INTRODUCTION. 



The object and chief aim of all science, and indeed 

 of every useful pursuit is to improve mankind in wis- 

 dom and goodness ; but could man derive the reputa- 

 tion of greatness, from no other earthly source than 

 those surrounding natural objects "which are as frail 

 and perishable as himself, there would be no hope 

 that he would devote his life to the cultivation of in- 

 tellectual possessions, which are the pride and glory 

 of his existence. 



Few attain great eminence here, before the hand of 

 death performs its fatal office, and fixes them forever 

 beyond the reach of envy or the emulation of their co- 

 temporaries. And still fewer attain it by any of those 

 superior qualities of the soul which exalt the man, 

 and place him above the ordinary standard of moral 

 worth. 



The evils of our nature are often mitigated, if not 

 principally removed, by the customary advantages of 

 social life, but this too, often gives birth to inquietude 

 of mind, which harrow and disturb its being with all 



