Forgiving Slander, a good Proof of Innocence. 629

do thou, who art so earnestly seeking redress from those 1 COR. who have annoyed thee, avenge thyself as Paul recommended 16. 24. to take vengeance. If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink1. But if thou do not so, but only plot' Rom. against him, thou pointest the sword against thyself.

Wherefore if that other speak evil, answer him with praises and commendations. For so wilt thou be able both to take vengeance on him, and wilt deliver thyself from evil surmising. Since he that feels pain at hearing ill of himself, is thought to be so affected because of some consciousness of evil: but he that laughs what is said to scorn, exhibits a most unquestionable token of his not being conscious to himself of any evil thing.

Seeing then that thou profitest neither thine hearer, nor thyself, nor him that is accused, and dost but point thy sword at thine own self, even from such considerations do thou learn more soberness. For one ought indeed to be moved by the thought of the kingdom of heaven, and of what pleases God: but since thou art of grosser disposition, and bitest like a wild beast, hereby even be thou instructed; that these arguments having corrected thee, thou mayest be able to order thyself simply from consideration of what pleases God; and having come to be above every passion, mayest obtain the heavenly blessings: which may God grant us all to obtain, through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and His mercy towards mankind; with Whom, to the Father, and the Holy Spirit, be glory, power, honour, now, and henceforth, and unto everlasting ages. Amen.

12.20.