This should be followed by a word of appeal to the heart, to restrain its evil promptings--something genial and earnest, calculated to open out the soul, and which, coupled with a simple and modest demeanor, shall at once bespeak the preacher as sincerely attached to his audience. {120} If preaching on the duty of charity toward the poor, you might say:--"I come before you on the present occasion to plead a cause which will secure me against all adverse criticism, for I know your charity. I have not to address you to-day in language of censure or rebuke, but in words of encouragement and blessing." If a severe truth is to be urged on the congregation, it might be introduced thus:--"You will permit me to declare the truth unto you; for you love the truth. The people have never been hostile to it. ... You yourselves would not be satisfied with half truths; you desire something better. Therefore I shall deem it my duty to tell you the whole truth with the freedom of an apostle, but at the same time, with all Christian charity." In a word, you should exhibit that gentle admixture of power and benignity which so well befits him who speaks in the name of the Most High; exciting the love of your hearers as with the influence of a mother. Or, following therein the example of Saint Paul, being like one who serves, and not like one who rules; condescending toward all; striving to withdraw them from the sorrows and passions of life, that you may lead them to the truth, to virtue, and to heaven. ... On great occasions it is usual to recite the _Ave Maria_ before the sermon. It is a venerable and edifying practice which ought to be followed; but forbear invoking the Holy Spirit or the blessed Virgin unless you do it devoutly and sincerely. {121} It is frequently otherwise: one appeals to heaven, and fixes his eyes on the earth: another, instead of the posture of prayer, assumes the attitude of menace, and looks very much like a man who demands your money or your life.