Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 1
As their is nothing that raises us above the Bruit Creation but the Noble facultys of the Soul and as knowledg is the most divine and extensive of all the other; I think it the duty of every one to Strive to attain to as much of this perfection as their Curcumstances and Natural powers permit.
Nature has been very Liberal to Some and Given them Such Clearness of thought and quick decerning facultys that they can easily penetrate the greatest Misteries of Nature and Providence and with Small Study Solve the hardest doubts. But to others she has been more Spairing So that they must redouble their Labours if they wou'd be Masters of any perticular Branch of Knowledg, and can never arrive at that perfection as to have a Clear Idia of things in General, but they may have a Sufficiencie to enable them to Set a good Exemple in all the dutys of this Life and be ever adding to their Stock by following the rules perscribed in the valuable Book you Sent me, which I think by what I have read justly deserves the Comendations you gave it. I shall think my self oblig'd to you for every help to me in my Search after this knowledg which has a Lasting Seat in the Soul that will be ever encreasing throughout eternity. Their is many other Branches that are valuable and worthy our Study but this is most worthy our first application, and constant delight. I am Sencible that you dont Live a Life of Idleness in Body nor in mind and tho' most of your present Studys are What I am a Strainger to, yet I make no Doubt but 48you have Some intervales when you unbend your mind from Sines and Tangents and your midnight thoughts from Conick Sections and give a Loose to your Idieas, if it wou'd not hinder you from more valuable Excercise's I Shou'd be very glad to be favour'd with Some of those reflections just as they hapen to be writ without takeing pains to Coppy for Ceremony's Sake.
Pray make a favourable excuse for the Errors of this peice and point them out to me for my future amendment. I hope this will find you well as they Leave us. I Shall take Care to read & return the book. Speedily pray Spare us a few hours assoon as you can for we want to See you. I Remain your Loving & highly oblig'd Sisster,