ADVERTISEMENT. GENERAL and special objects, which it would be the impertinence of egotism to detail, had long led me to a close contemplation of the history, talents, and conduct of Mr. Burke. I last year wrote a sketch of his literary and political life for a monthly publication;* part of which appeared in the number for May, and the rest afterwards, though not in continuity. Finding that sketch favourably received, and being not without encouragement ́ in previous opinion and criticism to perseverance in literary exertion, I resolved to extend the sketch into a minute consideration of the intellectual, moral, and political his The Scientific Magazine and Freemasons Repository.. > per tory and conduct of Edmund Burke. Unavoidable avocations prevented the work from solely occupying my attention, though not from occupying it chiefly. The anxiety of an author leads me to dread that the spicacious reader will, in the defects, very readily perceive the intermission, though he may doubt the exertion, or at least deny it to have been effectual. The nature of the subject has necessarily introduced other characters, especially literary and political. My desire has been to narrate truely and, appreciate impartially: if I have failed, it has been an error of judgment, not a misrepresentation of intention. In the execution of my plan, I have been assisted with valuable information, for which I feel greatly indebted to the donors. From the able and learned Editor of the " Posthumous Works" I have received many importart facts and observations, not to be derived from any other source. As his opportunities of knowing action were many, and his talents for estimating character great, his communications of the result were liberal. To another member of the same branch of the legislature I am also very much obliged for many interesting and characteristic anecdotes, both of the subject and his connections. Burke and his intimates he knew well, and often bore a part in their serious discussions, and in their contests of wit; either of which characters he can himself so ably sustain; fitted to delight convivial circles by his facetiousness, or to analyse the mind of a Johnson. From an acute and ingenious literary friend, a native of the same country, I have received valuable accessions both of fact and remark; and, through him, from a learned gentleman who was intimately connected with Mr. Burke's son. I have likewise to add my thanks to a Reverend gentleman of great erudition for his communications respecting a celebrated Dean, and some anecdotes concerning Mr. Burke. My acknowledgements are also due to others But as, of a mind of so uncommon force and constant operation, many acts must still remain to be known, further communications will be most thankfully received, and are most respectfully solicited, for a future edition. 1 Sloane-Street, May 22d, 1798. CONTENTS. IMPORTANCE and pleasure of history, page 1. Indivi- dual character more interesting and instructive than general measures, ibid. Biography, 2.-Its materials evanescent, ibid.-Biography, narrative and inductive, ibid.-General qualifications for each, 4.-Sources of amusement and inte- rest, advantage of biography, ibid. and 5. Edmund Burke a most important subje&t, ibid. and 6.-The opinion of censu- rers of his recent conduct, 6 to 8.-of approvers, 8 to 10.- of impartial men, ibid. Author's reason for this work, 11.- Author neither the friend nor the enemy of Burke, 12. BURKE's birth, 13.-Parentage, ibid.-School education, &c. 14. Compared with his brother Richard, ibid.-at Dub- lin college, 15.more solicitous of knowledge than distinc- tion, ibid. Studies, to 18.-First literary essay, the exposure of a seditious demagogue, 19.-Never studied at St. Omers, ibid.- always a Protestant, ibid.-Progression of his studies, 20.— manners and conversation, ibid.-Applies for the Logic pro- fessorship of Glasgow, 21.-Disappointment of early views often the means of advancement, 22.-Comes to London, 23. Enters a member of the Temple, 23.-State of finances, 24-writes for newspapers and magazines, 25.-Property at first small, 26.-Introduced to Mrs. Woffington, ibid.- to Dr. Nugent, 27-Marries Miss Nugent, ibid.-publishes his Vindication of Natural Society, 28 -Object of the work, ibid.-Account of, to 30.-Character of, 31.-not very suc Publishes "Sublime and Beautiful," ibid. Compared with Longinus's Treatise, 33,-Account of, to 35-character, 35.-success, 36.-establishes Burke's literary fame, ibid.- He is courted by men of letters, ibid.-Goldsmith, Sir J. b |