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yourself, especially in the house of a friend, do it with gentleness and neatness, without wetting the carpet or floor, without bespattering the wall or furniture in the immediate vicinity of the basin-that you may as much as possible, diminish the labour of servants. A conscientious man, in these circumstances, ought ever to act on the principle of giving as little trouble as may be to those around him; and, for this purpose, in all cases whatsoever, whether at home or abroad, to leave as little to clean after him as possible.

On the subject of slovenly habits, and several other points noticed in this letter, I would recommend to your perusal the Rev. Dr. Adam Clarke's "Letter to a Methodist Preacher." You will perceive that the learned and venerable Author, though belonging to an ecclesias tical Body, rather distinguished for the simplicity and plainness of its members, and certainly by no means excessive in its attention to external polish, considers a negligence of cleanliness in a minister of the gospel, as not only disgusting, but as very closely allied to moral delinquency.

LETTER IV.

A word spoken in due season, how good is it!

PROV. XV. 28.

CONVERSATION.

MY DEAR YOUNG FRIEND,

THOSE qualities which enable any man to appear well in conversation, are among the most precious that can be possessed. To every publick man these qualities are peculiarly important. But to a minister of the gospel, they are above measure valuable. The business of his life is to benefit his fellow men. A large portion of his time must be passed, and ought to be passed, in society; and he who is best qualified to make all his social intercourse at once pleasing and useful, is, of course best qualified to promote the great ends for which the ministry was instituted.

But while this accomplishment is certainly valuable beyond all price, it evidently engages much less of the attention of candidates for the

holy ministry than its importance demands. Instead of "coveting earnestly this gift ;" instead of studying daily to attain it, and to make progress in it, as is done with regard to some other things of less value; this great concern is left, pretty much, to take care of itself, or, at best, to depend on the exigency of the moment, both for exercise and improvement.

Every man, indeed, is not qualified to excel in conversation; but every man may be inoffensive, if not agreeable: and, as Dean Swift has somewhere remarked, there are hundreds of men who might not only be agreeable, but really shine, who, on account of a few gross faults, which they might easily correct in half an hour, are, at present, not even tolerable. They pass through life not only without usefulness, but are considered as a nuisance wherever they appear.

As I propose to make Religious Conversas tion the subject of a separate Letter, I shall confine myself, at present, to some general principles, which, it appears to me, ought to regulate all our social intercourse Most of these principles, indeed, apply equally to all classes of persons. Some of them, however, are more especially worthy of the attention of those who seek or sustain the sacred office.

This subject is recommended to our attention, not only by common sense, and experience;

but also by the Word of God. Holy Job exelaimed-How forcible are right words! A word spoken in due season, says the wise man, how good is it! Prov. xv. 23. And again, A word fitly spoken, is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Prov, xxv. 11. Again, the inspired Apostle exhorts-Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Ephes. iv. 29. And again, Let your speech be always with grace seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every Coloss. iv. 6.

man.

Allow me, then, to put you on your guard against some of the most common faults in conversation, and to recommend some of those excellencies, which appear to me particularly worthy of your attention.

1. In the first place, be upon your guard against TALKING TOO MUCH in company. He who is very talkative incurs disadvantages of the most serious kind. He cheapens himself; tires his hearers; and, of course, renders what he has to say, however rich it may be in wisdom, much less likely to prove either acceptable or useful, than if he talked less. Speak seasonably, nay frequently, if you have opportunity, but never long. Contribute your equit. able share to the conversation; but do not al

something ready for the discharge of this, as well as every other duty, by previously meditating on what may be adapted to utility in the particular company to which you may be introduced.

3. Another practical maxim, of great importance in conversation, is, that you AVOID A TALE BEARING, TATTLING SPIRIT. I have known some clergymen, who were the greatest newsmongers in their neighbourhoods. They were among the first to cireulate idle stories; to give currency to unconfirmed statements; to trumpet abroad charges of the most serious kind, without adequate evidence, and were often, very often, afterwards obliged to explain, apologize, and even retract. This is a shameful spirit for any professing christian to indulge; but is peculiarly shameful for an ambassador of Christ, whose course ought ever to be marked by caution, dignity, tenderness for the reputation of others, and universal benevolence.

4. Closely connected with the newsy, tattling spirit against which I have warned you, is that which loves to PRY INTO THE PRIVATE CIRCUMSTANCES, and even the SECRETS OF FAMILIES, and to make them the subject of conversation. There is a littleness, and even meanness in this, which all people of elevated minds despise; and which, I hope you will sacredly avoid. You will have quite business

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