This is the /sine qua num/. Every primary law goes
through heaven and earth. Go with it. This is the business and
privilege of intellect.
2. When one comes to writing, let his discourse have a beginning
and an end. Do not let the end of his essay be merely the end of
his sheet, or the place where he took a notion to stop writing,
but let it be necessary. Each paragraph, too, should represent
a distinct advance, a clear step, in the exposition of his thought.
I spare no labor in securing this, and reckon no labor lost that
brings me toward this mark. I reckon my work ill done if a single
paragraph, yes, or a single sentence, can be transposed without
injuring the whole.
3. Vivid expression must be sought, must be labored for unsparingly.
This you, from your position, will find it somewhat hard to attain,
unless you have peculiar aptitude for it. Expression in the country
is far less vivacious than in cities.
I have spoken frankly; now you must decide for yourself. You have
mental power enough; if you have accessory qualities (which I think
you must possess), you cannot fail to make your mark.
The brevity that I promised you will not find in this letter, but
you will find haste enough to make up for the lack of it.
If now, after the foregoing, you feel any inclination to send me
the essay on "Analogy" (capital subject), pray do so.
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