... of abuse may be included. Gentleness knows how to give way graciously and not insist on one’s rights. Matthew Arnold’s rendering of the word as “sweet reasonableness” has passed into general currency. When Shakespeare’s Portia says to Shylock ( ... our doors; as near eighteen hundred years ago as now, and not nearer now than then, and not nearer when He comes than now” (Newman, p. 241). 4:6 Because “the Lord is near,” his people need not be anxious about anything. This is in line with Jesus’ ...
