In this division there is a manifest reference to the object of the writer. The different heads are also distinct from each other, and taken together give a sufficiently full view of the subject It is in accordance then with the directions stated above. apel Dr,

Let us now suppose that the following division had been made

;

Children should render obedience and love to their parents,

1. Because they are under obligations to them for benefits received from them the

2. Because their parents furnish them with food and clothing.

3. Because in this way they secure their own happi

ness.

4. Because there is a satisfaction and peace of conscience in the discharge of filial duties.

This division is faulty, since the different parts are not distinct from each other. The second head is included under the first, and the fourth under the third.~-. A third division might be made as follows; Children should render obedience and love to their parents,

1. Because they should do what is right.

2. Because in this way they secure their own happi

ness.

3. Because God has commanded them to honor their parents.

It may be said of the first part of this division, that it has no particular reference to the object of the writer. It is a truth of general application, and might with equal propriety be assigned in enforcing any other duty, as in this instance. It is also implied in the other heads, since

children do what is right, when in obedience to God's command they seek to secure their own happiness.

To be able in this way "to look a subject into shape," is highly conducive to success as a writer. It results from a habit of consecutive thinking. Some men are constantly collecting and arranging their scattered thoughts. There is a principle of order in their minds, which is imparted to every subject on which they look. The forming of this habit is aided by the study of the sciences, as has already been mentioned. Much depends also upon practice, and upon reading the productions of those, who are wont to think with order and ability.

The question may arise, Is it of importance distinctly to state the plan which is pursued? Should there be the formal 'divisions of a discourse? To this I answer, that in the treatment of intricate subjects, where there are many divisions, and where it is of importance, that the order and connexion of each part should be carefully observed, to state the divisions is the better course. But it is far from being always essential. Though we never should write without forming a distinct plan for our own use, yet it may often be best to let others gather this plan from reading our productions. The forming of a plan is a species of scaffolding to aid us in erecting the building. When the edifice is finished, we may let the scaffolding fall.

Having made the divisions of his subject, the next labor of the writer is to fill up the outlines that have been marked out. The attention is now more immediately directed to each part in succession, and whatever can illustrate, establish and enforce these different parts, is brought to view. In the treatment of each of these divisions, as in the management of the whole sub

.

ject, there should be method. Not an unnecessary thought or illustration should be introduced. Every remark should have its design in agreement with the grand object, and should effect this design.

The design of a writer in enlarging on the divisions of his discourse, is either more fully to exhibit what he has stated, or to adduce proofs of the correctness of his assertions. Frequently he has both these objects in view. One obvious method of more fully exhibiting the statement made, is to give a definition, or explanation, of the terms used in stating the proposition which forms the topic or head of discourse. If under the first head of the proposed essay on filial duties, which asserts, that Ichildren should render obedience and love to their parents because they have received benefits from them, the writer should point out the nature and extent of the obedience and love to be rendered, this would furnish an instance of this mode of enlarging. Another mode of enlarging is by illustration,-calling to our aid familiar truths, and objects easily and readily discerned, that we may more fully and clearly discern what is less familiar and obvious to our minds. Of this mode of enlarging, formal comparisons or similes are examples. Sometimes a proposition which forms the head of a discourse, is enlarged upon by stating its connexion with other truths, or its bearing upon them. principle of contrast is often introduced. under the second head of the proposed essay on filial duties, where it is asserted, that children in rendering obedience and love to their parents secure their own happiness, the writer should point out the evils which attend the neglect of these filial duties, this would furnish an example of this mode of amplification:

this way the

When the amplification of the subject is of the nature

of proof, the most common method pursued is to enumerate the several particulars, on which, as a general conclusion, the proposition which forms the head of discourse, is founded. Thus, when the writer would shew the benefits received by children from their parents, he might make an enumeration of those benefits. In other instances, the proposition depends on a connected chain of reasoning, and the statement of the argument forms the amplification. This mode of enlarging might be used under the second head, to shew that children, in loving and obeying their parents, are securing their own happiness. In other instances, a proposition is established by a statement of facts, and an appeal to established authorities. This the fifth commandment, and other passages of holy writ, might be adduced to establish the third head of the proposed essay.

These remarks make it obvious, that the success of a writer in amplification, must depend much upon the extent of his knowledge and the clearness and force of his habits of thought.

Greek poet Menander, work of composition is

The following story of the shews how large a part of the done, when the plan is well formed and digested. He was preparing a performance for some public occasion. When the time of delivery drew nigh, he was asked by one of his friends, if he had finished it. He answered, The work is done all but making the verses.

In ancient systems of Rhetoric, many rules are given to aid the writer in forming his plan; but it is believed that these rules are but of little value. No directions of general application can be given. The plan must vary with the nature of the subject discussed. Each writer must be guided by his own judgment, and form his divisions with the particular object of his discourse in full view.

But though no rules of general application can be given, the following remarks on this subject may be of

service.

Whether a performance should have a formal introduction or not, must be determined by the good sense of the writer. In short essays, it is generally best to commence with a statement of the object in view, and enter at once on its discussion. A huge portico before a small building always appears out of place. When an introduction is used, it should be striking and appropriate. First impressions, it is well known, are important, and much skill may here be shewn. A happy turn of expression, or a well-timed allusion, may arrest the attention of readers and conciliate their good will. Introductions should at least always be written with great care. Before the minds of readers become engaged in the discussion of the subject, their attention is at liberty to fix itself on the skill discovered in the choice of words, and in the modelling of the expression.

The following introduction to Webster's Address delivered on Bunker Hill, is striking and appropriate;

The uncounted multitude before me, and around me, proves the feeling which the occasion has excited. These thousands of happy faces, glowing with sympathy and joy, and, from the impulses of a common gratitude, turned reverently to Heaven, in this spacious temple of the firmament, proclaim that the day, the place, and the purpose of our assembling have made a deep impression on our hearts."

The writer seems aware of the thoughts and feelings which had taken possession of every heart, and giving utterance to these thoughts and feelings, he arrests with consummate skill the attention, and conciliates the good will of those whom he addresses. The expression too