For every thing, saith the wise man, there is a
season; -- and who would look for the fruits of autumn during the
genial months of spring? But this is mere declamation, and I mean to
reason with those worldly-wise instructors, who, instead of cultivating
the judgment, instill prejudices, and render hard the heart that gradual
experience would only have cooled. An early acquaintance with human
infirmities; or, what is termed knowledge of the world, is the surest way,
in my opinion, to contract the heart and damp the natural youthful ardour
which produces not only great talents, but great virtues. For the vain
attempt to bring forth the fruit of experience, before the sapling has
thrown out its leaves, only exhausts its strength, and prevents its
assuming a natural form; just as the form and strength of subsiding metals
are injured when the attraction of cohesion is disturbed.
