In grateful remembrance of the manner wherein I was aided by the charity of your lordships religion without cant, when I was persecuted by cant without religion, and especially recollecting the favor of your lordships subsequent calls upon me at Ludgate Hill, I have presumed to dedicate the closing volume of the Every Day Book to your Lordship.
Except for those visits my Lord—for I have ever feared to intrude where I have no right to pretend—my face had been as wholly unknown to your Lordship, as it is to the other noblemen who [illegible] to honor one on the same occasion. Perhaps the general approbation recorded by all ranks and parties in the Every Day Book may be assumed as presumptive evidence that your Lordships singular condescension to me has not been entirely ill bestowed.
Before the accompanying volumes were brought to me from the hands of the binders I fell ill, and unable to write till this morning. I am aware, my Lord, that they have not the appearance strictly requisite to a presentation copy, but as the book came out in parts, and the Dedication would necessarily be in the hands of the public as soon as printed, I deemed it expedient to transmit it in the most decent dress the time would allow. Had your Lordship objected to my [illegible] I should not now have the honor to subscribe myself, my Lord,