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have I earnestly desired some higher and better authority on which to throw the responsibility; but none appeared to my relief, and I was forced to rely upon what I hope has been somewhat fitted for the expression of ripened opinion by long and extended study in this chosen and beloved field. But, while I have given to my work the distinct impress of my own studies and convictions, I have subjoined extracts from the most eminent critics, especially where I could find an able presentation of a view opposite to my own.

As regards the arbitrary temporal division between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, which, notwithstanding some exceptions taken to it, I have still preserved,—I can only say that I see not how in a work of this kind it would be possible to draw any other line. Without doubt, the literary temper of the eighteenth century was projected for some distance into our own; but who can say with what author or in what year it ceased? Some boundary line must be made; and, since this book does not profess to trace the infinitely subtle gradations by which one influence rose and another disappeared, it is compelled to take its stand upon some arbitrary point. Even general history has been reduced to this necessity, and, disregarding the relatedness and inner sequence of events, has assumed a certain chronological point of departure. I have assumed the same; and the question has simply been with me, in all cases,-Did such or such an author die this side of 1800? -an affirmative answer always bringing him within my classification.

In conclusion, I will only say that I can wish no greater favor shown to this edition than the former editions received; and, having taken every pains to make it, not to please any particular clique or sect or party, but, in connection with a fair and full

representation of the authors comprised in its period, to promote the cause of sound learning and education, in harmony with pure Christian morals, the best interests of humanity, and the cause of universal truth, I now commit it to the judgment of that intelligent public, to which a work of such a nature must always appeal.

PHILADELPHIA, June 21, 1867.

CHARLES DEXTER CLEVELAND

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