quiry into the evidence of this possible Revelation.

As an apology for that homeliness of style and manner, which to many may wear an appearance of carelessness and neglect, the author begs leave to remark, that it is in fact the result of much study and design. After repeated attempts at a more regular style of composition, he has constantly found that the force of the argument seemed to suffer in exact proportion as it was accompanied with these exterior embellishments. Such is the delicate texture of that species of reasoning which is here attempted, that it will not endure any thing beyond the utmost simplicity and plainness of language. Had he worked up his materials into a uniform and connected discourse, though something might have been gained in appearance, yet much would have been lost in reality. The force of presumptive and circumstantial evidence cannot be tolerably ascertained without dwelling upon all its minutest details. To attempt to groupe and to combine is here to exchange argument for eloquence; it is to lose the

value and characteristics of a didactic work for one of merely desultory reading and transient amusement.

In the Notes will be found a copious collection of illustrations and authorities to support the general reasonings which are here advanced, and in which the reader is referred for farther information to writers of the greatest eminence in literature and theology. The author deems it, however, proper to observe, that in far the greater number of instances, the reasonings had passed through his own mind previously to any direct research into the opinions of others. They are to be regarded rather as separate and independent confirmations of such opinions than as the same thoughts transcribed into different language. In a few instances, he has looked in vain for any authority to support his reasonings, and here they must be left to stand or fall by their own merits. But so generally has he found these speculations confirmed by the opinions of some previous writer of ability, that he cannot but feel some confidence in their connection with truth and nature;

and he is persuaded, that if they are investigated with due attention and impartiality, they will lead the mind into that tone of thinking which may dispose it for the reception of the most important enquiries.

At the conclusion of these introductory observations, the author would again beg leave to express his high obligation to the works of Doctor Reid; and would earnestly recommend them to all who feel any interest in connecting the evidences and doctrines of Revelation with the inductive philosophy of the human mind. Nor should the writings of his illustrious pupil, Professor Stewart, be passed over in silence, who has taught all the Graces to sacrifice at the shrine of abstract science. To these obligations he would beg leave to join his acknowledgements to the celebrated Analogy of Bishop Butler, a work which, however deficient in philosophical arrangement, is replete with the most profound and original observations on the faculties and situation of man when viewed in connection with the doctrines of Natural

and Revealed Religion. But, to study the writings of this eminent prelate to the best advantage, it is requisite that the student should be previously initiated in the school of those distinguished authors, who have at length introduced light and order into the ancient chaos of metaphysics.

Amongst

these, as it was the wish of Reynolds to pronounce the name of Michael Angelo as the prince and pattern of painters, so it is the grateful ambition of the present writer to conclude his preface with the name of Reid.

[See Notes and Illustrations.]