When the woes of the heathen—the idolatrous Hindoo, the benighted African, the neglected American forest-son, or the blinded Jew—wing our prayers, is not the bond of brotherhood with the whole human family made more fervent and complete?
If we pray for strangers, shall we not also pray for enemies? What was the example given on Mount Calvary, when the rocks rent, and the dead came forth from their graves? For whom did the expiring Saviour supplicate, "Father, forgive"? Was it not for his murderers? And are we his followers? But at what a distance! We are commanded to sacrifice a few wrongs, aversions, prejudices—shadows that must soon fleet away, and in eternity be forgotten. Yet, when we are reviled, we ofttimes revile again; when we suffer, we threaten—reversing the Christian code, and omitting to pray for those who despitefully use or persecute us. Nay, are we not sometimes vindictive with little cause, and implacable for fancied injuries? How, then, can we be the true disciples of Him who was patient unto death, and whose birth-song was good-will and peace to all mankind?
The rule given by the primitive Christians is accordant with the spirit of our text, that when we receive from others unkind words or deeds, we should, as soon as possible, retire, and entreat our Father in heaven to bestow on them some benefit. Whoever should persevere in this course would receive a blessing in himself.
