The several principal Epochas to be first
well fix'd in their Memories.
ANTIENT CUSTOMS, religious and civil, being frequently
mentioned in History, will give Occasion for explaining them; in
which the (* 15) Prints of Medals, Basso Relievo's, and antient
Monuments will greatly assist.
MORALITY, (* 16) by descanting and making continual
Observations on the Causes of the Rise or Fall of any Man's
Character, Fortune, Power, _&c_. mention'd in History; the Advantages
of Temperance, Order, Frugality, Industry, Perseverance, _&c_. _&c_.
(* 17) Indeed the general natural Tendency of Reading good History,
must be, to fix in the Minds of Youth deep Impressions of the Beauty
and Usefulness of Virtue of all Kinds, Publick Spirit, Fortitude,
_&c_.
_History_ will show the wonderful Effects of ORATORY, in
governing, turning and leading great Bodies of Mankind, Armies,
Cities, Nations. When the Minds of Youth are struck with Admiration
at this, (* 18) then is the Time to give them the Principles of that
Art, which they will study with Taste and Application. Then they may
be made acquainted with the best Models among the Antients, their
Beauties being particularly pointed out to them. Modern Political
Oratory being chiefly performed by the Pen and Press, its Advantages
over the Antient in some Respects are to be shown; as that its
Effects are more extensive, more lasting, _&c_.
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