PREFACE, 



[" N all matters of indifference, I efteem it a 

 due and laudable acl; of complacence in the 

 individual, to follow eftablifhed cuflom — I 

 therefore write a Preface : and, as I have gene- 

 rally obferved, that long-winded prefaces are 

 flighted, I am refolved mine (hall not be of that 

 defcription. 



But I have a motive of greater weight. It 

 behoves me, not only out of that high refpecl 

 which I owe the Public — but alfo, in juftice to 

 myfelf, to apologize for the weak and defective, 

 and, too probably, prolix and tedious execution 

 of the enfuing work ; which, in truth, is the 

 offspring of a mind not the moft brilliant by 

 nature, enfeebled, and rendered confufed and 

 irritable from chronic bodily weaknefs, and of 

 a memory, at intervals, fcarce fufficiently re- 

 tentive for the ordinary purpofes of life. If it 

 be demanded, why write, then ? — My anfwer is, 



a 2 I have 



