tions of God, the character of revelation, the principles of good governments, and the freedom, virtue, and felicity of all mankind. Left I should seem to arrogate a credit not due to my bare affirmations, I have taken the pains to quote my authorities, and to mark the editions, but I muft own the authorities quoted are few in comparison with what I had collected, and which I have fince destroyed, as what remain appear fully fufficient to authenticate any fact affirmed.. I have feverely felt the inconvenience of a distance of fifty miles from the press, both on account of the delay of the publication, and the falfe fpelling and incorrectness of the print, especially in the notes. If, reader, you do me justice, you will number the errours of the press among my misfortunes in common with those of all authors, for, I affure you, though I tried hard, yet I could not prevent them. I feel happy on reflection that I did not fet about this work on any motives below the dignity of a Chriftian, nor am I aware that I have prostituted my pen to ferve a party, or once dipped it in gall. Escapes undoubtedly there are many, but when did any individual of my fpecies produce a work of abfolute perfection? Such as it is, I commit it to the candid perusal of my brethren, and I am, Courteous Reader, Your humble Servant, CHESTERTON, Cambridge. R. ROBINSON. |