-----. "Opinion re: Archbishop of York Remarks," The Times. Nov 4, 1864. 6.
Comments and Quotations, chronologically through the article:
-
This article is in response to the Times Nov 3 article
supporting the Archbishop's sermon.
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"Those who can prescribe or define a man's reading do much towards shaping his opinions,
and even those who cannot dictate, but who merely command opportunities of persuasion, must
exert some power in the same direction."
-
"In delivering his views upon this point his Grace was certainly not illiberal–he rarely is;
but when he came to define the purport of his words more sharply, by explaining what reading
he thought ‘useless,' he lost sight, as we think, of a very important object indeed."
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"But what is a man to do when this stimulus is precisely what he wants? What is to be done
when a book is sought as a distraction from anxious thoughts, and a something which will
prevent the mind from feeding on itself?"
-
"Mental is like physical appetite,–it varies with individuals and circumstances."
-
"It is all a matter of taste, as indefinable and as little worth disputing about as tastes
in general."
-
"Now, if there are persons who are engrossed by stories of dark secrets, impending
discoveries, mysterious plots, and skeletons in cupboards, we see no reason why their
inclination should not be consulted."
-
"A book is ‘useful' in so far as it serves its turn, and when that turn is mental
diversion the turn must be served if the utility is to be secured."
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Pamela E. Bedore