Page:Elegant extracts.pdf/6



HE who purposes to be an author must first be a student. The most engaging powers of an author, are to make new good things familiar and familiar things to appear as new; either to teach what is not known or to recommend known truths by adorning them either to let new light in upon the mind, or to vary the dress, and situation of common objects, so as to give them fresh grace, more powerful attraction, or to spread such flowers over the regions through which the intellect has already passed, as may tempt it to return and take a second view of things hastily passed over or negligently regarded.

2. Writers of extensive comprehension have made identical remarks, upon topics perhaps very remote from the subject matter mentioned in the title page. These, remarks are sometimes more valuable than formal treatises, and he that collects these under proper heads, is very laudably employed; for though he exert no great abilities in the work, he facilitates the progress of others, and by making that easy of attainment, which is already written, may give some vigorous minds leisure for new thoughts and original designs.

3. Some authors on political or temporary subjects may be read only once, but others may be read many times, respecting which we may say, as Elijah said to his servant, go again seven times.

4. If I could choose my readers, I would not wish the most ignorant or the most learned to read my works: not the former, for they could not do me justice; and not the latter, because I could not sufficiently please them.