the
history of his own country. Those of England and of the United States
are so closely connected that the former seems to be introductory to the
latter. They form one whole. Hume, as far as he goes, to the revolution
of 1688, is generally thought the best Historian of England. Others have
continued his narrative to a late period, and it will be necessary to
read them also.

"There is no exercise of the mind from which more valuable improvement
is to be drawn than from composition. In every situation of life the
result of early practice will be valuable. Both in speaking and writing,
the early habit of arranging our thoughts with regularity, so as to
point them to the object to be proved, will be of great advantage. In
both, clearness and precision are most essential qualities. The man who
by seeking embellishment hazards confusion, is greatly mistaken in what
constitutes good writing. The meaning ought never to be mistaken. Indeed
the readers should never be obliged to search for it. The writer
should always express himself so clearly as to make it impossible to
misunderstand him. He should be comprehended without an effort.

"The first step towards writing and speaking clearly is to think
clearly. Let the subject be perfectly understood, and a man will soon
find words to convey his meaning to others. Blair, whose lectures are
greatly and justly admired, advises a practice well worthy of being
observed. It is to take a page of some approved writer and read it over
repeatedly until the matter, not the words, be fully impressed on the
mind. Then write, in your own language, the same matter. A comparison
of the one with the other will enable you to remark and correct your own
defects. This course may be pursued after having made some progress
in composition. In the commencement, the student ought carefully to
reperuse what he has written, correct, in the first instance, every
error of orthography and grammar. A mistake in either is unpardonable.
Afterwards revise and improve the language.

"I am pleased with both your pieces of composition. The subjects are
well chosen and of the deepest interest. Happiness is pursued by all,
though too many mistake the road by which the greatest good is to be
successfully followed. Its abode is not always in the palace or the
cottage. Its residence is the human heart, and its inseparable companion
is a quiet conscience. Of this, Religion is the surest and safest
foundation. The indiv