10 INTKODUCTION. 



ObstinacT/, Credulity, and Prejudice looked 

 hard at me, but they could make nothing of it. 



Dear, good, kind Keader ! listen to Ex- 

 perience. I pray thee shun the soi-disant 

 firmness of Obstinacy, the ready belief of 

 Credulity, and the unwilling mind of Preju- 

 dice. These are kindred spirits, who pre- 

 vent the progress of improvement, and make 

 their victims ridiculous. To the right under- 

 standing of even the most trifling subject, it is 

 necessary to bring an unbiassed mind. Yet 

 how often do men ask a friend's opinion, pre- 

 determined, at all hazards, to follow their own 

 notions ! 



Amongst my readers I may have Obstinacy, 

 Credulity, and Prejudice. These are not good 

 disciples of the gentle craft ; but if, after read- 

 ing my little book, they choose to make a trio 

 fishing party, taking Experience as their guide, 

 I will venture to say that Credulity will have 

 the heaviest basket, for I have had the advan- 

 tage of a long course of instruction under that 

 celebrated conductor, who has not objected to 

 correct my sheets for me. 



