When it becomes fixed, it is termed hatred. When it intends to injure any one, it is called malice. All these wicked passions spring from anger. The continuance and frequent fits of anger produce an evil habit in the soul. There is a propensity to be angry which oftentimes ends in anger, bitterness, and gloom.
Anger is such a headstrong and impetuous passion that the ancients call it a short madness.
There is no difference between an angry man and a madman while the fit continues, because both are void of reason and blind for that season. It is a disease that is no less dangerous than deforming to us. It swells the face, it agitates the body, and inflames the blood. And as the evil spirit mentioned in the Gospel threw the possessed into the fire or the water, so it casts us into all kinds of danger. It too often ruins or subverts whole families, towns, cities, and kingdoms.