If sinners are stubborn and malicious, flesh and blood will persuade you to take up their weapons and to master them by worldly means – but that is not the way (further than self-preservation or public good may require), but overcome them with kindness and patience and gentleness. The former may show that you have more worldly power than they have, but only the latter will tell them that you surpass them in spiritual excellence. If you believe that Christ was more worthy of imitation than Caesar or Alexander, and that it is more honorable to be a Christian than to be a conqueror, or even to be a man than a beast (which often exceed us in strength), then battle with love rather than with violence. Set meekness and love and patience against force, and not force against force.
Remember that you are required to be the servants of all. Condescend to men of low estate (Romans 12:16). Do not be a stranger to the poor of your flock, for they may be inclined to take your avoidance for contempt. Friendship, improved to holy purposes, may do an abundance of good. Do not speak roughly or disrespectfully to anyone, but be courteous to the lowest, as to your equal in Christ. Having a kind and pleasant attitude is an easy way of doing good to others. Let me urge you to abound in works of compassion and benevolence. Go to the poor and see what they need, and show your compassion.
Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor, 1656
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