proves it as a resemblance of his own image, and as a conspicuous trait in the character of his dear Son, who enjoined the same spirit upon all his followers. Fourthly, the meek and quiet spirit is not inert, or sullen, or morose, or distant, or cowardly, or impatient; but cheerful and serene, satisfied and resigned to the will and providence of God.

3. How different would be the state of this world; yea, how different the state of Christian professors, and Christian families, if this ornament were more prominently exhibited. What numberless troubles would be spared to ourselves: our minds would be more at ease, our spirits less perturbed, and life, in all its departments, infinitely more tolerable and agreeable.

4. It will probably be objected that constant meekness and quietness will interfere with our wonted cheerfulness, and render us gloomy and melancholy: no such thing; so far from this, it gives an improved tone and equanimity to the mind and temper, and a more sensible and abiding pleasure. He who neglects the proper government of his spirit, may assume, laugh, and cheer, while, inwardly, he is depressed and painfully anxious. Not so he who enjoys the serenity of a truly meek and quiet spirit. His cheerfulness is rather an indication of a mind at ease, and a conscience purged from corroding guilt: or even if he be exercised with grievous trials, he endeavors to bear up in the strength of his God; and he can sometimes say with the apostle, "I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulations."

5. 'We hear those complain most that they can

get no quiet, whose want of it arises from the irruptions of their own passions. Peace is no local circumstance. It does not depend on the situation, but on the heart. True quiet is only to be found in the extirpation of evil tempers, in the victory over unruly appetites; it is found not merely in the absence of temptation, but in the dominion of religion. It arises from the cultivation of that principle which alone can effectually smooth down the swellings of pride, still the restlessness of envy, and calm the turbulence of impure desires. It depends on the submission of the will, on that peace of God which passeth all understanding, on the grace of Christ, and the consolations of the Spirit. With these blessings we may find tranquillity in Cheapside; without them we may live a life of tumult on the Eddystone.'1

6. It is religion then, and religion only, that can effectually inspire and endow us with true meekness. Isaiah confirms this in the following texts: "The work of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness, and assurance for ever." "In quietness and confidence shall be your strength." Then the grand secret of the whole is found in that scripture, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee."2

7. Rom. xii. 18. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. PEACE, in every sense of the word, is an invaluable blessing. What are all the wars and janglings among men, but hostility to the very principle of peace and love. The duellist, the selfish, the dishonest, the disso

Mrs. More.

2 Isa. xxxii. 17; XXX. 15; Xxvi. 3.

lute, the idle, are all for war: this is their element, and peace has no place in their affections, and consequently forms no part of their study.

8. I am for peace, said David; and a greater than David said, "Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called the children of God." It would be well if all who profess the peaceful religion of the Prince of peace were of the same mind, and would study to be quiet.' The Rev. T. Charles, of Bala was remarkable for his modesty and humility, and would readily make concessions for the sake of peace: 'He was a man of amiable temper, of much meekness and forbearance, and ever ready to give up minor points so that peace might be preserved. He was of a social and cheerful disposition, tempered with prudence and discretion; also a tender and affectionate husband and parent; and having the advantage of an amiable and pious partner, it was their delight to promote each other's happiness and the comfort of those around them.' It is recorded of Sir Isaac Newton, that his temper was remarkably mild and equable, and incapable of being ruffled by ordinary accidents. He was such a lover of peace that he regretted whatever disturbed it as the greatest calamity that could befal him.

9. No reasonable man can read the history of Charles I. without the deepest sympathy on his account, and the utmost abhorrence of the conduct of those fanatics of the Cromwell faction, who, with all their pretended godliness and sanctimonious hypocrisy, could imbrue their hands in his

1 See Morgan's Life of Charles.

innocent blood. He made every concession that any king in honor could make or ought to make, or any people, with a spark of justice, could desire; but nothing would satisfy those spiritually proud aspirants but his dethronement, and their own advancement, and in that subsequent advancement they soon convinced all honest men, and their own suborned supporters, that base self-interest and tyranny, and certainly not godliness, were their element. Would God we had no kindred souls seeking the repetition of the like odious misrule.

10. Hume was not the most attentive, as an historian, to the Christian features of the characters he described; but he seemed so convinced of the pre-eminent excellences of Charles, that he has not failed to record some of them. At a time of great trial and insult of himself and the queen-the king composed a letter to the prince, (afterward Charles II.) in which he related the whole of the transaction, and accompanied his narrative with several wise, as well as pathetical reflections. The words with which he concluded the letter are remarkable: By what hath been said, you see how long I have laboured in the search of peace : do not you be disheartened to tread in the same steps. Use all worthy means to restore yourself to your rights, but prefer the way of peace; show the greatness of your mind, rather to conquer your enemies by pardoning, than by punishing. If you saw how unmanly and unchristian the implacable disposition is in our ill-wishers, you would avoid that spirit. Censure me not for having parted with so much of our right. The price was great; but the commodity was security to us, and peace to my people....I know not but this may be the last

time I may speak to you or the world publicly. I I am sensible into what hands I am fallen; and yet I bless God, I have those inward refreshments, which the malice of my enemies cannot perturb. I have learned to be busy myself, by retiring into myself; and therefore can the better digest whatever befalls me, not doubting but God's providence will restrain our enemies' power, and turn their fierceness into his praise. To conclude, if God give you success, use it humbly, and be ever far from revenge. If ever he restore you to your right on hard conditions, whatever you promise, keep. These men, who have violated laws which they were bound to preserve, will find their triumphs full of trouble. But do not you think anything in the world worth attaining by foul and unjust means.'1

11. This excellent temper, this greatness of soul, followed this injured monarch to the fatal block: 'It is confessed, that the king's behaviour, during this last scene of his life, does honour to his memory; and that in all appearances before his judges, he never forgot his part, either as a prince or as a man. Firm and intrepid, he maintained, in each reply, the utmost perspicuity and justness both of thought and expression: mild and equable, he rose into no passion at that unusual authority which was assumed over him. His soul, without effort or affectation, seemed only to remain in the situation familiar to it, and to look down with contempt on all the efforts of human malice and iniquity. The soldiers, instigated by their superiors, were brought, though with difficulty, to

1 Hume's Hist. of Eng. Vol. viii. p. 371.