Ver. 6.-The allowable as the exceptional. It is often the case that that which is wrong as a rule is right as an exception; what it would be unwise, if not unlawful to do under. ordinar:r circu_mstanc~s, it may be most wi_se and even obligatory to d~ in emergencies. This applies particularly, but not exclusively, to the subject of the text- I. 'l'HE USE OF STIMULANTS, In a state of health and durin.,. the discharge of daily duties, shun the use of stimulants ; depend upon that which n~urishes and builds up. "Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish;" to the man who, by exposure or by some suddenly inflicted wound, or by starvation, is brought down to the brink of death, administer the reviving cordial. What we should not depend upon for daily strength we do well to fall back upon in the time of extremity, or in the case of special need. II. THE EMPLOYMENT OF STRONG LANGUAGE OR VERY VIVID ILLUSTRATION. It is a great mistake to be always speaking in superlatives, or to be habitually indulging in expletives, or to be regularly resorting· to highly coloured illustrations. It is a sign and also a source of weakness. These very soon lose their power by repetition, and then there is nothing in reserve. And the man who has no power in reserve is he who will find himself beaten in the battle. Temperate language, moderation in the use of imagery and the expression of disapproval, is the true and wise course. Strong language is for qnite exceptional cases; it has its opportunity, but should be content to wait for it. III. RESORT To VIOLENCE. There are occasions when physical force should be and must be employed. 'fhe magistrate is compelled to resort to it; so also is the school- master, and even the parent. But the less the better. Bodily chastisement is always regrettable, and only to be resorted to when all other means have failed. Its constant exercise only hardens the object of it, and it is not unlikely to harden the hand that administers it. The wise teacher and the wise parent will do his .best to reduce it to its very lowest point. IV. AFFECTIONATE DEMONSTRATIVENESS. This has its time and place, but it is an exceptional rather than a constant one in the conduct of our life. When any one has lacked the tenderness and the affection which our heart craves, aud is hungry for human love, when the free and full manifestation of heartfelt kindness will be like water to the parched lips, let it be freely and fully given, But the perpetual exhibition of endearment, whether in word or deed, is a mistake. V. THE APPEAL TO SELF-INTEREST ON THE PAR'r OF THE MORALIST AND RELIGIOUS TEACHER. We should, as a rule, place moral obligations and religious duty on the ground of conviction; we should continually endeavour to impress men with the feeling that they are sacredly bound to respect themselves, to regard the rights of their brethren, to respond to the claims of God, their Father and their Saviour. Religion is the response of the human soul to the boundless claim of Infinite Goodness and Love. Hut Christ has himself taught us that it is right and well sometimes to make our appeal Lu the sense of self-interest-to say to men," If not for God's sake, who has a sovereign rtnd supreme claim on your attention; if not for the sake of those who are related to you and dependent on you; yet for your own sake, because you love life and hate death, L ,arken and obey" (see Mark viii. 36, 37).-C.
\" era. 8, 9.-The function and the privilege of power. God gives to some men OH, XXXI. 1-31.] THE PROVERBS. 609