PREFACE. 29 



derstandings merely with all this zeal and effort. Whilst 

 nothing is more clear, than that in every great work exe 

 cuted by the hand of man without machines or implements, 

 it is impossible for the strength of individuals to be in 

 creased, or for that of the multitude to combine. 



Having premised so much, we lay down two points on 

 which we would admonish mankind, lest they should fail 

 to see or to observe them. The first of these is : that it is 

 our good fortune (as we consider it), for the sake of extin 

 guishing and removing contradiction and irritation of mind, 

 to leave the honor and reverence due to the ancients un 

 touched and undiminished, so that we can perform our in 

 tended work, and yet enjoy the benefit of our respectful 

 moderation. For if we should profess to offer something 

 better than the ancients, and yet should pursue the same 

 course as they have done, we could never, by any artifice, con 

 trive to avoid the imputation of having engaged in a contest 

 or rivalry as to our respective wits, excellences, or talents ; 

 which though neither inadmissible or new (for why should 

 we not blame and point out any thing that is imperfectly 

 discovered or laid down by them, of our own right, a right 

 common to all), yet however just and allowable, would 

 perhaps be scarcely an equal match, on account of the dis 

 proportion of our strength. But since our present plan 

 leads us to open an entirely different course to the under 

 standing, and one unattempted and unknown to them, the 

 case is altered. There is an end to party zeal, and we only 

 take upon ourselves the character of a guide, which re 

 quires a moderate share of authority and good fortune, 

 rather than talents and excellence. This first admonition 

 relates to persons, the next to things. 



We make no attempt to disturb the system of philosophy 

 that now prevails, or any other which may or will exist, 

 either more correct or more complete. For we deny not 

 that the received system of philosophy, and others of a 

 similar nature, encourage discussion, embellish harangues, 

 are employed and are of service in the duties of the pro 

 fessor, and the affairs of civil life. Nay, we openly ex 

 press and declare that the philosophy we offer will not be 

 very useful in such respects. It is not obvious, nor to be 

 understood in a cursory view, nor does it flatter the mind 

 in its preconceived notions, nor will it descend to the level 

 of the generality of mankind unless by its advantages and 

 effacts. 



Let there exist then (and may it be of advantage to 



