The language of reason, unaccompanied by kindness, will often fail of making an impression; it has no effect on the understanding, because it touches not the heart. The language of kindness, unassociated with reason, will frequently be unable to persuade; because, though it may gain upon the affections, it wants that which is necessary to convince the judgment. But let reason and kindness be united in a discourse, and seldom will even pride or prejudice find it easy to resist. --GISBORNE.
Good reasons must, of force, give place to better.--SHAKESPEARE.
There is a just Latin axiom, that he who seeks a reason for everything subverts reason.--EPES SARGENT.
REBUKE.--In all reprehensions, observe to express rather thy love than thy anger; and strive rather to convince than exasperate: but if the matter do require any special indignation, let it appear to be the zeal of a displeased friend, rather than the passion of a provoked enemy.--FULLER.
RECONCILIATION.--Wherein is it possible for us, wicked and impious creatures, to be justified, except in the only Son of God? O sweet reconciliation! O untraceable ministry! O unlooked-for blessing! that the wickedness of many should be hidden in one godly and righteous man, and the righteousness of one justify a host of sinners!--JUSTIN MARTYR.
God pardons like a mother who kisses the offence into everlasting forgetfulness.--BEECHER.
As thro' the land at eve we went, And pluck'd the ripen'd ears, We fell out, my wife and I, We fell out I know not why, And kiss'd again with tears.
And blessings on the falling out That all the more endears, When we fall out with those we love And kiss again with tears!
For when we came where lies the child We lost in other years, There above the little grave, Oh, there above the little grave, We kiss'd again with tears. --TENNYSON.
Oh, my dear friends,--you who are letting miserable misunderstandings run on from year to year, meaning to clear them up some day,--if you only could know and see and feel that the time is short, how it would break the spell! How you would go instantly and do the thing which you might never have another chance to do!--PHILLIPS BROOKS.
REFINEMENT.--Refinement is the delicate aroma of Christianity. --CHARLOTTE M. YONGE.