rd thoughts of others, nor impatient of their faults and
infirmities. How much contention and strife might be avoided by a little
forbearance! and who is there so perfect as not sometimes to need it to
be extended toward himself? The ills of social life are greatly
mitigated by the exercise of mutual forbearance; and they find no place
under the sweet reign of charity.

II. But charity not only _suffereth long_, but _is kind_. "It is benign,
bountiful, courteous, and obliging." But why did the apostle couple
these two dispositions together? "_Charity suffereth long_, AND IS
KIND." Evidently, because long-suffering without kindness would be
unavailing. If you bear with the injuries or supposed offences of
another, and yet suffer your mind to be soured, and your kind offices
remitted, the wound will corrode and inflame, till it breaks out with
tenfold violence. But benignity of temper, and the constant practice of
friendly offices and benevolent actions, will disarm ill-nature, and
bring the offender to see the folly of his conduct. "A soft answer
turneth away wrath; and the kind treatment of an enemy will pour coals
of fire on his head." What can be more lovely than a kind and obliging
disposition, which delights in occasions and opportunities of
contributing to the comfort and happiness of others! This disposition
adorns with peculiar grace the female character. Solomon, describing a
virtuous woman, says, "In her tongue is the law of kindness." If you
cultivate this disposition at all times, and in all places, your
presence will add a charm to every circle; you will honor your Master;
and your ability to advance his cause will be greatly enhanced. In your
efforts to do good, with the law of kindness in your lips, you can
penetrate where, without it, you could gain no admittance; and in your
expostulations with the impenitent, you can reach the heart, by the
exhibition of a kind and tender spirit, where otherwise you would be
repulsed like the seven sons of Seeva, who presumptuously attempted, in
imitation of Paul, to cast out devils in the name of Jesus. Especially
is this disposition requisite in a Sabbath-school teacher. Without it,
he can accomplish very little. Children cannot be won without kindness.
If, then, you would be successful in this enterprise of love, cultivate
a tender regard for the "little lambs," and be kind to them whenever you
meet them. Never see a child in trouble without relieving him; or, if
you