PREFACE. 



It is not alwaj^s, or, indeed, generally the case, 

 that an Author can flatter himself that he may 

 commence his work ^YithoQt some misgivings as 

 to how far his theme may meet the approbation 

 of the Public ; indeed it often requires no little 

 tact, so to describe its intent and purport as to 

 awaken interest, or even curiosity, in one class 

 of readers, and to avoid censure or refutation 

 from another, 



I am, however, for once in my life, in so en- 

 viable a position as to feel that the only apology 

 requisite for this little Treatise will possibly arise 



