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." -ab bar amsion ad vem tronesmub riadT

.219

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 drowsyldend -onujai falva wit mw90 T t 10 noitsrobs to 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 intel 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 th reciting the plain narratives of Scripture. In truth, it is highly important to remember that one manner will not suit all parts of the Ser vice. ¿ This remark naturally leads to the no tice of another defect;

-dua ed♪ lo ting gidi dile ng z

१९

-The unvaried manner: this fault may sometimes be observed in the delivery of those who are generally considered to be good readers. Their demeanour may be solemn and defout their articulation, clear and distinct ; their general style, easy and unaffected ; but still they they are dull and unimpressive, and con sequently, the hearers become listless and inattentive. 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 narra tives of the New all are delivered in one und varied manner. Many Clergymen, doubtless, dopt this uniformity upon upon principle, conthe style of reading which accom

ceiving
me that t

'

modates itself to the subject, and which they

would consider to be proper on all other occa

bag bodkorg edt ynhovileb af

audible. But for a hurried, slovenly manner,

there can be no excuse. §

Jed ebarb canl

In endeavouring to avoid the defect of ra pidity, the student must not think with some that he has attained his object, merely by introducing very long pauses at the end of every sentence. He must be reminded, that each sentence requires pauses of different lengths in various parts of it, besides the principal one at the conclusion; and that the length of those pauses must be proportioned to the general rate of utterance.

*

II. Another common defect in young Readers, (perhaps in many Readers and Preachers at every period of life), is the dropping of the voice so much at the end of every sentence as to become inaudible to those of the congrera bora ma lo sou úpum ni 99mat This defect among preachers sometimes arises from a very obvious cause. Whilst they are pronouncing the con.99nst cluding words of a sentence, they are looking down to their manuscript, to see what is the beginning of the next sent tence. From this change in the position of the head and neck, the voice receives a different direction, and is likewise considerably suppressed. This habit may be corrected by making it a rule to continue looking at those who are addressed, till each sentence is concluded. 1. The pauses between the sentences may perhaps in consequence, be somewhat lengthened; but this will frequently be an advantage. L

ན

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 swords 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 punctua tion, however correct, and sutterly 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

sions, is to be excluded from the Church, ás 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. 198 tasd 10. Jonda anomit

2

What is it that renders the prayers of the most eloquent among dissenting ministers&so highly impressive, and excites the admira tion 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 come position, 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 character istic in our Church Service; and that it requires a corresponding variety of manner in of mehed outer bow to noe old bomforter