The Seventh of April.

MODERATION --- 1 Corinthians 8:1; Philippians 4:5.

"Let your moderation be known unto all men (Philippians 4:5) for charity (that is love) edifieth. --- 1 Corinthians 8:1.

If thou rebukest others, and wouldest have them to be like thee, thou oughtest examine thyself first, whether it flows from blind party zeal, impatience, and self will, or from a true principle of love; and whether thou art also in prayer for them, both before and after.

He who lays the long-suffering of the Son of God truly to heart, and considers how gently he has treated him, and still treats him like the weakest child, needs to be moderate also toward all men, and think, "If nobody will bear with others, surely I must."

Lord, give me the right spirit of meekness, to show all lenity to my fellow Christians!

Watch o'er my lips, and guard them, Lord,
From every rash and heedless word;
Nor let my feet incline to tread
The guilty path where sinners lead.

Oh may the righteous, when I stray,
Smite, and reprove my wandering way!
Their gentle words, like ointment shed,
Shall never bruise, but cheer my head.

When I behold them press'd with grief,
I'll cry to heaven for their relief;
And by my warm petitions prove
How much I prize their faithful love.