I shall probably, therefore, in a future paper, endeavour to lay down
some rules by which all men may acquire at least some degree of
taste. In the meanwhile, I shall (according to the method observed in
inoculation) recommend to my readers, as a preparative for their
receiving my instructions, a total abstinence from all bad books. I do
therefore most earnestly intreat all my young readers that they would
cautiously avoid the perusal of any modern book till it hath first had
the sanction of some wise and learned man; and the same caution I
propose to all fathers, mothers, and guardians.
"Evil communications corrupt good manners," is a quotation of St Paul
from Menander. _Evil books corrupt at once both our manners and our
taste_.
* * * * *
No. 33.
SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 1752.
Odi profanum vulgas.--HOR.
I hate profane rascals.
SIR,--In this very learned and enlightened age, in which authors are
almost as numerous as booksellers, I doubt not but your correspondents
furnish you with a sufficient quantity of waste paper. I perhaps may
add to the heap; for, as men do not always know the motive of their
own actions, I may possibly be induced, by the same sort of vanity as
other puny authors have been, to desire to be in print.
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