INTRODUCTION. ΤΟ THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE LORD VISCOUNT MILTON, 3 ONE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES IN THE COMMONS HOUSE of PARLIAMENT FOR THE COUNTY OF YORK. I MY DEAR LORD, AM persuaded, that your Lordship will not be displeased to see your name inscribed, at the beginning of an Introduction to the fourth volume of Mr. Burke's posthumous works. The hereditary interest, which you possess, in whatever regards the publick labours of that great Man and distinguished Statesman, will form, I trust, but a small part of your claim to such a distinction. Your father, and your great-uncle the late Marquess of Rockingham, in addition to the happiness, which they enjoyed, of his personal intimacy and friendship, had also the gratification of being in a high degree instru mental in the direction of those labours to the service of their country. I well remember, that Mr. Burke manifested no ordinary sensation of joy at your birth; an event, which he considered to be intimately connected with the essential interests of the nation. The heir to a title conveying the right to a seat in the legislative councils of the nation, and to a landed property, among the first in value and amplitude; the future Head of a family, whose alliances and connexions spread its influence through a wide range of social and political intercourse, and gave it a sensible and permanent weight in all matters of State, could not be regarded by him with indifference. Nor will this appear extraordinary, when it is considered, that the principles of the party, of which he knew, you would almost necessarily become a distinguished member, and probably an eminent support; principles founded upon the basis of political liberty, and calculated, in their practical application, to promote its security in this nation had been more philosophically developed, and more accurately defined, more systematically arranged, and applied with more profound wisdom to their practical object, by him, than by any other person; principles too, not less warmly cherished in his heart, than firmly embraced by his un derstanding. Disinterested patriotism, he knew, you would imbibe from the lessons of your virtuous parents, and a Whig patriot alone was to be expected from the house of Wentworth. When he was taken from us, you had not at |