The case of actual vice, like drinking to excess, seems to me to fall under quite another category; though it is constantly regarded as settled by the text, as though it had been written, “Wherefore, if drink make my brother to offend I will drink no wine while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.” We have no call here to discuss and pass judgment on a movement by which men of most unquestioned goodness, and self-devotion to the best interests of others, think that they see a means of largely helping the morally weak by removing a fatal temptation from their path. We only say that it is a question well worthy of the most careful consideration, how far in the long run and on a large scale a permanent confession of weakness can be helpful to human development; how far a habit of life confessedly built on the weakness of others can offer a noble and inspiring example to those who it is hoped would profit by it; and how far an unnatural condition can have in it the elements of a true and vital reformation. But these considerations are really beside the true scope of the text, though they are naturally suggested by it. And in closing this discussion of a perplexed and difficult subject I would say in brief:—(1) That isolated acts of abstinence, which may have their special reason and justification, when moulded into habits fall in the way of the withering denunciation which the passage I have quoted from 1 Tim. iv. 1–4 expresses; (2) That the moulding of our personal habits on the follies, weaknesses, or vices of others, is a betrayal of trust, for that which we have chiefly in trust is life—to live a life free, strong, and fearless, shining as a light, not of rebuke or of caution, but of guidance to mankind; and (3) That every concession to doubt and weakness to which Divine charity moves us is futile and vicious, unless in the very act we are putting forth a hand to lift a weak brother to a standing ground where he will be above these fogs of fear and infirmity for ever. Butler & Tanner, The Selwood Printing Works, Frome, and London. _BY THE SAME AUTHOR._ _In crown 8vo, 5s., cloth._ IDOLATRIES, OLD AND NEW: THEIR CAUSE AND CURE. Opinions of the Press. “The present volume we should think is by far the best which the author has sent forth. This, indeed, is the most fundamental and comprehensive argument on the principles involved in the ritualistic controversy which we have yet seen.”—_London Quarterly Review._ “We heartily recommend to our readers this eloquent, vigorous, and well-reasoned book. It puts things familiar to only a few strong thinkers in fresh and forcible lights; it is a noble vindication of the spirituality and freedom of the Christian life; it is written in a manly chastened style, and is inspired by a high-toned and earnest spiritual feeling,”—_English Independent._