A good author should have the style and courage of a captain, the
integrity of a dying man, and so much sense and ingenuity, as to impose
nothing, either weak or needless, on the world.
The best of authors are not without their faults, and if they were, the
world would not entertain them as they deserve. Perfection is often
called for, but nobody would bear it. The only perfect man that ever
appeared in the world was crucified.
The man whose book is filled with quotations, may be said to creep along
the shore of authors, as if he were afraid to trust himself to the free
compass of reasoning. Others defend such authors by a different
allusion, and ask whether honey is the worse for being gathered from
many flowers?
A few choice books make the best library: a multitude will confound us,
whereas a moderate quantity will assist and help us. Masters of great
libraries are too commonly like booksellers, acquainted with little else
than the titles.
He who reads books by extracts, may be said to read by deputy. Much
depends on the latter, whether he reads to any purpose.
Satire is the only kind of wit, for which we have scripture authority
and example, in the case of Elijah ridiculing the false gods of Ahab.
He that always praises me, is undoubtedly a flatterer; but he that
sometimes praises, and sometimes reproves me, is probably my friend, and
speaks his mind. Did we not flatter ourselves, others would do us no
hurt.
Men are too apt to promise according to their hopes, and perform
according to their fears.
Secrecy has all the prudence, and none of the vices either of
simulation, or dissimulation.
* * * * *
* * * *
_For the +New-York Weekly Magazine+._
* * *
_An Enigmatical List of amiable young Ladies in this City._
1. Miss C-l-e S-m-n,
2. Miss S-r-h B-r-r,
3. Miss L-e-a B-z-r,
4. Miss M-r-a C-e-n,
5. Miss M-r-a B-k-r,
6. Miss M-r-a B-e-n,
7. Miss C-h-e D-v-s,
8. Miss N-n-y P-g-e,
9. Miss S-r-a T-y-r,
10. Miss M-r-y U-t.
(A solution is requested.)
_Sept. 12, 1796._