BY JUSTIN BRENAN, LONDON: THOMAS TEGG, 73, CHEAPSIDE. 1839. 264. 21. д PREFACE. FOR some years past I have been occasionally writing essays, on different subjects, in the hope of being able, one day or other, to publish them. Of these, the present work is a specimen. But, as I proceeded, so many considerations pressed upon me that I could not confine it within the ordinary limits, and it insensibly swelled into a small book, instead of being only part of one containing several essays. This will account for some circumstances that seem to require explanation. Had I originally intended it for a separate volume, I should have been more attentive to form and arrangement, and to what regards chapters or particular divisions. It is evidently deficient in that regular connexion which constitutes a book, as the extended Appendix shows. To make some amends, therefore, for the consequent inconvenience in perusal, I have given a longer table of contents than so small a work might otherwise appear to demand. What I have now said will also, as I should hope, excuse me in another respect. At first I designed only to explain, for ordinary capacities, that long enslavement of the human faculties, which is rarely understood by common readers. My intention was to confine myself solely to that, but as I went on, and being obliged to consult authors of various conflicting opinions, I found the strongest arguments for the syllogistic theory so weak, that I could no longer restrain myself. On that point, I considered that it would be a dereliction of my duty not to express my real sentiments, and I, at length, proceeded to language of the most unreserved and decided character. This has made my treatise appear, in some instances, rather inconsistent. I was at first afraid of my own prejudices against that theory, and I spoke of it in qualified terms, compared to what I afterwards. used. Yet, on reviewing the whole, I did not make any alteration--not even in the title. It is perhaps best to begin somewhat mildly, and to gradually increase the strength of expression. I am glad, therefore, that I did not think of PREFACE. FOR some years past I have been occasionally writing essays, on different subjects, in the hope of being able, one day or other, to publish them. Of these, the present work is a specimen. But, as I proceeded, so many considerations pressed upon me that I could not confine it within the ordinary limits, and it insensibly swelled into a small book, instead of being only part of one containing several essays. This will account for some circumstances that seem to require explanation. Had I originally intended it for a separate volume, I should have been more attentive to form and arrangement, and to what regards chapters or particular divisions. It is evidently deficient in that regular connexion which constitutes a book, as the extended Appendix shows. To make some amends, therefore, for the consequent inconvenience in perusal, I have |