The Cure for Unjust Anger

Puritan Treasures for Today

by John Downame

As a physician of souls, John Downame begins this important book by carefully defining anger and distinguishing between righteous and unjust expressions of it. He then helps us consider the properties, causes, kinds, and effects of unjust anger. Finally, moving beyond diagnosis, he presents the cure of sinful anger by prescribing practical strategies for both preventing and overcoming unjust anger in its different forms. Downame writes as a skilled practitioner who has assembled a comprehensive moral and spiritual pharmacy for treating sin-sick souls. Table of
1. The Nature of Anger
2. Righteous Anger
3. Unjust Anger
4. Internal Causes of Unjust Anger
5. External Causes of Unjust Anger
6. The Properties of Unjust Anger
7. The Different Kinds of Unjust Anger
8. The Evil Effects of Unjust Anger
9. Removing the Causes of Unjust Anger
10. Subduing Anger by Laboring for Patience
11. Remedies to Cure Unjust Anger
12. Remedies to Cure Anger in Others
Series Description Interest in the Puritans continues to grow, but many people find reading these giants of the faith a bit unnerving. Puritan Treasures for Today seeks to overcome that barrier by presenting Puritan books that are convenient in size and unintimidating in length. Each book is carefully edited with modern readers in mind, smoothing out difficult language of a bygone era while retaining the meaning of the original authors. Books for the series are thoughtfully selected to provide some of the best counsel on important subjects that people continue to wrestle with today.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Faith

126 pages, Paperback

Published April 15, 2020

Reviews

[Peter Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book on anger, written with a pastor's heart and an eye to getting to the root of the problem. What I really I liked was that he began with righteous anger. I found this a tremendous help as I began thinking about anger. He is clear on what righteous anger is. Then he begins helping us defeat unjust anger. A lot of practical tips that deal with both heart and hand. The best book on anger I have read, not surprising it came from a Puritan.

[Zach McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Golden. Pierces and comforts the soul.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good.

[My Little Happy Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️

This was such a helpful read. While I’m not someone that is outwardly consumed by anger or aggression, I felt that my heart posture could be improved by learning how to not let the seeds that can fester and grow into anger, frustration, and animosity to others be allowed to stay or grow in my heart. I found myself considering ways I may hold onto things when I have been hurt by others, and this book is a great reminder that God is the ultimate judge and that is not my place to make things even or hold grudges that grow into resentment and even anger. I was reminded while reading this of the Lord’s Prayer line “forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors,” which really reminded me that I am praying to be forgiven as I also forgive. I am far from perfection in forgiveness, and this is a good reminder to strive with full focus to sincerely forgive others even when it is difficult because no one can wrong me to the same level as I have wronged God. Once again, I am a very big fan of the puritan treasures for today series, and I think these are great to listen to and even re-listen to as needed.

[Lucas Dorminy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderfully written and helpful little book! I recommend every man, young or old, to read this work and take it to heart. Unjust anger and wrath are not impossible to fight or prevent. You do not have a "difference in personality" when it comes to vile affections. This work will be a fantastic help to any who may struggle with this vice.

[Carly Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I would've read this years ago. The Puritans are such a treasure we don't visit nearly enough.

I may have to make this a yearly read for myself as I work on becoming more sanctified and less angry, it is truly convicting and yet comforting. Downame calls out the ugliness of the sin for what it is and yet shows us the balm of the Holy Spirit that can and does pacify.

[Jon Pentecost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical, wise, discerning, gracious, hopeful.

[Cory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily going to be one of the best books I will read this year (at least I think so at this point).

[Matt Kozma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great work on anger

I enjoyed this short Puritan work on anger. There are no simple cures, magic formulas,. But Downame helps clarify the matter and gives godly direction to overcoming unjust anger.

[ValeReads Kyriosity · Rating 5 out of 5]

The original title was Spiritual physicke to cure the diseases of the soule, arising from superfluitie of choller, prescribed out of Gods word Wherein the chollericke man may see the dangerousnesse of this disease of the soule vniust anger, the preseruatiues to keepe him from the infection thereof, and also fit medicines to restore him to health beeing alreadie subiect to this raging passion. Profitable for all to vse, seeing all are patients in this desease of impatiencie. A later edition shortened it to Treatise of Anger. The current title is better, but perhaps something like A Prescription for Unjust Anger would be better still. Obviously a book can't cure sin, but this one provides a thorough diagnosis and suggested course of treatment from a number of angles.

Downame is a careful and attentive physician of souls with a helpful bedside manner. Today's therapeutic culture has really tainted the language of sin as a sickness, but there's a correct way to use that language, and that's what we get from Downame. There's nothing of excuse-making in his prescription, just identification of root causes (the sin beneath the sin) and strong doses of several kinds of repentance.

I read this because I need it...not just out of idle curiosity. I was convicted (again) of my pride, and I think that's the front where I need to muster my troops most effectively. Pray for victory!

This was the only modernized edition I could find, and it felt a little overedited to me. I've downloaded the original text to see what I can do about making my own edition.

[Zach Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely the best book on anger. First, he does an excellent job of explaining just anger and convicting you of the lack thereof. Afterwards, he clearly outlines the causes, conditions, and cures of unjust anger in a way that is both heart-searching, simple, and immensely practical.

One strength is how Downame argues that anger is a brief madness, running roughshod over reason. His arguments seek therefore to reinstate reason into her place of control instead of simply pacifying the passion. As he does this, he writes in a tender, yet pointed manner as a pedagogical tool to model how we ourselves should address anger.

Lastly, I wholeheartedly commend this series. RHB has done a fantastic job of modernizing this and other Puritan works so that they can be accessible to a new generation. I could take this bit of old wisdom and confidently put it in the hand of a seventh grader.

[Alejandro Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quoting Downame: “Let us seek the Lord, the only true physician. May He anoint the blind eyes of our understanding with the precious eye salve of His Holy Spirit, that we might see the deformities of this [anger] disordered affection, along with all others. And may He also by the same Spirit enable us to reform and renew our affections, that their violence and fury being abated and their filth and corruption being purged, cleansed, and sanctified, they may become useful for setting forth God’s glory, the good of our brethren and the furthering of our eternal salvation.”

This book is a gem! Great read.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful and precise analysis of anger, both righteous and unjust kinds. I was surprised by how often Downame made use of Seneca and Plutarch in his examples and in his advice; but he also made expert use of Scriptural examples and admonitions. A gem!

[Anete Ābola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a typical puritan, Downame diagnosis anger and prescribes remedies. I love that approach, because it is truly practical. Timeless and applicable to us today, too.

I am always surprised o0w well they quote classical writers, but discerning where they erred.

[Andrzej Stelmasiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Thoroughly biblical, but also drawing from the wisdom of the ancients (Seneca, etc.), and even if it's from the Puritan era it still surpasses our wisdom as moderns in many respects.

[Lindsey Finton · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read. Definitely will be rereading!

[Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read master class for every human being on the face of the planet. Wonderfully good.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Biblical and practical. Contrasts just (holy) and unjust (sinful) anger, tells the causes of unjust anger, then explains how to fight unjust anger in yourself and others.

I read the free ebook from Monergism.

Notes
Be Angry and Sin Not
Mt 5:22 and other passages don't forbid all anger, but unjust (unholy) anger.

Just (holy) anger can be motivated by zeal for God's glory, and is aimed at those who dishonor God. Examples: Moses (Ex 16:20), Phinehas, Elias, Christ (Jn 2:17), Jeremiah (Jer 6:10-11).

Just anger can be motivated by our being unjustly injured. God's law requires us to seek preservation of our reputation and estate. We may seek help of magistrate if needed. Examples: Moses (Num 16:15), Paul (23:2).

Just anger can be motivated by our brethren being unjustly injured. Examples: Moses (Acts 7:24), David (2 Sam 13:21), Nehemiah (Neh 5:6).

For anger to be just, the cause must be an important one. Over small matters we should be longsuffering (1 Cor 13:3-7; 1 Pet 4:8).

"… it is no less a sin to show mildness where the Lord requireth anger, then anger where he requireth mildness."

We should be angry at others' sin, but not their persons; we must seek their good (Ps 119:139; Mk 3:5). We should more grieve their sin than how they've offended us.

Just anger should be short so it doesn't turn into malice.

Anger is just when the goal is God's glory and/or the good of the Church, the public, the offended, or the offender.

Of Unjust Anger
Unjust anger is a sinful desire for revenge, stirred up by unjust causes, not caused by concern for God's glory or the good of ourselves or others, in an unjust and immoderate manner, against those with whom we shouldn't be angry.

Of the Properties of Unjust Anger
Unjust anger is immoderate; it grows into fury, violence (Gal 5:20-21) rather than being merciful and easy to be entreated. Anger is immoderate when we speak dishonorably (blaspheming, cursing, disgraceful) (2 Sam 16:5) or are vengeful (Rom 12:19).

Unjust anger is against offender rather than sin (Mt 5:44; Lk 23:34; Acts 7:66) or against animals (Num 24:10) or inanimate objects.

The Remedies of Unjust Anger
Unjust anger can be caused by self-love, so we should love our neighbors as ourselves.

Unjust anger can be caused by pride, so we should be humble (Mt 11:29). Remembering that we deserve nothing but hell can help endure wrongs without anger.

Unjust anger can be caused by covetousness, so we should be content. We shouldn't expect much, so that we don't become angry when our hopes aren't met.

Unjust anger can be caused by overlooking original sin; we should expect sin in ourselves and others. When others sin against us, we should pity them and work for their repentance and belief, not become angry at them.

The Second Means to Subdue Anger, is to Labor for Patience
To fight unjust anger, practice patience and longsuffering.

Fight unjust anger by admiring God's mercy in correcting you with light affliction rather than the eternal punishment your sins deserve. Look past the instruments of chastisement to God behind them (2 Sam 16:10-11).

Fight unjust anger by remembering Christ's suffering for your sins.

Fight unjust anger by following positive examples of God (Ex 34:6; Ps 103:8-9), Christ (Mt 11:29; 1 Pet 2:22).

Fight unjust anger by following positive examples of people in Bible (Ps 103:8-9; Gen 13:8; Ex 17:4, 11; 2 Sam 16:10; Acts 7:60).

Fight unjust anger by avoiding company of unjustly angry people (Pro 22:24).

Fight unjust anger one day at a time; commit to containing unjust anger for a day, then the day after, etc., until you make patience a habit.

The Remedies to Expel or Bridle Anger
It's easier to suppress unjust anger when it first starts than after it grows, so watch for signs that you're getting angry.

Suppressing unjust anger when it first starts weakens it. Counting before doing something in anger can help.

Fight unjust anger by praying to God for assistance to rule and sanctify your affections.

The Remedies to Cure Anger in Others
Mitigate the anger of others by being silent (Pro 26:21; 30:33).

If angry person could interpret your silence as contempt, then give a soft, mild response instead (Pro 15:1; 25:15).

Wait until the person has calmed down before counseling and admonishing them about their anger; they're unfit to hear it when angry.

Overcome your own unjust anger before confronting others about theirs.

[Joost Fidder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this treatise on unjust anger a few months ago. It was one of the first Puritan books I read and I was surprised that Mr. Downame was well read in regard to philosophers such as Seneca, Plato and Plutarch. He quotes them extensively in the book and finds their work helpful at the level of studying the affections. At page 4 Downame writes: ‘’even the heathen philosophers, walking the darkness of ignorance and error and enlightened with only the glimmering spark of natural reason, could both discern the corruption of the affections and study to reform them, bringing them under the rule of reason.’’
Just like Martin Lloyd Jones he seems to treat the topic of sin as a disease as a skilful physician. Sin therefore is seen as evil and a contagious leprosy. In need of practical advice at the level of the management of affections for sin-sick souls. Darkness in ones soul in this sense is brought to the level of reason.
The best part of the book is the beginning (chapter 1-3). Which describes righteous and unrighteous anger. Which comes down to a separation of godly and ungodly anger. He contrast this with stoic thought that does not make this distinction (p.7). One quote about anger: ‘’it is a good soldier as long as it remains subject to the discipline and control of sanctified reason’’ (p.9).
A few things that are said about righteous anger are the following: That it must be occasion by a just cause such as the glory of god, wickedness unpunished, unjust personal injury and/or unjust injury of others. In applications anger must be serious and towards a topic of some importance, it has to be moderate, in humility and love and by showing dignity and respect. It must also be placed on the proper objects. So at the sin itself and not towards another person himself. In midst of our anger we need to search the good of the other. It also has to be endured for the appropriate time.

[Matt Escher · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I liked: Editing for clarity from RHB. Length. I think Downame's explanation of "just" anger was a great summary, and challenging. This work is littered with pithy statements in making various points, he does seek to bring cincepts to life. I certainly I enjoyed many aspects of the work.

What I lacked: Application, root cause, and pastoral vigor. I probably have too high of expectations. I walked away with a few helpful thoughts while I felt lacking a deep impression of anger on the soul, delivered with a pastoral, experiential energy to move the reader away from his anger and toward Christ and charity. The title "the cure for" would seem to imply an intent to bring application of the medicine, which I didn't sense much of. Further, I felt the causes/expressions of anger felt a bit tangential. They weren't driven down to justice, the supposed (and I believe to be so) root of anger, but were left to something of "wisdom nuggets".

Overall a decent work, but it wouldn't be my first or primary suggestion regarding anger.

[Luke Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rightly called “a physician of souls,” Downame is masterful in his parsing of the essence, expressions, properties, causes, kinds, and effects of unjust anger. He brings to bear the wisdom of natural reason from the likes of Seneca, Plato, and Socrates with a host of pithy gems and vivid imagery. But Downame is a true Puritan in the way he wields the Scriptures. Unjust anger rears its beastly face in countless examples throughout the Scriptures, while Downame also draws out the multiplied remedies from Solomon’s proverbial wisdom and our Lord Jesus’ holy example in word and deed. Truly a Puritan treasure for us today. Downame stands tall and strong among the Redwoods of our faith.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good and balanced Puritan devotional that has the great advantage of being incredibly short.

Probably the thing I found most beneficial was that it said we should consider more injuries against ourselves as trifles when compared with the glory of God. Most of Downame's recommendations for dealing with anger have to do with angry outbursts at other people, though he does have some advice for remembering how little we deserve.

The thing that makes Downame very balanced is that he observes that there is a difference between nursing anger and growing in bitterness and constantly struggling with subduing it. That's a helpful distinction for me to have in my back pocket.

[McKenzie Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on handing anger. Unlike the modern books on anger I’ve read, Downame opens the book clarifying there is a righteous version of anger. He advises how to discern if your anger is righteous or unrighteous. He talks through common causes of unjust anger from within and without and how to best prevent getting to a sinful state and how to fight sin once you’re gotten to that state. Then he give counsel on how to help other struggling with sinful anger.

This is a short, practical, pastoral book from an early puritan in modern English.

[Jeremy Swartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the premier resource for those struggling with the sin of unjust anger. I was presented with my sin and convicted of it several times over throughout the book, and I can’t recommend it highly enough if you’re someone like me who is easily inflamed with unjust anger. After reading this excellent resource, I will, by God’s grace, mortify this ugly and destructive sin from my life. Only by His Spirit can we vanquish sin, and I pray that we all can be sanctified and cleansed from wicked passions such as this!

[Brandt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Downame majors on the definitions and categorizations of anger, while leaving precious few pages at the end of his brief work to the remedies for anger. The reader’s efforts are better spent on Flavel’s “The Mystery of Providence,” which offers more of the cures for anger without all the preliminaries.

[Valerie Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow. SO GOOD!!! this book is EXCELLENT!!! defines just anger, then unjust.... thoroughly identifies it, addresses it and its roots.... and then rememdies!! oh. so. good. every believer should read this... for self and to see and help others...

[Peter Kiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Downame is excellent at diagnosing the roots of anger, the different kinds of anger, and their remedy. I think everyone suffers from every aspect to a small extent, so this book is beneficial for all Christians alike.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t say enough good things about this book. Convicting and Scriptural!

[Josh McInnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough treatment of anger, describing the attributes of just anger and of unjust anger, as well as the causes and remedies for unjust anger.

[Timothy Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will frequently return to the last 20 pages.