All posts by Benjamin Franklin

Mr. Couranto, Since Mrs. DOGOOD has kept SILENCE for so long a Time, you have no doubt lost a very valuable Correspondent, and the Publick been depriv’d of many profitable Amusements, for which reason I desire you to convey the following Lines to Her, that so if she be in the Land of the Living we…

  Earum causarum quantu quaeque valeat, videamus. Cicero. To the author of the New England Courant. SIR, It often happens, that the most zealous Advocates for any Cause find themselves disappointed in the first Appearance of Success in the Propagation of their Opinion; and the Disappointment appears unavoidable, when their easy Proselytes too suddenly start…

  To the author of the New England Courant. SIR, In Persons of a contemplative Disposition, the most indifferent Things provoke the Exercise of the Imagination; and the Satisfactions which often arise to them thereby, are a certain Relief to the Labour of the Mind (when it has been intensely fix’d on more substantial Subjects)…

  Quod est in cordi sobrii, est in ore ebrii. To the author of the New England Courant. SIR, It is no unprofitable tho’ unpleasant Pursuit, diligently to inspect and consider the Manners & Conversation of Men, who, insensible of the greatest Enjoyments of humane Life, abandon themselves to Vice from a false Notion of Pleasure and good…

Neque licitum interea est meam amicam visere. To the author of the New England Courant. SIR, From a natural Compassion to my Fellow-Creatures, I have sometimes been betray’d into Tears at the Sight of an Object of Charity, who by a bear Relation of his Circumstances, seem’d to demand the Assistance of those about him.…