a proper manner, and in a proper measure. But delightful and valuable as knowledge is, we do not for a moment regard it as a substitute for true Religious Principle; which alone is the health and joy, the dignity and happiness, of man. It is in connection with this principle, and in subordination to it, that all knowledge, in order to be really beneficial, must be imparted and if this ruled point (for I will call it so) be forgotten or disregarded, the light which men obtain will be darkness, and their life will be death. I should have rejoiced to have written two or three more chapters; one on the Church, one on Civil Government, and one on the History of the Human Mind: but for various reasons I have utterly abandoned the idea of doing this; although I am convinced that such an addition would have rendered my work far more complete than it is. These subjects, however, I leave to some abler pen; and I must remain satisfied with what I have done, however little and defective it may be, to promote, if it please God, the present and eternal interests of some of my fellow creatures. It would be folly in me to extol my own work; and it would be hypocrisy, if I depreciated it in sweeping terms. I must cherish the hope, that the time and labour spent upon it have not been spent altogether in vain. It is, however, what it is and it must stand or fall by the judgment of those whose desicion it would be presumptuous in me to gainsay. The Introduction so fully explains my design and the nature of my work, that I need not write a syllable here on that point. If I gain the approbation of the wise and good, I shall have reason to be thankful: but if I miss such a gratifying meed, I must console myself with the thought, that I endeavoured to do good, although the attempt proved unsuccessful. It is not the lot of every one to gain laurels. I Long may you live familiar with splendid mansions ; mean, with the large and decorated volumes of accomplished authors: and if you occasionally enter into lowly structures; that is, if you take up such an unpretending work as mine is; I hope that you will never feel any dissatisfaction in having permitted me to subscribe myself, My Dear Sir Oswald, Your faithful and affectionate friend and servant, JOSEPH JONES. Bower Hill, Repton, Oct. 25, 1849. |