In preparing the following volumes for the press, it has been
the object of the writer not merely to detail the incidents of Mr. Roscoe’s life, but to present an enlarged view of his opinions
upon the many important subjects in which he interested himself. In the performance of this
labour, Mr. Roscoe’s extensive correspondence has been resorted
to, as the principal source of information; and, wherever it has been possible, the
personal narrative of his life, and the expression of his opinions, have been given in his
own words. A much more accurate and spirited picture of both has thus been presented, than
if the writer had attempted to embody them in language of his own. The size of the work is,
perhaps, increased by the plan thus adopted; but that circumstance will be found amply
compensated by the interest and
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In making use of the valuable and copious correspondence which Mr. Roscoe left, the writer has been careful to select such parts only as relate to the personal history of the subject of the Memoir, or contain the expression of his sentiments; and has scrupulously avoided the insertion of other topics.
An apology may, perhaps, be thought, by some, to be necessary for the publication of the life of a father by his son. The writer can only allege, in excuse of his attempt, that a strong feeling of duty prompted him to the task. He felt that the example of Mr. Roscoe’s life ought not to be lost to the world; and he persuaded himself that one who had long enjoyed the privilege of studying his character, through many of the changes of his eventful life, and to whom his mind and heart were ever open in the confidence of domestic intercourse; one who had felt the beauty of his character, and had been deeply
* See the Preface to the Life of Pope, p. xxi. |
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The writer is well aware how delicate is the task which he has undertaken, and how open his work must be to the observation, that his partiality has induced him unduly to extol the character of Mr. Roscoe. He does not profess to be free from the feelings which might lead to such representations; but he has scrupulously endeavoured to subdue them, and has upon every occasion, where the merits of Mr. Roscoe have come in question, relied upon the opinions of others, where such opinions have been expressed.
In the concluding chapter he has, indeed, ventured, after much hesitation,
to present a connected view of Mr. Roscoe’s character; and upon
this portion of his labours he looks with much distrust. He feels, however, reassured by
the reflection, that, in performing this difficult and painful task, he has not been misled
by any vain idea of adding to the personal fame of Mr. Roscoe; but has
only been actuated by a desire
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Respecting the success of the work, so far as his own labours are concerned, the writer feels no anxiety. His duty, with the exception above mentioned, has been little more than that of placing in order the valuable materials which came to his hands. But he does feel anxious that a work containing the opinions and delineating the character of one whose great object was to advance the happiness and the improvement of mankind, should not fail to produce those beneficial effects which the principles it developes are so well calculated to ensure.
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