To forgive our enemies, and forget the injuries which
have been done to us, is a noble, though very difficult duty. And from the
opposition it meets with from within, I find that it is above the natural
man to perform. Nature would make less resistance to it—if forgiveness were
less godlike and divine. There are some men who have done me injuries; and,
alas! I find that I can scarcely recollect their names without remembering
their injuries injuries against me—though done to me years ago—presenting
themselves as if they had happened yesterday! This shows the bitterness and
resentment of my mind, and the deep impressions such things make there;
while the continual and abundant mercies of the Most High God are shamefully
forgotten! But now let me compose my mind, and reconcile this to the duties
of Christianity.
The whole law hangs on this—to love God and my neighbor;
and if I love the one, I shall love the other. But if I don't love him whom
I can seen—how can I love him whom I have not seen? Now, 'my neighbor' is
not he who does kind things to me; for such the worst of sinners love and
regard. But my neighbor is everyone round about me. Whatever they do to me,
that cannot cancel a relation that is indissolvable. When they defame me—I
must speak well of them. When they revile me—I must entreat them. Though
they would starve me—I must feed their hunger. Though they strip me—I must
kindly clothe their nakedness. Though they curse me—I must bless them.
Though they persecute me—I must pray for them. Though they rise up in war
against me—yet I must not slay them—but protect them, pour oil into their
wounds, and supply their necessities.
Yet this universal forgiveness is not, by a too
extensive clemency, to oppose the exercise of justice in respect of
murderers, nor infringe the moral law with regard to those that should die.
But, alas! instead of being in danger of erring on this side—I am on the
opposite extreme. For while I should forgive what they do against me, and
pray for forgiveness of that whereby they have sinned against God—I neither
forgive them myself, nor seek forgiveness from God to them.
Now, if I should thus behave with the evil men of the
world who wrong me—how should I behave with the saints, who are the
excellent ones of the earth? However they may deal with me in this world,
that cannot loosen the tie, or dissolve the brotherhood, which is firm in
Christ—of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. Can a trivial
difference break a bond that is firmer than flesh and blood? They can never
much harm me in worldly things, who are for Christ in spiritual things. And
though the 'old man' should argue between us, yet the 'new man' shall ever
be friends. If the contention between corruption and corruption is so sharp,
that conversation for a time is broken off—yet I shall talk with them in
love, and embrace them in affection. We should only esteem one another like
friends separated for a time—who will have greater joy at meeting.
Here we are in the body of Christ—and therefore should
bear one another's burdens. We cannot live like angels in this imperfect
state; why then should I strike like a serpent—at the failings of others?
Will the hand refuse to feed the mouth, because the foot has stumbled? Is it
lovely for the members of one body to fight with one another? Is it lovely
for one Christian to cast off his duty to love—because another Christian has
some failings? If every Christian in the world despised and abused me—I
should still love them, and delight in them.
For when the sanctified ones are all assembled before the
throne, there should eternal harmony reign; and concord and love prevail.
There differences should be swallowed up in the divine overflowings of
eternal love. Why then, on any account, should my affection be cold towards
them—towards whom it shall glow forever, when they are arrayed with the
divine likeness of the Son of God? Let me therefore bury all my injuries in
the deepest oblivion, be reconciled to my friends, however badly they have
dealt with me. And if ever I remember anything they have done amiss, let it
be only to magnify the goodness of God, who excels so far the best of
creatures, and outdoes in sympathy and kindness the most tender-hearted
friend.
Whether the difference be civil or religious, the time
approaches, O saint! when you and I shall forget our sharp contests, as
waters that flow away. When we meet on the heavenly Mount Zion, we shall
meet as angels, and embrace each other as seraphim. When we put on the
perfection of the triumphant state, we shall put off sinful self, the narrow
spirit, and uncharitable thought. In the light of glory, we shall see eye to
eye; and as we are all united to Christ—so we shall be united to one
another, being all one in him. Were not shame the daughter of sin, which
therefore ceases when sin is no more—surely we would blush that ever the
your and mine about perishing things, should hinder us—who shall
see the whole world in flames, from conversing about that after state, those
new heavens and new earth, wherein dwells righteousness, that perfect
plenitude that remains for both.
Come then, and let us precede eternity—by throwing
differences of every kind away, and becoming one in harmony and grace. Let
us crucify self, and the better part will reunite. It is not strange that
men of such passions should sin against one another—but it is strange that
Christian men should live and die holding grudges. Let it not, then, my
soul, fail on your side. Forgive, forget, remember injuries no more than if
they had never been done you. Triumph in oblivion. Be valiant in conquering
pride, wrath, and revenge. Expect not the concession on his side—who has
done you wrong; but you yourself should yield, and win him by your gentle
and Christian behavior under your injuries. Fix your eye on that future
tranquility which shall be enjoyed in heaven, and that will instruct you how
to guide yourself now.
Anger resides only in the bosom of fools! Entertain not a
disposition of mind that you would gladly be done with, when going into
eternity. Think little of yourself—and you will not take it badly that
others think the same. Strive for the highest degree of Christian purity,
gospel-perfection, attainable below. Lift up your eye to the other world,
and in all things remember, prepare, and look out for the coming of the
Lord—who will be the joy and peace of his people to eternity!