The Spectator, Volumes 1, 2 and 3 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 3,418 pages of information about The Spectator, Volumes 1, 2 and 3.

The Spectator, Volumes 1, 2 and 3 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 3,418 pages of information about The Spectator, Volumes 1, 2 and 3.

My Reader will find, that I have already made use of above half the Contents of the foregoing Paper; and will easily Suppose, that those Subjects which are yet untouched were such Provisions as I had made for his future Entertainment.  But as I have been unluckily prevented by this Accident, I shall only give him the Letters which relate to the two last Hints.  The first of them I should not have published, were I not informed that there is many a Husband who suffers very much in his private Affairs by the indiscreet Zeal of such a Partner as is hereafter mentioned; to whom I may apply the barbarous Inscription quoted by the Bishop of Salisbury in his Travels; [4] Dum nimia pia est, facta est impia.

  SIR,

’I am one of those unhappy Men that are plagued with a Gospel-Gossip, so common among Dissenters (especially Friends).  Lectures in the Morning, Church-Meetings at Noon, and Preparation Sermons at Night, take up so much of her Time, ’tis very rare she knows what we have for Dinner, unless when the Preacher is to be at it.  With him come a Tribe, all Brothers and Sisters it seems; while others, really such, are deemed no Relations.  If at any time I have her Company alone, she is a meer Sermon Popgun, repeating and discharging Texts, Proofs, and Applications so perpetually, that however weary I may go to bed, the Noise in my Head will not let me sleep till towards Morning.  The Misery of my Case, and great Numbers of such Sufferers, plead your Pity and speedy Relief, otherwise must expect, in a little time, to be lectured, preached, and prayed into Want, unless the Happiness of being sooner talked to Death prevent it.

  I am, &c.  R. G.

The second Letter relating to the Ogling Master, runs thus.

  Mr. SPECTATOR,

’I am an Irish Gentleman, that have travelled many Years for my Improvement; during which time I have accomplished myself in the whole Art of Ogling, as it is at present practised in all the polite Nations of Europe.  Being thus qualified, I intend, by the Advice of my Friends, to set up for an Ogling-Master.  I teach the Church Ogle in the Morning, and the Play-house Ogle by Candle-light.  I have also brought over with me a new flying Ogle fit for the Ring; which I teach in the Dusk of the Evening, or in any Hour of the Day by darkning one of my Windows.  I have a Manuscript by me called The Compleat Ogler, which I shall be ready to show you upon any Occasion.  In the mean time, I beg you will publish the Substance of this Letter in an Advertisement, and you will very much oblige,

  Yours, &c.

[Footnote 1:  Lloyd’s Coffee House was first established in Lombard Street, at the corner of Abchurch Lane.  Pains were taken to get early Ship news at Lloyd’s, and the house was used by underwriters and insurers of Ships’ cargoes.  It was found also to be a convenient place for sales.  A poem called ‘The Wealthy Shopkeeper’, printed in 1700, says of him,

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The Spectator, Volumes 1, 2 and 3 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.