"It is alleged that there is a country near the north pole, where it is so cold that words are frozen as they issue from the lips. If two men placed apart at a certain distance attempt to converse, they do not hear one another, for their words freeze in the air. But when spring comes, then their words are heard. "Brethren, it is cold too and icy round your souls, and our words freeze; but when spring comes, when God's sun shall shine, then these our words will thaw and penetrate into your hearts, even though it be not till the hour of death." {307} Thus, let there be an outburst of love and kindliness toward those who have been edified by the means of grace, and a still larger and more affectionate appeal to those who seemingly have not profited thereby.--"What shall I say to you? Shall I address you in the language of severity? I might claim the right to do so in God's name; but certainly I have no desire to avail myself of that prerogative. I prefer holding out a hand to you; I prefer pitying, commiserating your misfortune. It would have been delightful for me to have been the instrument of your salvation; but you would not let me save you. Doubtless, God has not judged me worthy; although my mission here embraced you also. ... Another, I trust, will be more successful. ... Be assured that I entertain no ill-will toward you: I do not denounce you; on the contrary, I shall ever pray for you. "Draw a little nearer toward religion. In your calmer moments you sometimes say:--'I do not wish to die without the consolations of religion. Were I to fall sick, I should send for a priest. Well, then, dispose yourself to return to the right path: curb your passions, and break off those habits which poison your existence. Above all, do not be a stumbling-block to your children. {308} How often, as you well know, alas! are fathers the ruin of their offspring. Therefore have pity on your children, and on your wives also; for I whisper it to you that you are said to be sometimes harsh toward them. Ah, the poor wives! such treatment must be very painful to them: they who have already suffered and endured so much."