*

post-office, and read before the king in council. * At the same time, I solemnly declare, that I will not enlist under the banners of a party-a declaration which is, I believe, useless; because no party would receive a man, determined, as I am, to think for himself. To you alone, my friend, and to your interests, I am firmly attached, both from early habit and from mature reason; from ancient affection, unchanged for a single moment; and from a full conviction that such affection was well placed. The views and wishes of all other men, I will analyse and weigh with that suspicion and slowness of belief, which my experience, such as it is, has taught me; and to be more particular, although I will be jealous of the regal part of our constitution, and always lend an arm towards restraining its proud waves within due limits; yet my most vigilant and strenuous efforts shall be directed against any oligarchy that may rise; being convinced, that on the popular part of every government depends its real force, the obligation of its laws, its welfare, its security, its permanence. I have been led insensibly to write more seriously than I had intended: my letters shall not always be so dull; but with so many public causes of grief or of resentment, who can at all times be gay?

SIR,

LIX.

From the Rev. Edmund Cartwright.

May 8, 1780.

IT is with pleasure I observe the public papers mention you as one of the candidates to represent the university of Oxford at the ensuing election. As a literary society, the rank you hold in the republic of letters ought certainly to point you out as one of the first objects of her choice.

But it is not merely upon this principle that I feel myself interested in your success: exclusive of that veneration with which I look up to superior talents, I have an additional motive (which, indeed, ought to supersede every other) in the very high opinion I have formed of your integrity. If in this opinion I should be mistaken, your own writings have greatly contributed to mislead me. You will perceive, sir, my reason for troubling you with this letter is to desire that, when you make out a list of your friends upon this occasion, my name may be admitted into the number. I am, sir, with truth, your very sincere well-wisher, &c.

EDMUND CARTWRIGHT.

LX.

To the Rev. E. Cartwright.

DEAR SIR, Lamb's Buildings, Temple, May 16, 1780. SINCE my friends have declared me a candidate for the very honourable seat which sir Roger Newdigate intends to vacate, I have received many flattering testimonies of regard from several respectable persons but your letter, dated the 8th of May, which I did not receive till this morning, is, without a compliment, the fairest and most pleasing fruit of the competition in which I am engaged. The rule of the university, which is a very noble one, forbidding me to solicit votes for myself, I have not been at liberty even to apply to many persons whom it is both a pleasure and honour to know. Your unsolicited approbation is a great reward of my past toil in my literary career, and no small incentive to future exertions. As to my integrity, of which you are pleased to express a good opinion, it has not yet been tried by any very strong temptations: I hope it will resist them if any be thrown in my way. This only I may say (and I think without a boast), that my ambition was always very much bounded, and that my views are already attained by professional success adequate to my highest expectations.

Perhaps, I shall not be thought very unambitious, if I add, that my great object of imitation is Mr. Selden, and that, if I could obtain the same honour which was conferred on him, I should, like him, devote the rest of my life to the service of my constituents and my country; to the practice of an useful profession, and to the unremitted study of our English laws, history, and literature. To be approved by you, and such men as you (if many such could be found), would be a sufficient reward to, &c.

W. JONES.

Permit me to add an ode, printed (but not published) before the present competition, and at a time when I should have been certainly made a udge in India, by the kindness of Lord North, if any appointment had taken place. It proves sufficiently that no views or connexions can prevent me from declaring my honest sentiments, when I think they may be useful to my country.

VOL. 1.

H

SIR,

LXI.

From Mr. Burrows.

Hadley, near Barnet, May 23, 1780. FOR the first time I am sorry I did not take all my degrees. I should have been happy to have given the testimony of an individual to a merit, which I have long considered as the reproach, as well as ornament, of this age and country. I must add, it would have given me particular pleasure to have expressed my gratitude to one who has so much contributed to my instruction and amusement.

I most heartily wish you success, as the republic seems in great danger of taking some harm from the weakness of her friends and the vigour of her foes; and never, in any time of her life, stood in more need of the attracting and repelling powers of men of ability. I must own too, I have an additional reason for wishing you seated in the British parlia. ment; as I shall take great satisfaction in seeing the dull of all denominations convinced, that men of wit and learning are as capable of excelling in public business, as they call it, as the most illiterate of them all.

I am, &c.

J. BURROWs.