PREFATORY NOTICE. 



PERHAPS it may be more candid than wise in an 

 author to express doubts respecting his own book ; 

 but the public deserves candour from every author, 

 and gratitude from one who has been previously 

 heard with attention and kindness. 



On the present occasion, I feel an embarrass- 

 ment, which I have not previously felt upon 

 ushering any of my little publications into the 

 world. Hitherto, whatever of strength or weak- 

 ness I have possessed, I have stood alone in it ; 

 so that whatever of censure I may have merited 

 could only fall upon myself. Now, however, I 

 am merely making a little addition to a series con- 

 taining the labours of many authors; and that 

 may suggest comparisons, the test of which I may 

 be ill able to abide. 



There is one other comparison, respecting 

 which I feel that I am "under the yoke," and 



