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IN our fourth combat the deadly poison of anger has to be utterly
rooted out from the inmost comers of our soul. For as long as this remains
in our hearts, and blinds with its hurtful darkness the eye of the soul, we
can neither acquire right judgment and discretion, nor gain the insight
which springs from an honest gaze, or ripeness of counsel, nor can we be
partakers of life, or retentive of righteousness, or even have the capacity
for spiritual and true light: "for," says one, mine eye is disturbed by
reason of anger." Nor can we become partakers of wisdom, even though we
are considered wise by universal consent, for "anger rests in the bosom of
fools." Nor can we even attain immortal life, although we are accounted
prudent in the opinion of everybody, for "anger destroys even the
prudent." Nor shall we be able with clear judgment of heart to secure
the controlling power of righteousness, even though we are reckoned perfect
and holy in the estimation of all men, for "the wrath of man worketh not
the righteousness of God." Nor can we by any possibility acquire that
esteem and honour which is so frequently seen even in worldlings, even
though we are thought noble and honourable through the privileges of birth,
because "an angry man is dishonoured." Nor again can we secure any
ripeness of counsel, even though we appear to be weighty, and endowed with
the utmost knowledge; because "an angry man acts without counsel." Nor
can we be free from dangerous disturbances, nor be without sin, even though
no sort of disturbances be brought upon us by others; because "a passionate
man engenders quarrels, but an angry man digs up sins."
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