Neither ought we to suppose it sufficient that English books be frequently read, because there be of all sorts, good and bad; and the worst are likely to be admired by Youth more than the best:  unless Exercises be required of lads; whereby it may be guessed what their judgement is, where they be mistaken, and what authors they propound to themselves for imitation.  For by this means, they may be corrected and advised early, according as occasion shall require:  which, if not done, their ill style will be so confirmed, their improprieties of speech will become so natural, that it will be a very hard matter to stir or alter their fashion of writing.

It is very curious to observe what delicate letters, your young students write! after they have got a little smack of University learning.  In what elaborate heights, and tossing nonsense, will they greet a right down English father, or country friend!  If there be a plain word in it, and such as is used at home, this “tastes not,” say they, “of education among philosophers!” and is counted damnable duncery and want of fancy.  Because “Your loving friend” or “humble servant” is a common phrase in country letters; therefore the young Epistler is “Yours, to the Antipodes!” or at least “to the Centre of the earth!”:  and because ordinary folks “love” and “respect” you; therefore you are to him, “a Pole Star!” “a Jacob’s Staff!” “a Loadstone!” and “a damask Rose!”

And the misery of it is, that this pernicious accustomed way of expression does not only, ofttimes, go along with them to their benefice, but accompanies them to the very grave.

And, for the most part, an ordinary cheesemonger or plum-seller, that scarce[ly] ever heard of a University, shall write much better sense, and more to the purpose than these young philosophers, who injudiciously hunting only for great words, make themselves learnedly ridiculous.

Neither can it be easily apprehended, how the use of English Exercises should any ways hinder the improvement in the Latin tongue; but rather be much to its advantage:  and this may be easily believed, considering what dainty stuff is usually produced for a Latin entertainment!  Chicken broth is not thinner than that which is commonly offered for a Piece of most pleading and convincing Sense!

For, I will but suppose an Academic youngster to be put upon a Latin Oration.  Away he goes presently to his magazine of collected phrases!  He picks out all the Glitterings he can find.  He hauls in all Proverbs, “Flowers,” Poetical snaps [snatches], Tales out of the Dictionary, or else ready Latined to his hand, out of LYCOSTHENES.