PREFACE. "PRAY, what does the author mean?" is the first question most readers will ask, and the last they are able to answer. Therefore in a few words I will explain the subject and design of the following Poem. The subject is the state of the times in regard to literature and religion. 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 inexhaustible; nor is my design yet completed. This first part describes the principal mistakes in one course of life, and exemplifies the following well known truths ;-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 admitted to the right hand of fellowship among ministers of the gospel ;-that except in one neighboring province, ignorance wanders unmolested at our colleges, examinations are dwindled to mere form and ceremony, and after four years dozing there, no one is ever refused the honors of a degree, on account of dulness and insufficiency ;-that the mere knowledge of ancient languages, of the abstruser parts of mathematics, and the dark researches of metaphysics, is of little advantage in any business or profession in life ;-that it would be more beneficial, in every place of public education, to take pains in teaching the elements of oratory, the grammar of the English tongue, and the elegancies of style and composition ;-that in numberless instances, sufficient care hath not been taken to exclude the ignorant and irreligious from the sacred desk ;-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;-and that the virulent controversies of the present day concerning religious, or in many cases, merely speculative opinions, savoring so highly 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. New-Haven, August 1772. THE PROGRESS OF DULNESS. PART I. OR THE ADVENTURES OF TOM BRAINLESS. "OUR TOм has grown a sturdy boy; |