cams_benton_b028_f002_001_001

[upper left corner]
No. 31 ~

[upper right corner]
Eve. [Evening]
July 30.

Proverbs 15:1~ [centered]

"A soft answer turneth away wrath."

April 1845: Ser. [Sermon] [centered]

Gift of speech is from God. The power
of utterance one of our most exalting fac-
-ulties – a blessing whose value is inestimably.

Not till weakness or disease compels to be
dumb – for a month – a week – a day – an hour –
does one Know the pleasure of it to say
nought of its utility.

But a blessing so rich – so
common to men – is more the less commonly
abused. As it is capab [capable] of noblest uses –
So also it is of vilest – ofttimes it calls up
a Spirit wh. [who] it cannot levy; & provokes a
storm wh. [which] it cannot quell.

On the other hand – it oft avails
to hush the tempest 0 [Nothing] else can –, & subdue
the Spirit that will down at no other bidding.

It is a many-voiced – a many-toned in-
-strument – an accomp^d [accomplished] player shall bring out
of it a wonderful power, & effcy. [efficacy].