The Guardian, with Notes, and General Indexes

SIR,-In the character of Guardian, it be- | present fortune unenvied. For the public always hoves me to do honour to such as have deserved reap greater advantage from the example of well of society, and laid out worthy and manly successful merit, than the deserving man himqualities, in the service of the public. No man self can possibly be possessed of; your country has more eminently distinguished himself this knows how eminently you excel in the several way, than Mr. Cadogan; with a contempt of parts of military skill, whether in assigning the pleasure, rest, and ease, when called to the du- encampment, accommodating the troops, leadties of your glorious profession, you have lived ing to the charge, or pursuing the enemy: the in a familiarity with dangers, and with a strict retreat being the only part of the profession eye upon the final purpose of the attempt, have which has not fallen within the experience of wholly disregarded what should befall yourself those, who learned their warfare under the duke in the prosecution of it; thus has life risen to of Marlborough. But the true and honest puryou, as fast as you resigned it, and every new pose of this epistle is to desire a place in your hour, for having so frankly lent the preceding friendship, without pretending to add any thing moments to the cause of justice and of liberty, to your reputation, who, by your own gallant has come home to you, improved with honour actions, have acquired that your name through This happy distinction, which is so very peculiar all ages shall be read with honour, wherever to you, with the addition of industry, vigilance, mention shall be made of that illustrious cappatience of labour, thirst, and hunger, in com-tain. I am, sir, your most obedient, and most mon with the meanest soldier, has made your humble servant,

THE GUARDIAN.

VOLUME THE SECOND,

TO MR. PULTENEY.*

SIR,-The greatest honour of human life, is to live well with men of merit; and I hope you will pardon me the vanity of publishing, by this means, my happiness in being able to name you among my friends. The conversation of a gentleman, that has a refined taste of letters, and a disposition in which those letters found nothing to correct, but very much to exert, is a good fortune too uncommon to be enjoyed in silence. In others, the greatest business of learning is to weed the soil; in you, it had nothing else to do, but to bring forth fruit. Affability, complacency, and generosity of heart, which are natural to you, wanted nothing from literature, but to refine and direct the application of them. After I have boasted I had some share in your familiarity, I know not how to do you the justice of celebrating you for the choice of an elegant and

*Afterwards Earl of Bath.

worthy acquaintance, with whom you live in the happy communication of generous senti ments, which contribute not only to your own mutual entertainment and improvement, but to the honour and service of your country. Zeal for the public good is the characteristic of a man of honour, and a gentleman, and must take place of pleasures, profits, and all other private gratifications. Whoever wants this motive is an open enemy, or an inglorious neuter to mankind, in proportion to the misapplied advantages with which nature and fortune have blessed him. But you have a soul animated with nobler views, and know that the distinction of wealth and plenteous circumstances, is a tax upon an honest mind, to endeavour, as much as the occurrences of life will give him leave, to guard the properties of others, and be vigilant for the good of his fellow-subjects.

This generous inclination, no man possesses in a warmer degree than yourself; which, that

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The Guardian, with Notes, and General Indexes: Complete in One Volume