passions: the dim light of nature could teach Seneca to say, that anger will hurt a man more than the offence; for there is a certain bound in the offence, but I know not how far mine anger will carry me. 'Tis a shame that these men who come so far behind us in means and advantages, should so far outstrip us in meekness and patience.

When I read what lenity and tenderness Lycurgus shewed to an insolent fellow that had struck out one of his eyes; I am ashamed to see how much Christians are out shot by Heathens, who by meer moral arguments and precepts, had thus meekned their Spirits and conquered their passions: the dim light of nature could teach saneca to say, that anger will hurt a man more than the offence; for there is a certain bound in the offence, but I know not how far mine anger will carry me. 'Tis a shame that these men who come so far behind us in means and advantages, should so far outstrip us in meekness and patience.

Means 6. Lastly, Avoid all irritating occasions.

He that will not hear the Clapper, must not pull the Rope: grievous words stir up anger (saith Solomon) Prov. 15. 1. Do not only pray, and resolve against it, but get as far as you can out of the way of it: 'tis true Spiritual Valour to run as fast, and as far as we can out of ⟨p. 138⟩sins way: if you can but avoid anger in its first rise, there is no great fear of it afterwards; for it is no with this sin as it is with other sins; other sins grow to their full strength by degrees, their first motions are the weakest; but this sin is born in its full strength, 'tis strongest at first withstand it then, and it falls before you. Thus learn to keep your hears when provocations arise.