Job 38:11 And said, Till now shall you come, but no further: and here shall your proud waves be stayed? Everybody draws the line somewhere or other. 1. The Lord Chancellor, speaking on the Burials Bill, remarked that we English people must draw the line as to the requirements of the religious ceremony in the churchyards of our country, by saying that it must be a Christian service. Every rational person will consent to that drawing of the line at the word "Christian," by which I understand is meant a service which acknowledges God and a life beyond the grave. 2. We draw the line in giving evidence in Courts of Justice and in entering Parliament. A man cannot be believed and trusted unless he either takes an oath, or affirms that he will be truthful and faithful. It is absurd as well as insulting to an Englishman to make him swear that he is telling the truth; and I hope that, before long, in our courts of justice we shall simply affirm before giving evidence — "I promise, on my word of honour, to tell the truth." 3. The line is also drawn in things of great social and moral importance. In questions of modesty. There are some books against which you have to draw the line of exclusion, and to say, "No, I draw the line at these books; they shall not enter my house." It is right to draw the line somewhere. With all due deference to those who say, "To the pure all things are pure," a line ought to be drawn in the admission of pictures to public exhibitions. A line ought to be drawn against such demoralising works of art, no matter if a prince were the artist. Draw the line too in your conversation. Do not join in any jokes or stories which go too far over the edge of modesty, but rebuke it in every shape and way. Modesty is woman's sweetest glory, and man's richest crown. 4. Draw the right line in the respect due one to another. Let us not respect a man for his money, but for his manhood. 5. Draw the right line in questions of religion. Not a line of intolerance and exclusiveness. Some people presumptuously draw a line around God's heart; they encroach on the prerogative of God, saying that He cannot save every man. What a libel on God. (W. Birch.) Parallel Verses KJV: And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?WEB: and said, 'Here you may come, but no further. Here your proud waves shall be stayed?' |
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