Графични страници
PDF файл
ePub

the beholder. Before you speak, let your mind be full of courtesy: the civility of the hat, a kind look or word, from a person of honour, has bought that service which money could not; and he that can gain or preserve a friend, and the opinion of civility, for the moving of the hat, or a gentle look, and will not, is sillily severe. Spare not to spend those things which cost nothing; be liberal of them, but be not prodigal, lest they become cheap. I remember Sir Francis Bacon calls behaviour the garment of the mind;—it is well resembled, and expresses the beha-like perpetual music, which loses its viour I would have in proportion to a garment. It must be fit, plain, and rich; useful, and fashionable. Frank, I should not have advised you to such a regard of your outside, the most trifling part of man, did I not know how much the greatest part of the world are guided by it, and what notable advantages are gained thereby, even upon some very wise men; the request of an acceptable person being seldom, or at least unwillingly, denied. Yet take heed of minding your behaviour too much, lest it pilfer from your consideration, and hinder action. It is at best but a letter of commenda- | tion, or, like a master of ceremonies, presents you to have audience. If something be not well said or done, you are but a handsome picture, the pageant or show of a man.

proper, significant, and intelligible, fitted to the subject, which, as near as you can, should be according to the humour of the persons you converse with: and this being varions, it is requisite that your abilities be various also. As in all things else, so in this of speech, be a strict observer of decorum. Speak not scholastically to a lady, nor courtly' to a plain man. And take heed of surfeiting the ears of your hearers, seeing that the best discourse is like sweetmeats, which quickly cloy if they become constant food, and

The next thing that fits you for conversation, and is indeed chiefly to be laboured for, is a GRACEFUL MANNER OF SPEAKING, in a distinct, well-tuned voice, without stammering, lisping, stopping, or repetition. And let these be your rules and caution in discourse.

charms. Therefore, still leave your
company in an appetite to hear
more, baiting them sometimes with
short offers, so cunningly as that they
may invite you, and press you to
speak on.
Did I fear in you a po-
verty of speech, or should you find
at any time a slender stock, I should
entreat you to good husbandry.
Above all things avoid common
places: they are fulsome and ridi-
culous.

3. If your genius leads you, and I hope it does, to affect a pleasantness of wit, this will charm and win upon all companies. And let me tell you, that a story, and a fit wellchosen tale, well told, have effected that which a more serious and wise debate could never accomplish. The Spanish are singular in this kind, which renders them the best company in the world; and you have often heard me say, that it was the best music I ever heard in Spain. Their gravity in the narration sets off a story exceedingly well. Imitate it, ifit be possible; and if you can,get the appareling the same tale in a various dress, that if you should chance to tell the same again, either it will not be known in its disguise, or it may again please because of its variety: neither were it amiss if you sometimes seem to forget to show your dexterity that way. By no means affect scurrility, and whet not your wit on a dull adversary. It is no way generous to raise mirth, or to triumph over a fool, whom to overcome can be no victory, when the

1. Be sparing of speech. Some do it to be suspected for wise men: yet do you speak sometimes that you may not be thought a fool; but let the little you utter be very much to the purpose, and therefore frame it within before you set it forth, still observing the point of your dis, course, and go to that directly. If it be a knot, untie it skilfully. Always have respect to a grey-haired experience, and famed understand-contention itself was dishonourable. ing, if such a one be present.

2. Let your language be clear,

YOL. XIII.

If you meet with a proud, vain, selfconceited man, it may become you

well to put such a one out of countenance, so it be done handsomely, and like a person of honour; for all men are well pleased to see a vain man well rallied.

4. Be not dogmatical and peremptory in your opinion; it will be long before that become you;-but having spoken, as you think, reason, if it be not allowed of, speak it again, and leave it calmly to cen

sure.

of the company insensibly to begin it.

8. Some men are good at a short turn, or quick reply, who languish and are tired in a large discourse: others are nothing quick at hand, but yet their strength of reasonbrings them up at last. Could you join both these together, and make them one ability, you would soon appear a great master of language.

9. I could wish you had the skill to maintain paradoxes; not to that purpose for which some cross humourous wits employ them, merely for contradiction and ostentation,— but for the sharpening and stretching of your wit. If discreetly and modestly handled, 'they will afford delight, set you off handsomely, and render you, to quick apprehensions, very acceptable.

5. Be very careful of falling into passion; for why should you be angry that another is not able or willing to understand you? Let me tell you, it is the sign of a very feeble spirit not to be able to endure contradiction: and therefore, if you have a mind to gain reputation upon any one by dispute, try if he can be moved. If he may be, then anger him, but without just offence. You 10. If to these you add modesty cannot wish for a greater advantage of countenance and speech, in one than his passion will give you. For of your birth and parts they will anger, in dispute, is like an unquiet render your conversation sweet and horse in a dusty way; it raises so charming. Therefore fail not, upon much dust in the eyes of the under- occasion, to be master of a great standing, that it blinds it, and puts it modesty, without, however, forgetout: it will lay the enraged disput-ing the exercise of the dignity suitant so open, that you may hit him where you please, and he cannot put by one fallacy. Besides, many have overcome, by suffering the enemy to beat himself out of

breath.

able to your station; but when you show the latter, let it be with gentle temper, in a sweet and well-commanded spirit.

Now, Frank, you being thus fitted with comely presence, and furnished with good language, and sufficiency and dexterity of discourse, I will proceed to your EMPLOYMENT.

(To be concluded in our next.)

6. If you would render yourself pleasing to any person you have a mind to oblige, propose then such a subject as you know he is well skilled in, most men being desirous and pleased to show their own excellency: and you will not lose by ANECDOTE of a LITTLE GIRL. it neither; for the experienced soldier shall tell you more of the art of war, and a well-practised lawyer of an adjudged case in law, in half an hour, than all the books of both professions can teach you in a month, if perhaps at all.

HAVING recently visited one of the villages in Cambridgeshire, to preach at an association of ministers, at which collections were made in behalf of the Baptist and London mis7. If you have a desire to make a sions; returning home the next day, show of yourself, to discourse of that I called on a few individuals in anyou are best known in, take heed other village, in the same county, of rushing or breaking in upon it. by whose benevolence the sum obIt will appear pedantical, and dis-tained on the preceding day was incover an affectation which you should carefully avoid. The slight of this must be by degrees, approaches, and goings about, to steal wpon the argument, and draw some

creased. After I had done this, and was again pursuing my journey, a little girl, with cheerful countenance, presented herself to my notice. Her father, at a small dis

tance, said, "Sir, my daughter | life often continue to old age. If wishes to shake hands with you." they have money to call their own, With this I readily complied, sup- they should be taught to give, at posing she only intended an act of least a part of it, to alleviate human friendship; but to my surprise she misery. Were this principle geneput a sixpence into my hand, saying rally inculcated in religious families, she wished to give that to the col- many a sixpence, and perhaps some lection I had been making. With pounds, would be obtained every this unexpected donation I was year towards the diffusion of divine much pleased, and thanked the truth. Youthful reader, hast thou sweet dear for her kindness to the ever given any of thy sixpences to missionary cause; mutual pleasure promote the spread of the gospel? was felt on the occasion, for she Recollect, thou art accountable to discovered evident marks of high God, not only for the money which satisfaction. comes into thy hands, but also for all thy other mercies. If thou do not improve them to a good account, they may rise up against thee in judgment at the last day.

This circumstance, not great in itself, becomes important for the instruction it affords. Your juvenile readers may learn from it how to assist the interests of religion, and, through the blessing of God, be the instruments of much good in the world. To contribute to the support of missionary exertions cannot purchase for them the pardon of sin, or the favour of God; these blessings can only be enjoyed by a living faith in Jesus Christ; yet it is pleas ing to see them offer to the cause of God what would otherwise be spent in useless toys. It also tends to habituate them to acts of kindness, which may be of great use both to themselves and to society in their future life. Children frequently devote small sums of money to no good purpose, which, in addition to the criminality of waste, begets in them a disposition to extravagance. Expensive habits begun in early

Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth, and show thy regard to him by studying to know and do his will. If thou hast it in thy power, give something towards the spread of the gospel, both at home and abroad. Millions of poor children in heathen lands are taught to worship idols, which can neither see, nor hear, nor speak, whilst thou art taken by kind and tender parents from sabbath to sabbath to hear the word of the living God, which proclaims a Saviour, able to save from sin and hell. Beg of God to enable thee to improve these favours to thy salvation, and rightly to feel for those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. B.

G.

Obituary.

MR. ZACHARIAS BARNES,
Aged 77.

MR. Z. BARNES was born at Warrington, November 27, 1742, o. s. He was from his childhood the subject of serious impressions, and the work of grace in his soul was so gradual, that he could not date it from any particular period. He

came to reside in Liverpool between the age of sixteen and seventeen. He was married, January 28, 1767, to Esther Livesly, daughter of Mr. John Livesly of Liverpool, who was an honourable and useful deacon of the Particular Baptist Church in that town for many years. This union was long and happy, and was productive of a numerous offspring. Mr. Barnes had nine children, five

1

he said, First be concerned to please.
God; then please yourself, and you
will please me. He was a con-
scientious observer of the Lord's-
day, and uniformly exhibited the ut
most care and anxiety to avoid the
least appearance of evil.
As a man
of business, he manifested great dis-
cernment and decision. Possessing
a strong mind, well stored with ge-
neral and useful knowledge, and
having an extensive acquaintance
with men and things, he pursued his
business with such prudence and

God issued in extensive and perma-
nent prosperity. His business was :
his pleasure, and he always entered
upon it with prayer. The first thing
he did in his counting-house every
morning was, to offer up an ejacula-
tory prayer, and to write a verse of
scripture. This was his constant
practice, and was the means of fur-
nishing his mind with ample stores
of Bible knowledge. In transacting
business, he gave as little trouble as

of whom are still living; and at the time of his decease he was surrounded by twenty-five grandchildren. He joined the church now meeting in Byrom-street when he was thirty years of age. He was one of the principal persons concerued in bringing to Liverpool the late Mr. Samuel Medley, who was a great blessing to that town and neighbourhood. The name of Medley will long be remembered in Liverpool with veneration and respect. The memory of the just is blessed. The most intimate friendship sub-industry, as under the blessing of sisted between Mr. Barnes and Mr. Medley until death parted them. Mr. Medley usually called him his old friend, and would often say, "How shall I be able to preach Brother Barnes's funeral sermon?" But he was spared this painful task: it devolved on the present pastor, who lost, in the removal of the deceased, a faithful friend, and a wise counsellor. Mr. Barnes was an honourable member of the church forty-seven years; and during forty-possible, Indeed, his commercial four years of that time he fulfilled the office of deacon with great wisdom, unfeigned piety, and a persevering and disinterested zeal. He had the happiness of seeing the church raised from a low state to its present condition; to see the enlargement of one place of worship, and the erection of another: and he maintained, during his residence in Liverpool, for more than sixty years, an unblemished reputation, and died beloved and lamented in the seventy-eighth year of his age. He entered upon life with a determination, through grace, not to neglect his soul, his family, his business, nor the church. As a Christian, he was a man of prayer; the Bible was the man of his counsel: his meditation was therein day and night.

engagements were executed with such dispatch and correctness, as secured to him the esteem of men of all ranks and conditions, His punc tuality in business did not occasion him to neglect the worship of God, either in public or private. He was regular in his attendance at churchmeetings, prayer-meetings, and weekly lectures, as well as on the Lord's-day, as long as health and strength would permit. He united to a degree more than is often found, seriousness with cheerfulness, and fidelity with affection; and he possessed, in no common degree, that wisdom, which so well adjusts the affairs of business and the duties of religion, as not to suffer the one to interfere with the other. The welfare of Zion lay near his heart; and husband and father, he was all that he conscientiously gave at least the is kind and affectionate. He walked tenth part of his income for the supin bis house with an upright heart, port of religious and charitable inand his family devotions were pecu- stitutions. In his last illness he was liarly serious and edifying, and will deprived of specch; but his life had long be remembered. He disco-spoken volumes, and his patience, vered great tenderness of con- calmness, and serenity, spoke in his science, and a concern to acknow-death. One of the family requested ledge God in all his ways. When one of his children asked his advice respecting an important step in life,

As

a

that, if his mind was supported and happy, he would lift up his hand. He immediately smiled, and did so.

His end was peace. The corpse was interred in the burial-ground at Low- | hill, Overton, September 26, 1820, when a crowd of mourners testified their last tribute of respect to departed worth. On the following Lord's-day the pastor of the church preached a funeral sermon from the text selected by the deceased, viz. the 21st verse of Jude, Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life;-a text which described the object and ground of his hope, and the frame and temper of mind which that expectation excited and cherished. May our last end be like his !

REV. THOMAS FLETCHER.

remonstrances of conscience, I was enabled, as a poor guilty sinner, to make application to God for pardon, through the atoning blood of Christ. No sooner did hope spring up in my mind, than I became anxious for the revival of the Redeemer's cause, and immediately consulted with others about re-opening the doors of our place of worship, and again uniting in the service of God. This was now happily accomplished; and we began with prayer and reading the scriptures, occasionally introducing sermons. It was at this time that I began to speak a little in the name of the Lord; and as it seemed to have a good effect, I considered it my duty to go forward. This consideration, together with the desire of the friends, has led me thus far to persevere: and I have reason to hope, that my poor atDIED, April 15, 1820, in the forty-tempts have not been altogether in seventh year of his age, the Rev. vain. It is now my wish, in comThomas Fletcher, Pastor of the Par-pliance with the desire of the ticular Baptist Church at Burton- | church, to proceed in preaching the upon-Trent. unsearchable riches of Christ." He was born at Linton, a hamlet appears, however, that, although he in the parish of Greasely, Derby-continued to preach at Burton for shire, March 31, 1774. We are not several years, when other assistance acquainted with any circumstances could not be procured, there was in his childhood and youth which not at that time any intention of appear necessary to be mentioned; inviting him to become the pastor. but we are informed that, in his twentieth year, his Bible became his constant companion. June 15, 1794, he was baptized, and became a member of the church at Burton, which had then been formed about four years; and September, 1798, he was chosen Deacon.

66

|

It

In the commencement of 1809, the prospects of the church at Burton became much more encourag ing. On the 10th of May a pastor was ordained over this little society, whose labours excited much atteution, and raised expectations of great success. But these pleasing

It was not long after his appoint-anticipations were not realized; for ment to this office, that a dark cloud overspread the church; and in the year 1800 public worship was forsaken, and the house of God neglected. Mr. Fletcher, when giving au account of the steps which led to his being engaged in preaching the gospel, refers to this gloomy season, and says, For some time I was in an awful backsliding state. The perishable things of time and sense had diverted my attention from the important concerns of my soul, and therefore I was very little concerned about the state of the church. But it pleased God to awaken me from this lukewarm state; and, after being for some time greatly alarmed by the

such an alteration took place in the sentiments of their newly chosen pastor, as compelled the church to dissolve their connexion with him in June, 1812. Preachers were now sought after in various directions; when, after having heard several, without any prospect of being suited, the members of the church began to think they had too much overlooked the disinterested services of Mr. Fletcher. They invited him to preach to them six months, on probation for the pastoral office: this he did with much acceptance, and was ordained December 6, 1815, Messrs. Jarman of Nottingham, Davis of Derby, Brook of Tutbury

« ПредишнаНапред »