in which, by words of double meaning, there is displayed the execrable wit, that renders terms, in themselves not indelicate, the vehicle, when artfully combined, of conveying ideas indelicate in the highest degree. From uttering and from hearing this language of deep depravity, may the God of all grace preserve the young!

Let these hints suffice, in reference to the many abuses of the Tongue, which it is of the greatest importance to avoid.

Thirdly, Let there be more than ordinary vigilance, where there is more than ordinary danger.

Consideration should, in every in. stance, precede expression. If we would adopt the only rational method

in which words can be uttered, we must determine-first to think, and then to speak. "Either be silent," said Pythagoras to his disciples, "or say something that is better than silence." And a greater than Pythagoras has said ;-" In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin, but he that refraineth his lips is wise.""Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words, there is more hope of a fool than of him." But if the habit of consideration be at all times desirable, how much more requisite must it be in circumstances of peculiar danger! That danger may arise sometimes from within, and originate in our own hearts. Often it may be imminent, under the impulse of strong and

ardent feeling, and especially under the excitement of angry and tumultuous emotions. How important, then, is the exhortation of the Apostle James:-"Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." If wrath be rising, if the storm be gathering in thy soul, summon to thine aid the most effectual principles of self-control. Suspect thyself; dread thyself; and look up to Him who is able, in the moment of peril, "to succor them that are tempted."

The danger to be apprehended arises sometimes from without still more than from within. Of this source of peril the Psalmist was feelingly

aware:-"I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me. I was dumb with silence; I held my peace even from good; and my sorrow was stirred." If, as in the case of David, injuries have been received, there may be danger of uttering, in return, impatient, and impetuous, and resentful, and recriminating, and heart-cutting words. If favors have been received, there may be danger of yielding a sinful assent to the opinions expressed, and the principles maintained. In the hours of social intercourse, how gradual and easy is often the transition from the expression of sentiments with which you may safely

accord, to the utterance of sentiments with which it would be culpable to accord; and, under these circumstances, how perplexing and entangling does the course of conversation often become! What a painful and difficult struggle then commences in the mind, between the fear of offending man, and the fear of offending God! And although a holy decision of character will promptly determine in what manner the struggle shall terminate, who is there that cannot perceive the extreme danger of such a situation to the timid, the modest and the young? Nor let it be forgotten, that silence itself may be sin; and sin it undoubtedly is, if it proceed from that "fear of man which bringeth a