OR THE DESERT ISLAND. . 169

which his impetuous wrath is hourly inflicting on him are
deeper and more bitter than the vengeance he would fain
take on the objects of his resentment.

{fit be our duty to contend against and conquer in our-
selves a passion followed by consequences so deplorable,
we are not the less obligated to do all in our power to pre-
vent others from succumbing to its hateful dominion.
Whatever might prove a stumbling block in the path of the
irascible, whatever is calculated to sour the temper of the
fretful and the capricious, ought to be removed and
avoided by us.

We should be ashamed to abuse and assault an intoxi-
cated man ; we should shudder at the idea of putting a
dagger or poison into the hands of one who contemplates
self destruction : and yet we can coolly foment the anger
of an irritable man, and by bitter words, stinging replies,
and sharp and insulting taunts, provoke him to the per-
petration of moral suicide !

Oh no! the Christian who comprehends what charity
is—what the duties which it requires of him, will not be
content with a selfish triumph: he will generously antici-
pate and prevent the perils to which anger exposes a bro-
ther, a parent, a friend, a fellow-being, He will be aware
that his neighbour cannot brook a hasty expression—that