the prior exercises may have been of service and advantage to him.

It may perhaps be imagined that the subjects selected for debate are of too difficult a character for school-boys. In reply, it might suffice to say that, whilst the Work is chiefly meant for school use, it is also intended for Debating Societies generally it may be as well, however, to add that the majority of these questions have been discussed by school-boys under the Author's own observation; and that singular success and pleasure have attended the debates. Some years since, the Author introduced his plan into several first-rate educational establishments in Town, and it is the decided success of his experiment which alone has led him to publish this book.

One word as to the Book itself. -The Author has sought, not merely to open inquiry, but to educe results. He has endeavoured to take advantage of every possible opportunity for enforcing true and useful principles; and without aiming at the pedantic introduction of either metaphysics or philosophy, has humbly ventured to open many mines of thought both in mental and moral science.

London, 1846.

RULES OF DEBATE.

Ar the first general meeting of members for the establishment of the class, the title of the society should be resolved upon, the laws of debate agreed to, and a secretary elected, whose duty it will be to keep minutes of the proceedings.

General meetings should be held half-yearly, to confirm, amend, or extend the laws, and to elect or re-elect the secretary.

At the ordinary meetings, after the election of the Chairman from amongst the members, the secretary should read the minutes of the previous meeting. When they have been confirmed, the Chairman should call upon the gentleman who has undertaken to open the debate, to address the meeting.

It is then usual for the seconder to speak; and afterwards the other members, at their pleasure. When all who wish to speak have spoken, the

Chairman calls on the opener for his reply; after which the question is put from the chair, and decided by show of hands. This done, the question to be discussed at the next meeting is proposed, seconded, and agreed upon. The class then adjourns.

No member is allowed to speak twice, except the opener in reply, or any one in explanation.

The opener has no right to introduce fresh arguments into his reply: he can only refer to what has gone before.

The Chairman cannot speak unless he quits the chair; nor can he vote unless the numbers be equal: in which case he gives the casting vote.

It will be found advisable to limit each speaker to a particular time, say ten minutes: the opener may be allowed fifteen minutes.

If all who wish to speak, cannot do so on one occasion, the debate may be adjourned until next meeting; the mover of the adjournment, or the seconder, in the mover's absence, re-opening the discussion.

THE DEBATER.

PART I.

COMPLETE DEBATES.

QUESTION I.

Which is of the greatest benefit to his countrythe Warrior, the Statesman,

man,

or the Poet?

FIRST SPEAKER. Sir, The question which I have undertaken to open, is, I think, one of considerable importance and interest. We are to be called upon to say-Which is of the greatest benefit to his country- the Warrior, the Statesor the Poet? The Warrior is the man who directs the physical strength of his nation the man who fights its battles, repulses its invaders, holds discontent in check, and defends its rights at the hazard of his life: the Statesman is the man who directs the mental force of his nation; who by his keen intellect devises laws, avoids evils, secures social order, and controls the wild elements of popular feeling: and the Poet is

B

the man who guides the moral power of his nation: who teaches it truth, arouses it to goodness, and impresses it with beauty. Yes, it is important to judge between these three: to know which is the noblest kind of power; to discern the highest sort of greatness. For our conduct depends in no small measure upon our opinions, and according to the idea that we form of greatness, shall we alone endeavour to be great. Moreover, the question is a difficult one. Much thought is necessary to elucidate it, and much insight to determine it with truth. It is like judging between the different members of the body. For the Warrior is the arm, - the Statesman the head, and the Poet the heart, of the community: and just as it is difficult to choose between the members of the body physical, so is it difficult to choose between the members of the body politic. I shall wait, Sir, to hear the sentiments of others before I decide, and for the present shall content myself with this simple introduction of the question, trusting that it will receive that full discussion which it merits.

SECOND SPEAKER. Sir, I quite agree with the opener that he has presented us with a difficult subject for debate. And, I think, with all submission, that our friend has increased the difficulty by the selection of these particular characters.