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 Many authors, and especially poets, have not got much for their compositions; and several have died very poor, as Otway, Dryden, Goldsmith, &c.

THE first requisite for a good style is to think closely on the subject, till we obtain a full and distinct view of what we are to clothe in words; and then that which we conceive clearly and feel strongly, we shall naturally express with property and warmth. 2. The next thing is a proper use of the best writers; this is requisite in order to form a just taste in style, and to supply with a full stock of words on every subject; however, we must guard against a servile imitation of any author, but make whatever we read our own, otherwise our style will be stiff and awkward.

3. The next thing is to adapt our style to the subject, or to the hearers; in that which is very solemn, very few ornaments are necessary, but in what is descriptive or pathetic, many more may be used. 4. The last requisite to form a good style, is frequent use and practice; it is not a few years that will form an excellent style, but exercise and habit for many years; but after all, we should be more desirous to attain a fund of solid, ingenious, and useful thoughts, than to dress up common and trivial sentiments in elegant language.

5. The chief thing requisite to a good style, is to be a perfect master of the language we write in, and especially to know the force and