Vol. 2

CHAPTER XVII, 609draw upon any person the curse of God. But howmuch more, when the scandal or offence becomes thesource of an infinity of others, and causes the loss ofa world of souls ; as an heresiarch, or an impiousperson does, who keeps, as itwere, a school of libertinism,who justifies and authorizes sin, &c. !" 3. ^ Take heed to yourselves : If thy brothertrespass against thee, rebuke him ;forgive him."It isand if he repent,not sufficient for the charity of a true Christiannot to give any occasion of sin to others, it mustlikewise assist them in reforming their lives, and evenforgive the trespasses committed against it. Letus seriously consider these words of our ialessedLord: for it is not without reason that he admonishesus to take heed to ourselves on these occasions.Instead of mildly rebuking our brother, we are aptto brood upon our displeasure at the bottom of ourheart, where enmity, bitterness, disgust, contempt,and aversion, are nourished by a thousand disadvantageousthoughts, and malicious reflections, and takedeep root therein. All that is gained by rebukinghim in a harsh manner, is only to inflame the woundwhich he has given himself, to render it incurable,and frequently to make us want his pardon who beforewanted ours." 4. And if he trespass against thee seven timesin a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee,saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him."Charity and true mercy have no bounds. It isthe greatest folly imaginable, to refuse mercy toothers, so long as we stand in need of the mercy ofGod towards ourselves : and who does not stand in2c3