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not a place for examining the truth or tendency of thefe doctrines, I would not be underflood, by what I have faid, to express any judgment concerning either. I only mean to remark, that fuch doctrines are not without effect; and that it is of practical importance to have the principles from which the obligations of focial union, and extent of civil obedience are derived, rightly explained and well underftood. Indeed, as far as I have obferved, in political, beyond all other subjects, where men are without fome fundamental and scientific principles to refort to, they are liable to have their understandings played upon by cant phrafes and unmeaning terms, of which every party in every country poffefs a vocabulary. We appear aftonished when we fee the multitude led away by founds; but we should remember that, if founds work miracles, it is always upon ignorance. The influence of names is in exact proportion to the want of knowledge.

Thefe are the observations with which I have judged it expedient to prepare the attention of my reader. Concerning the perfonal motives which engaged me in the following attempt, it is not neceffary that I fay much; the nature of my accademical fituation, a great deal of leifure fince my retirement from it, the recommendation of an honoured and excellent friend, the authority of the venerable prelate to whom thefe labours are infcribed, the not perceiving in what way I could employ my time or talents better, and my disapprobation in literary men of that faftidious indolence, which fits ftill because

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because it difdains to do little, were the confiderations that directed my thoughts to this defign. Nor have I repented of the undertaking Whatever be the fate or reception of this work, it owes its author nothing. In fickness and in health I have found in it that which can alone alleviate the one, or give enjoyment to the other-occupation and engagement.

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