CHESTERFIELD'S LETTERS TO HIS SON. The letters of Philip, 4th Earl of Ches terfield, a leading statesman of his age, to his (illegitimate) son, Philip Stanhope, are to be distinguished from the letters to his godson and successor of the same name. Neither set was meant for publication. The
For a knowledge of men, advises Chester field, read La Rochefoucauld and La Bruyere. Study the French character-sketches, compar ing them with persons you know. Better read one man than 10 books. Human nature, ever the same in essence, is varied in its operations. Discover the ruling passion deep in the heart of the individual; do not trust him where that is concerned. Avoid vulgar liaisons— cultivate polite arrangements. Choose and cultivate the best in all domains of life, but do not necessarily enter the lists as champion of anything. Let people enjoy quietly their errors
both in taste and religion. Do not tell every thing; acquire the art of dissimulation, and distinguish between this and simulation — never lie. The greatest fools are the greatest liars. Lecky's estimate of Chesterfield is severe: °His delicate but fastidious taste, his low moral principle, his hard, keen, and worldly wisdom.° But the father loved his son, and knew how to be a friend. His letters are full of real, not feigned, interest, and have something for every reader. And he did well to insist upon culti vating °the graces° in an age marked by coarse ness of language and conduct in both men and women, when bull-baiting and cock-fighting were deemed genteel. Neither the son nor the godson became a pattern of wit and good breed ing; but it is unfair to say that the solicitude of their mentor was lavished on them in vain. A complete edition of Chesterfield's