Dedication
TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE Philip Lord Hardwicke,
Baron of Hardwicke,
LORD HIGH CHANCELLOR OF
GREAT BRITAIN.
My Lord,
Your Lordship's influence and encouragement in
introducing to the world the present collection
give you the justest claim to this address. And indeed,
separately from this particular consideration, my veneration
for, and obligations to your Lordship, would have
necessarily determined me to offer to you a work, which
has dignity and importance enough in itself to atone
for any defects of mine, in point of accuracy or judgment, as the editor.
The usual forms of a dedication would now lead me
to enter upon a character as amiable in private life, as
illustrious in public. But I know too well, how disagreeable such a subject would prove to your Lordship, and
how unnecessary to every one else. I shall therefore only
add my own wish to the united voice of a nation,
however divided in their sentiments in other respects,
that your Lordship may long enjoy that high station,
which you fill with such distinguished abilities and such
unblemished integrity.
I am,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient,
and most devoted humble Servant,
Thomas Birch.
London, February
10th, 174½.