422 " 'tis but opinion after all." 



gentlemen coincide in this opinion, I bow with sub- 

 mission to their decree, for they are competent judges 

 of each other. 



To expect or hope for the concurrence of all classes 

 in venturing an opinion on any subject would be the 

 height of arrogance and folly : the very old fable of 

 the old man, his son, and the ass, teaches us thus 

 much ; the old I^atin saying, '■'' frustra lahoret qui 

 omnibus tentat iilacereil'' corroborates it; and daily ex- 

 perience stamps the seal of conviction on our minds 

 of its truth. If, however, every one suffered this to 

 deter him from giving an opinion or promulgating his 

 ideas on any point, the effect would be that no new 

 light would be tlirown on any subject. It is discus- 

 sion that brings forth truth ; and he who modestly 

 puts forth his opinions, and subjects them to the cri- 

 ticism of those better informed, I cannot but hope 

 really benefits society. I say I hope, because such 

 are the feelings under which I venture my imperfect 

 impressions. I cannot hold any man merely stating 

 his ideas, or the impression made on his mind by any 

 circumstance, to be guilty of an act of the smallest 

 presumption, unless he does so in such a manner as to 

 lead to the supposition that he considers his opinions 

 incontrovertible, or that he wishes or expects those 

 opinions to be the^a^ by which others are to form 

 theirs. Of this charge I not only hope, but confi- 

 dently trust I stand acquitted in the minds of my 

 readers. I feel at least I am innocent of such in- 

 tention. 



I have to crave pardon of my readers for the egotism 

 I have been guilty of; but I felt it necessary in enter- 

 ing on a subject the most difiicult to handle to one 

 who never \vishes to offend. If I should therefore 

 say any thing, that, taken " ad liominem^'' may hurt 



