BICKERTON,
in the Temple-Exchange, near the
Inner-Temple-Gate, Fleet-Street.
M DCC XLIV. [Price 2s.]
* * * * *
INTRODUCTION.
An Attempt to _describe_ the precise _Limits_ of WIT, HUMOUR,
RAILLERY, SATIRE and RIDICULE, I am sensible, is no easy or slight
Undertaking. To give a _Definition_ of WIT, has been declared by
Writers of the greatest Renown, to exceed their Reach and Power; and
Gentlemen of no less Abilities, and Fame, than _Cowley_, _Barrow_,
_Dryden_, _Locke_, _Congreve_, and _Addison_, have tryed their Force
upon this Subject, and have all left it free, and unconquered. This,
I perceive, will be an Argument with some, for condemning an _Essay_
upon this Topic by a young Author, as rash and presumptious. But,
though I desire to pay all proper Respect to these eminent Writers,
if a tame Deference to great Names shall become fashionable, and the
Imputation of Vanity be laid upon those who examine their Works, all
Advancement in Knowledge will be absolutely stopp'd; and _Literary_
Merit will be soon placed, in an _humble Stupidity_, and _solemn
Faith_ in the Wisdom of our Ancestors.
Whereas, if I rightly apprehend, _an Ambition to excell_ is the
Principle which should animate a Writer, directed by a _Love_ of
_Truth_, and a _free Spirit_ of _Candour_ and _Inquiry_.
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