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PREFACE.

I t might be as well, perhaps, if I sent this book into the world without a Pre­ face ; since, to be candid, the reasons for and against one, are nearly on a balance. Yet, as every author is expected to say something of his own performance, al­ though it should amount to no more than a specious promise, which his labours do not justify, I shall venture a few words. Being but a novice in the world of letters and mankind, (which a a