PREFACE

ΤΟ

THE SECOND EDITION.

CONSIDERABLE alterations have been made in this edition. The principal are these many of the longer epistles have been omitted, and several short, piquant letters introduced into the vacant place created by the omission of each long one. Some preceptive letters, of rather formidable extent, have been left out on account of their having been superseded by the publication of matter substantially the same, in other parts of the series of books of which this volume is one; as, for example, in the "YOUNG MAN'S OWN BOOK,' " "SUNDAY Book," &c. A large number of letters have been inserted from works which have appeared since the first edition of this was

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prepared. Finally, the title has been changed, on account of an apprehension that it might lead persons, who should not take the trouble to examine the work itself, into a supposition that it ought to be classed with those very curious and amusing publications, technically called "LetterWriters."

It is hoped that these changes will be approved by the public, whose uniform indulgence the author is most happy to acknowledge.

INTRODUCTORY

RULES AND OBSERVATIONS

ON

EPISTOLARY COMPOSITION.

To write letters well is an attainment of great importance. It affords scope for the exercise and display of the highest powers of the mind, and the finest feelings of the heart. It is of constant utility in every department of business, and in every endearing relation of social and domestic life.

The art of epistolary writing, as the late translator of Pliny's letters has observed, was esteemed by the Romans among the number of liberal and polite accomplishments; and Cicero, in some of his letters, mentions, with great pleasure, the elegant specimens of epistolary compositions which he had received from his son. It seems indeed to have formed part of the education of the Romans; and it deserves to have a share in ours. "It has," says Mr. Locke," so much to do in all the occurrences of human life, that no gentleman can avoid showing himself in this kind of writing. Occasions will daily force him to make this use of his

pen; which, besides the consequences that, in his affairs, his well or ill managing of it, often draws after it, always lays him open to a severer examination of his breeding, his sense, and his abilities, than oral discourses, whose transient faults, dying for the most part with the sound that gives them life, and so not subject to a strict review, more easily escape observation and censure."

To facilitate to children and young persons the acquisition of the epistolary art, they should frequently be exercised in writing letters to their absent friends or relatives; on such occasions as naturally occur in domestic life, or on subjects chosen by themselves, and adapted to their taste and acquirements. Every error which they commit in orthography or in punctuation, in language or in sentiment, should be pointed out and fully explained to them, either by their instructor, or some other friend, previously to the letters being sent; or, afterwards, by the person to whom they are addressed. But no fault should be corrected by a teacher or friend, or on his suggestion; and the letters should always be sent exactly in the state in which they come from the pupil's own hands, except the occasion be very important, and the writers very urgent to be allowed to correct and transcribe their little performances. Thus, will some of the best and most operative feelings of their minds be powerfully excited; their application, their desire of improvement, will be quick