The Anatomy of Melancholy

If only, in the midst and full rush of such monstrous and uncharitable actions, a person would consider how displeasing they are in God’s sight and how harmful to himself—as Solomon told Joab, 1 Kings 2: “The Lord will bring this blood upon their heads”; Proverbs 1:27: “Sudden desolation and destruction will come upon them like a whirlwind”; “affliction, anguish, the reward of his hands will be given him,” Isaiah 3:11, and so on; “they will fall into the pit they have dug for others”; and while they scrape together wealth, tyrannize, acquire and wallow in riches, “This night, you fool, I will take away your soul”—what a strict account they must give!

And, on the other hand, how pleasing a charitable person is in God’s eyes: “he draws grace to himself.” Matthew 5:7: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will obtain mercy.” “Whoever lends to the poor gives to God”; it will be repaid to them. “By their patience and forbearance they will heap coals upon their enemies’ heads,” Romans 12; “and whoever follows righteousness and mercy will find righteousness and glory.”

Surely they would check their desires, curb their unnatural and disorderly passions, agree among themselves, refrain from evil, amend their lives and learn to do good. “See how beautiful and good it is for brothers to live together in unity: it is like the precious ointment,” and so on. How hateful to quarrel with one another!

“Wretched creatures, what do we want with these petty struggles? See, death hangs over our heads, and that supreme tribunal where our words and deeds must be examined. Let us be wise!”

Why do we quarrel and torment one another? See, death hangs over our heads, and soon we must account for all our uncharitable words and actions. Think about it, and be wise.