XVI INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 



x 



ness of heart, unseconded by deeds of benefi- 

 cence and the virtuous exercise of an enlight- 

 ened intellect, pays nothing, but leaves unsatis- 

 fied the highest claims of our nature ; and that 

 natural longing after the enjoyment and the 

 diffusion of happiness which fills every health- 

 ful bosom. 



Such a desire, I do not hesitate to confess, 

 has long haunted me; has mingled itself with 

 my cogitations, and, however trivial may ap- 

 pear the result, has been a principal cause of 

 my putting together this work ; as it must be 

 the desire of every enlightened mind to look 

 round him and consider in what way he can 

 best promote the national welfare. For my 

 own part, reflecting how many are effectively 

 making known the sublime truths of our re- 

 ligion, how many are gloriously labouring in 

 the fair fields of literature, I am rather desirous 

 to turn the eyes of those whose attention I may 

 be so happy as to gain, on the loveliness and in- 

 fluence of Nature ; believing, that in so doing, 

 I am subserving religion and literature also. 

 In truth, there is no spirit which it is more 

 important to cherish, in a commercial people, 

 as we are, than a spirit of attachment to Nature. 



