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…
All posts in The Writings of Benjamin Franklin, Vol I: Boston & London
Silence Dogood, No. 13
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)…
Silence Dogood, No. 12
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…
Silence Dogood, No. 11
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.…
Silence Dogood, No. 10
Optime societas hominum servabitur. Cic. To the author of the New England Courant. SIR, Discoursing lately with an intimate Friend of mine of the lamentable Condition of Widows, he put into my Hands a Book, wherein the ingenious Author proposes (I think) a certain Method for their Relief. I have often thought of some such…