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

More particularly: The Work and Office of Meekness is to enable us prudently to govern our own anger when at any time we are provoked, and patiently to bear the Anger of others, that it may not be a provocation to us. The former is its Office especially in Superiors, the latter in Inferiors, and both in Equals.

More particularly: The Work and Office of Meekness is to enable us prudently to govern our own anger when at any time we are provok'd, and patiently to bear the Anger of others, that it may not be a provocation to us. The former is its Office especially in Superiors, the latter in Inseriors, and both in Equals.

First, Meekness teacheth us prudently to govern our own Anger, whenever any thing occurs that is provoking. As it is the work of Temperance to moderate our Natural Appetites towards those things that are pleasing to sense, so it is the work of Meekness to moderate our Natural Passions against those things that are displeasing to sense, and to guide and govern our Resentments of those things. Anger in the Soul is like Mettle in a Horse, good if it be well managed: Now ⟨p. 15⟩Meekness is the Bridle, as Wisdom is the Hand that gives Law to it; puts it into the right way, and keeps it of an even, steady and regular pace in that way, reducing it when it turns aside, preserving it in a due Decorum, and restraining it and giving it check, when at any time it grows headstrong and outrageous, and threatens Mischief to our selves or others. It must thus be held in, like the Horse and Mule with Bit and Bridle (Psal. 32. 9.) lest it break the Hedge, run over those that stand in its way, or throw the Rider himself head-long.¹ It is true of Anger, which we say of Fire, That it's a good Servant, but a bad Master; it's good on the Hearth, but bad in the Hangings. Now meekness keeps it in its place, sets banks to this Sea, and saith, Hitherto thou shalt come and no further; here shall thy proud Waves be staid.