viii PREFACE. 



the public against his inclination, and until he 

 declares himself prepared for trial, I do not 

 think such circumstances valid reasons for lenity 

 or favour. The work, therefore, is published with- 

 out any claim of indulgence, but with a convic- 

 tion, that, although many objections may be 

 raised to the doctrines it contains, yet, if it have 

 merit, that its faults will be lightly handled ; and 

 if it be undeserving of approbation, that even 

 the countenance of the learned body, under whose 

 patronage it is sent forth, cannot alter the sen- 

 tence which Justice should dictate. 



ANTHONY TODD THOMSON. 



91, Sloane Street, 

 May 30, 1822, 



