3G 



spicacity in consequence of tlie rectification of the taiste aa<l 

 correction of the judgment by the partial pursuit of abstruse 

 enquiry. And in like manner by a still more minute and phi- 

 losophical research into these matters, will the mind be dis- 

 ciplined for the discussion of those graver and more serious 

 j<.ubjects, suited to the occupation of contemplative sagacit}'; 

 subjects which necessarily diverge from the line of classical 

 elegance and simpJicity, less engaging, more important, less 

 capricious, and more profound. The quantity of scien- 

 tific knoAvledge likely to be advantageously instrumental 

 in the prosecution of less rigorous studies, should be in 

 some measure proportionate to the weight of those studies 

 themselves; and it should be regulated by ascertaining, whe- 

 ther the reason, or the imagination, be likely to gain the ascen- 

 dancy, and determined by the degree of the ascendancy 

 which either may be presumed to obtain. The wild and 

 irregular charms of the JSlinstrers lay, the melting pathos of 

 the bard of Wyoming, the plaintive simplicity of the " De- 

 serted village," and the elegant voluptuousness of Moore, 

 could receive but little benefit from mathematical enquiry, 

 or logical discipline. In such compositions, habits of close 

 and accurate reasoning may save the writer from impropriety 

 of thought or pruriency of expression, and may enable him to 

 determine justly what sort of dress and ornament would best 

 become the features and complexion of his characters; but 

 that characteristic beauty which runs through the minutest 

 '.parts of the Avriters above-mentioned, and constitutes their 



