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DEDICATIONS.

A Complete System of ASTRONOMICAL CHRONOLOGY, unfolding the Scriptures. By JOHN KENNEDY, Rector of Bradley, in Derbyshire. 4to. 1762.

TO THE KING.

SIR,

HAVING by long labour, and diligent inquiry, endeavoured to illustrate and establish the chronology of the Bible, I hope to be pardoned the ambition of inscribing my work to your majesty.

An age of war is not often an age of learning; the tumult and anxiety of military preparations seldom leave attention vacant to the silent progress of study, and the placid conquests of investigation; yet, surely, a vindication of the inspired writers can never be unseasonably offered to the DEFENDER OF THE FAITH, nor can it ever be improper to promote that religion without which all other blessings are snares of destruction, without which armies cannot make us safe, nor victories make us happy.

I am far from imagining that my testimony can add any thing to the honours of your majesty, to the splen

dour of a reign crowned with triumphs, to the beauty of a life dignified by virtue. I can only wish that your reign may long continue such as it has begun, and that the effulgence of your example may spread its light through distant ages, till it shall be the highest praise of any future monarch, that he exhibits some resemblance of GEORGE THE THIRD.

I am, SIR,

Your majesty's, &c.

JOHN KENNEDY.

LONDON and WESTMINSTER IMPROVED.

Illustrated by Plans. 4to. 1766.

TO THE KING.

SIR,

THE patronage of works which have a tendency towards advancing the happiness of mankind, naturally belongs to great princes; and public good, in which public elegance is comprised, has ever been the object of your majesty's regard.

In the following pages your majesty, I flatter myself, will find, that I have endeavoured at extensive and general usefulness. Knowing, therefore, your majesty's early attention to the polite arts, and more particular affection for the study of architecture, I was encouraged to hope that the work which I now presume to lay be. fore your majesty, might be thought not unworthy your

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and that the protection which your majesds to those who mean well, may be ex

ivilege of real greatness not to be afraid of condescending to the notice of little things; -e can boldly solicit the patronage of your e humble labours by which I have endeavrove the instruments of science, and make - which the earth and sky are delineated in their construction, and less difficult in

is in a peculiar manner the science of hen a private student revolves the terraquee beholds a succession of countries in which ore interest than in the imaginary regions of Saturn. But your majesty must contemplate picture with other sentiments, and consider, d continents are rolling before you, how large

a part of mankind is now waiting on your determinations, and may receive benefits or suffer evils, as your influence is extended or withdrawn.

The provinces which your majesty's arms have added to your dominions, make no inconsiderable part of the orb allotted to human beings. Your power is acknowledged by nations whose names we know not yet how to write, and whose boundaries we cannot yet describe. But your majesty's lenity and beneficence gives us reason to expect the time, when science shall be advanced by the diffusion of happiness; when the deserts of America shall become pervious and safe; when those who are now restrained by fear shall be attracted by reverence; and multitudes who now range the woods for prey, and live at the mercy of winds and seasons, shall by the paternal care of your majesty, enjoy the plenty of cultivated lands, the pleasures of society, the security of law, and the light of revelation.

I am, sir,

Your majesty's most humble, most obedient,
and most dutiful subject and servant,
GEORGE ADAMS

Bishop ZACHARY PEARCE'S Posthumous Works, two vols. 4to Published by the Rev. Mr. DERBY, 1772.

TO THE KING.

SIR,

I PRESUME to lay before your majesty the last labours of a learned bishop, who died in the toils and duties of

his calling. He is now beyond the reach of all earthly honours and rewards; and only the hope of inciting others to imitate him, makes it now fit to be remembered, that he enjoyed in his life the favour of your majesty.

The tumultuary life of princes seldom permits them to survey the wide extent of national interest, without losing sight of private merit; to exhibit qualities which may be imitated by the highest and the humblest of mankind; and to be at once amiable and great.

Such characters if now and then they appear in history, are contemplated with admiration. May it be the ambition of all your subjects to make haste with their tribute of reverence; and as posterity may learn from your majesty how kings should live, may they learn, likewise from your people how they should be honoured.

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To approach the high and the illustrious has been in all ages the privilege of poets; and though translations

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