the structure, poverty, or copiousness of its language-when all this is perceived, it will not seem easy to overrate the science of philology, or to think too highly of its influence in disciplining the mental powers.

Next to attention, I would recommend persevering industry.

It will be pardoned, perhaps, if I suggest a doubt, whether the highest degree of application, of which the mind is capable, without endangering health, has ever been ascertained by experiment, even at our best public seminaries. I am led to entertain this doubt, by reflecting on the intense study, to which many divines and scholars have submitted through the greater part of a long life; and from being, on the best authority, informed, that there is now practised in some of the Universities on the European continent, a degree of industry, which to us seems almost incredible.

It cannot easily be imagined, that there is any thing in the climate of America, more than in that of England or Germany, which renders study unfavourable to health or longevity.

Should I be told of instances, in which, not only health, but life, has been prematurely sacrificed by studious men; I answer, that these instances, allow

ing the largest calculation, are exceedingly few. And, of these few, it is believed, that a very small proportion are the necessary effect of study. The rest are produced by the want of that attention to exercise and regimen, which is perfectly consistent with habits of assiduous application.

Instead of reiterating those exhortations to industry, which may have become familiar to you, I will take the liberty of using the words of Lord Minto, in which, a few years since, he addressed a class at Fort William College, that, like you, were leaving the place of their education. "Ply your labours, and distrust every other means of success. Above all, beware of a treacherous confidence in the advantage of a supposed superiority of talents. These, unsupported by industry will drop you midway; or perhaps you will not have started, when the diligent traveller will have won the race. Be assured, that, in study, application is the first, the second, and the third virtue; application, not per saltum, not in capricious fits, not with ebbs and flows of indolence and exertion. Ardent indeed it must be; but uniform and unabating. Those among the Grecian youth, who aspired at Olympic crowns, would, by no means, trust their hopes to the flattering gifts of nature, however lavishly endowed; but sought to

fix their fortune, and secure their laurels, by long and vigorous preparations for the contest."

It is not to be imagined, however, that industry is valuable only in relation to literary and scientific pursuits. Though I hope, you will always be students, you are not to be students exclusively. Ac tive duties there are, which, on your peril, you must not neglect. In reference to these, as well as others, assiduity is indispensable. Whatever thine hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.

That attention and perseverance, of which I have been speaking, will doubtless produce the most favourable effects, on your powers of judging, and on your decisions. By cultivating the judgment, and deciding deliberately, you obtain two important advantages. Decisions, thus formed, will usually be found correct; they will, therefore, be respected, both by others and yourselves. In point of judgment, men are very likely to be estimated according to real value. His opinions, who is usually found to be in the right, will seldom be disregarded. He will, therefore, have a degree of influence in society, to which a person of feeble judgment, or hasty decisions, can have no claim. In addition to this, he will himself have good confidence in those intellectual results, to which he arrives. No person should, indeed, reject good counsel, nor treat contemptuously

But he, who cannot, in

the opinions of other men. the event, be safely guided by his own judgment, will be in perpetual apprehension and doubt. He will always be in danger from the weakness or dishonesty of men. He ought, therefore, to contract the sphere of his action, and thus diminish his responsibility.

Never aspire at places or employments, dispro portionate to your powers. Let it be rather your ambition to discharge, with ability, promptness, and fidelity, the duties of that station in which you are. This, of itself, will enable others to judge, whether a more elevated office might, with safety and advantage, be placed in your hands. Be assured, that a restless desire of elevation and aggrandizement, is as little consistent with happiness, as it is with duty.

As to fair reputation, it is, for various reasons to be carefully cherished. No person of correct feelings ever was, or ever can be indifferent to it. In itself desirable, it is that, without which, no consid→ erable good can be effected, either for your friends or the public. High character for talents is not, indeed, within the reach of all men. But what is far better, I mean reputation for moral virtue, may alike be obtained by men of superior and ordinary powers. This honest report is that good name,

which Solomon declares to be better than precious ointment. But though you should assiduously cherish a fair character, be not greatly alarmed at malevolent slander. Reputation for correct morals, if fairly gained and well supported, cannot, in a moment, be withered. There is a hardiness and vigour attached to it. If it bends, for a short time, before the blast, it will soon resume its former erect attitude, insensibly extending both its roots and its branches.

Let your manners be of such a kind, as to conciliate esteem. A person is never innocent in giving offence, when, without any sacrifice of duty, truth, or propriety, it might have been avoided. Conscious, that an action is good, persons are sometimes regardless of the manner of performing it, and as to the impression, which it is likely to make on the minds of others. As if it were possible for a man to be sincerely desirous of doing good, and at the same moment indifferent, whether good or evil should result from his actions!..

The urbanity and caution, now mentioned, are perfectly consistent with decision of character. Were it otherwise, they could never be matter of commendation. For who would not prefer the oak with all its roughness, to the willow, from which nothing can safely depend.