The Way to attain it. INTERMIXED WITH VARIOUS REFLECTIONS HUMAN NATURE. BY JOHN MASON, A. M. The proper study of mankind is man-Pope. WITH WHICH ARE CONNECTED, Questions adapted to the Work; FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS: WITH NOTES. WINDSOR, VT PUBLISHED BY SIMEON IDE. 1828. THE NEW YORK 792558 A ASTOR, LENOX AND ADVERTISEMENT. TO say aught in commendation of the work, a new edition of which is now presented to the publick, would be altogether superfluous. The importance of the subject, and the ability with which it is treated by the author, none, it is presumed, who seriously peruse this Treatise, will be disposed to doubt. In the estimation of the religious publick, it is well known, this work stands very high. An attempt has been made to render the present edition more valuable for the use of schools and academies, and especially for the use of Sunday-Schools, by connecting with it questions adapted to the work. To most editions which we have seen, questions are not appended. For the greater convenience of the student, those inserted in this edition are placed at the close of the chapters to which they respectively belong. The labour bestowed on them will be richly rewarded should it be the means, in any measure, of exciting in the minds of the young a deeper interest in the important science which forms the subject of this volume. TO SAMUEL LESINGHAM, ESQ. SIR, TREASURER OF ST. THOMAS' HOSPITAL. MODESTY and SELF DIFFIDENCE are the allowed characteristicks of self knowledge. If, then, my presuming to address this piece to you may seem to discover more assurance and self confidence than becomes a true acquaintance with the subject I write upon, I have only this to say-your known condescension and candour have encouraged that presumption: nor can any thing animate an address of this nature more, than an assurance that the person to whom it is made, has so good an understanding in the practical part of this subject, as will incline him to excuse the defects that may appear in the management of it. But after all, Sir, my own proficiency in this science is so poor, that I dare not be confident I am not wrong in the views, with which I desire this small tract may appear under your patronage. That it may have refuge from the petulance of censure, and encouragement in the publication, and I, at the same time, an opportunity of testifying my grateful sense of many past favours, are my open and avowed ends herein. But still, whether an ambition to be known to the world under the advantage of your friendship, be not the secret and true motive, I cannot be certain. However, if in this point I may be mistaken, there is another in which I think I cannot, and that is, that it is at least a pardonable ambition WOR 20JUN 34 which I shall certainly stand acquitted by every one who knows your character, the delicacy of your taste in the choice of your friends, and the real honour it does to those you are pleased to admit into that number. But even this, sir, your penetration will soon discover to proceed from the same vanity I before suspected myself to be guilty of. And the world will judge, that I speak it rather to do myself honour than you. However, I am beforehand with them in the observation. And that I may not be tempted, in this address, to enhance your character (according to the usual style of dedications) in order to do honour to my own, and at once oppress your modesty, and expose my vanity, I shall put an end to it, without so much as attempting to describe a character, which I shall, however, always aim to imitate. But that you may continue to adorn that publick and useful station you are in, and long live a patron and pattern of solid and disinterested virtue; and that your many charitable offices and good works on earth may meet with a large and late reward in Heaven, is the hearty prayer of, Sir, Your much obliged and very humble servant, Dorking, Jan. 31, 1744, 5. J. MASON. |