Out of a word, out of
a look, out of what was neither a word nor a look intended for you, what
a world of vanity will you build out of it! The question of Prudence is
not whether or no you are still a born fool at heart, she does not put
unnecessary questions: hers to you is the more pertinent and particular
question, whether, since you left your former life and became a
Christian, you feel every day increasing shame and detestation at
yourself, on account of the vanity of your inward cogitations. My
brethren, can you satisfy her who is set by her Master to hold particular
discourse with all true Christians before supper? Can you say with the
Psalmist,--could you tell Prudence where the Psalmist says,--I hate vain
thoughts, but Thy law do I love? And can you silence her by telling her
that her Master alone knows with what shame you think that He has such a
fool as you are among His people?
Anger, also, sudden and even long-entertained anger, was one of the 'many
failings' of which Christian was so conscious to himself. His outbursts
of anger at home, he bitterly felt, might well be one of the causes why
his wife and children did not accompany him on his pilgrimage.
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