“The most scientific of our Continental theologians have returned back again to the relations and ramifications of the old paths.” Here _paths_ and _ramifications_ do not correspond; nor is it obvious what the _relations_ of _paths_ are. Then _returned back again_ seems to involve superfluity; either _returned_ or _turned back again_ would have been better. A large school had lately fallen into difficulties owing to internal dissensions; in the report of a council on the subject it was stated that measures had been taken to _introduce more harmony and good feelings_. The word _introduce_ suggests the idea that harmony and good feeling could be laid on like water or gas by proper mechanical adjustment, or could be supplied like first-class furniture by a London upholsterer. An orator speaking of the uselessness of a dean said that “he wastes his sweetness on the desert air, and stands like an engine upon a siding.” This is a strange combination of metaphors. The following example is curious as showing how an awkward metaphor has been carried out: “In the _face_ of such assertions what is the puzzled _spectator_ to do.” The contrary proceeding is much more common, namely to drop a metaphor prematurely or to change it. For instance: “Physics and metaphysics, physiology and psychology, thus become united, and the study of man passes from the uncertain light of mere opinion to the region of science.” Here _region_ corresponds very badly with _uncertain light_. Metaphors and similes require to be employed with great care, at least by those who value taste and accuracy. I hope I may be allowed to give one example of a more serious kind than those hitherto supplied. The words _like lost sheep_ which occur at the commencement of our Liturgy always seem to me singularly objectionable, and for two reasons. In the first place, illustrations being intended to unfold our meaning are appropriate in explanation and instruction, but not in religious confession. And in the second place the illustration as used by ourselves is not accurate; for the condition of a _lost sheep_ does not necessarily suggest that conscious lapse from rectitude which is the essence of human transgression. A passage has been quoted with approbation by more than one critic from the late Professor Conington’s translation of Horace, in which the following line occurs:— “After life’s endless babble they sleep well.” Now the word _endless_ here is extremely awkward; for if the babble never ends, how can anything come after it?