ness in all matters of arrangement, of inquest, and of argumentation.” "Writing," says Lord Bacon, "makes a correct man;" and the author of the Essay on Criticism asserts, that "True grace in writing comes from art, not chance, As they move easiest who have learnt to dance." "He that begins with the calf," says Mr. Locke, "may carry the ox; but he, that will go at first to take the ox, may so disable himself as not to be able to take the calf after that." On the same principle, it is recommended that an attention to the subject of composition should be commenced early in life. Exercises cf a simple cha.acter prepare the mind for higher exertion; and readiness and facility in the lower departments of writing enable the student to apply himself without reluctance to those mightier efforts by which the progress of intellectual culture is most rapidly advanced. The words of Horace may here be recommended to particular attention: "Sumite materiam qui scribitis æquam Or, in the translation of Mr. Francis: "Examine well, ye writers, weigh with care, What suits your genius, what your strength will bear.' CONTENTS. Preface, Introduction, PAGE. iii. iv. |