But upon second thoughts, I cannot tell why this wilfullyforgotten preface may not do the reverend author some service. It is to be presumed that the "Spectator" published the last with that intent; why therefore should not my publishing the first be for the same end? And I dare be confident, that the part I have chosen will do his lordship much more service; for here it will be found, that this prelate did, once in his life, think and write as became him; and that while he was a private clergyman, he could print a preface without fear of the hangman. I have chose to set it at length, to prevent what might be objected against me, as an unfair representer; should I reserve any part of this admirable discourse, as well as to imitate the judicious "Spectator," though I fear I shall not have such goodly contributions from our party as that author is said to have from another upon the like occasion; or if I chance to give offence, be promised to have my losses made up to me, for my great zeal in circulating prefaces: Without any such deep and politic designs, I give it to the world out of mere good nature, that they may find what conceptions the worthy author has formerly had of things, when his business was yet undone ; so to silence a clamorous party, who, from the late Preface, are too apt, how unjustly soever, to conclude, his lordship's principles are not agreeable to his preferments."

In this excellent Preface, the worthy author thought fit to charge the fanatics and Whigs, upon the Duke of Gloucester's death, as people that would "try to make it a judgment of God upon us for our sins, by turning the kingdom into a

1 Who is said, in the bishop's letter, above quoted, to have circulated fourteen thousand copies of the number containing the Preface. The hour of publishing the “Spectator" was postponed till twelve o'clock upon the day that No. 384 was published. The reason was, that it was always presented with Queen Anne's breakfast, and Steele was determined to leave no time for examining its particular contents upon that occasion. [S.]

2 When this sermon was published Fleetwood had not yet been promoted to the canonry of Windsor. This took place in the following year. [T. S.]

In the original "Examiner" there follows after this paragraph : "The B-p of St. As-h's first Preface, to a sermon preached upon the death of the Duke of Gloucester." [T. S.]

is "

as

commonwealth." The satire must certainly be determined to them; for neither the Tories or Non-jurors were ever charged with such principles, but rather as carrying the regal authority too high, asserting the divine right of kings. This species of government, which the learned prelate says, ill fitted for our nation as popery is for our religion," was by some people, it seems, endeavoured to be brought in, whom he terms an "impudent and clamorous faction." Whether that "impudent and clamorous faction" would really do all those things he charges them with, is, by the Whigs, denied, and charitable men may in part make a question; but that by this, he did, and could then only mean the Whigs, could be no question at all; since none else were ever charged with those crimes in these kingdoms; and they have always been so, though seldom indeed so heavily, unless by highflying Tories or Jacobites. It seems his lordship had dreadful apprehensions of what they would "certainly do," and "begs of God evermore to preserve us from this species:" And surely he was in the right, for that would be, indeed, giving us we know not what- His lordship's enemies

-

"will tell the rest with pleasure!"

THE ADDRESS OF THE HOUSE OF

LORDS TO THE QUEEN.'

APRIL 9TH, 1713.

REVISED BY DR. SWIFT, AT THE COMMAND OF THE LORD TREASURER; AND DELIVERED BY THE DUKE OF GRAFTON.

WE

'E, your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the lords spiritual and temporal in parliament assembled, do, with the greatest joy and satisfaction, return our humble thanks to your Majesty, for your most gracious speech from the throne; and for communicating to this House that peace is agreed on, so honourable to your Majesty, and safe and advantageous to your kingdoms; by which we hope, with the blessing of God, that your people will in a few years recover themselves, after so long and expensive a war. We likewise beg leave to congratulate with your Majesty upon the success of your endeavours for a general peace; whereby the tranquillity and welfare of Europe will be owing, (next to the Divine Providence) to your Majesty's wisdom and goodness. We never had the least doubt that your Majesty, who is the greatest ornament and protector

1 "Lord Treasurer shewed me some of the Queen's speech, which I corrected in several places; and penned the vote of address of thanks for the speech."—Journal to Stella, March 8th, 1712-1713.

"Lord Treasurer engaged me to dine with him to-day; and I had ready what he wanted."-Ibid., March 15th.

"I dined again with Lord Treasurer; but, the Parliament being prorogued, I must keep what I have till next week; for I believe he will not see it till the evening before the session."-Ibid., March 17th. "I dined again with the Lord Treasurer; and though the business I had with him is something against Thursday, when the Parliament is to meet, and this is Tuesday, he put it off till to-morrow."—Ibid., April 7th, 1713. [T. S.]

of the Protestant religion, would do every thing for securing the Protestant succession; towards which nothing can be more necessary than the perfect harmony there is between your Majesty and the House of Hanover. And we do humbly assure your Majesty, that, as you are pleased to express your dependence, (next under God,) upon the duty and affection of your people; we think ourselves bound, by the greatest ties of religion, loyalty, and gratitude, to make all returns that can be due, from the most obedient subjects, to the most indulgent sovereign.