li6 »« the influence of taste. Sept. lO. 



he cannot attain or preserve inward tranquillity, .. 

 without using continually this faculty by which he is ; 

 characterised, and distinguifhed. 



But the moment man begins to contemplate, he be- 

 comes a man of taste, and the more he indulges rati- 

 onal curiosity and contemplates, in whatever situa- 

 tion he is placed, the more perfect he becomes in 

 all his functions *. 



In the lower clafses of society I acknowledge that 

 men, and still more women, are prevented from apw- 

 plying this contemplative power extensively; but it 

 will neverthelefs render them happier and more use- 

 ful in the circle in which they move, and it will tend 

 to produce improvements in their businefs, and eco- 

 nomy. 



The journeyman gardener, carpenter, or weaver, 

 for example, who indulges this natural propensity, 

 Avill avoid much of the grofs and pernicious intem- 

 perance of the vulgar, by turning their powers to 

 some useful improvement in their respective em- 

 ployments, or to healthful, ingenious, and innocent 

 amusements. But I am more immediately engaged 

 in this efsay to (hew that taste is conducive to the 



* The ingenious author here gives a more extended meaning to the 

 word taste than it usually bears. The profound mathematician reflects and 

 discriminates with great accuracy, yet the proportion cii'ncs and numbers 

 are not usually accented among the objects of taste. We ought there- 

 fore to crnsider the author as here mea'^ing only to say that mental di - 

 crimination constitutes the basis of good taste; though that discrimination 

 may also be exercised on objects that are not, in the common acceptation 

 cf the word, accounted objects of taste. In an efsay of this nature it 

 would embarrafs the reader too much to call off his attention at every s'ep 

 to nice roetaphysic J distinctions j yet, to prevent evilS; it is nccefsary 

 to cJce lome notice of them. Edit. 



