PREFACE. 



IPrefent here to the Public the Second Part of this great 

 antient Syflem of Philofophy — great at leaft in its profef- 

 fions, pretending to embrace the Univerfe, to explain the 

 nature and operations of that grand Principle, which, under 

 various denominations, and various appearances, pervades 

 all nature, informs and animates every thing in the material 

 world ; I mean Mind, — and to afcend to a higher principle 

 flill, and through nature and man to lead us up to the JifJI 

 mind, the great Author and Preferver of the Univerfe, 



This Philofophy I am defirous to revive in Britain ; for 

 there it was, as well as in other parts of Europe, and particu- 

 larly in England, where it continued down to the days of 

 Dr. Cud worth, before French learning was in falhion, or the 

 Philofophy of Mr. David Hume known. 



There are many I know who think a Philofophy of this 

 kind chimerical, or at leafl: ufelefs, and defire a Philofophy 

 of Works, as they call it, which will add to our power by 

 fea and land, promote our trade and manufacflures, and in- 

 creafe both our national and private wealth. Whether Wealth 

 and Power, and the arts which procure them, have contributed 

 to the happinefs of mankind in general, or how much we in 

 particular have profited by them, I do not at prefent inquire ; 

 but I afli. Is there nothing of any value among men except 

 wealth and power r Are not knowledge and underilanding 

 necefTary to direct men to the proper ufe of them - and may 



a they 



