- creases desires; which is the case of very few pleasures.
[Aug. 23, 1748.]
Gratitude to a Tutor.—Upon receiving this
congratulatory letter, and reading your own praises,
I am sure that it must naturally occur to you, how
great a share of them you owe to Mr. Harte's care
and attention; and, consequently, that your regard
and affection for him must increase, if there be room
for it, in proportion as you reap, which you do daily,
the fruits of his labors. [Same date.]
Historical Faith.—Take nothing for granted,
upon the bare authority of the author; but weigh
and consider, in your own mind, the probability of
the facts, and the justness of the reflections. Consult
different authors upon the same facts, and form
your opinion upon the greater or lesser degree of
probability arising from the whole, which, in my
mind, is the utmost stretch of historical faith, certainty
(I fear) not being to be found. [Aug. 30,
1748.]
Good and Bad Mixed.—The best have something
bad, and something little; the worst have something
good, and sometimes something great; for I do not
believe what Valleius Paterculus (for the sake of
saying a pretty thing) says of Scipio, "Qui nihil
