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only allowable, but is, doubtless, a Christian duty. But there is a wide difference between this, and conducting pecuniary expenditures, when we resolve to incur them, in a pitiful manner; a manner which indicates a mind inordinately set on the most paltry gains and savings. I remember once to have received a very unfavourable impression of a clergyman, on observing that he employed a considerable portion of precious time, and expended no small share of ingenuity, in recovering from a particular friend five cents, when he had just received from that friend what was of more value than ten times that amount.

Again; the dignity which I recommend, is opposed to all those arts in social intercourse, which, though not really crooked or disingenuous, yet approach the confines of what is so, and may possibly be liable, with some, to that imputation. Make it a sacred point never to engage in any covert or questionable course of action. Let both your speech and your conduct be always so perfectly fair, candid and honourable, that the more they are scrutinized, the more perfectly correct and creditable they will appear. "Never venture, in any case, or for the purpose of gratifying any person whatever, to do or say that which, if it should become fully known to the public, would place your character in an undesirable point of light. Even if the disclosure of it be very far from fixing the charge of dishonesty upon you; yet if it may expose you to the charge of littleness, of imprudence, of paltry management, or of undignified interference in the affairs of others, you will furnish

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matter of regret to every serious friend of clerical character.

I will only add, that another characteristic and advantage of dignity in manners, is, that, when properly exercised, it tends to repress the risings, and repel the approaches of impertinence. I have seen many men in whose presence it was impossible to take any improper liberty. Not because they were haughty, overbearing, or sanctimonious; but because there was such a mixture of gravity, respectfulness, and benevolence in their whole air and manner, that the impertinent, the frivolous, and, of course, the profane, were abashed in approaching them. "There is something defective," says the eloquent Wm. Jay, "especially in a minister, unless his character produces an atmosphere around him, which is felt as soon as entered. It is not enough for him to have courage to reprove certain things; he should have dignity enough to prevent them; and he will, if the Christian be commensurate with the preacher, and if hewalk worthy of God, who hath called us into his kingdom and glory.'"*

2. Gentleness. By this you will readily perceive to be meant that habitual mildness of disposition, and softness of manner, which carefully guard against every thing, in speech or behaviour, adapted unnecessarily to offend or to give uneasiness. It is opposed to every kind of harshness or undue severity, and forms a deportment calculated to conciliate and attract all to whom it is manifested. You, doubtless, remember that this disposition, and the corresponding expressions of it, are represented in scripture as

*Life of Winter, p. 299.

among the fruits of the Spirit. "The wisdom that is from above," says the apostle James, "is gentle." And the apostle Paul, speaking particularly of ministers, says, "The servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves."

I am aware, indeed, that gentleness has been confounded by many with something very different, and by no means laudable. It has been considered and despised, as that tame, passive spirit, which knows not how to deny the most unreasonable request, or to resist the most unjust encroachment. There cannot, however, be a greater mistake. Some of the firmest men in the maintenance of their own principles that I have ever seen, were remarkable for the mildness and gentleness of their manners. Perhaps it may even be said, that those who have been most distinguished for the exercise of courage, as a moral quality, have been, at the same time, the most signal examples of bland and accommodating deportment. "True gentleness," says one, "is to be carefully distinguished from the mean spirit of cowards, and the fawning assent of sycophants. It renounces no just right from fear; it gives up no important truth from flattery. It is, indeed, not only consistent with a firm mind, but it necessarily requires a manly spirit, and a fixed principle, in order to give it any real value. It stands opposed to harshness and severity, to pride and arrogance, to violence and oppression. It is properly the manifestation of that part of charity which makes us unwilling to give pain to any of our brethren. Compassion prompts us to relieve their wants: forbearance prevents us from retaliating their

injuries: meekness restrains our angry passions: candour our severe judgments: but gentleness corrects whatever is offensive in our manners; and by a constant train of humane attentions, studies to alleviate the burden of human misery."

A conscientious man, who is habitually intent on doing good, will find occasion almost every hour that he spends in company, for the exercise of this invaluable spirit, and the deportment to which it prompts. The occasions are extremely few in the walks of social intercourse, in which a blunt, rough, or authoritative manner is either proper or profitable. Whereas, by a soft answer we may turn away wrath; by a mild, respectful address, we may at once reprove impertinence, disarm violence, and even put brutality to shame. By making a point of accosting all whom we approach with tones as well as expressions of a kindly and conciliatory character, we may often open a way for the reception of truth into minds which might have been otherwise invincibly closed against it. Learn, then, the happy art of conversing with gentleness, of giving your commands with gentleness, of arguing with gentleness, of contending with gentleness, of even reproving with gentleness, that is, of guarding against every thing harsh, passionate, or boisterous in your mode of administering reproof. Nay, do not think it strange if I go further still, and recommend that you cultivate gentleness in all your actions and movements; in walking; in changing your place in the parlour; in opening and shutting doors, and in all similar actions. There is more dignity in this mode of conducting our movements than in any other. There is also more safety; for a very

large part of the casualties by which our persons are injured, are, doubtless, induced by the want of gentleness. Can it be considered as becoming to see a grave divine skipping about with the impetuosity of a boy; slamming doors as if in a passion; jerking chairs and other movables, which he may have occasion to handle, as if snatching them from robbers; or passing along the streets with that kind of military air and rapid step, which might be expected in one who was walking for a wager?

3. Condescension. If you live to be a minister, a large part of your social and professional intercourse will be with those who, according to popular language, are your inferiors. To the poor, the deserted, the friendless, the afflicted, if you possess the spirit of Christ, your attention will be incessant and unwearied. It is, therefore, of peculiar importance that you acquire the art of treating such persons in a manner best adapted to soothe their feelings, inspire their confidence, and win their affections. This can be done only by habits of condescension; that is, laying aside every thing like an air of haughtiness or superiority, and addressing them in the tones and language of benevolent respect. Guard against reminding them continually, by your looks and expressions, that you consider them as beneath you. Go to their dwellings as a friend and comforter. Listen with patient attention to their complaints and requests. Manifest, what you ought undoubtedly to feel, a readiness to serve them to the utmost of your power. Remember that your Master, while upon earth, was peculiarly attentive to the indigent and the miserable; and that the most tender

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