ral idea of the sciences as it is a disgrace to a gentleman not to possess. The article of instruction with which he concludes his system of education, and which he more particularly enforces throughout the whole work, is the study of that useful and extensive science, the knowledge of mankind in the course of which, appears the nicest investigation of the human heart, and the springs of human actions. From hence we find him induced to lay so great a stress on what are generally called accomplishments, as most indispensably requisite to finish the amiable and brilliant part of a complete character.

It would be unnecessary to expatiate on the merits of such a work, executed by so great a master. They cannot but be obvious to every person of sense; the more, as nothing of this sort has (I believe) ever been produced in the English language. The candour of the public, to which these letters appeal, will determine the amusement and instruction they afford. 1 flatter myself they will be read with general satisfaction; as the principal, and by far the greatest part of them, were written when the late Earl of Chesterfield was in the full vigour of his mind, and possessed all those qualifications for which he was so justly admired in England, revered in Ireland, and esteemed wherever known.

Celebrated all over Europe for his superior talents as an epistolary writer, for the brilliancy of his wit, and the solidity of his extensive knowledge, will it be thought too presumptuous to assert, that he exerted all those faculties to their utmost, upon his favourite subject-education? And that, in order to form the mind of a darling son, he even exhausted those powers which he was so universally allowed to possess?

I do not doubt but those who were much connected with the author, during that series of years in which he wrote the following letters, will be ready to vouch the truth of the above assertion. What I can, and do ascertain is, the authenticity of this publication; which comprises not a single line that is not the late Eari of Chesterfield's.

Some, perhaps, may be of opinion that the first letters in this collection, intended for the instruction of a child, then under seven years of age, were too trifling to merit publica tion. They are, however, inserted by the advice of several gentlemen of learning and real judgement; who, considered the whole as absolutely necessary to form a complete sys. tem of education. And, indeed, the reader will find his lordship repeatedly telling his son, that his affection for him makes him look upon no instruction, which may be of service to him, as too trifling or too low: I, therefore, did not think myself authorised to suppress what, to so experienced a man, appeared requisite to the completion of his undertaking. And upon this point I may appeal more particularly to those, who, being fathers themselves, know how to value instruc tions, of which their tenderness and anxiety for their children will undoubtedly make them feel the necessity. The instruc tions scattered throughout these letters are happily calculated

To teach the young idea how to shoot;'

to form and enlighten the infant mind, upon its first open. ing, and prepare it to receive the early impressions of learn ing and of morality. Of these, many entire letters*, and some parts of others, are lost; which, considering the tender years of Mr. Stanhope, at that time, cannot be a matter of surprise, but will always be one of regret. Wherever a complete sense could be made out, I have ventured to give the frag

ment.

To each of the French letters, throughout the work, an English translation is annexed: in which I have endeavoured to adhere, as much as possible, to the sense of the original: I wish the attempt may have proved successful.

As to those repetitions, which sometimes occur, that many may esteem inaccuracies, and think they had been

→ Most of these letters are recovered, and in this edition are inserted in their proper places.

better retrenched: they are so varied, and their significancy thrown into such, and so many different lights, that they could not be altered without mutilating the work. In the course of which the reader will also observe his lordship often expressly declaring, that such repetitions are purposely intended to inculcate his instructions more forcibly. So good a reason, urged by the author for using them, made me think it indispensably requisite not to deviate from the original.

The letters written from the time that Mr. Stanhope was employed as one of his majesty's ministers abroad, although not relative to education, yet as they continue the series of Lord Chesterfield's Letters to his Son, and discover his sentiments on various interesting subjects, of public as well as private concern, it is presumed they cannot fail of being acceptable to the public. To these are added some few detached pieces, which the reader will find at the end of the third volume. The originals of those, as well as of all the letters, are in my possession, in the late Earl of Chesterfield's handwriting, and sealed with his own seal.

I beg leave to add, that if the following work proves of as much utility to the youth of these kingdoms, as the letters were to the person for whose immediate instructions they were written, my utmost wishes will be gratified; and I shall esteem myself happy in reflecting, that, though a woman, I have had the most real of all satisfaction-that of be ing of some use to my country.

POSTSCRIPT TO THE ADVERTISEMENT.

HE favourable manner, in which the following work has

editor to offer a reflection or two, in answer to certain objections, that have by some, perhaps with too much severity, been urged against it.

It hath been objected, that the Earl of Chesterfield entertained too unfavourable an opinion of mankind; that consequently some of his precepts and instructions are calcu lated to inspire distrust and an artful conduct. Admitting this accusation as ever so just, I am much afraid, that the ́ more we know the world, the less apt we shall be to reprehend such an over-prudence in this respect: for youth, naturally unsuspecting, unguarded in their conduct, and unhackneyed in the world, seldom fail to become the prey of designing and experienced minds. We see, however, throughout the work, the noble author invariably adhering to the maxim, short of simulation and falsehood. We find him consistently strenuous in recommending the observance of the strictest morality, and the conversation of an indelible purity of cha racter: as must appear to every one who reads the letters with any degree of attention.

Stop

With regard to another objection, which some ladies with sincerity, and others affectedly, make, to a recommendation, as they term it, of gallantry with married women; some allowances candour will make for what one man of the world,' to use his lordship's own words, writes to another?' And this reflection will receive additional weight from considering that Mr. Stanhope was then in a country, where the greatest appearances of gallantry are frequently unattended with any criminality; at least, with as little, as in those where more outward reserve is practised.

But, as may be abundantly collected, his lordship had other motives for such recommendation of an attachment to women of fashion, than a mere sacrifice to pleasure. He presumed his son might thereby be domesticated in the best foreign companies, and consequently acquire their language, and attain a thorough knowledge of their manners, customs, and whatever else might be of use to him. Most particularly was this advice intended to give him a detestation for the company of that degrading class of women, who are gained by interested motives; and whom he looked on as the per dition of those young men that unfortunately attach them. selves to them.

Such were undoubtedly Lord Chesterfield's views in re commending attachments of a more elevated sort; and though this cannot be justified according to the strict rules of religion, yet, considering his motives, and the usage of the countries in which his son then resided, my fair country-women will, I trust, in candour excuse, what in strictness, per haps, they cannot justify: and, wrapping themselves up in the cloak of their own innocence, will learn to pity those who live in more dissipated regions; and happy, in these realma of virtue, bid defiance to looser, much looser pens, than that of the Earl of Chesterfield.