KING'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY, THIS COMPLETE EDITION OF THE WORKS OF JAMES THOMSON, WHO WAS PARTICULARLY HONOURED WITH THE FAVOUR AND PATRONAGE OF HIS MAJESTY'S ROYAL PARENTS; AND WHOSE STRAINS HAVE BEEN AUSPICIOUSLY PROPHETIC OF THE PRESENT GLORIOUS REIGN IS WITH THE MOST PROFOUND HUMILITY INSCRIBED AND DEDICATED BY MOST DUTIFUL SUBJECT AND SERVANT, Patrick Murdoch. A N ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE and WRITINGS O F Mr. JAMES THOMSON. T is commonly faid, that the life of a good writer is beft read in his works; which can I scarce fail to receive a peculiar tincture from his temper, manners and habits: the distinguishing character of his mind, his ruling paffion, at least, will there appear undifguifed. But however just this obfervation may be; and although we might fafely reft Mr. Thomson's fame, as a good man, as well as a man of genius, on this fole footing; yet the defire which the public always fhews of being more particu |