The important question, therefore, should be: "Is he ready to receive them ?" If not, if the time is unpropitious, the mental condition inauspicious, better do, say, nothing, than make matters worse.

But, unfortunately, it generally happens that at such times the critic is far more concerned at unbosoming himself of his just and wise admonitions than he is as to whether the time is ripe, the conditions the best possible, for the word to be spoken.

The sacred writer has something very wise and illuminating to say upon this subject.

Solomon says: "A word spoken in due season, how good is it!" Note, however, that it must be spoken "in due season," to be good.

The same word spoken out of season may be, and often is, exceedingly bad.