PREFACE. xi 



merit to which the person who undertakes 

 it can aspire, is that of arranging the mate- 

 rials before him in a manner more suitable to 

 his purpose, and making such reflections as 

 may be best adapted to the subject. 



I am conscious, that in the present under- 

 taking many imperfections will be met with : 

 however, such as it is, I present it with cheer- 

 fulness to the public view ; and if it meet with 

 a favourable reception from the candid and 

 ingenuous, I shall have but little to fear from 

 the severe critic. Literary fame I want not 

 to acquire : zeal for the welfare of the British 

 Youth was the only motive which urged me 

 to this performance ; and if it prove to be of 

 service to- them, I shall think myself amply 

 rewarded. As to the numerous defects, I 

 must sue for indulgence by observing, that 

 I am yet but a young man; and am wil- 

 ling to hope that if health and leisure should 

 permit, I may at some future period pro- 

 duce something more worthy of public fa- 

 vour. Yet, as I am desirous to make this 

 Work as correct and useful as possible, I 

 cannot but add, that those who will be so 



obliging 



