notions they imbibe in their early youth.

w, that all the 〈◊〉 we discover in the fair sex arise principally 〈◊〉 the neglect of their education, and the mis|.

And that the virulent controversies of the pre|sent day concerning religious, or in many cases, merely speculative opinions, savouring so high|ly of vanity and ostentation, and breathing a spirit so opposite to christian benevolence, have done more hurt to the cause of religion, than all the malice, the ridicule, and the folly of its enemies. That this tenderness to the undeserving, tends to debase the dignity of the clergy, and to hinder many worthy men from undertaking the office of the ministry. That in numberless instances thro'|out these colonies, sufficient care hath not been taken to exclude the ignorant and irreligious, from the sacred desk. That it would be more beneficial, in every place of public education, to take pains in teaching the ele|ments of oratory, the grammar of the English tongue, and the elegancies of style, and com|position. Parts of mathematics, and the dark re|searches of metaphysics, is of little advantage in business or profession in life. That the meer knowledge of ancient languages, of the abstru|ser That, except in one neighbouring province, ignorance wanders unmolested at our colleges, examinations are dwindled to meer form and ceremony, and af|ter four years dozing there, no one is ever re|fused the honours, of a degree, on account of dulness and insufficiency. This first part describes the principal mistakes in one course of life, and exemplifies the following well known truth, That to the frequent scandal, as well of religion, as learning, a fellow without any share of genius, or application to study, may pass with credit through life, receive the honours of a liberal education, and be admit|ted to the right hand of fellowship among mi|nisters of the gospel. The subject is inexhaustible nor is my design yet completed. The author was prompted to write by a hope that it might be of use to point out, in a clear, concise, and striking manner, those general errors, that hinder the advantages of education, and the growth of piety. The subject is the state of the times in re|gard to literature and religion.

Therefore in a word I will explain the subject and de|sign of the following poem. 'PRAY what does the author mean?' is the first question most readers will ask, and the last they are able to answer. PRINTED AT CARLISLE, FOR ARCHIBALD LOUDON, BOOKSELLER, THE PROGRESS OF DULNESS, OR THE RARE ADVENTURES OF TOM BRAINLESS.

Amorous guide zenith