fhunning, as I proceeded, the difcuffion of no difputable article that lay my plan.

in the

way of

In those metaphyfical difquifitions, to which my subject occafionally led me, I have particularly aimed at Perfpicuity: fenfible, that whenever a writer involves his ideas in Obfcurity, it will always remain a doubt whether he be fatisfactory to himself, and is an abfolute bar to the conviction of others. On fubjects of that nature, it is not eafy to write to the comprehenfion of every reader; but, as far as I was able, I have attempted to do it..

c 3

And

And as new Adverfaries of a Religion, the Tenets of which are of a nature to excite none, but fuch as are Adverfaries to human Happiness, are continually aiming at new Objections, or vamping old ones up in new ftile and figure; I have, on every article, more particularly applied myself to the Exceptions of modern writers. Every futile objection, in the fhort form prefcribed on the prefent occafion, it was not poffible to notice: of thofe that have been proposed to the public with moft Plaufibility, and retailed with the greatest Success, I have not defignedly paffed by any; for indeed I have obferved none, that in the fair field of argument might not fafely be met.

The

The plan I propofed to purfue, and

which in the early Procefs of the Lectures I communicated to your Lordship, you were pleased to regard in a favourable light: I have now to wish the Execution may merit your equal approbation. But this in whatever degree your judgment may with-hold, I am easy in the perfuafion, that your Lordship's known Zeal for the Interests of our common Religion will with Candour regard a well-intentioned endeavour: a zeal, my Lord, which you have displayed in every fituation of life; particularly in that exalted one, which afforded you the more ample scope for exertion: not terminating there in cold and languid Wishes, but

expreffed in a cordial Attention to indigent and deferving Minifters in your Diocese; who have often found them. felves promoted without Application on their Part, and often against the Application of Greatness and Power.

There is Merit in fupporting an inferior Station with Firmness and Refignation: but much greater, as it is a much more difficult part to fuftain, in filling an exalted one with Propriety and Attention; in which the Claims of Duty are more numerous, and the Charge of greater Weight. Our Minds indeed are formed with different Aptitudes and some there are, that only feel themselves in elevated Situations where there is Scope for Exertion, and Room

Room to expand. But it is your Lordfhip's peculiar Felicity, to appear formed, or more properly to form yourself, for every Situation in life, to which you have been occafionally called; from the literary ease of academic privacy, to the highest honours of your profeffion : to have in every fituation, through which you paffed, cónciliated Efteem, and left it with the general Regret of thofe, with whom you have been refpectively connected.

Thofe Inducements alone would have directed my pen to the Request already made, if more powerful ones were wanting: the Pleasure of acknowledging the Favours, I have from your Lordship myself received; and the Satisfaction