72 LAMENESS. 



fcious of the uncertainty of his own ftate, and 

 the admirable fervices of this dependant), 

 wiflies by a contribution of his endeavours, 

 however dif proportionate^ to render himfelf of 

 fome utility to that fociety of which he con- 

 ftitutes a member. This confideration, blend- 

 ed with a perfedl knowledge of the various, 

 not to add almoft inexpreffible, fufferings of 

 an animal fo truly valuable, firft roufed me 

 from the lethargy of oblivion, and prompted 

 me to undertake a tafk of reformation, which 

 (divefted of every perfonal paltry idea of am- 

 bition) I fhould have been far happier to have 

 feen from an abler hand, and more extenfive 

 abilities. Whatever might have been my ori- 

 ginal fufpenfe, I am nowjuftified in making 

 confeffion, fuch portion of diffidence is in a 

 great degree obliterated; the foftering hand 

 of public favour having removed every doubt, 

 rendered every confolation, and I muft ever 

 eonlider it ope of the mojl fortunate occur- 

 rences of my life, that I have \^^tx\ enabled to 

 mitigate the inconveniencies of fo general a 

 want by the prefent publication. 



From this fentimental digreffion, it will be 

 thought prudent to advert to thq cafe in quef- 



tion. 



