To the Reverend
Doctor SLOCOCK,
Chaplain of St. Saviour's in Southwark.
Reverend Sir,
When a Person, whose Profession and Character in the World claim a Reverence and Attention, exerts himself in earnestly recommending a Piece to our Perusal, as he bespeaks Esteem for it, so consequently we are induced to be more curious in our Inspection thereof; especially if that Recommendation is back'd by the Sanction of being deliver'd from the most solemn Place, and from whence we are to expect Nothing but Truth and Virtue. PAMELA has been honour'd in this Manner, both the Pulpit and the Press have joined in its Praises, and extoll'd it as the most perfect Piece of the Kind. This excited me to the Reading, and pleas'd that this Age had been capable of producing so much finish'd Excellence, which I concluded it must be from the extraordinary Encomiums so lavishly bestow'd on it, I open'd the Book with an Esteem but little short of Veneration; but upon Perusal was amazed to find Passages, which a Gentleman who is set apart and devoted, not only to Morality, but the strictest Virtue and Piety, must be conscious to himself are inconsistent with either, and even blush at them while he reads: No Divine, I imagine, would recommend any Thing in his Sacred Function, but what might be repeated there, without Offence to Decency and Morality, at least, or but what is even capable of inculcating in our Minds the Doctrine there deliver'd. That I think Pamela is deficient in both is the Occasion of this Address to You, and Subject of the following Epistle to the Editor, which I submit to Your Judgment; if I am mistaken in my Censures I shall as readily retract them, as I hope all those who have applauded it for the most perfect Pattern of Virtue and Instruction, will their superabundant Praises, when they find the Passages I have cited rather deserve Expulsion. I am,
SIR,
Your Humble Servant,
