A Meditation - The Temper of Him That Goes Abroad by James Meikle (1730-1799) [James Meikle was a surgeon’s mate on a British Man-o’- War Ship. These are meditations that he wrote before and during that voyage.] Now I leave my native land in peace with all, and wish well to friends and foes, as no doubt I have both. Gratitude binds me not to forget my friends; grace, to forgive my foes. He carries but a poor principle in his breast, that goes away swollen with rage, in hopes to return and revenge; for “anger rests only in the bosom of fools.” It is a Christian grace to forgive even the worst of injuries; for it ennobles a man more to conquer the wicked principle of his corrupt nature, than to take a city. Would I revenge a personal quarrel on any at the day of judgment? Surely no. Shall I, then, carry rancor to the very grave, or lie down in a condition in which I would not wish to rise? Therefore, my passion shall be converted into pity, and I will not only forgive men what they may have done amiss to me, but implore forgiveness for them in that wherein they may have offended God. Thus, shall I go lightly, compared with the mental madman who cherishes revenge.—He continually carries about with him a load of hurtful two-edged weapons, in hopes to find his foe, and satiate his revenge upon him; but, while he waits his opportunity, he slips a foot, and falls among the pointed weapons, which wound him unto death. So must every malicious person fare at last, who falls over the precipice of time into eternity, full of envy and inflamed with wrath.  This article is taken from:  Meikle, James. The Traveller. Edinburgh: J. Pillians & Son, 1811.  A PDF file of this book can be downloaded, free of charge, at http://www.ClassicChristianLibrary.com