y strike more forcibly than an abler
discourse coolly perused at home. In writing, the mechanical act must
necessarily lessen the effect to the writer, and to the spectator it
diminishes the dignity of the scene, and seems like short-hand writer
taking down a trial.

"But that, my daughters may not plead this as an excuse for
inattention," continued he, "I make it a part of their evening duty to
repeat what they retain, separately, to me in my library. The
consciousness that this repetition will be required of them, stimulates
their diligence; and the exercise itself not only strengthens the
memory, but habituates to serious reflection."

At tea, Ph[oe]be, a charming, warm-hearted creature, but who now and
then, carried away by the impulse of the moment, forgets habits and
prohibitions, said, "I think, papa, Dr. Barlow was rather dull to-day.
There was nothing new in the sermon." "My dear," replied her father, "we
do not go to church to hear news. Christianity is no novelty; and though
it is true that we go to be instructed, yet we require to be reminded
full as much as to be taught. General truths are what we all
acknowledge, and all forget. We acknowledge them, because a general
assent of the understanding costs but little; and we forget them,
because the remembrance would force upon the conscience a great deal of
practical labor. To believe, and remember, and act upon, common,
undisputed, general truths, is the most important part of religion.
This, though in fact very difficult, is overlooked, on account of its
being supposed very easy. To keep up in the heart a lively impression of
a few plain momentous truths, is of more use than the ablest discussion
of a hundred controverted points.

"Now tell me, Ph[oe]be, do you really think that you have remembered and
practiced all the instructions you have received from Dr. Barlow's
sermons last year? If you have, though you will have a better right to
be critical, you will be less disposed to be so. If you have not, do not
complain that the sermon is not new till you have made all possible use
of the old ones; which if you had done, you would have acquired so much
humility, that you would meekly listen even to what you already know.
But however the discourse may have been superfluous to such deep divines
as Miss Ph[oe]be Stanley, it will be very useful to me, and to other
hearers who are not so wise."

Poor Ph[oe]be blushed up to her ears; tears rushed into her eyes. S