[From Manx Soc vol 1 Sacheverell's Survey c.1692]

TO ROBERT ⁽¹⁾ SACHEVERELL, ESQ.
OF
BARTON, IN NOTTINGHAMSHIRE.

THESE essays were designed for the service of a young nobleman, ⁽²⁾ who, I once hoped, would have proved an honour to his country, and the ornament of his order; but since his death they seem, by right of nature, to devolve upon you, not only as the head of my family, and for the personal esteem I have for you, but as a testimony of my gratitude to the memory of your father, ⁽³⁾ to whose prudence and conduct, in my minority, I in so great a measure owe my well-being that it would leave me in some sort of suspense whether I ought to celebrate the parent or the patriot first, were not my country's cause an improvement of my own; since few, if any, understood its constitution better, or how to distinguish betwixt the faction and the business of the nation. Thus no man was heard with greater attention in the senate, whether out of a sense of his moderation in avoiding public employruents, or his justice and fidelity in the execution of them, or his laying them down with greater honour and integrity than the rest of mankind retain them. And this seems a peculiar addition to the happiness of his life, in leaving a son, who so justly fills his station, that with pride I submit my papers to his censure and correction; and only beg leave to subscribe myself,

Your humble servt. and kinsman,

WILLIAM SACHEVERELL.