Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/389

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and improved; but it is our duty to resist them, and overcome them. By the last words we pray, that we may be delivered both from the guilt and punishment of sin, from all evil, present and to come, and ultimately, that we may enjoy everlasting happiness in the next life. Remember the purport of this Divine prayer whenever you pronounce it.

WEDNESDAY.

Other Lessons given on the Mount.

I. In His sermon on the mount, Christ speaks in the most emphatic language against enmity to our brethren. (Matt, v and vi.) There are three degrees of anger; the first is of thought, the second of word, and the third of action. Reflect on the evils which are the consequences of anger. It blinds reason, it exposes man to grievous crimes, and ultimately to the punishments of hell. Examine yourself on this very important subject, and reform what ought to be corrected.

II. In this memorable discourse, our Divine Legislator forbids us to swear. " Let your speech be, yea, yea, and no, no." (Matt. v. 37.) The habit of swearing, and ol everything which approaches this vice, is detestable in the sight of God. It is unworthy of the man, who believes in the existence of God, and much more of the Christian. "A man that sweareth much, shall be filled with iniquity, and a scourge shall not depart from his house." (Ecclus. xxiii. 12.) Examine whether you speak of God, and things that belong to God, with respect and veneration; if you be guilty, you do not love God as you ought.

III. "Take heed that you do riot your justice before