It cannot be thought too great a Strain of Compliment, to dedicate the following Papers to you, since they were undertaken with an Intention of serving you and some of your Friends, and are published at their Request. I am in no great Pain about their Success, since you have approved my Part therein. Popular Applause is often lost in the two quick or eager pursuit of it, and Censure is too great a Mark of Eminence for me to be afraid of; so that if my Friends approve my Conduct, I shall be satisfied.

It may be thought Vanity in me to name you, among my Friends, but I have received too many Favours from you, in Instances of some Consequence to me, not to reckon you so, which I must be very insensible not to be proud of, and ungrateful not to acknowledge; and to which the utmost Services in my Power are but a very inadequate Return.

It is not to be expected that any Thing I can say should add to that Esteem and Respect you deservedly hold among all that know you, and therefore I forbear to enter into any Parts of your Character, or your Conduct in publick and private Life. The great Stations you so justly fill, give you Opportunities of doing kind Actions out of the Power of more private Persons, and of satisfying your Inclinations to Benevolence, which are apt rather to out-run your Power than fall short of it, and seem bounded by nothing else: But I am only in this Place to present you the following Papers, with my Wishes that they may contribute to your Health or your Entertainment, and to acknowledge myself

Your most obliged and
obedient humble
Servant,

Will. Stephens.