INTRODUCTION. 7 



sources, it will probably be acknowledged, that 

 the century of which we have just taken leave has 

 produced an unusual number of revolutions, and 

 at least some improvements, — In literature and 

 SCIENCE — in political principles and establish- 

 ments — in the moral world — and in the chris- 

 tian CHURCH. 



To think of surveying each of these wide fields, 

 throughout its whole extent ; and especially to 

 think of conducting the survey with the minute- 

 ness of observation, and the profundity of research 

 which would become a philosophic inquirer, are, 

 at present, out of the question. Had the writer 

 temerity enough to engage in such a plan, or the 

 presumption to assume so high a character, the 

 variety and immensity of the task would soon 

 convince him of his error. The most brief and 

 rapid sketches only will, therefore, be attempted, 

 on each of the above heads of inquiry. 



