ini. iJETiK \k'.s (jtatio.v. 45 



admit of doubt. Most willingly should any young man and every young 

 man listen to him who, his senior in years, successful in the pursuit of 

 knowledge, professionally distinguished, refined in taste, and steeped in 

 general erudition, is willing to instruct him in the mysteries of study, 

 open to his view the path to learning and whatever advantages she 

 bears in her train. No doubt can be entertained, that the want of en- 

 lightened views on this subject has arrested many an ardent youth in 

 his onward progress and induced him to sink down into indolence and 

 inaction. Some too who have persevered in their efforts have missed 

 the goal by injudicious and ill-regulated exertions. 



It is to be presumed that some of us who are neither young nor en- 

 tirely unsuccessful in the acquisition of truth, would be willing to learn 

 how some minds have achieved tlieir astonishing results and distanced 

 so efiectually their competitors. The arcana of study, of profitable 

 study, have not all yet been revealed, and the man should be hailed 

 with gratitude by every one, who skilled to instruct, openeth his mouth, 

 and teacheth. The author feels the weight of his resposibility in dis- 

 cussing his subject, and bespeaks indulgence from hia "public." Study, 

 is defined, "in its wide meaning, zeal in acquiring knowledge of any 

 kind, by any method." This definition does not strike us as particular- 

 ly discriminating. By the term study is ordinarily understood the ap- 

 plication of the mind to truth for the purpose of mastering and retain- 

 ing it. It is zeal that animates in the pursuit and urges on to the ac- 

 quisition. We discern that the Doctor's object is rather to point out a 

 particular sphere of action to the studious than to analyze the elements 

 of study, and to exhibit the processes adopted in it. Selecting for him- 

 self this course, he leaves to others the Sciences strictly so called, and 

 addresses himself to "letters, especially, letters which reveal tlie experi- 

 ence, the taste, and the mind of antiquity." 



What should we study ? Study, says this Christian orator, God, in 

 his word and in his works — study man. Of the Scriptures, he speaks 

 in the following terms : "the style of the Scriptures is not bare and 

 meagre. Simplicity of narrative, patlios arid grandeur of description, 

 eloquence, argument, philosophy, poetry, imagery, apothegm, maxim, 

 proverb, ate all there; and each inspired writer has a genius, with cor- 

 respondent manner, peculiar to himself. Study of the Bible awakens 

 taste for letters, and sanctions by infallible example, a cultivation of 

 those arts which the scholar loves, for the delight and power they give 

 him." 



Of the works of God, he discourseth thus : "God teaches us by his 

 works. He has not formed them after the narrow scheme of a misno- 



