DEDICATION* TO THE RIGHT HON. THOMAS EARL OF WHARTON.. MY LORD, [1712-13.] THE author of the Spectator, having prefixed before each of his volumes the name of some great persons to whom he has particular obligations, lays his claim This dedication includes Nos. 322-394. ■ Thomas Wharton was appointed by King William Comptroller of the Household, Justice in Eyre South of Trent, and Lord-lieutenant of Oxfordshire; created Viscount Winchendon and Earl of Wharton Dec. 23, 1706; appointed Lord-lieutenant of Ireland Nov. 25, 1708 (when Mr. Addison became his Secretary); Lord Privy-seal, Sept. 24, 1714; and, Dec. 24, Marquis of Wharton and Malmesbury, in England, and Earl of Rathfarnham, and Marquis Catherlough, in Ireland. He died April 12, 1715, in the 76th year of his age. He was succeeded by his son Philip, whom King GEO. I. in 1718, created Duke of Wharton, purely in consideration of the merits of his noble father, as appears from the patent of his creation, which men-. tions 'King William's obligations to Lord Wharton for his constant and vigorous defence of the public liberty, and the Protestant religion;' and states, 'how vigorously he supported the interest of King George, by the weight of his counsels, the force of his wit, and the firmness of his mind, when his said Majesty's title to the succession to this realm was in danger.' An eminent historian says, ‘he had as many friends as the constitution, and that only its enemies were his; that he made no merit of his zeal for his country; and that he expended above 80,0001 for its service in elec |