Your ShelfYour Projects

Christian Equanimity

25%

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · May 1, 1855

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 6, No. 28.

Read the full edition

Christian Equanimity.

By Bates

To preserve an equal temper of mind and tenor of conversation, in the various turns and changes of the present state, argues an excellent degree of holiness.
The condition of men in this world is like the sea, the theater of inconstancy. Their affections are like the winds, some are turbid, others serene and cheerful; some warm and comforting, others cold and sharp; some placid and gentle, others stormy and furious; and it is as difficult to regulate the affections as to order those discordant spirits in the air. They are the most depraved faculties in man: there are some sparks of light and purity in the natural conscience, but the passions are the fountains of sin and folly. By their unruly insurrection the understanding is deposed, and men are brought into a brutish servitude. They are sometimes jealous to rage, sad to despair, dead with fear, drunk with joy and fond hopes of conceited happiness. To free us from their vanity and tyranny is the most noble effect of grace.
Bates.