scription of the character and sufferings of a just man, produced as presenting a singular coincidence with the actual sufferings of Jesus Christ---and felt disposed to appeal to this circumstance, in the course of the present volume. An examination of the passage proved, that it is so far from being the sentiment of the philosopher, that he is merely giving the popular opinion upon the subject, as a statement of one objection to virtue, from the afflictions which it is said to involve. It is to be found near the beginning of the second book de Republicâ, and is introduced by go. I have been accused of vanity in the parade of names prefixed to this volume, as writers quoted or referred to, in the course of the work. My object was, to bring these names together, merely that their respective chronology, which I was at some considerable pains to determine, might be seen by the reader at once, and without trouble: for the same reason I have retained it, in the present edition, in defiance of critical anathemas. Had those critics, who have carped at these little things, given themselves the trouble to read a volume, upon which they professed to sit in judgment, they would have discovered some errors of greater magnitude, and in so doing would have rendered me an important service--these, so far as I have detected them, I have endeavoured to correct. I am indebted to the European Magazine, for some judicious remarks on the aid of eastern literature to biblical criticism; and in confirmation of Scripture-Facts. The reason why I have not availed myself of this spe cies of evidence is, that it will be more essential to me in the prosecution of a future part of my plan, than it is in the present volume. I am indebted to the Literary Panorama, for some useful general remarks, of which I hope in future to avail myself; and for a correct statement of the object of the Lectures, which so many periodical publications, either did not, or would not, understand. I am indebted to the British Critic, for some remarks on the style of the Lectures; which had also occurred to me before, and which I feel now with considerable force, as a b motive for future diligence. Ábove all, I am indebted to the Monthly Review, for some judicious criticisms, upon which I have endeavoured to correct the present edition so far as it was in my power; and I have only to regret that their candid remarks did not appear, till it had far advanced towards publication. Upon the whole, I can say with truth, that I shall ever cherish as great respect for sound and liberal criticism, as I must feel high scorn of the insolence and ignorance which sometimes assumes it's name. With respect to this volume, I am conscious of many imperfections. I have nevertheless accomplished my object as well as I could; and with regard to that Holy Record, which I have endeavoured to serve, and to illustrate, I feel assured that it is, what it is represented in the title-page of this Work, Monumentum ære perennius, Regalique situ Pyramidum altius : Quod non imber edax, non Aquilo impotens Possit diruere, aut innumerabilis Annorum series, et fuga temporum, BLACKHEATH-HILL, KENT, Oct. 21, 1809. W. B. C. |