s. Few People of Distinction trouble themselves
about the Name of Wit, fewer understand it, and hardly any have
honoured it with their Example. In the next Class of People it seems
best known, most admired, and most frequently practiced; but their
Stations in Life are not eminent enough to dazzle us into Imitation.
Wit is a Start of Imagination in the Speaker, that strikes the
Imagination of the Hearer with an Idea of Beauty, common to both; and
the immediate Result of the Comparison is the Flash of Joy that
attends it; it stands in the same Regard to Sense, or Wisdom, as
Lightning to the Sun, suddenly kindled and as suddenly gone; it as
often arises from the Defect of the Mind, as from its Strength and
Capacity. This is evident in those who are _Wits_ only, without being
grave or wise, Just, solid, and lasting Wit is the Result of fine
Imagination, finished Study, and a happy Temper of Body. As no one
pleases more than the Man of Wit, none is more liable to offend;
therefore he shou'd have a Fancy quick to conceive, Knowledge, good
Humour, and Discretion to direct the whole. Wit often leads a Man into
Misfortunes, that his Prudence wou'd have avoided; as it is the Means
of raising a Reputation, so it sometimes destroys it. He who affects
to be always witty, renders himself cheap, and, perhaps, ridiculous.
The great Use and Advantage of Wit is to render the Owner agreeable,
by making him instrumental to the Happiness of others. When such a
Person appears among his Friends, an Air of Pleasure and Satisfaction
diffuses itself over every Face. _Wit_, so used, is an Instrument of
the sweetest Musick in the Hands of an Artist, commanding, soothing,
and modulating the Passions into Harmony and Peace. Neither is this
the only Use of it; 'tis a sharp Sword, as well as a musical
Instrument, and ought to be drawn against Folly and Affectation. There
is at the same time an humble Ignorance, a modest Weakness, that ought
to be spar'd; they are unhappy already in the Consciousness of their
own Defects, and 'tis fighting with the Lame and Sick to be severe
upon them. The Wit that genteely glances at a Foible, is smartly
retorted, or generously forgiven; because the Merit of the Reprover is
as well known as the Merit of the Reproved. In such delicate
Conversations, Mirth, temper'd with good Manners, is the only Point in
View, and we grow gay and polite together; perhaps there's no Moment
of our Lives so sincerely happy, certainly none