17 1-21-42 To the RIGHT HONOURABLE, JANE T COUNTESS of WEMYSS. MADAM, OODNESS without Power, is a Pain to the Poffef for, and can be of no Significance to the Happiness of Mankind; Power without Goodness implies only a boundless Capacity of doing Mischief: But when these two Qualities unite, they bless Mankind in Proportion to their Degrees, and confpire to form that Character which in this World moft nearly resembles the DIVINE. IT is the ufual Manner, on Occafi ons of this Nature, to form magnificent Characters, and lavish all the Arts of Panegyrick, Tour LADY SHIP's Cha racter racter needs nothing of this Kind; but you will allow me, MADAM, without of fending either Yourfelf, or the World, to add, That whenever the Attempt fhall be made by a more equal Hand, of reprefenting You in Tour juft and amiable Lights all thofe Perfections of Mind, and Graces of Perfon, that diftinguish and adorn You, will be lefs confpicuous than the Humanity of Your Difpofition, and that happy Benevolence, that equally promotes Your own Peace, and the Happiness of those who are honour'd with Your Acquaintance, or Seem entitled any Way to deferve Your Relief. IT is with Pleafure, MADAM, that at the fame Time I have Tour LADYSHIP'S Permilion to throw this Ellay under Your favourable Protection; I have also the defir'd Opportunity of acknowledging, in this Manner, my great Obligation to Your Goodnefs, and of difcovering the fincere Efteem and Refpect with which I am, MADAM, Your LADY SHIP'S moft obliged faithful Servant; S. BOYSE IN |