BEAUTIES OF STERNE; INCLUDING ALL HIS PATHETIC TALES, HIS HUMOROUS DESCRIPTIONS, HIS MOST DISTINGUISHED OBSERVATIONS ON LIFE, AND A COPIOUS SELECTION FROM HIS SERMONS. Writing when properly managed (as you may be sure I think mine is), is but a different name for conversation. As no one, who knows what he is about in good company, would venture to talk all:-so no author, who understands the just boundaries of decorum and goodbreeding, would presume to think all: The truest respect which you can pay to the reader's understanding, is to halve this matter amicably, and leave him something to imagine, in his turu, as well as yourself. For my own part, I am eternally paving him compliments of this kind, and do all that lies in my power to keep his imagination as busy as my own. LONDON: PRINTED BY C. WHITTINGHAM, Goswell Street, FOR J. SHARPE, OPPOSITE ALBANY, PICCADILLY. 1810. ADVERTISEMENT. AUTHORS have but rarely attained their due place in the public estimation, until time has been allowed to give the stamp of currency to their ore: but it has been the fortune of STERNE, to enjoy while living the sunshine of popularity; nor have forty years, which have given to his works their full share of criticism, and, what is worse, of imitation; withered the bloom of his laurels, or exhausted the delight of his page. On the utility of selections of this kind, Dr. JOHNSON's opinion is too well known to require additional recommendation; and as an analysis of the work immediately follows, it is presumed the reader will feel no difficulty in suiting his taste, and in being amply satisfied with his entertainment. The Arms of Mr. Sterne's family, delineated on the Title Page, will be recognised by every reader, as the origin of the story of the Starling in the 50th page of the work. |