Omnia probate, benum tenete.--S. P.
Reprinted From The Edition Op 1766.
London:
Printed And Published By J. Carlile, 55, Fleet-Street.
To the REV. SAM. CHANDLER,
D.D. F.R. and A. SS.
To whom, Sir, could the republication of this little history with more
propriety be addressed, than to a gentleman to whom it is under such
considerable obligations? When it first appeared, it was honoured with
your notice in an especial manner; and is not a little benefited by your
_labours_. You, Sir, with a _careful_ hand noted its errors; and what
has stood the test of your strictures is certainly established with
additional authority. Whatever might be the motives which influenced _so
vigorous_ an exertion of your _learned_ and _critical_ powers--powers
so universally acknowledged and respected, the author of this piece
will not now inquire: it is sufficient to him, that they operated to the
extending the knowledge of his tract, among that class of readers who
stood most in need of the information it furnished; and he is persuaded
you will with pleasure hear his assurances, that the work owes no small
share of what approbation it may have gained, to your _elaborate review_
of it. Several worthy pious persons having candidly declared in private
conversation, (and unknowingly to the author himself) that the perusal
of your book really strengthened the facts advanced in the history. For
this, therefore, he considers you as entitled to his thanks; and that
his acknowledgments might be as public as the obligation, no method of
conveyance seemed more proper, than to prefix them to this new Edition
of "_The History of the Man after God's own Heart._"
He scorns, Sir, to follow the practice of Dedicators in common, who,
from venal motives, surfeit their patrons with fulsome adulation:
he will not, therefore, call the blushes into your countenance, by
expressing his private sentiments of your _learned_ Review of this
Historical Sketch, farther than by one observation; which is, that had
you been totally unknown in the republic of letters before, your apology
for the death of Uriah would alone have raised your literary fame beyond
the power of envious detraction. However, not to offend your modesty, he
desists from farther encomiums; but with a wish that you may long live
to enjoy the reputation acquired by so _laudable_ a performance, he
concludes with subscribing himself,
Sir, your greatly obliged, and very humble Admirer.