ys. But the
method I shall propose is one that can be pursued without an instructor,
while employed most of the time in active pursuits. The course already
recommended, in relation to meditation and the study of the Scriptures,
will be found a great assistance in the proper discipline of the mind.
But this is not all that is necessary. I know of nothing which more
effectually calls out the resources of the mind than writing. To a
person unaccustomed to this exercise, it appears exceedingly difficult.
But a little practice will make it a pleasing and delightful employment.
The mind is far more richly feasted with ideas conceived and brought
forth by itself, than by those produced by others, and communicated
through the medium of the senses; and all the intellectual faculties are
strengthened and improved by exertion.

I would, therefore, advise you to pursue a regular plan of written
exercises. This will be very easy, if you only learn to think
methodically. Select, chiefly, practical subjects; which your
Sabbath-school lessons, your subjects of meditation, and your daily
study of the Scriptures, will furnish in great abundance. The principal
reason why young persons find this exercise so difficult is, that they
usually select abstract subjects, which have scarce any relation to the
common concerns of life. On this account, it will be greatly to your
advantage to choose some Scripture truth as the subject of your
exercise. The Bible is a practical book, and we have a personal
interest in everything it contains. When you have selected your subject,
carefully separate the different parts or propositions it contains, and
arrange them under different heads. This you will find a great
assistance in directing your thoughts. If you look at the whole subject
at once, your ideas will he obscure, indefinite, and confused. But all
this difficulty will be removed, by a judicious division of its parts.
Set apart regular portions of time to be employed in writing. Let these
seasons be as frequent as may consist with your other duties, and
observe them strictly. Do not indulge the absurd notion that you can
write only when you _feel like it_. Remember your object is to
_discipline_ the mind, and bring it under the control of the will. But,
to suffer your mind to be controlled by your feelings, in the very act
of discipline, is absurd. As well might a mother talk of governing her
child, while she allows it to do as it pleases. Finish on