Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

THE MONITOR.....NUMBER XXII.

"A fool's wrath is presently known."

Or, as saith Mason, "a fool is presently known by his wrath." Perhaps nothing discovers greater self ignorance than the habitual indulgence of a hasty and petulant temper. A passionate man is one of the most uncomfortable of all beings. The most harmless pleasantry of his friends is taken as an affront by him; and often he will imagine an insult where nothing was intended. The greatest victory which can be obtained, is over ourselves; and he alone is the truly noble, whose spirit rises above the little petty insults which may be offered. If a man is known to be easily discomposed his enemies will ever be ready to assail him in this vulnerable part. A spark of occasion will never be wanting on their part, when he is known to be filled with combustibles. A man in a passion, beside losing the opportunity of making a pertinent reply, from not thinking at all, or nothing to the purpose, does actually say and do things worthy of blame, however pure his principles were before. It is a grand peculiarity of the Gospel, that its precepts tend directly to curb the passions of men, and bring even every thought to the obedience of Christ. And as this prevails in the heart, in the same degree will the effects be visible in the life. "The wisdom which cometh from above," says an apostle, "is first pure, then peaceable," &c. Of its purity therefore, we can judge only by its peaceable fruits; and we are fully authorised to condemn as spurious, any principles which allow, or even countenance anger, or any passions of a like kind. The man who allows his wrath to rise up on every trifling occasion has need to look diligently about him and see why these things are so; for to be tossed about by every wind, or to be a tyrant among our inferiors, children or servants, is as much a proof of an unsanctified heart as to swear or lie.