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

We are told of an Imposthume that was cured with the thrust of an Enemies Sword, and ⟨p. 135⟩of one that was happily converted from Drunkenness, by being called, in Reproach, a Tippler. It is very possible we may be enlightened, or humbled, or reformed, may be brought nearer to God, or weaned from the World, may be furnished with matter for Repentance, or Prayer, or Praise, by the Injuries that are done us, and may be much furthered in our way to Heaven, by that which was intended for an Affront or Provocation.¹ This Principle would put another Aspect upon Injuries, and Unkindnesses, and would quite alter the Property of them, and teach us to call them by another Name: Whatever the Subordinate Instrument intended, it is likely he meant not so, neither did his Heart think so, Isa. 10. 7. but God designed it as other our Afflictions, to yield the peaceable Fruit of Righteousness; so that instead of being angry at the Man that meant us ill, we should rather be thankful to the God, that intended us good, and study to answer his Intention. This kept Joseph in that good Temper towards his Brethren, tho' he had occasion enough to quarrel with them, Gen. 50. 20. You thought evil against me, but God meant it unto good. This satisfied Paul, in reference to the Thorn in the Flesh, i. e. the Calumnies and Oppositions of the false Apostles, which touched him more sensibly than all the Efforts of persecuting Rage; that it was intended to hide Pride from him, lest he should be exalted above measure, with the abundance of Revelations, 2 Cor. 12. 7. and there seems to be an instance of that good effect it had upon him, immediately upon the mention of it, for within a few Lines after he lets fall that humble word, verse 11. I am nothing. ⟨p. 136⟩We should be apt to think too highly of our selves, and too kindly of the World, if we did not meet with some Injuries and Contempts, by which we are taught to cease from Man. Did we but more carefully study the Improvement of an Injury, we should not be so apt to desire the Revenge of it.