SKETCHES

OF THE

HISTORY OF MA N.

CONSIDERABLY ENLARGED

BY THE LAST ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS

OF THE AUTHOR.

VOLUME I.

PRINTED FOR A. STRAHAN AND T.CADELL, LONDON;

AND FOR WILLIAM CREECH, EDINBURGH,

M,DCC,LXXXVIII.

PREFACE.

HE following Work is the substance

TH

of various fpeculations, which occafionally occupied the author, and enlivened his leifure hours. It is not intended for the learned; they are above it: nor for the vulgar; they are below it. It is intended for thofe who, free from the corruption of opulence and depreffion of bodily labour, are fond of useful knowledge; who, even in the delirium of youth, feel the dawn of patriotism, and who, in riper years, enjoy its meridian warmth. To fuch men this Work is dedicated; and that they may profit by it, is the author's ardent wish; and probably will be while he retains life fufficient to form a wish.

May