uspect ourselves sometimes
of unknown faults, and to go on the supposition that what appears
unkindness in others towards us, may be the result of some unguarded
word or inconsiderate action on our part towards them. 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. Controversy always tends to
produce excess of warmth, and warmth of a dangerous kind. It often
degenerates into a quarrel, and ends in shame. Men go from principles to
personalities; and instead of seeking each other's instruction, try only
to humble and mortify each other. They begin perhaps with a love of
truth, but they end with a struggle for victory. They try to deal fairly
at the outset, but become unscrupulous at last, and say or do anything
that seems likely to harass or injure their opponents. The beginning of
strife is like the letting out of water from a reservoir; there is first
a drop, then a trickle, then a headlong rushing torrent, bearing down
all before it, and sweeping away men and their works to destruction. It
is best, therefore, to take the advice of the proverb, and "leave off
contention before it be meddled with."

4. Another lesson that I have learnt on my way through life is, that
ministers should deal very tenderly with t