T.

[Footnote 1:  Orat. pro Cu.  Plancio.  A little beyond the middle.]

* * * * *

No. 428.  Friday, July 11, 1712.  Steele.

  ‘Occupet extremum Scabies—­’

  Hor.

It is an impertinent and unreasonable Fault in Conversation, for one Man to take up all the Discourse.  It may possibly be objected to me my self, that I am guilty in this kind, in entertaining the Town every Day, and not giving so many able Persons who have it more in their Power, and as much in their Inclination, an Opportunity to oblige Mankind with their Thoughts.  Besides, said one whom I overheard the other Day, why must this Paper turn altogether upon Topicks of Learning and Morality?  Why should it pretend only to Wit, Humour, or the like?  Things which are useful only to amuse Men of Literature and superior Education.  I would have it consist also of all Things which may be necessary or useful to any Part of Society, and the mechanick Arts should have their Place as well as the Liberal.  The Ways of Gain, Husbandry, and Thrift, will serve a greater Number of People, than Discourses upon what was well said or done by such a Philosopher, Heroe, General, or Poet.  I no sooner heard this Critick talk of my Works, but I minuted what he had said; and from that Instant resolved to enlarge the Plan of my Speculations, by giving Notice to all Persons of all Orders, and each Sex, that if they are pleased to send me Discourses, with their Names and Places of Abode to them, so that I can be satisfied the Writings are authentick, such their Labours shall be faithfully inserted in this Paper.  It will be of much more Consequence to a Youth in his Apprenticeship, to know by what Rules and Arts such a one became Sheriff of the City of London, than to see the Sign of one of his own Quality with a Lion’s Heart in each Hand.  The World indeed is enchanted with romantick and improbable Atchievements, when the plain Path to respective Greatness and Success in the Way of Life a Man is in, is wholly overlooked.  Is it possible that a young Man at present could pass his Time better, than in reading the History of Stocks, and knowing by what secret Springs they have had such sudden Ascents and Falls in the same Day?  Could he be better conducted in his Way to Wealth, which is the great Article of Life, than in a Treatise dated from Change-Alley by an able Proficient there?  Nothing certainly could be more useful, than to be well instructed in his Hopes and Fears; to be diffident when others exult, and with a secret Joy buy when others think it their Interest to sell.  I invite all Persons who have any thing to say for the Profitable Information of the Publick, to take their Turns in my Paper:  They are welcome, from the late noble Inventor of the Longitude, [1] to the humble Author of Strops for Razors.  If to carry Ships in Safety, to give Help to People tost in a troubled Sea, without