Letters on Clerical Manners and Habits

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1827 edition. Excerpt: ...forward suitable questions for consideration; and by labouring to give such a direction to every thing, as will render it at once attractive and profitable to your brethren. A small portion of such a spirit conscientiously kept up, would be far more efficacious than any system of fines anil penalties, which can answer little other purpose than to tease and alienate. 15. Prize every opportunity of Speaking IN THE PRESENCE OF YOUR PROFESSORS AND Fellow Stude.nts, and always, with avidity, avail yourself of it. That some of your companions in study should consider the rule of the Seminary which obliges them to speak in pub-lick, at stated times, as imposing a burden, rather than offering a privilege, is a fact not difficult to be accounted for. The want of that energy, and diligence, which fit young men for high aims, and indefatigable efforts; and the want of that steady fixedness of purpose, which resolutely prepares in time for every prescribed task, are certainly among the principal reasons why so many fail of performing this service as well'as they are really able to do it; and, of course, why they are so reluctant to perform it at all. There are those, indeed, who are almost ready to deri: e the performance of this duty, as if they supposed it impossible, in the nature of things, to speak well in such circumstances. This, however, I take it, is an utter delusion. It is often dictated by laziness, rather than by enlightened judgment. That much practice, even though it be on a small scale, is greatly conducive to the discipline of the voice, and to the attainment of self-possession in publick speaking, all good judges are agreed. And, if I i;m not deceived, all that is necessary to the production of many excellent specimens of eloquence..