A discourse concerning meekness and quietness of spirit to which is added, A sermon…

3. Equals are commonly very apt to clash and contend. It is for want of Meekness that there are in the Church so many Pulpit and Paper-Quarrels, such strifes of Words, and perverse Disputings: That there are in the State such ⟨p. 84⟩Factions and Parties, and between them such Animosities and Heart-Burnings; That there are in Neighbourhoods such Strifes, and Brawls, and Vexatious Law-suits, or such Distances, and Estrangements, and Shiness one of another: That there are in Families Envies, and Quarrels among the Children and Servants, Crossing, and Thwarting, and finding Fault one with another: And that Brethren that dwell together, do not as they should dwell together in Unity. It is for want of Meekness that we are so impatient of Contradiction in our Opinions, Desires and Designs, that we must have our own Saying, right or wrong, and every thing our own way: That we are so impatient of Competitors, not enduring that any should stand in our Light, or share in that Work or Honour, which we would engross to our selves: That we are so impatient of Contempt, so quick in our Apprehension and Resentment of the least Slight or Affront, and so pregnant in our Fancy of Injuries, where really there are none, or none intended. They are not only Loud and professed Contentions, that evidence a want of Meekness, but also those silent Alienations in Affection and Conversation, which make a less noise, little Piques and Prejudices conceived, which Men are themselves so ashamed of, that they will not own them; those show the Spirit disturbed, and wanting the Ornament of Meekness. In a word; The wilful doing any thing to disquiet others, Slandering, Backbiting, Whispering, Tale-bearing, or the like, is too plain an Evidence, that we are not our selves rightly disposed to be quiet.

3. Equals are commonly very apt to clash and contend. It is for want of Meekness that there are in the Church so many Pulpit and Paper-Quarrels, such strifes of Words, and perverse Disputings: That there are in the State such ⟨p. 84⟩Factions and Parties, and between them such Animosities and Heart-Burnings; That there are in Neighbourhoods such Strifes, and Brawls, and Vexatious Law-suits, or such Distances, and Estrangements, and Shiness one of another: That there are in Families Envies, and Quarrels among the Children and Servants, Crossing, and Thwarting, and finding Fault one with another: And that Brethren that dwell together, do not as they should dwell together in Unity. It is for want of Meekness that we are so impatient of Contradiction in our Opinions, Desires and Designs, that we must have our own Saying, right or wrong, and every thing our own way: That we are so impatient of Competitors, not enduring that any should stand in our Light, or share in that Work or Honour, which we would engross to our selves: That we are so impatient of Contempt, so quick in our Apprehension and Resentment of the least Slight or Affront, and so pregnant in our Fancy of Injuries, where really there are none, or none intended. They are not only Loud and profess'd Contentions, that evidence a want of Meekness, but also those silent Alienations in Affection and Conversation, which make a less noise, little Piques and Prejudices conceived, which Men are themselves so ashamed of, that they will not own them; those shew the Spirit disturb'd, and wanting the Ornament of Meekness. In a word; The wilful doing any thing to disquiet others, Slandering, Backbiting, Whispering, Tale-bearing, or the like, is too plain an Evidence, that we are not our selves rightly disposed to be quiet.