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I will suppose that you have traveled in a strange country with a congenial companion. You were careful to do and say nothing that would mar the pleasure of your intercourse. There were many pleasant objects to look at, but your experience taught you that any unpleasantness between your companion and yourself would quite do away with the attractions of the things around you. So you were careful not to grieve him.

The Spirit of God is your companion. Most exalted of all beings, he abides with you on the footing of a friend, to teach, persuade, purify, and bless. He is particular indeed; but it is for your good. He interferes with you at times; - not to make a display of his authority, but for your preservation. He restrains you at the entrance of some dark pit; it is because a wolf has made its lair there. He stops you as you are stepping into a boat; it is because a whirlwind is rushing to meet it. He hurries you away from some elevated spot; It is because the mountain is heaving, and a volcano is about to burst forth. Dispute not with him; grieve him not. He does nothing to grieve you.

Grieve him not by forgetting his presence; by forgetting the sufferings of Christ; by neglecting prayer; by slighting the word; by going into temptation; by reading irreligious or idle books; by waste of time; by disregarding the miseries of your fellow-men; by apologies for sin; by leaning to your own understanding.

You know how difficult it is to put things exactly on their former basis, when you have had some misunderstanding with your friend. If you have insulted him, and he has forgiven you, it is not easy to look him in the face just as you formerly did. It is sad to have brought to light the possibility of a falling out. If the thing has occurred repeatedly, the memory of it will sadden and straiten your intercourse. Then grieve not the Spirit of God. Sooner let the sick passenger insult the generous oarsman who is struggling to save him from the breakers. Sooner let the captive quarrel with the benevolent stranger who is laying down a fortune for his ransom. Sooner let Hagar revile the angel who points her to a fountain where she and her son may drink and live. Oh, grieve not the Holy Spirit of God!

Bible Verses: Ephesians 4:30

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