Nor was it much before this period, that the British writers took any great pains to be accurate in the use of their own language; "Late, very late, correctness grew our care, When the tir'd nation breath'd from civil war."-- _Pope_.
28.

English books began to be printed in the early part of the sixteenth century; and, as soon as a taste for reading was formed, the press threw open the flood-gates of general knowledge, the streams of which are now pouring forth, in a copious, increasing, but too often turbid tide, upon all the civilized nations of the earth.

This mighty engine afforded a means by which superior minds could act more efficiently and more extensively upon society in general.

And thus, by the exertions of genius adorned with learning, our native tongue has been made the polished vehicle of the most interesting truths, and of the most important discoveries; and has become a language copious, strong, refined, and capable of no inconsiderable degree of harmony.

Nay, it is esteemed by some who claim to be competent judges, to be the strongest, the richest, the most elegant, and the most susceptible of sublime imagery, of all the languages in the world..