But
speak it quietly. Do not try to make out the worst case for your
adversary; do not exaggerate; do not use strong language: say the
truth, the whole truth; but say nothing but the truth, in patience
and in charity. For everything beyond that comes of evil,--of some
evil or fault in us. Either we are not quite sure that we are right;
or we have lost our temper, and then we see the whole matter awry,
through the mist of passion; or we are selfish, and looking out for
our own interest, or our own credit, instead of judging the matter
fairly. This, or something else, is certainly wrong in us whenever
we give way to violent language. Therefore, whenever we are tempted
to say more than is needful, let us remember St. John's words, and
ask God for his Holy Spirit, the spirit of love, which, instead of
weakening a man's words, makes them all the stronger in the cause of
truth, because they are spoken in love.
SERMON XVIII.--HUMILITY
LUKE v. 8.
Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
Few stories in the New Testament are as well known as this. Few go
home more deeply to the heart of man. Most simple, most graceful is
the story, and yet it has in it depths unfathomable.
Great painters have loved to draw, great poets have loved to sing,
that scene on the lake of Gennesaret.
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