Page:Precedents of Proceedings in the House of Commons (4th ed, 1818, vol I).djvu/10

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PREFACE.

the Notes and Observations, that have been communicated to the Editor by the Right Honourable Charles Abbot, late Speaker of The House of Commons, now Lord Colchester, who presided in that Assembly for more than Fifteen Years, with so much honour to himself, and with such satisfaction to the Public.

Mr. Abbot's constant and uniform attention to the Rules and Orders of the House, and to the Public and Private Business, His intimate knowledge of the Antient Records and Journals of Parliament, His acute and accurate investigation of all the circumstances which have any reference to the History and Constitution of this Country, cannot fail to stamp the highest value on these communications.

In contemplating the merits and services of Mr. Abbot, in the eminent situation in which he was placed, the Editor of this Work cannot refrain from adverting particularly to the dignified and impressive manner in which he delivered the Thanks of The House of Commons, to the dis-tinguished