Preface

THE PREFACE.

THE Usefulness of a Work of this Nature in general is too obvious to need any Apology; but some Account of this in particular may be expected: It consists not only of all such Speeches in the House of Commons, as have already appear'd in Print in scatter'd Volumes; but also of a great Number of Others, now first communicated to the Publick by several curious Gentlemen, to whom the Editor takes this Opportunity of returning his Acknowledgments.

Those who know the Orders of the House, and the Nature and Manner of their Proceedings, know likewise that it is impossible for a Work of this Nature to be absolutely Compleat: This therefore will be a sufficient Apology for the Shortness of the Accounts herein given of some Sessions. All the Compiler had to do, was to range his Materials in a proper and regular Method, without adding or suppressing one Particular in Favour of any Party: This, he hopes, he has done in such a Manner as at least to escape the Censure of the Publick; nay, he even flatters himself, that he has some Title to their Thanks.

London, Dec. 31, 1740.