gation who are a little removed. This defect often arises from a misinterpretation of the common rule in reading, which directs, that at the end of most sentences the voice should be lowered. Lowered it may be as to its place on the musical scale in relation to the note with which the sentence began; but not always lowered in point of loudness and force. The last words of a sentence are frequently the most important of all; and, instead of being uttered in an under tone and feeble manner, require the utmost distinctness and energy. Observe the mode of managing the voice which nature dictates in private or public discussions. The loudest and firmest tones will often be heard in pronouncing the concluding words. The defect in question frequently arises likewise from neglecting to introduce sufficient pauses between the parts of a sentence, in consequence of an erroneous notion that one inspiration must suffice for one sentence. Such Readers draw in a full breath, commence in a loud, vigorous tone, run on at a rapid rate, attending very little to punctuation, however correct, and utterly regardless of introducing additional pauses, which may add clearness and strength to the meaning; thus they proceed, with tones becoming weaker and weaker, till the breath is exhausted, and

the sentence ends, wholly inaudible to most of the congregation. One method of remedying this defect, especially in the delivery of long sentences, is to search out a fit place for pausing and respiration somewhere within a short distance of the end of the sentence:-recruited by a fresh supply of breath, the Reader is enabled to conclude with distinctness and suitable force. In connexion with this part of the subject, both Readers and Preachers should remember the old rule,-" Take care of the end of the sentence: the beginning will take care of itself."

III. Some Readers, in their anxiety to avoid the faults of rapidity and indistinctness, fall into a drawling and whining manner;—a defect to which the most zealous and most serious seem particularly exposed, and which makes the congregation inattentive and drowsy.

IV. Others adopt a stately and pompous style; which, though much admired by those hearers who think more of sound than sense, is extremely offensive to the more intelligent, humble-minded, and devout. Its impropriety may not be striking when employed in reading the sublime language of the Prophets; but it will be generally felt to be utterly unsuitable in delivering the greater part of the Service,

particularly in repeating the Confession that we are miserable sinners, in uttering supplications for mercy to penitent offenders, as well as in reciting the plain narratives of Scripture. In truth, it is highly important to remember that one manner will not suit all parts of the Service. This remark naturally leads to the notice of another defect;

V. The unvaried manner:-this fault may sometimes be observed in the delivery of those who are generally considered to be good read

ers.

Their demeanour may be solemn and devout; their articulation, clear and distinct; their general style, easy and unaffected; but still they are dull and unimpressive, and consequently, the hearers become listless and inattentive. This arises from want of variety. The humble supplications of the Litany, the ardent adoration of the Te Deum, the awful injunctions of the Decalogue, the lofty prophecies of the Old Testament, the simple unadorned narratives of the New-all are delivered in one unvaried manner. Many Clergymen, doubtless, adopt this uniformity upon principle, conceiving that the style of reading which accommodates itself to the subject, and which they would consider to be proper on all other occa

sions, is to be excluded from the Church, as unsuited to the solemnity of the place and the dignity of the sacred office. But it appears wholly inexplicable, why that mode of delivery which is found on all other occasions to convey the meaning with perspicuity, and to affect the minds of the hearers in the most powerful manner, should be banished from public worship, where to excite the feelings is of still higher importance.

What is it that renders the prayers of the most eloquent among dissenting ministers so highly impressive, and excites the admiration of the Churchman who hears them for the first time? It is not the mere language which produces the effect: impartial judges even among Dissenters admit, that, in point of composition, nothing can be superior to many parts of the Liturgy. Nor is novelty the sole cause, though undoubtedly it has its weight. But the chief cause will be found in the solemn tones, the lengthened pauses, the devout earnestness, which characterize the delivery, and which are -in perfect accordance with the sentiment. Variety of subject forms an admirable characteristic in our Church Service; and that it requires a corresponding variety of manner in

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 combination must concur of a clear head, a feeling heart, and a considerable flexibility of voice. The best general rule is, to study previously the sentiments 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 language 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 overwhelmed the servants of God, were familiar to