PREFACE. THE renewed publication of these Papers, or of some such selection, has more than once been requested by the voice of private friendship. These solicitations, however, it need not be disguised, could not of themselves have induced to compliance, apart from the motives presented by a special and unexpected occa sion. It seems fit that those who are charged with the duty of appointing to offices of literary or philosophical distinction should have access to evidence, as direct as may be, of the mental power and accomplishment of Candidates, and of the general style and manner in which the duties of a particular position may be expected to be discharged by each. With the view, in part, of fulfilling this condition, though by no means of setting forth at large the philosophical creed or opinions of the Author, these papers have been brought together from publications, some of which are no longer to be readily met with. It is 396680 ། RIES |