PREFACE.
THE Author of the following Poem, or as
perhaps it may be better styled Poetical Oration,
may seem to have been rather unhappy in
the choice of his subject, which being a good
deal historical, did not admit of much poetic
dress or ornament, nor gave much scope to fancy
or imagination to exert itself, that in which
the great strength of a poet lies. With respect
to this he would beg leave to observe, that the
subject was chosen perhaps happily enough, as
the foundation of an Exercise in an institution
under the patronage of gentlemen distinguished as
friends to Revelation, and on an occasion when
the greater number of them were convened.
In the second place it may be objected, that
an imitation of the poet Milton may be traced
through the whole of the performance, though the
Author has not been able to attain to any thing
of the spirit of that immortal bard. To this he
has only to reply, that an imitation of great
originals is placed by Longinus among the
sources of good writing. He therefore conceives
himself free from censure on account of
any imitation of the poet Milton, which may
be seen in his performance, though he is sensible
of his unhappiness in not having been able to attain
to any degree of his excellent spirit. This
however is a misfortune common to him with
many honest writers, and for which he throws
himself on the candour of the Public.
