y the peace of God does not rule in our hearts. So much
does Christ esteem this peaceful spirit, that he says peacemakers shall
be called the children of God. Again, he tells his disciples to "have
peace one with another." The apostle Paul, also, gives frequent
exhortations to the exercise of this grace. "Be at peace among
yourselves." "Follow peace with all men." "If it be possible, live
peaceably with all men." "That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life."

MEEKNESS is a twin-sister of Peace. It is a temper of mind not easily
provoked to resentment. The word used in the original signifies
_easiness of mind_. The cultivation of this grace resembles the taming
of wild animals. It is the bringing of all our wild and ungovernable
passions under control. It is an eminent work of the Spirit; and we may
judge of our spiritual attainments by the degree of it which we possess.
The Scriptures abound with exhortations to the cultivation of it. It is
preeminently lovely in the female character. Hence, the apostle Peter
exhorts women to adorn themselves with the ornament of a meek and quiet
spirit, which is, in the sight of God, of great price.

LONG-SUFFERING and GENTLENESS are twin-daughters of Meekness. The latter
is the disposition of the heart. The former are the actions which flow
out from that disposition, in our intercourse with others.
Long-suffering is godlike. It is an imitation of the forbearance of God
towards his rebellious creatures. He is long-suffering, and slow to
anger. He does not let his anger burn hot against sinners, till all
means of bringing them to repentance have failed. O, how should this
shame us, who cannot bear the least appearance of insult or injury from
our fellow-sinners, without resentment! But, if we would be the children
of our Father in heaven, we must learn to bear ill treatment with a meek
and quiet and forgiving temper. Gentleness is one of the most lovely of
all the graces of the Spirit. It is a "softness or mildness of
disposition and behavior, and stands opposed to harshness and severity,
pride and arrogance." "It corrects whatever is offensive in our manner,
and, by a constant train of humane attentions, studies to alleviate the
burden of common misery;" the constant exercise of this spirit is of the
greatest importance to the Christian who would glorify God in his life,
and do good to his fellow-creatures.

GOODNESS is another fruit of the Spirit. I suppose the apostle here
means t