Page:Precedents of Proceedings in the House of Commons (4th ed, 1818, vol I).djvu/18

viii attention of the Reader to particular points, and, in some degree, to assist him in forming his own opinion upon that question.

This Work ought therefore to be considered only in the light of an Index, or a Chronological Abridgment of the Cases to be found upon this subject. The Publisher cannot but suppose, that, notwithstanding his most accurate search, many instances must have escaped his observation; he has however endeavoured, with great diligence, to examine every Work, which he thought might contain any thing relating to this matter; and pretends to no other merit, than the having faithfully extracted, and published, what appeared to him essential for the information of the Reader.

Perhaps some apology is necessary, for having presumed, without leave or any previous notice, to inscribe this Collection to a Person, whose universal knowledge upon all subjects, which relate to the History of Parliament, will render this and every work of this sort, to him unnecessary: But the Publisher could not prevail upon himself to omit such an opportunity of expressing to that Gentleman, and to the World, the very grateful sense he entertains of that kindness and generosity, which first placed him, even without any application on his part, in a situation, that has made it his duty to apply himself more particularly to the examination of the Journals of the House of Commons, and to studies of a similar nature. Rh