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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 68

Section XIV. Of Anger

Section XIV. Of Anger.

144. Q. Name a common instance of want of self-control.

page 42

A. Anger, or violence of temper, is a common cause and instance of want of self-control.

154. Q. How may this be proved?

A. Because when anger rides us we are apt to feel, say, and do things which in a calmer moment we regret; hence, violence of temper is both a cause and an instance of want of self-control.

146. Q. What frequently follows?

A. It frequently happens that angry tempers lead to fury and rage, and sometimes to crime.

147. Q. But is not anger sometimes justifiable?

A. Anger is undoubtedly justifiable towards those who have wronged us or others, but we should even then retain our self-command, and whilst being angry at the wrong should be charitable to the offender, and try to win him or her to better actions.

page 43

148. Q. Would not this cause us to take too lenient a view of all offences?

A. Whilst charitably dealing with those who wrong us personally, our duty to society requires us always to assist in bringing to justice those who break the law.

149. Q. For what reason?

A. Because if crimes were re unpunished society would not be safe; hence punishment is meant to make examples of offenders, and thus deter others from crime.

150. Q. How then should we act?

A. We should cultivate a spirit of calmness and self-command, which does not take offence easily, and judges kindly and charitably the words and actions of others.