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

Secondly, Meekness teacheth and enableth us patiently to bear the Anger of others, which instance of Meekness we have especially occasion for, in reference to our Superiors and Equals; commonly that which provokes Anger is Anger, as Fire kindleth Fire; now Meekness prevents that violent Collision which forceth out these Sparks, and softens at least one side, and so puts a stop to a great deal of Mischief; for it is the second blow that makes the Quarrel. Our first ⟨p. 25⟩care should be to prevent the Anger of others, by giving no offence to any, but becoming all things to all Men, every one studying to please his Neighbour for good to Edification, Rom. 15. 2. and endeavouring as much as lies in us, to accommodate our selves to the temper of all with whom we have to do, and to make our selves acceptable and agreeable to them: How easy and comfortable should we make every Relation, and every instance of Conversation, if we were but better acquainted with this Art of Obliging. Naphtali's Tribe, that was famous for giving goodly Words (Gen. 49. 21.) had the happiness of being satisfied with Favour, Deut. 33. 23. For every Man shall kiss his Lips that giveth a right Answer, Pro. 24. 26. In the Conjugal Relation, it is taken for granted, 1 Cor. 7. 33, 34. that the care of the Husband is to please his Wife; and the care of the Wife is to please her Husband; and where there is that mutual care, comfort cannot be wanting. Some People love to be cross-grained, and take a pleasure in displeasing, and especially contrive to provoke those whom they find passionate and easily provoked, that (as he that giveth his Neighbour drink, and putteth his Bottle to him, Hab. 2. 15, 16.) they may look upon his shame to which in his Passion he exposeth himself, and so they make a mock at sin, and become like the mad Man that casteth Fire-brands, Arrows and Death; and saith, Am not I in sport? But the Law of Christ forbids us to provoke one another,