Xll PREFACE. 



in the sections which follow, and where they are 

 practically applied. 



Relative to the arrangement of the book, and 

 the style in which it is written, the author feels it 

 necessary to apologise to the reader for much 

 reiteration. It has been his study to use the 

 plainest language, as most natural to himself and 

 best suited to those for whom he presumes to 

 write. The major part of the essays have been 

 long in manuscript ; additions and interlineations 

 having been made from time to time, as new or 

 more correct ideas occurred. This manner of 

 compilation has occasioned a want of connection, 

 which could not be remedied without the exercise 

 of a talent which the author does not sufficiently 

 possess. He hopes, however, that such will not 

 be considered a blemish ; and trusts that in those 

 instances where he differs most from the opinions 

 of others, he has shown good reasons for so 

 doing, and without expressing himself so dogma- 

 tically as to weaken the force of his represen- 

 tations. 



