Page:A Dissertation on Reading the Classics and Forming a Just Style.djvu/54

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10
The Necessity

Politeness are not understood, Nature hath the greater Advantage in this, that Simplicity of Manners often secureth the Innocence of the Mind; and as Virtue is not, so neither is Vice civilized and refined; But in these Politer Parts of the World, where Virtue excelleth by Rules and Discipline, Vice also is more instructed, and with us good Qualities will not spring up alone: Many hurtful Weeds will rise with them, and choak them in their Growth, unless removed by some skilful Hand; nor will the Mind be brought to a just Perfection, without cherishing every hopeful Seed,

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