© 11-10.36 an ER Hail 11-9-36 32951 NEWCASTLE. MY LORD, LOQUENCE is of fo much E Importance in the Senate, in the Pulpit, and at the Bar, that every Attempt to facilitate and extend the Knowledge of its Principles and Powers, not only needs no Apology, but may hope for some Degree of Commendation. AN Efsay of this Kind, my Lord, I have made; which, though it may have little Merit of its own, yet is enriched, at no fmall Expence of Attention and Labour, with fuch numerous, and, if I mistake not, apposite and elegant Examples, from the most celebrated Authors, both ancient and modern, as may fecure it a candid Reception with all who have a Tafte for the Beauties of Language and Oratory. WILL Your Grace be pleased to accept, with Your ufual Condefcenfion and Goodnefs, this fmall Tribute, offered through Your Hands, to the Interefts of Learning? And as You have honoured the Author with Your Friendship, may he be allowed to hope, as far as Your Grace's Sentiments of his Performance will permit, for the Encouragement of a Work, which he flatters himself is calculated to investigate the Sources of true Eloquence, to open the Way to its Attainment, and to inspire and imprefs the Ideas of its inimitable Beauties, and and aftonishing Influence upon the human Mind? SUCH Encouragement, my Lord, I the rather promise myself, as I am now addreffing the CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE; a Character, which, while it prefents You to the World as the Friend of Learning, as well as the Patron of that celebrated Seat of the Mufes, will apologize for my Ambition of honouring my Treatise with Your illuftrious Name. I MIGHT here at large recite Your Grace's unquestionable Merits, and distinguished Honours; and particularly, Your uniform Attachment, through a long Series of Years, to the Cause of Liberty, and the Proteftant Succeffion in the House of HANOVER. But these are Subjects which rather fall within the Province of an Hiftorian, than a Writer on Rhetoric; and it might be deemed an Instance of the Inutility of the Art I am recommending, to apply the Powers of Oratory to a Character A 3 Character fo well known as Your Grace's, and which then appears in its striking Luftre, when exhibited in all the Simplicity of plain Narration. I SHALL only add, my Lord, that was it poffible for Your Grace to enumerate all Your Friends, and perfectly know the Degrees of their Regard, You would not find one in the vaft Number, who feels a warmer Zeal for Your Grace's Honour and Happiness, both in the present and future Worlds, than, MY LORD, Your GRACE'S Moft Faithful, Obedient, and Humble Servant, THOMAS GIBBONS. |
