2. Keep your
hearts as full as possible of Christian love. The more abundant your
love, the less will be your liability either to give or take offence. 3.
And do not overrate the importance of men's misconduct towards you. We
are not so much in the power of others as we are prone to imagine. The
world is governed by God, and no one can hurt us against His will. Do
that which is right, and you and your interests are secure. So take
things comfortably. And try to overcome evil with good. And if you find
the task a hard one, seek help from God.
3. Another lesson which I have learned on my way through life is, that
it is dangerous to indulge a spirit of controversy. There may be
occasions when controversy is a duty; but it is best, as a rule, just to
state what you believe to be the truth, and leave it to work its way in
silence. If people oppose it, misrepresent it, or ridicule it, then
state it again at the proper time, with becoming meekness and
gentleness, and then commit it to the care of its great Patron. It is
difficult to run into controversy without falling into sin. Men need to
be very wise and good to be able to go through a controversy honorably
and usefully; and by the time they are qualified for the dangerous work,
they prefer more peaceful employment.
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