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 propriety of words, and the beauties of expression. No rule of critical observations will ever bring any to a just style, who does not understand, and feel his subject, and has not a natural way of writing, but they will improve a good genius, when nature leads the way, provided he is not too scrupulous, and is not a slave to rules, that will bring on a stiffness and affectation, which are opposite to a good style. 6. A composition is then good, when the matter naturally rises out of the subject, when the thoughts are agreeable to the matter, and the expressions suitable to the thoughts, when there is no inconsistency from the beginning to the end, but you can follow the whole by the order of its parts, without being confused, sometimes going back, and where the end winds up the whole, and makes every intelligent reader to understand the subject.

HE who can produce more and better than others, has talents; and he who can produce something quite new, has genius. Abilities make a good man better, and a bad man worse. 2. Merit is sometimes an obstacle to fortune and that because of envy and fear. Envy in those who have not the same talents, and fear in such as are established, lest they should be supplanted, if they advance or encourage a man who has growing abilities. 3. A man of moderate abilities advances slowly, but surely; whereas, those of extraordinary talents frequently overshoot themselves