THE

WORKS

SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL.D,

A NEW EDITION
IN TWELVE VOLUMES.

WITH

AN ESSAY. ON HIS LIFE AND GENIUS,
By ARTHUR MURPHY, Esq.

A
COMPLETE VINDICATION

OF THE

LICENSERS OF THE STAGE,

FROM THE

MALICIOUS AND SCANDALOUS ASPERSIONS

OF

MR. BROOKE,
AUTHOR OF GUSTAVUS VASA.

WITH A PROPOSAL FOR MAKING THE OFFICE OF LICENSER MORE
EXTENSIVE AND EFFECTUAL.

BY AN IMPARTIAL HAND.*

XT is generally agreed by the writers of all parties' that few crimes are equal, in their degree of guilt, to that of calumniating a good and gentle, or defending a wicked and oppressive administration.

It is therefore with the utmost satisfaction of mind, that I reflect how often I have employed my pen in vindication of the present ministry, and their dependents and adherents, how often I have detected the specious fallacies of the advocates for independence, how often I have softened the obstinacy of patriotism, and how often triumphed over the clamour of opposition.

I have, indeed, observed but one set of men, upon whom all my arguments have been thrown away; which neither flattery can draw to compliance, nor threats reduce to submission ; and who have, notwith

• First printed in the Year 1739.