― [page break] ―There are certain persons, who, in all their enterprises display ‸ an ardour and
impetuosity, which never fails to infect those by whom they are surrounded
They impart to others the same enthusiasm by which themselves are
actuated. This is certainly the characteristick of the noblest minds, but
whether my friend has exhibited any proofs of this intellectual elevation
I cannot certainly determine, or whether any opportunity has hitherto been
afforded him of shewing it. There are only two persons within the sphere of
its influence, of whom one, would, if his passions of a different kind
were at rest, want not extrinsic or additional incitement to the
pursuit of literary excellence, and the other I am sorry to observe that
I think the indifference with which he regards those sublime objects
of Juvenile and rational Ambition absolutely incurable. An indifference
which, when I observe that he possesses personal and mental quallifications
which, assisted by perseverance, would enable him to rise to an
extraordinary pitch of Superiority, I cannot but sincerely lament.
However susceptable of emulation and of Envy I might formerly have
been, I feel not the ‸ slightest dissatisfaction from the consciousness of my own
natural inferiority to Wilkins. I should remark, with inexpressible
pleasure any tokens of industry or ambition in my friend, and should
be as much delighted with the homage and admiration which
should be paid to him as if they were directed to myself.
Why will he thus pertinaciously slumber? Is it not possible to rouse
him from his lethargy? Will he never be convinced of the dignity
of seriousness? I fear my friend, that he has
‸ is incorrigible. And to
confess the truth, he is already, in his present disposition, a youth so
amiable and ingaging, that I can scarcely desire any alteration.
And yet, if I am so much pleased with him, when surrounded
by all those Incongenialities, how infinitely agreable would he
be, if our dispositions were more conformable to each other? If his
deportment had a stronger degree of resemblance to your own?
― [page break] ―I cannot forbear repeating that I perused your letter with
uncommon and extraordinary emotions, but to the accomplishment of
those meritorious and exalted purposes, is not the concurrence of our=
friend absolutely necessary? And, in spite of all my endeavours to
perswade myself of the contrary, I cannot conceal my apprehen-
=sions that he never will concur. I, for my part, shall be entirely
governed by your inclination. I have often told you that I am no
longer the Votary of political or Rhetorical Ambition, yet I am
convinced that nothing is more laudable than the enterprise
in which you wish me to ingage, there are none to which I
am more forcibly attached, and from which I shall derive greater
pleasure. I do not, indeed, regard it as an Avenue to reputation
I consider it only as a method of agreably and laudably employing
time, and of dissipating uneasy reflexions, and as furnishing
an opportunity for promoting the real interest of my friends
Depend therefore upon my most perfect acquiescence in all
your schemes of this kind, and my most strenuous and power =
=ful assistance in their prosecution.
I have no objection to the mode which you propoze
A previous knowledge of the subject is indispencably requisate
to the satisfactory investigation of it. Nothing can be more
futile and ridiculous than always to speak without preme =
=ditation, to relye wholly on extemporary powers, in the
discussion of (extemporary powers) momentous and complicated
questions. It is therefore requisate previously to form the question
to investigate it, to invent and arrange our arguments respecting
it, and, to know, as far as possible the topics on which our
opponents intend to expatiate
I do not thoroughly comprehend your sentiments with
regard to precomposition. That we should not be at liberty to
compose and deliver regular and formal speeches, I do not deem
― [page break] ―
a just or prudent regulation. I know no other equally effectual
method of curing the redundances and incorrectnesses of extempo=
rary language, and of giving to our discourses the genuine
Attributes of oratory. I should always desire to compose my speeches
but this method of acquiring reputation I never shall again
practice; because though the task of composition is easy, the labour
of afterwards putting my discourses to memory, so as to deliver
them with facility has been always inconcievably great, and is
such as will certainly deter me from attempting it in future.
But I am nevertheless perfectly convinced of the Utility of this
practice and, shall, at a period of greater liesure, scruple not
to compose a speech on every occasion, though I shall always
speak extemporaneously. The mere employment of composing
I have always found to be highly useful.
With regard to the models to which it is incumbent upon
us to conform, I shall never scruple to prefer the Parliamentary
orations of Johnson and Hawkesworth to the ancient orators.
But on this subject we shall have frequent opportunities of
conversing. At present I am under the necessity of concluding
my epistle. My dear friend continue to love and,
(in spite of his unworthiness) esteem
C.B. Brown ~
June 1. 1792 ~
― [page break] ―I have given you permission to shew all my letters to Wilkins. I hav
not, I hope been guilty of indelicacy, and I request your opinion,
whether a very useful purpose may not be promoted by it. It
is true I have highly applauded him, but have I not generally
mingled censure with my panagerick, and may not both
the praise and censure contribute to inspire with a just opinion of
his own powers; to awaken his ambition and recall him from that
state of ungenerous indolence, in which he has so long suffered
his faculties to languish?
― [page break] ―Joseph Bringhurst Junr.~
Front Street.~
6 mo: 1st 1792