5. In the first place it is necessary to know that it is not possible for human weakness, in the midst of so many occasions, to be altogether free from every motion of anger. “No one, ” as Seneca says, “can be entirely exempt from this passion. ” “Iracundia nullum genus hominum excipit" (I. 3, c. xii). All our efforts must be directed to the moderation of the feelings of anger which spring up in the soul. How are they to be moderated? By meekness. This is called the virtue of the lamb that is, the beloved virtue of Jesus Christ. Because, like a lamb, without anger or even complaint, he bore the sorrows of his passion and crucifixion. ” He shall be led as a sheep to the slaughter, and dumb as a lamb before his shearer, and he shall not open his mouth." (Isa. liii. 7.) Hence he has taught us to learn of him meekness and humility of heart. ” Learn of me, because I am meek and humble of heart." (Matt. xi. 29)
6. Oh! how pleasing in the sight of God are the meek, who submit in peace to all crosses, misfortunes, persecutions, and injuries! To the meek is promised the kingdom of heaven. ” Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the land." (Matt. v. 4.) They are called the children of God. ” Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God. ” (Ibid., v. 9.) Some boast of their meekness, but without any grounds; for they are meek only towards those who praise and confer favours upon them: but to those who injure or censure them they are all fury and vengeance. The virtue of meekness consists in being meek and peaceful towards those who hate and maltreat us. “With them, that hated peace I was peaceful." (Ps. cxix. 7.)
7. We must, as St. Paul says, put on the bowels of mercy towards all men, and bear one with another. "Put on ye the bowels of mercy, humility, modesty, patience, bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if any have a complaint against another." (Col iii. 12, 13.) You wish others to bear with your defects, and to pardon your faults; you should act in the same manner towards them. Whenever, then, you receive an insult from a person enraged against you, remember that a "mild answer breaketh wrath," (Prov. xv. 1.) A certain monk once passed through a cornfield: the owner
