Practice the art of being agreeable.

 

   Have sense and grace enough to put away the pitiable and mean disposition of discontent, jealousy and imagining slights.

 

   If you are misrepresented or opposed in argument, keep cool, and do not let your peace be disturbed.

 

   Keep your voice down, and temper will not rise.

 

   It is egotism and conceit of the worse kind for a person to set up his opinions as infallibly correct, and impatiently talk and act towards those who differ from him as if he had all the common sense.  Allow others the same liberty you claim for yourself, and agree to differ.

 

   Pay no attention to gossip or censorious criticism, for "people will talk, you know."  Commit not only your character but also your reputation to God.

 

   It takes two to make a quarrel or get up a dispute.  Usually one is as much to blame as the other.  Do not be either one.

 

   The maxim of "tit for tat" is unchristian and foolish.

 

   Let others have the last word sometimes.

 

   Do not say, "I'll give him a piece of my mind."  No don't; it will do no good.  The way we feel against and reprove a wrong-doer  may be much worse than the wrong done.

 

   Have enough self-respect to avoid all tirade, abuse and offensive personalities by voice or pen.  You might if annoyed, write a good strong letter for present personal relief.  Keep it for three days and you will then never send it, but burn it up.  This plan will save you much trouble and regret.

 

   Learn the art of holding your tongue.  By making no reply, or by introducing another subject, you may often avoid needless disputes, discord and hard feelings.  We learn this from Christ, who "held His peace" and "reviled not."  It shows a small mind or despicable spirit to always retaliate.

 

   Belong to and get others to join the Society of Peacemakers.  It was established by Christ.  "Blessed are the peacemakers."

 

   So set your mind that the running around and noise of children in play will not disturb you.  Children have their rights.

 

   Does your temper trouble you?  I will give you a secret that will work like a charm.  Stay your mind on God and trust Him.  If I were in your home for a day, would you exhibit your temper in my presence?  Probably not.  Then, as my presence would keep you from displaying your temper, if you are always conscious of the presence and aid of the Lord, how much more will you find your temper subdued.

 

   I want you all to take as your daily motto Isaiah 26:3, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee."  As you stay your mind on God and trust Him, He will keep you in 'perfect peace,' and your temper will not control you, but will be subdued or controlled.

 

   Brother Love