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THE

STUDENT AND PASTOR.

PART I.

He that devotes himself to the work of the sacred ministry, should be continually intent on two things, viz. the improvement of his own mind, and the minds of others, in the most important and useful knowledge.

This comprehends the whole office of a student and pastor.

The business of a student is, to be so employed, as to be continually making some valuable accessions to his own intellectual furniture. To which

five things are necessary. 1. A proper distribution and management of his time. 2. A right method of reading to advantage. 3. The order and regu

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lation of his studies. 4. The proper way of collecting and preserving useful sentiments from books and conversation. Lastly, The improvement of his thoughts when alone.

CHAP. I.

OF THE RIGHT DISTRIBUTION AND MANAGEMENT OF OUR TIME.

A STUDENT should be as frugal of his time, as a miser is of his money; should save it with as much care, and spend it with as much caution: "To be careful how we manage and employ our time is one of the first precepts that is taught in the school of wisdom, and one of the last that is learnt. And it is a prodigious thing to consider that although, amongst all the talents which are committed to our stewardship, time (upon several accounts) is the most precious, yet, there is not any one of which the generality of men are more profuse

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profuse and regardless. Nay, it is obvious to observe, that even those persons who are frugal and thrifty in every thing else, are yet extremely prodigal of their best revenue, time; of which alone," as Seneca nobly observed, it is a virtue to be covetous*." It is amazing to think how much time may be gained by proper economy† : and how much good literature may be acquired, if that gain be rightly applied. To this purpose, let the following rules be observed.

1. Take particular notice of those things which are most apt to rob you of your time. Upon such an inquest you will probably detect the following thievest.

1. The bed. Never allow yourself above six hours sleep at most. Physicians all tell you that nature demands no more for the proper recruits of health and spirits. All beyond this is luxury; no less prejudicial to the animal constitution than intemperate meals; and no less hurtful to the powers of the mind, than to those of the body. It insensibly weakens and relaxes both.

2. Ceremonious and formal visits. They may

*Norris's Miscel. p. 118.

† Ad summa perveniet nemo, nisi tempore, quo nihil esse fugacius constat, prudenter utatur.

Stud. p. 100.

Ringel. de Rat.

Ofures, O latrones, O tyrannos crudelissimos, quorum consilio mihi unquam periit Hora! Id. p. 104.

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