Do well, as well as say well. Be zealous of good works. Spare not for any cost, if it may promote your Master’s work.

Maintain your innocence, and walk without offence. Let your lives condemn sin, and persuade men to duty.

There is no virtue wherein your example will do more, at least to abate men’s prejudice, than humility, and meekness, and self-denial.

Forgive injuries, and be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Do as your Lord, who when he was reviled, reviled not again. If sinners be stubborn, and stout, and contemptuous, flesh and blood will persuade you to take up their weapons, and to master them by their carnal means; but that is not the way, further than necessary self-preservation, or public good requireth it; but overcome them with kindness, and patience, and gentleness.

If you believe that Christ was more worthy of imitation than Cæsar, or Alexander. If you believe that it is more honorable to be a Christian than to be a Conqueror, yea, to be a man than a beast, which often exceed us in strength; then contend with charity, and not with violence. Set meekness, and love, and patience against force; and not force against force.

—Richard Baxter
Adapted from The Practical Works of the Rev. Richard Baxter, 14:228–229.

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