the Minister, appears most agreeable to the dictates of common sense. This opinion is confirmed by the fact, that those Readers are found to be most successful in keeping up the attention, and exciting serious and devotional feelings, who can best adapt their manner to the sentiment. To attain this art, a happy com bination must concur of a clear head, a feeling heart, and a considerable flexibility of voice. The best general rule is, to study previously the sen timents which are to be delivered, so as fully to understand the true meaning, and then endeavour to suit the manner of delivery to the matter, and occasionally to the character of the person whose words are recited. A disregard of this latter particular is often very offensive. What can be more so, than to hear the lan guage of the meek and lowly Jesus, delivered with a stern, haughty, authoritative tone?" In our blessed Lord's discourses and instructions, (says Paley) all was calmness. No emotions, no violence, no agitation, when he delivered the most sublime and affecting doctrines, and most comfortable or most terrifying predictions The prophets before him fainted and sunk (under the communications which they received from above; so strong was their impression, so unequal their strength: but truths that over whelmed the servants of God, were familiar to

his Son." (Paley's Sermons, edited by E. Paley. Vol. ii. p. 34.)

This striking peculiarity in our Lord's discourses and instructions, should be carefully remembered by the Minister when he reads them to his flock. Every thing that savours of boisterousness or violence, of pomposity or haughtiness of manner, should be studiously avoided. Such a style is indeed unsuited to every part of the Service, but it is more espe cially disgusting when adopted in reciting the words of our heavenly Master. Let the manner on such occasions be particularly mild, tranquil, and dignified.

To the Clergyman who has been engaged a few years in his Sacred Office, it may appear unnecessary, previously to look over the Lessons which he is about to read in the Church. But, though he may have a general recollection of the contents of them, and may be perfectly aware of what manner will be best suited to the subject, still it frequently happens, that a preparatory reading will recall the full meaning of many passages, which cannot be clearly conveyed to the hearers without considerable skill in the Reader; and i twill indeed often suggest ideas which never occurred before.

When such passages present themselves unexpectedly, even the best of Readers often inadequately express the sentiment; and feel regret at having omitted a previous examination. The student will find himself much assisted by marking in his own Prayer Book and Bible, with the requisite inflections and notation, such parts in the Epistles and Gospels, and in the fixed Sunday Lessons, as require more than common care in the reading :—a single inspection of these marked passages at any subsequent period, will be sufficient to recall the whole to his recollection. Let him not however content himself with merely perusing the above-mentioned parts of the Service; but let him adopt the rule of always reading them aloud in private, before he delivers them in the Church. To him who is new to the profession, this previous study and practice should be extended to all parts of the Service. By study he will acquire clear notions of the general manner of delivery that is best suited to the respective portions, and of the particular manner of reading by which the true meaning of particular passages may be rendered most clear and impressive; and, by recitations in his closet, he will fix right, habits so firmly, as to be able to retain them with ease to himself, notwithstanding the tremor and nervous

b

feeling, which usually attend the novice in the discharge of public duties.

VI. But in attempting to avoid the monotonous, unmeaning manner, there is danger of falling into the opposite extreme, and becoming laboured and formal. Anxious to read feelingly and impressively, some persons will emphasize too much. To adopt the very sensible remarks of the Bishop of Jamaica in his primary Charge,

"The matchless simplicity of Scripture is frequently overlaid by too great an anxiety to give it weight and dignity. By intending to be very impressive, the injudicious reader often produces a contrary effect. By elaborately taking too much pains, he fails in the very object proposed." See the Charge, 1825, p. 7.

VII. Others, in their endeavours not to be monotonous, incur the fault of being theatrical Studying to suit the manner to the sentiment, they become either too vehement and impassioned, or too colloquial and familiar. In reading a Scripture narrative, in which sometimes a dramatic form is maintained, they will adopt a striking difference of voice to suit the respective characters,. and become actors rather than readers. The great difficulty is, to know

where to draw the line between a sober, chastened adaptation of manner to subject, and, animated dramatic recitation. Here, discretion and right feeling alone can guide.

VIII. The last error against which the student must be warned, is that of allowing his attention to be so engrossed by the manner of delivery, as to manifest an appearance of self-complacency, as if he conceived he was performing his duties prodigiously well ! Against such vanity let him most carefully guard, as being on every account highly offensive. Let him remember, that this self-sufficiency cannot elude the notice of the Congregation, and must powerfully tend to check that devout and serious impression, which he wishes to produce. Godly sincerity, a due sense of his own manifold sins and deficiencies, and of the awful responsibility under which he is placed, must prove the most powerful preservative against all appearance of a vain and self-satisfied demeanour. "His care will be" (to adopt the language of an Irish Prelate)" to read our inimitable Form of Prayer as if he prayed himself, and earnestly desired that his congregation should pray with him. The purpose will be best answered by a manner that indicates more fear of appearing too careless, than apprehensive of being thought too devout