The American Instructor: The Art of Fair Writing

After teaching spelling and punctuation The American Instructor then proceeds to teach the Art of Fair Writing. The principles of which are:

• A fixed desire and inclination imprinted in the mind
• A steady resolution to go through with it until it is gained.

One must desire writing well enough to practice until mastery is achieved. 

It seems that in the 18th century putting ideas to verse was an essential component to teaching. 

         Great was his Genius, most sublime his Thought,

         That first fair Writing to Perfection brought.

And this:

           By frequent use, Experience Gains its Growth;

           But knowledge flies from Laziness and Sloth.

 There you have it. Practice makes perfect. There is no other way.