XXVI.

Eph. iv. 26.

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.

SOME divines, I think, have gone rather too far, when, describing our blessed Saviour's character, they will not allow him to have been ever discomposed. We are told*, he had, at the same time, to struggle with the prejudices, the mistakes, and misconstructions of his friends, and the inveterate rancour of his enemies; but yet he never suffered either the one or the other to disturb the composure of his mind.

If the excellent prelate, from whom this pas sage is taken, means only that our blessed Saviour's mind alone was undisturbed, it is most

See Bishop Porteus's Sermons, vol. i. p. 308.

probable it always was. But as we can judge only from outward expressions, it is certain, that on different occasions he showed such signs as indicate our discomposure. In one place, (Mark, iii. 5.) we are told, he looked round him with anger. In other places, we are informed, be treated the Scribes and Pharisees with great asperity of language; and the rebuke he gave St. Peter, was a strong expression of indignation.

It may be added, that his showing a proper discomposure of temper throws a necessary light on various circumstances in the lives and writings of his apostles, who, likewise, on different occasions, expressed their displeasure. Though there are instances, in which some of them might carry their resentment too far; yet they should not be deprived of their Master's example, as far as it might serve them.

It may be added, also, that as our Saviour intended to give all his followers an example in every thing, he might likewise intend us an example in regulating the passion of anger. The passion of anger surely was not implanted in us without reason; and it is an excellent lesson to us, that our Saviour was never discomposed

by

by any of the trifling accidents of life; but only where truth, religion, and virtue were concerned. -By throwing these lights on our blessed Saviour's discomposure, I think cavillers are in the best manner silenced.

XXVII.

2 Cor. x. 5.

Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

THIS text may be illustrated, by considering the nature of a state of captivity. A captive is a vanquished enemy. He hath made resistance; but, all resistance being now over, he is subdued; and, having forfeited his life by his opposition, in order to redeem it, he now submits to the mercy of his conqueror.

Let us apply this to religion, and we shall have the general meaning of the text. We have all resisted our blessed Lord, and maintained a war against him, under the banners of sin. Some with the folly of madmen, obstinately continue a war, which they know must end in their ruin.

Others

Others in time submit, accept their forfeit lives from their conqueror, obey his will, and are received into mercy.

The captivity of our wicked thoughts is implied, as well as of our actions. Religion hath made no conquest over us, till, in the language of the text, we bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.