asts, by
nature.--CICERO.

When a man has not a good reason for doing a thing, he has one good
reason for letting it alone.--WALTER SCOTT.

One can never repeat too often, that reason, as it exists in man, is
only our intellectual eye, and that, like the eye, to see, it needs
light,--to see clearly and far, it needs the light of Heaven.

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 kno