CHAPTER IX. 69 he drawn from each ether's opinions, and imputed to the persona Let there be no wilful perversion of another's meaning ; no sud, den seizure of a lapsed syllable to play upon it, nor any abus- ed construction of an innocent mistake : suffer not your tongue to insult a modest opponent that begins to yield ; let there be no crowing and triumph, even where there is evident victory on your side. All these things are enemies to friendship, and the ruin of free conversation. The impartial search of truth requires all calmness and serenity, all temper and candour : mutual instruc- tion can never be attained in the midst of passion, pride and clamour, unless we suppose in the midst of such a scene there is a loud and penetrating lecture readby both sides on the folly and shameful infirmities of human nature. XXIV. Whensoever therefore any unhappy word shall arise in company that might give you a reasonable disgust, quash the rising resentment, he it ever so just, and command your soul and your tongue into silence, lest you cancel the hopes of all improve, ment for that hour, and transform the learned conversation into the meanand vulgar form of reproaches and railing. The man who begun to break the peace in such a society, will fall under the shame and conviction of such asilent reproof, if he has any thing ingenuous about him. If this should not be sufficient, let a grave admonition, or a soft and gentle turn of wit, with an air of pleasantry, give the warm disputer an occasion to stop the pro- gress of his indecent fire, if not to retract the indecency and quench the flame. XXV. Inure yourself to a candid and obliging manner in all your conversation, and acquire the art of pleasing address, evenwhen you teach as well as when you learn, and when you oppose as well as when you assert or prove. This degree of politeness is not to be attained without adiligent attention to such kind of directions as are here laid down, and a frequent exercise and practice of them. XXVI. If you would know what sort of companions you should selectfor the cultivation and advantage of the mind, the general rule is, choose such as by their brightness of parts and their diligence instudy, or by their superior advancementin learn- ing, or peculiar excellency in any art, science or accomplishment, divine or human, may lte capable of administring to your im- provement ; and be sur 'to maintain and keep some due regard to their moral character always, lest while you wander in quest of intellectual gain, you fall into the contagion of irreligion and vice. No wise men would venture into a house infected with the plague, in order to see the finest collections of any virtuoso in Europe. XXVII. Nor is it every sober personof your acquaintance, no, nor every man of bright parts, or rich in learning, that is F. 3
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=