PREFACE. 



So important was a preface considered in former times^ 

 that the talents of Doctor Johnson were not unfrequently 

 called into requisition to supply authors with such an 

 appendage to their works. Now, little regard is paid to 

 this, perhaps, most difficult department of literary labour. 



I hope, however, that my introductory remarks will 

 obtain an attentive perusal, at least, from every true 

 lover of his country: for my theme, though simple, is- 

 vast: comprehending nothing less than complete deli- 

 verance from that accumulated mass of pauperism which 

 preys upon the vitals of the nation. A mass that, if not 

 supplied with other food than the bread of idleness, must 

 — at no very distant date, like pent-up steam — explode. 

 A theme worthy of a Johnson's pen ! yet committed, 

 by an unerring Providence, to an obscure individual, 

 without any claim to literary merit or to public notice, 

 in order that the " excellency of the power might be of 

 God, and not of man." Of God, because the highest 

 authorities of the state, in Parliament assembled, avowed 

 their inability to provide a remedy for the national 

 distress. Nor do the numerous plans attempted by pri- 

 vate enterprise, or proposed at public meetings, offer any 

 prospect of permanent relief; the cultivation of flax alone 

 excepted. 



Years of reflection and diligent research into the re- 

 quirements, habits, genius, and physical powers of the 



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