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there are so many shrewd observations concerning human naturedispersed through his works, that you will be much the wiser forthem as a private man.

“ I would observe the same of Mr. Locke’s writings, all ofwhich, without exception (even his letters to the Bishop of Wor-cester will teach you acuteness in detecting sophistry in debate),may be read over and over again with infinite advantage. His rea-soning is every where profound, and his language masculine. I hatethe flimsy womanish eloquence of novel readers, I mean of such asread nothing else, and wish you, therefore, to acquire both just-ness of sentiment and strength of expression, from the perusal ofthe works of great men. Make Bacon , then, and Locke, and whyshould I not add that sweet child of nature, Shakspeare, your chiefcompanions through life, let them be ever upon your table, andwhen you have an hour to spare from business or pleasure, spendit with them, and I will answer for their giving you entertainmentand instruction as long as you live.

“ You can no more have an intimacy with all books than withall men, and one should take the best of both kinds for one’speculiar friends ; for the human mind is ductile to a degree, andinsensibly conforms itself to what it is most accustomed to. Thuswith books as with men, a few friends stand us in better stead thana multitude of folks we know little of. I do not think that youwill ever become a great reader, I hope your time will be betteremployed; and yet, considering the worthless way in which thegenerality of men of fashion weary out their existence, the oddsare against my hopes; yet I do hope it, and therefore will notburden you with the recommendation of a learned catalogue ofancient authors. One of them, however, I must mention to you;

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