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er, memory and mimickry; and I have known both these talents possessed in great perfection, by men who were not in understanding many degrees above fools; and on the contrary, some of the first men whom history records, that were no way remarkable in point of memory, and totally destitute of the other quality.

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AT WHOSE REQUEST THE FOLLOWING SERMON WAS DELIVERED, AND IS NOW PUBLISHED.

MY YOUNG FRIENDS,

YOUR resolution to express your condolence with the mourning inhabitants of Richmond, did you honour. Sympathy with the afflicted is ornamental to every age, but especially to the young. When, therefore, you requested me to address you on the occasion from the pulpit, although a compliance with your request was not a little inconvenient, I did not dare to refuse. But when, after being apprized,. that if any thing were said by me in relation to the awful Calamity in question, it must include a solemn protest against Theatrical entertainments, you still unanimously persisted in urging your application, my duty to comply with it appeared no longer doubtful. It gives me pleasure to find that you so far approve of what I thought myself bound to say on that subject, as to wish it made still more public: for I will enjoy the satisfaction of believing, that approbation of the truth, had much more agency in prompting your second request, than civility to the preacher.

My first and chief wish concerning the following discourse, is, that it may prove useful. Allow me to hope, that you will review it with serious attention, and with solemn prayer; and that you may have reason to say, that one of the most distressing dispensations of Providence that our country ever witnessed, has been productive of good to you.

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It is said of the great Sir Mathew Hale, that, when he was a youth at college, the players visiting Oxford, he was so much corrupted by frequenting the theatre that, for some months, he almost wholly forsook his studies. By this habit he not only lost much time ; but also found his mind filled with so many "vain images," and "false sentiments," that he began to be alarmed for himself, and determined to abandon a course which he saw was leading him to ruin. On going to London, he resolved never to see a play again; and rigidly adhered to his resolution. No one who knows the character of this most illustrious of English judges, will imagine, that he formed such a resolution rashly or weakly, or that he adhered to it with

out reason.

Were I to see all of you, my young Friends, like that distinguished Ornament of the land of our fathers, effecting a complete conquest over this ONE propensity, I should consider it as a most hopeful pledge, that you would go further, and imitate him in his unfeigned piety, and in the general dignity, purity, and usefulness of his life.

That you may have grace given you to effect this conquest, and to imitate this noble example; that the God of all grace may be the Guide of your youth, and the Consolation of your riper age; and that, finally, with all the disciples of a crucified REDEEMER, you may share in an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away, is the sincere prayer Your friend, SAMUEL MILLER.

of,

New-York Jau. 23, 1812.

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