August 7

"The fruit of the Spirit is gentleness." — Galatians 5:22.

THERE is a great difference between gentleness and meekness. Meekness is a passive virtue, and consists in the patient endurance of injuries; but gentleness is an active grace, a spiritual disposition of the mind. It is a true remark, that the world endeavors to counterfeit this grace by what is termed politeness; but when slights or insults arise, this worldly gem soon discovers its worthless composition, while the Gospel jewel brightens by attrition. Let us consider

THE EVILS TO WHICH IT IS OPPOSED. To a spirit of pride. This lovely fruit is never yielded from a proud and haughty spirit. It is not the product of an unhumbled heart. To a feeling of severity. A harsh, severe, and censorious temper is more allied to the spirit of Satan than to the spirit of Christ. Thus we read of "the gentleness of Christ." To the rage of passion. The man who cannot curb his passion, and restrain and govern his temper, gives no proof of his religion; for "the fruit of the Spirit is gentleness."

THE SCENES IN WHICH IT IS TO BE EXERCISED. Where are you called upon to manifest this temper?

In your families. Circumstances will arise here, to ruffle the temper, and disturb the mind; but we must be gentle. "Be angry and sin not."

In the church. How lamentable to see in those who ought to show the gentleness of a lamb, the rage of a lion! They have not so learned Christ. There must be gentleness in our dealings with those who have wronged us, gentleness in our spheres of usefulness and exertion.

In your intercourse with mankind in general. Thus we are to be patient toward all men; and if from some we receive railing and cursing, while we are firm and faithful in rebuking them for their sins, let us be gentle and tender; and thus show that it is not them, but their sins, that we hate.

THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE DISPLAYED.

In our temper. Many Christians neglect to watch over their inward feelings; and the dispositions they show are unbecoming and unlovely: let us breathe gentleness.

In our language. If the mind is the seat of gentleness, the manners will be the vehicle, and the lips the expression of it. The words are not always in accordance with the feelings. There may be the look of kindness in the eye, and the expression of gentleness on the lips, while there is the spirit of enmity in the heart.

In our actions. Thus we are to give practical proofs of such a gentle spirit; let us beware of indulging in a contrary feeling. Such a course will be dishonorable to God, discreditable to religion, unpleasant to ourselves, and may prove a serious injury to others.