I would not willingly rob him of this honour.

But I must confess, there is no feature of the story, which I can conceive to give any countenance to his claim; except that as the great progenitor of the race of authors, his sufferings correspond well with the calamities of which that unfortunate generation have always so largely partaken.
22.

The benefits of this invention, if it may be considered an invention, are certainly very great.

In oral discourse the graces of elegance are more lively and attractive, but well-written books are the grand instructors of mankind, the most enduring monuments of human greatness, and the proudest achievements of human intellect.

"The chief glory of a nation," says Dr.
Johnson, "arises from its authors." Literature is important, because it is subservient to all objects, even those of the very highest concern.
Religion and morality, liberty and government, fame and happiness, are alike interested in the cause of letters.