Transcription

the great Law Giver & model of Man, our Saviour in his access was easy, in his manners simple, in his answers mild, in his whole behaviour humble, & obliging; it is held to our view in his life & throughout the whole Gospel as peculiarly connected with celestial nature. Man owes it to Man, no complaint is more feelingly made than that of the harsh & rugged manner of persons with whom we have intercourse; but we seldom transfer the cause to ourselves. & yet in domestic society [[underline]] Gentleness [[/underline]] finds daily place for promoting the happiness of others & for strengthening in ourselves the habit of virtue. Gentleness is in truth the gt. avenue to mutual enjoyment, it softens animosities, renews endearments, & renders the countenance of Man a refreshment to Man; it wins every heart, it [[underline]] persuades when argument fails, [[/underline]] often disarms the fierce, & melts the Stubborn; & its influence on our internal enjoyment is certain; it is the calm & clear atmosphere of the mind, the serenity & sunshine of the heart & promotes every pleasurable feeling: attached by gt. injuries the man of a gentle spirits will feel what human nature must feel, but to those slight provocations, & frivolous offenses, he is happily superior