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XVIII. MEEKNESS. FORGIVENESS._ PERSEVERANCE.

PATIENCE.

MEEKNESS. Blessings of Christ exhorts to and exhibits example of-To be manifested universally and eminently. FORGIVENESS.

Our duty-God will not forgive the unforgiving Christ's dying prayer of forgiveness. PATIENCE. Examples of-Duty enforced even when ill used-Universal obligation.

PERSEVERANCE. Promises encourage-Christ and his Apostles enforce by precept and example-Incentives to the duty.

1. How has God promised to bless the meek?

The meek will he guide in judgment, and the meek will he teach his way. (25 P. 9.)

He will beautify the meek with salvation. (149 P. 4.)

2 Did Christ bring good tidings to the meek?

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek. (61 Is. 1.),

3. How did Christ bless them?

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. (5 Mt. 5.)

4. Did Christ exhort his disciples to learn meekness from his own example?

Come unto me all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls; for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (11 Mt. 28 to 30.)

5. Did the Apostle refer to this excellence of Christ as a powerful motive to duty?

Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ. (II. Cor. 10. 1.)

6. How are we to exhibit this spirit one towards another?

With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (4 Eph. 2, 3.)

7. Did St. Paul recommend this grace to the youthful Timothy?

Fee also youthful lusts; but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace.-The servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves. (II. Tim. 2. 22, 24, 25.) 8. What are we to follow after?

Follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. (I. Tim. 6. 11.)

9. In what manner are we commanded to beg forgiveness of God?

Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. (6 Mt. 12.) 10. What comment does Christ make on this petition?

If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (6 Mt. 14, 15.)

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11. What was the answer which Christ gave to Peter's question. Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me? till seven times ?" (18 Mt. 21.)

I say not unto thee, Until seven times, but until seventy times seven. (18 Mt. 22.)

12. What conduct are we to pursue to a brother or friend who offends us?

If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent, thou shalt forgive him. (17 Mk. 3, 4.)

13. What was Christ's dying prayer for his enemies? Father forgive them, for they know not what they do. (23 Lk. 34.)

14. What did Eli say when his afflictions were foretold by God?

It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good. (I. Sam. 3. 18.)

15. How did Job express his patience in deep affliction?

The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord. (1 Job 21.)

Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? (2 Job 10.)

16. How does St. James refer to the example of Job and the prophets?

Take, my brethren, the prophets who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord: that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. (5 Jas. 10, 11.)

17. Does he further enforce the duty of patience?

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh, (5 Jas. 7, 8.)

18. Are we to exercise this duty, even when we are suffering for good conduct?

If when ye do well and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God; for even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps. (I. Pet. 2. 20, 21.)

19. Is patience very beneficial and necessary?

Ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. (10 Heb. 36.)

It is good that a man should both hope, and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. (3 Lam. 26.)

20. Are we required to be followers of the Saints now in bliss?

Be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (6 Heb. 12.)

21. Are we to fulfil these duties in all our social relations?

Comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man: but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. (1 Thes. 5. 14, 15.)

22. What promise encourages perseverance?

Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord. (6 Hos. 3.)

23. How does Christ enforce this duty?

No man having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (9 Lk. 62.)

Continue ye in my love. (15 Jn. 9.)

24. How does the Apostle refer to his determined perseverance?

This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (3 Phi. 13, 14.)

25. How did the Apostle stimulate the Hebrews?

Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God: for consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. (12 Heb. 1, 2, 3.)

26. What advice does St. Paul give to Timothy ? Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned, and hast been assured of. (II. Tim. 3. 14.)

27. Is the contemplation of Christ suited to promote steadfastness?

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (4 Heb. 14.)

28. Is God displeased with those who do not persevere ?

Now the just shall live by faith; but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. (10 Heb. 38.)

29. How does St. Peter exhort to perseverance and growth in grace?

Beware lest ye also being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, aud in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: To bim be glory both now and ever, Amen. (II, Pet. 3. 17,18,)

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