Of Alphahetical CharaSler-s. 295 



difentangle the rays of light, to dete6t the 

 eledric fluid, and to extend their refearches into 

 the remotcfl: regions of mathematic fcience ; 

 muft be adequate to any attainments, and dif- 

 coveries whatfoever. Nor has any difputable 

 topic of enquiry been accepted more implicitly 

 of late, even by men accuftomed to hcfitate 

 and to examine, than the gradual difcovery of 

 Alphahetical CharaSlers by the fuccefTive exertions 

 and accumulated experience of mankind — To 

 call in queftion a maxim fo generally believed, 

 may appear, in the judgement of philofophers, 

 to favour of fuperftition and credulity : but, 

 perhaps, it v.'ili be found, that the evidence 

 in favour of this maxim, bears no proportion 

 to the confidence, with which it is embraced. 

 As a man, I rejoice in whatever is honourable 

 to our nature : but various fcruples have ever 

 forbidden my afTent to this popular article of 

 belief. I will (late my objeftions to it in a 

 plain and popular manner with all poffible per- 

 fpicuity and concifenefs j and then fubmit the 

 determination of this queftion to the judgemenC 

 and candour of this audience. 



I. The five firft books of the Old Teftament 

 are, I believe, acknowledged by all to be, not 

 only the moft ancient compoficions, but alfo, 

 the moft early fpecimens' of Alphahetical Wri- 

 tingy at prefent exilting in the world. Now, 

 if alphabetical writing be indeed the refult of 



U 4 human 



