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Franklin, Benjamin

"Philadelphia 1726-1757"

But human Nature is not so happy as to have the
greatest Number always make the best Choice, and we too frequently
observe the contrary."
(* 2) _Rollin_, Vol. 2. p. 371. mentions a _French_ Gentleman,
Mons. _Hersan_, who, "at his own Expence, built a School for the Use
of poor Children, one of the finest in the Kingdom; and left a
Stipend for the Master. That he himself taught them very often, and
generally had some of them at his Table. He clothed several of them;
and distributed Rewards among them from Time to Time, in order to
encourage them to study."
(* 3) Something seems wanting in _America_ to incite and
stimulate Youth to Study. In _Europe_ the Encouragements to Learning
are of themselves much greater than can be given here. Whoever
distinguishes himself there, in either of the three learned
Professions, gains Fame, and often Wealth and Power: A poor Man's Son
has a Chance, if he studies hard, to rise, either in the Law or the
Church, to gainful Offices or Benefices; to an extraordinary Pitch of
Grandeur; to have a Voice in Parliament, a Seat among the Peers; as a
Statesman or first Minister to govern Nations, and even to mix his
Blood with Princes.
(* 4) Besides the _English_ Library begun and carried on by
Subscription in _Philadelphia_, we may expect the Benefit of another
much more valuable in the Learned Languages, which has been many
Years collecting with the greatest Care, by a Gentleman distinguish'd
for his universal Knowledge, no less than for his Judgment in Books.


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