Ecclesfield.
_Madden's Reflections._--Madden's _Reflections and Resolutions for the
Gentlemen of Ireland_. In the preface to the reprint of this work we meet
with the following paragraph:
"The very curious and interesting work which is {324} now reprinted,
and intended for a wide and gratuitous circulation, is also of uncommon
rarity: there is not a copy of it in the Library of Trinity College, or
in any of the other public libraries of this city [Dublin], which have
been searched on purpose. The profoundly-learned Vice-Provost, Doctor
Barrett, never met with one; and many gentlemen well skilled in the
literature of Ireland, who have been applied to for information on the
subject, are even unacquainted with the name of the book."
The full title of the work to which I refer, and which is an 8vo. volume of
200 or 300 pages, is _Reflections and Resolutions proper for the Gentlemen
of Ireland, as to their Conduct for the Service of their Country_. It was
printed in Dublin in 1738; it was reprinted there in 1816 at the sole
expense of the well-known philanthropist, Thomas Pleasants, and the author
was Samuel Madden, D.D., the author of several publications: a great patron
of arts and literature in his native land, and one of whom Dr. Johnson
remarked with truth,--"His was a name Ireland ought to honour." For some
authentic information respecting him, see Nichols's _Literary Anecdotes of
the Eighteenth Century_, vol. ii. pp. 31. 699.; and Grosley's _Tour in
England_, vol. ii p. 260. These writers, however, make no mention of his
_Reflections_.
The original edition may indeed be looked upon as rather rare, but not so
rare as some appear inclined to think. I have a copy, and until lately had
two; and at different times I have met with copies for sale. However, the
copy now in the library of the Royal Dublin Society was purchased some
years ago at a high price; and, unless I am mistaken, there is not one as
yet in the British Museum. The reprint which is there is much to be
preferred by readers in general.