August 10

"The fruit of the Spirit is meekness." — Galatians 5:23.

BELIEVERS are to resemble the serpent in wisdom, the dove in harmlessness, the lion in boldness, the eagle in swiftness and elevation, and the lamb in meekness. There are three kinds of meekness: one is the gift of nature, the other is the effect of cultivation, and the third is the product of grace. "The fruit of the Spirit is meekness." Let us contemplate

ITS NATURE. In what does it consist? In low views of ourselves. The breath of pride would be like a thick incrustation to the diamond of meekness, which must be rubbed off before it would shine in its native splendor. In a cheerful resignation to the Divine will. Christian meekness shows itself in bowing with submission under trying dispensations, like the bending reed beneath the storm. In the patient endurance of injuries. It is not easily provoked. Henry observes, "Where the fire of love is kept in, the flames of wrath will not easily kindle, nor long keep burning." Meekness would rather forgive twenty injuries than resent one.

ITS EXERCISE. There are many scenes in which it is to be displayed, but more particularly

In withstanding opposition. With this we must lay our account, and our object should be to show a meek spirit, heaping coals of fire on the heads of our enemies, to melt and soften them down.

In restoring the offender. "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one." But how? In a cross, unkind, and severe manner? In a harsh and petulant temper? No, "in a spirit of meekness."

In defending the truth. "In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves." When sincere inquiries are made respecting your principles and experience, show the same spirit. "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."

ITS ADVANTAGES. The meek shall be divinely guided; led in a right way, in a wise manner, and to a glorious end; "for the meek will he teach his way." They shall be duly exalted; "for the Lord lifteth up the meek." They shall be greatly endowed; for "the meek shall inherit the earth," and heaven too. They shall be richly adorned; for "the meek will he beautify with salvation." This is the ornamental part of the Christian's dress; he must wear it if he puts on Christ, for he is meek and lowly in heart. Blessed God, let me have access to the wardrobe of grace, and with the key of prayer, turned by the hand of faith, unlock its treasures, and find the robe of righteousness, the garments of salvation, the clothing of humility, and the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit!

"Thine inward teachings make me know The wonders of redeeming love, The vanity of things below, And excellence of things above."