don me the Vanity of Publishing, by this Means, my Happiness in being able to Name You among my Friends. The Conversation of a Gentleman, that has a refined Tafte of Letters, and a Difpofition in which thofe Letters found nothing to Correct, but very much to Exert, is a good Fortune too uncommon to be enjoyed in Silence: In others, the greatest Business of Learning

is to weed the Soil; in You, it had nothing else to do, but to bring forth Fruit. Affability, Complacency, and Generosity of Heart, which are natural to You,

wanted nothing from Lit

terature, but to refine and direct the Application of them. After I have boasted I had fome fhare in Your Familiarity, I know not how to do you the Justice of celebrating You for the Choice of an Elegant,

and

and Worthy Acquaintance, with whom You live in the happy Communication of generous Sentiments, which contribute, not only to Your own mutual Entertainment and

Improvement, but to the Honour and Service of Your Country. Zeal for the Publick Good is the Characteristick of a Man of Honour, and a Gentleman, and must take place of Pleasures, Profits, and

all

all other private Gratifications; whoever wants this Motive, is an open E

nemy, or an Inglorious

Neuter to Mankind, in

Proportion to the misap

plyed Advantages with

which Nature and Fortune

have bleffed him. But

You have a Soul anima

ted with Nobler Views,

and know that the Diftinction of Wealth and Plenteous Circumstances, is a Tax upon anHoneftMind,

to

to endeavour, as much as the Occurrences of Life will give him leave, to guard the Properties of others, and be vigilant for the Good of his Fel

low-Subjects.

This generous Inclination, no Man poffeffes in a warmer degree than your felf; which, that Heaven would Reward with long Poffeffion of that Reputation into which You have

made fo early an En

trance,