REV. THOMAS DUDLEY FOSBROKE, M.A. F.S.A. HONORARY ASSOCIATE OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LITERATURE; HONORARY MEMBER OF THE 10,55. iii TO SIR JOHN SEWELL, F. R. S. &c. &c. &c. DEAR SIR, It has been said, that the initiation only of a Society, for the prohibition of any particular evil, has an immediate tendency to arrest its progress. Under this impression, I have thought that the Institution of the Constitutional Society to suppress Treason, Sedition, Irreligion, and Obscenity, was called for by imperious circumstances, and that you were actuated by a most correct publick feeling, when you had the spirit to conduct and patronize such a Society; a spirit, which Faction might misrepresent, but Reason could not disapprove; for, if it is evident, that the vices alluded to ought to be checked, and yet are not checked through the dislike and fear of individuals to incur the onus and expense of prosecutions, is it not wise to place the onus on a Society, which, as such, is not susceptible of private injury? As then it appears to me, that the evils deprecated, were and have since been importantly counteracted by the institution of the Society in question, I think that you have not received that ample return and high praise which are justly due to your political and private character; and I dedicate this Work to you (though a mere feeble compliment,) under a painful regret that you are not now benefiting the publick in the Senate, where Constitutional Integrity and valuable talents are of most important publick good. I have the honour to be, Dear Sir, Your very obedient and humble servant, T. D. FOSBROKE. |