THE SPECTATOR. VOLUME the FIRST. BIBLIOTHEQUE S. J. Les Fontaines 60 - CHANTILLY SV EDINBURGH: Printed for JOHNBELL, MDCCLXXVI. To the RIGHT HONOURABLE JOHN LORD SOMMER S, : MY LORD, SHOULD not act the part of an impartial Spec-tator, if I dedicated the following papers to one who is not of the most confummate and most ac-knowledged merit.. > None but a perfon of a finifhed character, can be the proper patron of a work, which endeavours to cultivate and polish human life, but promoting virtue and knowledge, and by recommending what--foever may be either ufeful or ornamental to fociety. I know that the homage I now pay You, offer-ing a kind of violence to one who is as folicitous to fhun applaufe, as he is affiduous to deferve it. But, my Lord, this is perhaps the only particular in which your prudence will be always difappoint-ed. While juftice, candour, equanimity, a zeal for the good of your country, and the moft perfuafive eloquence in bringing over others to it, are valuable diftinctions, You are not to expect that the publick will fo far comply with your inclinations, as to forbear celebrating fuch extraordinary qualities. It is in vain that you have endeavoured VOL. I. 2.2 |
