versation, we do not need them, merely because we have the sense, before we speak. For the same reason, in repeating from memory we think nothing of the points. But if the points can afford us little or no assistance, how shall we ascertain the place and length of every pause? I answer, by the sense. If we could divest ourselves of the influence of bad habit, and could understand and feel what we read, proper pauses would fall in their proper places, without any special effort of ours, as they do in conversation. To counteract bad habit, it may be useful to make some special efforts, to regulate the length of our pauses, particularly such as should be very long. The periodic pause may vary from one syllable, to forty. At the close of a paragraph, it may be from six to sixteen; at the close of a chapter, from ten to forty. Direction XVI. Keep your lungs well supplied with air. It is not uncommon to see persons in reading, especially in reading fast, suddenly catch their breath with a sigh. This is because their lungs are nearly or quite exhausted of air. This is always a fault. It is unpleasant to the hearer. It is painful and often injurious to the reader. If long continued, it may occasion consumption and death. It should be avoided entirely, and not merely avoided. We must keep at the greatest distance from any sensation of exhaustion. A habit of this may be easily formed. Draw in as much breath, as your lungs will comfortably contain. After reading a few words, fill them again; and thus keep them nearly filled continually. This will render your utterance easy, so far as voice is concerned; and if necessary, you can even vociferate, without much inconvenience. Direction XVII. Make due allowance for circumstances. This topic has already been mentioned; but it deserves to be the subject of a distinct direction. Consider what you read-the thoughts, the words. Consider your audi ence, who they are, and what is the occasion, &c. &c. The same piece should be read very differently under different circumstances. After a while, however, you may feel the impression of the circumstances, with very little consideration. You have then only to speak out what you feel. Direction XVIII. Improve your voice to the utmost. By attending particularly to articulation, emphasis, movement, &c. you can hardly fail to improve your vocal powers, though you do not think of the subject. But this is not enough. A good voice constitutes almost half the excellence of a good reader; and it is desirable to carry the improvement of this talent to the utmost point, that nature will allow. Attention to vocal music may be one of the best means that can be used for this purpose. It may conduce to render the voice soft, melodious and flexible, and at the same time, improve its energy and dignity. Attention to music, whether vocal or instrumental, may also be useful to improve the car, to improve the taste in relation to sounds, and greatly assist in managing the voice, in whatever way it is employed. Much loud reading may likewise be useful to improve the voice. especially with regard to strength. Direction XIX. Study well beforehand what you would read. This may be useful chiefly on three accounts; to gain the sense, to gain the impression, and to gain facility in uttering the words. Direction XX. Regularly associate for mutual improvement. A pleasant name for such an association is Reading Circle. The number of members may be from two to six. A number greater than six will be less conducive to improvement, as each one will have so little opportunity to perform. The time may be equally divided between reading and remarking, each one performing in turn. Remarks should be made with the utmost freedom and kindness. INDEX. All hail the power of Jesus, 83 | Among those hilly regions, 140 | Bestow, dear Lord, upon, Behold the lofty sky, 1 19 42 Amazing period, 132 Behold the morning sun, 20 Acquaint thyself with God,111 And kind thou wilt be, 160 Begone, unbelief, 82 Ah little think the gay, 139 And what, O man, All truth is from. 97 As thus the snows arise, 138 Beside you stragling fence, 90 THE POETIC READER. NO. 1. C. M. SEMINARY SONGS. CowPER. Youth prayed for and entreated. 1.B The gift of saving grace; And let the seed of sacred truth Fall in a fruitful place. 2. Grace is a plant, where e'er it grows, 3. Ye careless ones, O hear betimes, Your youth is stain'd with many crimes; 4. True, you are young; but there's a stone Or half the crimes, which you have done, 5. For you, the public prayer is made, NO. 3. C. M. EEP silence, all created things, And wait your Maker's nod. 2. Life, death and hell, and worlds unknown, He sits on no precarious throne, 3. Chain'd to his throne, a volume lies, 4. His providence unfolds the book, 5. Here he exalts neglected worms, And there, the following page he turns, 6. Not Gabriel asks the reason why, 1. NO. 4. L. M. Death and Resurrection of Christ. HE dies! the Friend of sinners dies! NO. 5. 7's. GIBBONS. Christ's Resurrection and Ascension. 1. ANGELS, roll the rock away! Death, yield up thy mighty prey! See, the Savior quits the tomb, Glowing with immortal bloom. 2. Shout, ye seraphs; Gabriel, raise Fame's eternal trump of praise; Let the earth's remotest bound Echo to the blissful sound. 3. Now, ye saints, lift up your eyes; See, the conquerer mounts the skies; Troops of angels on the road, Hail and sing th' incarnate God. 4. Heav'n unfolds her portals wide. Glorious Hero, thro' them ride; King of glory, mount thy throne; Boundless empire is thy own. 5. Praise him, ye celestial choirs, Praise, and sweep your golden lyres; Praise him in the noblest songs, From ten thousand thousand tongues. 6. Let Immanuel be adoredRansom, Mediator, Lord; 1. To Creation's utmost bound, Let th' immortal praise resound. FA NO. 6. C. M. WATTS. NATHER! how wide thy glory shines! 2. But when we view thy strange design, Where vengeance and compassion join 3. Here, the whole Deity is known; Nor dares a creature guess, 4. Now the full glories of the Lamb, 5. O may I bear some humble part 1. Wonder and joy shall tune my heart, And love command my tongue. NO. 7. L. M. GREGG. Not ashamed of Jesus. JESUS, and shall it ever be A mortal man asham'd of thee? Asham'd of thee, whom angels praise, Whose glories shine through endless days! 2. Asham'd of Jesus! sooner far, Let evening blush, to own a star; 3. Asham'd of Jesus! just as soon, Let midnight be asham'd of noon; "Tis midnight with my soul, till He Bright morning Star! bids darkness flee. 4. Asham'd of Jesus! that dear friend, On whom my hopes of heav'n depend! NO. 8. C. M. COWPER. 1.OA calm and heav'nly frame; H! for a closer walk with God, And light, to guide me on the road, 2. Where is the blessedness I knew, 3. What peaceful hours I once enjoy'd ! 4. Return, O Holy Dove, return, I hate the sins, that made the mourn, 5. The dearest idol, I have known, Help me, to tear it from thy throne, 6. So shall my walk be close with God, NO. 9. 7's. COWPER. Let me to thy bosom fly; 1. 3. Thou, O Christ, art all I want; Thou art full of truth and grace. NO. 10., 8, 7, 8, 7, 4, 7. ROBINSON. "G UIDE me, Feed me, till I want no more. Lead me all my journey through. Be thou still my strength and shield. 3. When I tread the verge of Jordan, Bid my anxious fears subside; I will ever give to thee. NO. 11. L. P. M. ADDISON. The divine Shepherd. 1.T and feed me with a shepherd's cale; His presence shall my wants supply, NO. 12. L. M. DODDRIDGE. Spiritual Resurrection. LOOK down, O Lord, with pitying eye See Adam's racc in ruin Sin spreads its trophies o'er the ground, 1. NO. 13. L. M. CowPER. WHA 7HAT various hindrances we meet, Yet who, that knows the worth of prayer, 2. Prayer makes the dark'ned cloud withdraw; The weakest saint upon his knees. 4. While Moses stood with arms spread wide, |