incommensurate to that which is so manifestly proved by the essay on the sublime and beautiful, where some of his opinions are contested. I own that reason and reflection, however unaided by brighter qualities, have persuaded me, that this essay is peculiarly calculated at once to save taste from the encroachments of affected virtue, and virtue from those of affected taste. There are some who allow its author's ability, but would fain prohibit, as dangerous, the perusal of his works. These persons seem to me to quarrel with their own food, in wishing the classical wri tings of Burke forgotten; nor would they more in rejoicing, from like motives of modern philantropy, that the essays, orations, and other works of Cicero, which the scholar regrets, are lost. As to those fashionable critics, who lay such stress on a clearness that explains the most profound thoughts to the dullest reader, and would exchange for that quality in Burke's treatise his caution, depth, and originality, I shall only remark that there is no disputing about tastes. If they would see that quality Worthy of the admiration they lavish on it, they should contemplate it in extemporaneous productions, especially in orations, in which the most complicated subject is explained, in all its parts,

and with unexampled judgment, to the astonished hearer. It is, indeed, rather a rhetorical, than a philosophical quality,

How far I have succeeded in the execution of my design, and whether I may deserve the slightest praise beyond that of communicating plain truth to the public, is not very material. The observations already made on my deficiencies, and the decisive effect they have had on the public opinion, and consequently on the success of my former writings, will perhaps, even for such deficiencies, entitle me to rank with those who, as we have seen, excite the indignation of philosophers; persons whose plain judgment unobstructed by dazzling powers, can more surely discern, who ought to be entrusted with the government of the world. That a rich wreck of property, too, in these days of nature, should suffer and even cause a real discouragement, from which the want of any allows an exemption, in praise, would be very conceivable to many, whatever it proved to the generality of people.

However, with so sincere a desire of being serviceable, have I expressed my opinions in the present work, that I can truly say, though I could never have insinuated a retraction of acknowledge

ments for any notice of me that has been obviously favourable or well-intended, (especially as I did not ever defend myself as possessing material merit,* but as not singularly misusing time) that literary fame, in the bonourable mention of authors, can never in future be to me an object; nor do I desire it. Non eadem est mens, non animus. However, in the ardour of an early age, I might have pressed forward to gain the palm with fair labour, sufficient to acquit me of presumption, I have no temptation at present to be importunate for it. Yet as publication somewhat enlarges the bounds of literary amusement, I am as little, I own, inclined to cut myself off from the means of repeating my experiments a short time longer; and with a view to it, I trust I need not occasionally despair of the cold, but impartial notice of the attentive critic,

* The most boastful words used by me to invite criticism, were in a motto from Lucretius, which might have been fairly assumed by the inventor of a very trivial discovery recorded in the Repertory of Arts. Yet I cannot flatter some geniuses who are on the watch for concessions like mine, that any difference must follow from it. In the relations between us I shall not be, like those good gentlemen, among the geniuses, but we may still sink socially in the scale together.

whose co-operation is necessary to experiment....... That literature is no more gratifying to me than applause, I could not assert, and speak the truth. Indeed the allusions made in my different públications sufficiently prove the contrary; though should a disposition to pore be imputed to me, it may be recollected, that the same attention which appears fulsome towards strangers, is esteemed highly praiseworthy towards friends and benefactors; and such I truly may have found those companions, whose sayings I store up and apply. Indeed none more can deserve the title. My books have been endeared to me by every recommendation, ideal as well as real; having been my best resource in youth, when forced by a reverse of fortune to live upon a little, and, during later periods, while I have enjoyed competence and affluence; and having shared my danger from a shipwreck, and a fire in the middle of the Atlantic. Though I shall not think it inconsistent with any thing I have said, to defend such opinions of mine as may be misinterpreted, or to repel unjustifiable accusations, I look forward, in publication, only to those pleasures, which I have found so abundant, though so necessary; unless it is to the grain of public advantage, which even my

industry may contribute. For, however little military enthusiasm, I may feel awakened by "the spirit-stirring drum, and the shrill fife" of literature, on any occasion, I am as sincerely as ever, though more calmly interested, and pray with unabated fervour, for the success of holy arms. I trust, whenever I exert myself, it will be to tender what assistance is in my power to the cause I think too feeble; nor can I be more directly employed in the support of it, than, as at present, by illustrating a system of philosophy, which endeavours to teach what every man, as he grows older, becomes more confirmed in his persuasion of, that "THE MORE ACCURATE

LY WE SEARCH INTO THE HUMAN MIND, THE STRONGER TRACES WE EVERY WHERE FIND OF

HIS WISDOM WHO MADE IT.

"*

Burke-Sublime and Beautiful.