judice of that mercy which is revealed in scripture, and is also not obscurely indicated in nature and providence; a proceeding which tends, in the one case, to inspire the mind with presumption, and in the other to sink it in despondence: and nothing can be of more importance than to guard equally against both these extremes. Upon every other topic, in the progress of the work, more regard has been had to use than to theory, to what is just and applicable to human conduct, than to researches that might seem profound or scientific; which the equitable reader, it is presumed, will neither ascribe to the writer's entire incapacity for such enquiries, nor to his want of liberal curiosity. Perhaps, like many others, he may in the former part of life have indulged sufficiently to mere speculation; but this, as years advanced, he has found less attractive, and has gradually been led to view things not so much in their abstract na ture, as in their moral and practical tendencies; and to induce the same disposition in others constitutes one principal end of the present work. Of its execution, indeed, he entertains, as is fit, a very moderate opinion; of its principles he has no such diffidence; nor can he hesitate to assert, that, were they generally admitted, the most important advantages would thence result both to public and private life; men would find out their proper place in the general system, and learn to conduct themselves in this world in a manner becoming the candidates for a better. The above prefatory remarks may be sufficient to shew the nature and scope of those which follow. The whole is now committed to the candour of the reader; but, above all, to that divine blessing, which can prosper the meanest endeavours, and without which the greatest and ablest must prove abortive. 1 CONTENTS. and positive Influence, to the Promotion of SECT. III.-On some Evils particularly incident to a retired Life, and which are contrary, or 208..237 SECT. I.-On the Happiness arising from the Independence, the agricultural Pursuits, the SECT. III. The Pleasures of a devotional Re- |