AKEN TRINITY SUMQUE

LIBRARY.

WARVARD UNIVERSITY

Printed by G. Smallfield, Hackney;

FOR SHERWOOD, NEELY, AND JONES, PATERNOSTER-ROW.

BT

96

•565 1817

PREFACE.

IF it be reasonable to refer the formation of the earth and of all the objects and beings on its surface to an intelligent agent, and if we cannot doubt, that we are entirely dependent upon our Creator for all which we possess and hope, it must be of unspeakable importance to ascertain what his character really is; and if there be indeed reason to believe, that, in fashioning our frame, and appointing that it should undergo at a certain period a total disorganization, he do not by that change design to destroy us, but to qualify us for a higher state and for nobler pursuits, no inquiry can be so interesting as that which relates to our destiny in the ages which are before us.

Were it possible to arm ourselves against the calamities of life, as Perseus is fabled to