PREFACE. vil. 



due to his Maker, without groping- after what is utterly 

 beyond his reach : for our feeble reason is too weak to com- 

 prehend the divine essence: and our thoughts, on their 

 utmost stretch, roll back on darkness. We reason, but we 

 err: for how can we comprehend the immensity of endless 

 space, of time and eternity, a beginning or an end; or what 

 conceptions can we form of the power which made the sun 

 and worlds without number? Truly, this is far too much 

 for a finite being, who does not know why he can move 

 one of his' own fingers, or cease to do so when he pleases! 

 But all may know and fulfil their religious obligations, by 

 reverencing and adoring their Creator, and walking humbly 

 before him, and their moral duties, by being in their several 

 stations, good sons, brothers, husbands, wives, fathers, 

 mothers, neighbours, and members of society. 



Having, with humble diffidence, in this masquerade of 

 life, attempted to point out to youth the exterior of the 

 temple of virtue, and to lead them to its steps, the Editor 

 leaves them there, respectfully recommending them to 

 explore the whole interior, under the guidance of men more 

 eminent for their mental powers and attainments in learning, 

 philosophy, and piety. Of these, an illustrious band have 

 placed, at every avenue and turning, their inestimable 

 works, as directions to guide us to usefulness and respect- 

 ability here, and eternal happiness hereafter. 



Newcastle, September, 1818. 



