PREFACE. WHEN I formed the idea of writing an Answer to Mr. MALTHUS'S Essay, it was my design to have examined the reasoning and the facts in each of the chapters, and candidly to have enquired how far they applied to the subject; but, on further consideration, the present contracted plan appeared more eligible. As the theory advanced by Mr. Malthus is new, and as it involves many points of the greatest interest to the Theologian, the Politician, and the Philosopher, it might have been expected that men of established reputation would have favored the world with their remarks; but as hitherto nothing of consequence has appeared, I, who have no name with the public, or any expectation of exciting much attention, have taken up the subject, under the hope, that, by keeping it in some measure before the public, |