murmuring, and detraction. Regulate your taste, by refraining from excess in eating and drinking; "for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink." (Rom. xiv. 17.)
II. You must not omit to circumcise the vices of the tongue, and to cut off all detraction and murmuring, and whatever tends to sow and propagate discord. Correct everything in your conversation which is contentious, injurious, impertinent, or unseemly. Never speak with disrespect of God and holy things. Avoid flattery, double-dealing, and dissimulation. Remember you are a follower of Christ, of whom it is said, " He did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth." (1 Pet. ii. 22.) Examine yourself on each of these particulars, and pray with holy David, "Set a watch, O Lord! before my mouth and a door round about my lips." (Ps. cxl. 3.) For " if any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man." But, on the contrary, " if any man think himself to be religious, not bridling his tongue, but deceiving his own heart, this man's religion is vain." (James iii. 2, and i. 26.)
III. You must finally extend this spiritual circumcision to all superfluities regarding the body, as clothing, sleep, amusements, and the other conveniences of life. " Having food and wherewith to be covered, with these we are content," says the Apostle. (1 Tim. vi. 8.) Divest yourself, then, of all these superfluities, in order that you may become more like Christ, who said of Himself, "I am poor, and in labors from my youth." (Ps. lxxxvii. 16.)
