PREFACE.
otwithstanding many readers are so violently prejudiced in favour of common-place subjects, that the mere title of a book often causes it to be shut to them for ever, there exists a better class, who have no prejudice; who ingenuously search after the truth; who are inclined to examine whatever subject appears of importance. Such readers take the advice of St. Paul, trying all things, proving all things, and holding fast to that which is good. They never decide on any question until they have weighed the best arguments on both sides. Nor do they ever surrender that reason which God has given them. They investigate carefully and make an impartial decision. The former of these classes are enveloped in a cloud so dense, that reasoning, clear as the sunshine at noonday, cannot break through it. They can neither hear nor understand. With the
