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and I trust Providence will ever protect such as are 
studying to do good to mankind with such upright 
intentions, and so good a heart, as it is one of the 
chief causes of the happiness I do enjoy to know 
you possess. 
We join in the tenderest love. 
I remain, Dear James, ever yours, 
JAMES SMITH. 
Mr. Smith to Mr. James Edward Smith. 
My dear Son, Norwich, Nov. 28, 1785. 
I wrote to you on Wednesday last, to propose to 
your consideration the delaying your journey to 
Leyden till the spring, that you might have milder 
weather, more favourable to your health as wellas 
pleasure and comfort, which are all so dear to your 
parents and family ; and I advanced as an argument, 
the safety of your museum and library in the long 
winter nights. To all which I shall be glad to hear 
your opinion ; to which we shall I hope concede 
with firmness, as we are satisfied your prudence 
and good judgement will fix your resolves upon what 
higher efforts of poetry—‘I was confirmed,’ he says, in his 
usual noble style, ‘I was confirmed in this opinion, that he who 
would not be frustrate of his hope to write well hereafter in laud- 
able things, ought himself to be a true poem ; that is, a composition 
and pattern of the best and honourablest things: not presuming 
to sing of high praises of heroic men, or famous cities, unless he 
have in himself the experience and the practice of all that which 
is praiseworthy.’ ” 
