Page:Moral Pieces in Prose and Verse.pdf/172

 our own peace of mind, and lose our claim upon that divine assistance without which we can do nothing.

When the feelings have been designedly wounded, that kind of assiduity which is employed under the idea of effacing the remembrance, often fails of its effect, by leading the mind back to the cause which produces the uncommon attention, and which also at first produced the pain. This is a complex idea; but he who understands but little of human nature, knows that it is easier to gain the forgiveness of twenty offences, easier to appease the most violent anger, than to heal a wound intentionally inflicted upon an inoffensive and susceptible heart. The wisest of men has said "The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit, who can bear."

It is not enough that we refrain from speaking evil of our enemies, if we indulge thoughts of enmity towards them. Let none think that by placing a guard upon his expressions, he fulfils the law of Christ, if within his heart joy rises at the distress of those who hate him. We must not rest in the externals of duty, we have a judge