- Moderate counsels are wisest and best. Gentleness will do what
violence will not do. Most people like to be accosted mildly.
Good words cost only a little self-denial, yet they purchase
great things. No more needs to be done to ruin men, than to
leave them to their own pride and passion. Thus, whatever are
the devices of men, God is doing his own work by all, and
fulfilling the word which he has spoken. No man can bequeath his
prosperity to his heirs any more than his wisdom; though our
children will generally be affected by our conduct, whether good
or bad. Let us then seek those good things which will be our own
for ever; and crave the blessing of God upon our posterity, in
preference to wealth or worldly exaltation.
he ten tribes revolt from Rehoboam.