hitomorg vd To the Right Honourable JOHN Lord SOMMERS, BARON of Evesham. following Papers to one who is not of the most the molt confummate and most acknowledged Merit. VOL. I. A None None but a Person of a finished Character, can be the proper Patron of a Work, which endeavours to Cultivate and Polish Humane Life, by promoting Virtue and Knowledge, and by recommending whatsoever may be either Ufeful or Ornamental to Society. I know that the Homage I now pay You, is offering a kind of Violence to one who is as folicitous to fhun Applause, as he is affiduous to deferve it. But, my Lord, this is perhaps the only Particular in which your Prudence will be always difappointed. While Justice, Candor, Equanimity, a Zeal for the Good of your Country, and the most perfuafive fuafive Eloquence in bringing over others to it, are valuable Diftinctions, You are not to expect that the Public will fo far comply with your Inclinations, as to forbear celebrating fuch extraordinary Qualities. It is in vain that you have endeavoured to conceal your Share of Merit, in the many National Services which you have effected. Do what you will, the prefent Age will be talking of your Virtues, tho' Pofterity alone will do them Justice. Other Men pass through Oppofitions and contending Interests in the Ways of Ambition; but Your Great Abilities have been invited to Power, and importuned to accept of Advancement. Nor is it ftrange A 2 |