great effect, employ against an adversary of his

own sex.

16. Closely connected with this caution against sliding into unseasonable controversy in company, is another against LOSING YOUR TEMPER in controversy, when you happen to be either unavoidably dragged, or inadvertently betrayed, into it. Perhaps clergymen may be said to be peculiarly exposed to this temptation. For besides the various other infirmities, which they share in common with all good men, they are, perhaps, peculiarly liable to feel deeply, when their profession or their opinions are attacked. Always set a double guard, therefore, at this point. Recollect not only the sin of all rash and unseasonable anger; but how much the exhibition of it lowers the dignity of a grave, official man; and also that, in controversy, according to an old maxim, he who first gets angry will generally be considered as having the weaker side of the argument.

17. Endeavour to cultivate an EASY, - ATTRACTIVE MANNER in conversation. Not that I would have you put on the smiling, simper. ing countenance, which many affect, as giving them, what they think, a pleasant, social air. This is, to all discerning people, digusting, rather than attractive. But by the attractive manner which I would recommend, I mean, that frank, courteous, unaffected, benign man

ner, which invites freedom of intercourse, and which is adapted to place all who approach us at their ease. Such a quality in a clergyman, is more precious than rubies, and if properly cultivated and employed, may become a blessing to thousands. Of course, the attainment and exercise of it ought to be studied. And I know of no means of attaining it more effectual, than habitually cultivating that genuine christian benevolence, which the spirit and the example of the blessed Saviour so powerfully recommend. A thousand rules on the subject, expressed with all the point and eloquence imaginable, and day by day treasured up in the memory, are of small value when compared with this successful culture of the moral feelings, and the heart.

18. While you cultivate habitual affability, good nature, and benevolence in conversation, be not TOO READY TO MAKE PROMISES OF SERVICE to those with whom you converse. The inexperienced and the sanguine, who have naturally an obliging temper, are extremely apt to be betrayed into this fault. They feel much disposed to oblige; and they hastily make promises, and excite expectations, which they cannot fulfil. Be not ready to promise, unless you are sure of your ability to perform. Be sacredly careful not to disappoint the just expectations which you have excited; and make

a point, instead of doing less than you say, rather to do more. I have known a number of men, and especially young men, in publick stations, who were so ready to excite expectation of the great things they would do, for individuals, or for publick bodies, and so remarkably delinquent in accomplishing what they so hastily undertook, that, after a while, no confidence whatever was reposed in their undertakings.

19. It is of the utmost importance to one whose profession leads him much into society, that he BE NOT READY TO TAKE OFFENCE at every trifle that occurs in the course of conversation. It is a real misfortune for any man, and especially for a clergyman, when his natural temper is jealous and suspicious, and when he is ever on the watch for some fancied design to offend him, or to wound his feelings. I have known men in the sacred office so extremely sensitive to every thing of this kind, that their best friends were obliged to converse with them with a degree of caution truly painful. most innocent remark sometimes became matter of offence, and where no one else saw the remotest purpose of personal application, an unfortunate individual was made an offender for a word. Guard, I pray you, against this unhappy temper with the utmost vigilance. Never think of taking offence, until you are

The

very certain offence was intended. Be sure to err rather on the side of forbearance and charity than of excessive suspicion. Nay, even if you have proof that there was an intention to wound your feelings, rather set it down to the score of temporary peevishness, than of settled malignity; and be ready to meet the offending individual, on the next occasion, with the same serenity and good will as ever.

20. Avoid becoming SUDDENLY AND EXCESSIVELY INTIMATE WITH STRANGERS, at a first interview, and especially coMMITTING YOUrSELF to them. This is a great mark of precipitation and weakness Be not ready to trust every body. Confidential friendship is a plant of slow growth. Many people appear extremely plausible, and even fascinating at a first interview, who are utterly unworthy of your eonfidence, and will be speedily discovered to be so.

21. Never, if you can help it, PUT YOURSELF IN THE POWER OF ANY MAN. It is indeed, a common maxim, that you ought never to put yourself in the power of any but tried friends. I would ge further, never do it in any case, unless it be absolutely necessary. For example, if it be impossible for you to proceed in a delicate and highly important matter, without making a confidant of some one, sub

mit to the necessity. Make the best choice

you can. But, on no account, let your communication go further. It can do no good, and may do much harm, in ways that you never thought of anticipating. The most prudent and useful publick men I have ever known, were found among those who exercised the most impenetrable reserve respecting the delicate concerns of themselves and others. Who did not impart the knowledge of them even to their nearest relations.

22. Remember that a clergyman ought ever to MAINTAIN PERSONAL DIGNITY in conversation. This is too often forgotten. Personal dignity, in this case, may be impaired, by levity, by buffoonery, by the recital of low, vulgar anecdotes, by any thing, in short, which evinces the want of that seriousness and self respect, which can never be abandoned with impunity. Remember that, though it be not only lawful, but desirable that clergymen should be affable and cheerful; yet that they can never manifest a spirit of habitual levity and jesting, without giving pain to all correct persons who observe it. Dr. Johnson was far from being a precisian, either in his feelings or manners; yet when he saw a couple of clergymen indulging in considerable mirth and jollity at a dinner table, he said with emotion, "This merriment of parsons is very disgusting." And, truly, when ministers of the gospel, who ought to set an example