ABSTRACT
Much has been said of historical impartiality; and the generality seem to require it, as the first, and most indispensible quality of the branch of literature. It is however, like almost all terms of human invention, of ambiguous meaning. There is an impartiality, that embraces no party; that relates, with the same spiritless and dispassionate tenour, the cruelties of a Nero, and the generous designs, and benevolent conduct of an Henri le grand. An attempt, at the former sort of impartiality, has spoiled half the well written histories, in the world. The bulk, it was impossible, should by this, or any other mistake, be spoiled. It is very lately, that the world has been taught; if indeed, in a comprehensive sense, it can yet be said, to be taught, the superiority, and the value of the genuine impartiality.
