of gold in pictures of silver.”  The interest of conversation does not depend so much upon the multitude of words, as upon the matter they contain, and their appropriateness to the subject.  But, when no other person introduces profitable conversation, take it upon yourself.  If you will study to be skilful in the matter, you may turn any conversation to good account.  This was one of the peculiar beauties of our Saviour’s discourse.  Whatever subject was introduced, he invariably drew from it some important lesson.  If you are on the alert, you may always give a proper turn to conversation in this way.  I do not say that conversation should always be exclusively religious.  But it should be of a kind calculated to improve either the mind or heart, and it should at all times partake of the savor of piety.  “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt.”  No proper opportunity, however, should be lost, of making a direct religious impression.  If the solemn realities of divine things were always present to our minds, as they ought to be, we should never be at a loss to speak of them in a becoming manner.  When you meet with persons who are living without hope, lose no proper occasion to warn them of their danger, and show them the sinfulness of their lives, and the guilt of rejecting the Saviour.  But this should be done as privately as possible.  Speaking to them abruptly, in the presence of company, often has a tendency to provoke opposition, and harden them in sin.  However, this caution is not always necessary.  If there is much tenderness of conscience, admonition will be well received, even in the presence of others.  Great care should be taken, on both sides, that you neither injure them by your imprudence, nor neglect your duty to their souls, through excessive carelessness.  Study wisdom, skilfulness, and discretion, in all things.

7. Set your face against the discussion of the characters of those who are absent. This is a most pernicious practice, quite too prevalent at the present day.  I would have you avoid, as much as possible, speaking even of the good qualities of those who are absent, for two reasons:  1.  I see no good likely to result from it; therefore it must be an unprofitable method of spending time. 2.  It leads us to speak also of their faults, so as to give their whole characters; and this is evil speaking.  Never allow yourself to say anything to the disadvantage of any person, unless your duty to others may require it.  This, however, will rarely happen; but it may sometimes be your duty to caution others against being ensnared by one whose character you know to be bad.  The Scriptures condemn backbiting and evil speaking in the most pointed terms.  “Speak not evil one of another, brethren.  He that speaketh evil of his brother, speaketh evil of the law.”  “Speak evil of no man.”  “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you.”