spirit hath not the rule of itself, but is in bondage to
its own lust, but "he that ruleth his spirit is greater than he that
taketh a city." Now, it is much of this affection of love that overrules
passion. There is a greatness and height in it, to love them that deserve
not well of us, to be kind to the unfaithful, not to be easily provoked,
and not soon disobliged. A fool's wrath is presently known. It is a
folly and weakness of spirit, which love, much love cures and amends. It
suffers much unkindness, and long suffers it, and yet can be kind.

"Charity envieth not." Envy is the seed of all contention, and self-love
brings it forth. When every man desires to be esteemed chief, and would
have pre-eminence among others, their ways and courses must interfere one
with another. It is this that makes discord. Every man would abate from
another's estimation, that he may add to his own. None lives content with
his own lot or station, and it is the aspiring beyond that, which puts all
the wheels out of course. I believe this is the root of many contentions
among Christians,--the apprehension of slighting, the conceit of
disrespect, and such like, kindles the flame of difference, and heightens
the least offence to an unpardonable injury. But charity envieth not where
it may lie quietly low. Though it be under the feet of others, and
beneath its own due place, yet it envieth not, it can lie contentedly so.
Suppose it be slighted and despised, yet it takes it not highly, because
it is lowly in mind.

"Charity is not puffed up, and vaunteth not itself." If charity have
gifts and graces beyond others, it restrains itself, with the bridle of
modesty and humility, from vaunting or boasting, or any thing in its
carriage that may savour of conceit. Pride is a self admirer, and despises
others, and to please itself it cares not to displease others. There is
nothing so incomportable(410) in human or Christian society, so apt to
alienate others' affections, for the more we take of our own affection to
ourselves, we shall have the less from others. O these golden rules of
Christian walking! Rom. xii. 10, 16, "Be kindly affectioned one to another
with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another. Mind not high
things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own
conceits." O but that were a comely strife among Christians, each to
prefer another in unfeigned love, and in lowliness of mind, each to esteem