The Works of the Reverend Dr. Jonathan Swift (Volume 1) - Softcover

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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1772. Excerpt: ... A PROPOSAL FOR Corre&ing, Improving, and Afcertaining, THE ENGLISH-TONGUE. In a Letter to the Moft Honble. Robert, Earl of Oxford and Mortimer, Lord HighTreafurer of Great-Britain. It is well known, that if the §ueen had lived a Year or two longer', the following Propofal would in all Probability have taken Effett. For the Lord, Treasurer had already nominated feveral Perfons, without DiftinGion of Duality or Party, who were to compofe a Society for the Purpofes mentioned by the Author; and refolded to ufe his Credit with her Majejly, that a Fundjhould be applied tofupport the Expence of a large Room, where the Society fhouldmeet, and other Incidents. But this Scheme fell to the Ground, partly by the Diffentions among the great Men at Court; but chiefly by the lamented Death of that glorious Princefs. To the Moit Hon. Robe Rt, Earl of Oxford. My Lord, WH A T I had the Honour of mentioning to your Lordfhip fome Time ago in Converfation, was not a new Thought, juft then ftarted by Accident or O.ccafion, but but the Refult of long Reflection; and I have been confirmed in my Sentiments by the Opinion of fome very judicious Perfons, with whom I confulted. They all agreed, That no Thing would be of greater Ufe towards the Improvement of Knowledge and Politenefs, than fonje effectual Method for Correcting, Enlarging, and Ascertaining our Language; and they think it a Work very poflible to be compaffed, under the Protection of a Prince, the Countenance and Encouragement of a Miniftry, and the Care of proper Perfons, chofen for fuch an.Undertaking. I was glad to find your Lordfhip's Anfwer in fo different a Style from what hath been commonly made Ufe of on fuch like Occafions, for fome Years pafl: That all fuch Thoughts mujl be deferred to a Time of Peace: A ...