portant, and, if he be at all respected, likely to be remembered and quoted; nay, whose judg ment on the current topicks of the day, may have no small influence on the minds of some, when he shall have passed off the stage of life; -surely it is unwise for such a man to be throwing out his opinions on all subjects, without due consideration. Surely it is unwise for him to speak hastily and rashly. And if he be "full of talk," he will seldom be, for an hour together, wholly free from rash and indiscreet speaking. Let every man, but especially every minister, be swift to hear, and slow to speak.

2. A fault, directly the reverse of that which was last mentioned, is THE EXTREME OF SILENOR IN COMPANY. I have known some from physical temperament; others from abstraction and absence of mind; and a third class, perhaps, from still more exceptionable causes, wrapping themselves up in a chilling reserve; never speaking but when addressed; and then answering as briefly as possible, and relapsing into silence again. This is certainly unhappy for one who ought to be, wherever he is, an instructor and benefactor. While you avoid garrulity, then, sink not down into silence. While you guard against monopolizing the conversation, by no means give it up altogether. And if you find yourself frequently at a loss for topieks of conversation, take pains to have

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 circulate 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

enough of your own, without meddling with the private affairs of other people. In truth, no wise man will ever desire to become possessed of the secrets of his neighbour. They will always be found a troublesome commodity to have in keeping; and even after they have been imparted to him, he will much more frequently regret than rejoice that they ever came to his knowledge. There are many things of which it is much more of a privilege than a misfortune to be entirely ignorant.

5. Be not ready to credit, and in your social hours to recognise as true, EVERY ILL REPORT that malignity or folly may put in circulation. If you have heard of any faux pas in the neighbourhood, or even if you know it to be true, be among the last to speak of it, unless plainly called in duty to do so. Let others lend themselves to the ignoble work of tale-bearing, or be willing to connect their names with the repetition of ill-natured reports; but let not your name be ever mentioned in such unworthy associations. If authority for slander, or for contemptible, gossipping stories is to be demanded, let it not be traced to a minister of Christ, who ought to have something to do infinitely more worthy of his calling. I have known ministers who were rash, credulous, and withal a little fond of news, taking for granted that what were communicated to them as facts were really so;

freely speaking of them as facts; and, not only so, but proceeding to act on the strength of them; to administer severe reproofs to the individuals supposed to be guilty; and even carry the subject into the pulpit; when the whole stories which they believed, caught up, repeated, and acted upon, were entirely without foundation. It is almost incredible how little reliance can be placed on reports, circulated even by good people, and accompanied with all the minute circumstances of time and place; and how utterly unsafe it is, in many cases, even to investigate the truth of them: because frequently, even an investigation cannot be conducted, without repeating the story, and thus giving it additional currency. There are busy and wicked tongues enough for this work. The general rule for a minister of the Gospel is, to take no share in any such conversation, unless it be, as far as he can, with a good conscience, to mollify and repress and then only to allow himself to take it up, when it is no longer possible, consistently with duty, to maintain silence.

6. In conformity with the foregoing remarks, let me recommend, that, in company, even with your most intimate friends, you avoid the discussion of PERSONAL CHARACTER AND CONDUCT as much as possible; and that you prefer dwelling on those principles, doctrines, and facts, which are always and to all classes in society,

interesting and instructive, and the discussion of which, moreover, is always safe. It was a question often repeated by a late distinguished Physician and Philanthropist of Philadelphia, a man as remarkable for the soundness of his mind, and the extent of his learning, as for the benignity of his disposition:-"Why are you so constantly talking about persons? Why not rather talk about things?" The lesson conveyed by this question is replete with practical wisdom. If conversation were generally modelled upon it, the consequences would be happy indeed.

7. Study the happy art of making all your conversation USEFUL. Conversation which is not religious, may still be highly useful. It may inculcate excellent sentiments concerning life, manners, education, &c. ; or it may convey instruction, as to facts, of great value. Where you have an opportunity of selecting topicks of conversation yourself, make a point of introducing such as shall be adapted to benefit as well as gratify, those whom you address. And even where you are compelled or induced to accept of those which have been introduced by others, try to give them an instructive turn. Especially study the happy art of making your conversation useful to YOUNG PEOPLE as often as you are thrown into their company. A clergyman, or a candidate for the ministry, who