PREFACE.
A book without a preface is like a face without a noſe. Let the other features be ever ſo agreeable and well poportioned, it is looked on with deteſtation and horror if this material ornament be wanting.
Or rather, a book is like a houſe: The grand portico is the dedication; the flagged pavement is an humble addreſs to the reader, in order to pave the way for a kind reception of the work; the front door with its fluted pillars, pediment, trigliffs, and modillions are the title page with its motto, author’s name and titles, date of the year, &c. The entry is the preface (oftentimes of a tedious length) and the ſeveral apartments and cloſets are the chapters and ſections of the work itſelf.
As I am but a clumſy carpenter at beſt, I ſhall not attempt to decorate my little cottage with any out of door ornaments; but as it would be inconvenient and uncomfortable to have my front door open immediately into the apartments of my houſe, I have made this preface by way of entry.
And now, gentle reader, if you ſhould think my entry too plain and ſimple you may ſet your
