the end of the sermons are taken. They are mere sketches; though perhaps, for that reason, they may have more spirit than finished pieces. The author enters into this detail with a modest view of being of service to such of his younger brethren, as will pursue the mode of exercise which he here prescribes; and of which he gives these examples. At first, it may be difficult to fix the mind on any subject of meditation amidst a variety of external objects. But a habit of thinking abroad will soon be formed; and when it is formed, the practice will certainly be followed with great advantage. If the young student spend two hours in a day in walking exercise, he will, by this practice, save to his studies at least seven hundred hours in a year. But he will say perhaps, it is too great a tax upon his mind, in quest of amusement; and may deprive him of its end. Scholars will sometimes tell him, that even a severe study, is a relaxation from another severe study, as it gives the mind a different ply. But in the employment here recommended no intensity of thought is required. He only puts down what first strikes him on a subject of which he had had before a general conception. When the subject grows intricate-or when his thoughts do not naturally, or, if I may so speak, amusingly, flow from it, he is under no necessity to proceed. He may drop it, and take another subject. Nor is he so tied down to any subject, as not occasionally to look around him, and enjoy the beauties of nature, if any offer themselves in his walk, walk. And indeed so enlivening a mode of study, if the day be fine, and the country agreeable, will give his mind an elasticity and vigour, which he could not feel in his study. The whole then amounts only to this-that to render our walks, not only more useful, but even more amusing, we should always have some pleasing employment at hand. What hath here been recommended, one should hope, would be a more pleasing employment to a serious young clergyman-at least a more clerical one, than a fishingrod, or a fowling-piece, can furnish. The author recommended to his younger brethren, his mode of composing sermons, with diffidence; but he recommends this mode of exercise with confidence. CONTENTS I. On the gradual progress of verbal prophecy II. On typical prophecy; and particularly on the V. Behold, now we are the sons of God, &c. VI. Godly sorrow worketh repentance, &c. VII. He went on his way rejoicing VIII. The test of a willing mind IX. My grace is sufficient for thee, &c. X. I will make thee a terror to thyself XI. Strive to enter in at the strait gate XII. Cleanse me from my secret faults |