Imatges de pàgina
PDF
EPUB
[ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]

Compl Sets

Sanders 18-27-30 22753

THE

PREFACE.

N annual Preface, like an annual New-Year's Ode, must be in a great Meafure the fame Thing over and over again: And as the one generally tells us, that the Sun ftill continues to fhine, and to warm and

enlighten the World, which Nobody difputes; fo the other acquaints us, that the MAGAZINE ftill keeps up its Reputation, and continues to entertain or inftruct Mankind, which every Body who buys it, does by that very Act allow. And, indeed, what can be faid upon fuch an Occafion? To launch out into little fpiteful Invectives against our Competitors, or to fit down with the malignant Purpofe of depreciating their Labours, and picking out their smallest Faults, is an Employment too despicable and invidious for any one but the meanest Scribbler. It is true, the Enemies which have in general appeared against us, have been fuch poor, maimed, fickly, and

a

miferable

The PREFACE.

miferable Opponents, that it is ridiculous even to appear in the Field against them; fomewhat like leading out an Army to attack an Hofpital: But what Glory can attend the Triumph over Impotence or Imbecillity Let them languish out their Days in Peace, and run the short Courfe which Nature hath appointed them, without Interruption. As their Lives have been unnoticed, their Deaths are unregarded; like a Weed in the Defart, which lives and dies without offending any one with its Stink.

ALL that can with Propriety be faid on this Occafion, is to make proper Acknowledgments to fuch of our learned and ingenious Correfpondents, as have enabled us to fupport this WORK with Credit and Reputation for fo many Years; to return our Thanks to the Publick for their kind Encouragement; and to promife that we will ftill continue our Endeavours for their Entertainment, with grateful Affiduity and unwearied

Care.

The

The LONDON MAGAZINE:

« AnteriorContinua »