Introduction.
almoſt any other Compoſition in the whole Number, when ſung with a proper Grace and Air, be found to have.
What the incomparable Butler has done, by repreſenting the Factors for Rebellion, and the vile Pretenders to Religion of former Ages, in their proper and native Dreſs, in order to prevent the Nation from relapſing into the like Diſtraction; that, have we endeavoured to do in the following Collection, viz. To infuſe a Spirit of Loyalty into our Fellow-Subjects, and to make Faction and Hypocriſy for ever aſhamed to ſhew their Heads again. And tho’ we are not inſenſible that we may incur the Diſlike of ſome, yet this gives us the leſs Concern, both becauſe we are conſcious of the Goodneſs of our Deſign, and have the Sentiments of the Poet to ſupport us under it.
Si mala Condiderit in quem quis Carmina, jus eſt Judiciumque. Eſto, ſi quis mala; ſed bona ſi quis Judice, condiderit, laudatur Cæſare, ſi quis Opprobriis dignum laceraverit, integer ipſe.
