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

 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.

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