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T

Of Reconciliation.

Here are fome Men of fuch a proud petulant Humour, fo delighted with the Flashes of a fportful Wit, that they do not care whom they Abuse or Disparage, provided they may but gratify their own wanton Fan

cy.

Others are fo Envious and Malicious, fo uneafy at the Profperity of their Neighbours, that though it is not their Talent Publickly to be Witty, yet they cannot forbear to exprefs then Spleen, by Private Refentments; by Whisperings, and Backbitings, and fuch like Methods of Slan der and Detraction.

Now this Unfociable Temper, from whatever Caufe it may proceed, is not only disturbing.

to:

to Conversation, but is alfo a plain Breach of that Friendship, Good Will, and Mutual Confidence, which ought to be amongst Men.

For we all love to be valued and esteemed; and nothing is more uneafy than Scorn and Neglect.

Whoever therefore fhall be guilty in either of thefe Inftances, and thereby doth discover a Contempt of his Neighbours, and an hoftile Inclination to infult over them, or to vex and difquiet them, it is his Duty not only to beg pardon of God, but alfo to make fuch Penitential Acknowledgments, as may repair the Breach, and remove the Offence, he hath given to Others.

The Church directs him Where he hath Offended any Other, to ask them Forgiveness.

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He muft let the Perfons Of fended know, that now he is a fhamed and forry for his fault. And muft affure them, that his Temper is chang'd, and his Mind fo alter'd, that they may fafely Converse with him, and never fear the like Indignities from him any more.

If this fhall be thought a difficult Work, (for we are all backward to confefs our Mistakes) the Sick Perfon must be reminded, that this is no more than what our Blessed Saviour requires of him.

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If thou bring thy Gift to the Altar, faith he, and there, before thou Offerest it, remembreft that thy Brother, hath taken just Offence, and hath ought against thee, (whether upon account of thy caufelefs Anger, in calling him Fool and Racha, or using any other op probrious Language; or of any other Affront or Injury whatfoever ;)

ever;) prefume not to think of appealing God, before thou haft appeafed him; but leave there! thy Gift before the Altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy Brother, and then come and offer thy Gift, for thy Reconciliation unto God. Matth: 5. 23, 24.

B

UT here, for preventing of Mistakes, and to fatisfy the Scruples of Tender Confciences, I must Observe Two Things.

1. Such Reconciliation is only a Duty, where it can be had.

Some Men are of fuch a rugged Temper, as not to be Dif courfed with: Or, fo Revengeful, as never to be Reconciled. They are eternal in their Hatred, and will not forgive an Injury to their Lives End.

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If you have been fo unhappy as to provoke any of these Furies, I pity your Cafe. How ever, be not too much Difcou raged: For though your Condition is Uncomfortable, it may be Safe.

When you have to deal with fuch Men, Express your Sorrow for Offending them. Beg Pardon for your Fault. Promife never more to repeat it. Be obliging in your Carriage for the time to come. And if this will not prevail, nor melt them into a Compliance, be not Dejected.

For God is Gracious, though Men are implacable. Neither doth God require, you should be actually reconciled, when it is not in your power. For he hath not made Impoffibilities the Con dition of your Pardon.

Do you therefore feek Reconciliation. And if you cannot obtain it, let this be your Com

fort;

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