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subjects for the divine , that it is evident that each can be only lightly touched on in the compass of a single discourse , however long . In the following passage we fiud the Christiau virtues , which were hallowed by the blessing of Jesus , placed as a class in opposition to those qualities which are yet held in high esteem in Christian society . Our readers will agree
with us iu recognizing the truth and allowing the importance of the contrast . " The qualities to which our Lord here and elsewhere assigns the most conspicuous place , though their names were long previously known to the world , had mouldered in comparative neglect . It was our Saviour's hand which first drew forth from the obscurity in which they had lingered , the virtues of
meekness , purity of heart , placability , humbleness of mind , and patient endurance of wrong . * ' In the Beatitudes which he pronounced in our text , this distinction is strikingly exemplified . Any person whose
character perfectly corresponded to the rules which he here lays down , would be meek , complying , forgiving ; silent and gentle under insult ; anxious for reconciliation , where others would only pursue revenge ; indulgent to the waywardness , and yielding to the obstinacy , of men . The world would call this
tameness , feebleness , cowardice . 1 believe uo such character was ever honoured with the applause of any moralist , till the Sermon on the Mount was delivered . On the other hand , we caunot find , either here or in other parts of our Lord ' s instructions , any approbation
bestowed on the daring and active , impetuous and sensitive , character , which is distinguished by vigour in its determinations and inflexibility in its feelings , whether of partiality or aversiou ; and which , under the name of heroism , has always been popular .
" 1 have not pointed out this distinction as a matter of curiosity , although I think it remarkably curious , but because it places in a strong light the excellence of our Saviour as a teacher of morality . The fact is , that in the estimate formed of the comparative merit and demerit of the two sorts of characters referred to ,
the opinion of the world at large is totally wrong , and that promulgated by our Lord is perfectly correct . Of this I think any reasonable man , who would only exercise deliberate judgment , would soon be convinced . I imagine the unbeliever himself could be brought without much difficulty to acknowledge the justice of this urincinlp : for it ia one of that class
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of truths which , however difficult to discover , appear extremel y simple wheu once they are fairly stated aud explained . To shew the correctness of the estimate furnished by the gospel , we have only to consider that the truth of any principle in morals ought always to be tried with reference to its universality . If a person states to me that a particular description of character is more excellent than
another , he must mean that it would be for the good of the world , if that character which he commends were found in every individual of our race . Now , if the patience and meekness , the justice and temperance , enjoined iu the gospel , were universally practised , the world wou ' ^ 1 be a scene of concord , love and happiness : whereas if the whole of mankind
were such heroes as men in general highly admire , resentments , discords , and animosities , would prevail to the end of time . The one system would perpetuate peace , the other would perpetuate confusion . Exactly in the same proportion as the Christian meekness and patience preponderated , would happiness and charity prevail over misery and enmity . "—Pp . 31—33 .
The above extract enables our readers to judge for themselves of the style of the discourse ; and we are confident that the name which it bears will eusure their favourable prepossessious , and their hopes that intrepidity aud ardour in the assertion aud diffusion of evangelical truth may in this case , as in many others , prove hereditary .
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Art . V . —The Gentleness of the Christian Minister an Argument for Perseverance in the Faith . A Sermon occasioned by the Death of the Rev . Samuel Crowtfittr , A . M . y tricar of Christ Church , Newgate Street . By Daniel Wilson , A . Ai ., Vicar of Islington . London : Saunders and Benning . 1821 ) . Pp . 71 .
This discourse is a very favourable specimen of preaching according to the school of Evangelical Churchmeiu Its publication will have the effect of commuuicathig , far and wide , an impression of the pious and faithful character which it delineates . The text is one of the most beautiful that could liuve been
adapted to the subject . 1 Thess . ii . 7 : iS But we were gentle among you , even as a nurse cherisheth her children . " The preacher thus describes the peculiarity of the ministerial office : " We are entrusted with the gospel of Christ ,
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Critical Notices — Theological . 121
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vol . iv . a
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Feb. 2, 1830, page 121, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2581/page/49/
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