Let your moderation he known unto all men. Philippians 4:5. For Charity, that is love, edifieth, 1 Corinthians 8:1.
If thou rebukest others, and wouldst have them to be like thee, thou oughtest to examine thyself first, whether it flows from a blind party-zeal, impatience and self will, or from a true principle of love; and whether thou art also much in prayers for them, both before and after. Who lays the long-sufferings of God truly to heart, and considers how gently he has treated him, and still treats him, like the weakest child, must needs be moderate also towards all men, and think, “if nobody would bear with others, surely I must”. He must always pray, “Lord! give me the right spirit of meekness, to show all lenity to my fellow-christians.”
Watch over my lips, and guard them, Lord,
From every rash and heedless word!
Never let my feet incline to tread
The guilty path where sinners lead.
O may the righteous, when I stray,
Smite and reprove my wandering way!
Their gentle words, like ointment shed,
Shall never bruise, but cheer my head.
When I behold them prest with grief,
I’ll cry to heaven for their relief;
And by my warm petitions prove
How much I prize their faithful lore.