DEDICATION. 



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b:V 



" To WILLIAM JAMES MAYOR, 

 Of the Charter-House School 



MY DEAREST BOY, 



As almost all my literary undertakings have 

 been, directly or indirectly, intended to pro- 

 mote either the interest or the improvement 

 of yourself and brothers, it cannot be improper 

 to prefix your name to the present. 



This Dedication I wish to remain as a lasting 

 testimony of my regard ; and, while it answers 

 this purpose, so near and so dear to my heart, 

 it will also serve as a pledge to affectionate 

 parents who may wish to put the work into 

 the hands of their children, that the author 

 does not think it ill-adapted for the instruction 

 of his own. 



Peculiar, but unfortunate circumstances, 

 give you a legitimate claim to this public ad- 

 dress. The volume was written, as you know, 

 during those intervals which your lingering 

 and lamented illness left me disengaged from 

 more pressing and sacred duties, a constant 

 attention to whatever could contribute to your 

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