Letters on Clerical Manners and Habits

Habits in the study-Cherishing a deep sense of
the extent and importance of Theological science
-Cherishing a devoted attachment to the minis-
terial office-Close and fixed attention-Study-
ing with a devout spirit-Imploring the aid of
the Holy Spirit-Much labour indispensable--
Leave nothing till well done-Write on every
subject of study-Order in study-Select favour-
able hours for greatest exertion-Due proportion
of time to each-Danger of embracing too much
in a plan of study-Suitable selection of light
reading-Novels to be totally excluded-Con-
stant attention to Languages-Close study
through life-Attention not to be confined to
mere professional studies-Reading for vacant
moments-Study with pen in hand-Learning

the character of books before reading them-

Too long continuance in study to be avoided-

Studying by candle-light-Write in a standing

posture-Abstinence in study-Order and neat-

ness in the studying apartment-Guarding

against interruptions in study

LEITER IX.

Habits in the Lecture-Room-Evils of absence-

Evils of coming late-Impropriety of attending

in a slovenly dress-Fixed attention to what is

said-Improper to read during a Lecture-Pri-

vate conversation during a Lecture-Lounging

or reclining postures-Sleeping posture-Gravi-

ty-Criticising-Withdrawing from the Lecture-

room-Taking notes of Lectures-Every hour

spent in the Lecture-room precious

LETTER X.

Habits in the Pulpit, and in the House of God-

Avoid exhaustion before going to the pulpit-

Eat but little before preaching-Aids for the

voice-Prayer before Preaching-Punctuality in

going to the pulpit-Manner of entering the

church-Manners in the pulpit-Want of digni-

ty in the pulpit-Commencement of service-

Passing from one part of the service to another-

Closing the eyes in prayer-Administration of

Sacraments-Publick services not too long-

Publick reproof from the pulpit-Quitting the

pulpit-Conversation in the pulpit--Flattery in

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prayer-Deportment of ministers as hearers-

Exposure to cold air after speaking-Quitting the

church with criticisms on the Sermon-Going

from the pulpit to the knees

LETTER XI.

Conduct in Church Judicatories-Importance of

the subject-Punctuality in attending-Early at-

tendance-Special prayer before attendance-

Not to expect too much-Being devoted to the

business of the body-Always closely attentive

to what is going on-Keeping in the pocket a co-

py of the rules-young members to speak but lit-

tle-Wait for older members to speak-Fre-

quent or long speaking never right-All harsh-

ness, satire, d acrimony to be avoided-Treat-

ing aged members with deference--Gravity-

Frequent change of seat-Abstinence from food

-Candour and uprightness-Exulting in suc-

cess-Submission under failure-Duties of Mo-

derator-No easy thing to keep these rules-

Plan of choosing commissioners to the Genera

Female Society, Marriage, &c. --Delicacy of the
subject-Still very important-Some clergymen
ought never to marry-Pastors ought to marry-
Too much haste in marrying-Where marriage
is not intended great care should be taken that
expectations of that nature be not excite

Match-makers to be avoided-Great importance

of piety in a clergyman's wife-Good sense and

prudence indispensable-Good temper and amia-

ble manners very desirable--Good health and

spirits peculiarly important-Personal beauty--

None should marry for money-No step in life

more important than choosing a wife-Need of

Divne direction-Matrimonial engagements not

to be violated-Clergymen should be exemplars

of conjugal excellence-Conduct of clergymen's

wives and daughters-Great delicacy to be ob-

served in conversing with females, both before