What may be the success of this imperfect essay, the author is not prepared to hazard a conjecture. On the one hand, he is encouraged by the indulgent manner in which a foriner work* was received by the public; while, on the other, he is checked by a sense of his deficiencies, especially on a subject where he is less in possession of that near and actual experience, which in all practical cases is the great master. This however is not meant as a plea for his book, should it be found, on the whole, a bad one, but as a reason why it is not better; and he trusts it may induce the reader's favourable allowance, that, instead of a bold demand upon his justice, he thus comes forward with a modest appeal to his candour and generosity. But though the author readily waves all challenges and pretensions on the score of abilities, he would presume to put in his claim for a share of moderation and impartiality; and this claim, he flatters himself, will not be refused by such as are themselves distinguished for these qualities. From the violent of all parties, whether they are prerogative tories or republican whigs, high churchmen or rigid dissenters, or under whatever name or ensign they appear, he can expect no particular favour, nor even scarce indulge a hope, that he shall entirely escape their censure. Leaving such, therefore, to their own way, till further reflection or experience may lead them to a better, it is to those free and independent spirits, who know how to prefer the whole to a part, and to steer a middle course both in church and state, that, next to the patronage of heaven, he looks for support and countenance; and it is by their judgment that he is willing to stand or fall. * Rural Philosophy, or Reflections on Knowledge, Virtue, and Happiness, chiefly in reference to a life of retirement in the country. CONTENTS. CONTAINING A VIEW OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT IN ITS INFLUENCE ON VIRTUE AND HAPPINESS, Sect. I.-A general Sketch of Man, the Subject to be Sect. II.-Of the immediate Ends of civil Government, and how far they are attainable ........ ......... 22 Sect. III.- An Estimate of the Influence of civil Govern- ment on Virtue and Happiness, from the Relation it bears to Liberty ................................................. 49 Sect. IV.-On Moral Liberty ............................... 69 Sect. V.-The Influence of civil Government on Virtue able Aspect of Wealth on the liberal Arts and Sciences, may be urged in Abatement of what has been advanced in the last Section ............. ................... 102 Sect. VII.-- On thé Savage and Civilized State of Man... 112 ON THE IMPORTANCE OF RELIGION, BOTH TO SOCIETY AND THE INDIVIDUAL; WITH REFLEC. Sect. I.-On the Importance of Religion, both to Society Sect. II.-On Toleration without an Establishment ...... 150 Sect. III.--Of an Establishment without Toleration...... 165 Sect. IV.-Of an Establishment together with a Tolera- tion, and this either complete or partial ............... 193 Sect. V.-On the most effectual Methods by which an Established Church may support herself under a com- Sect. I.-To guard against any wrong Impressions he might receive from new and plausible political The- ories; and to regulate his Expectations by what is obvious and practicable in the present State of human Sect. II.-To distinguish real political Evils from ima- ginary ones, and from those various Evils which arise out of the common Condition of Man in this World: Also, Not to aggravate or rashly oppose the First ; to dismiss the Second ; and to suffer patiently the Sect. III.--To avoid an idle Curiosity in political Mat- ters; and still more a Disposition to hunt after small or unknown Grievances .......... Sect. IV.-To beware of any unnecessary or hasty At- tachment, and still more of a blind Devotion to any Party whatever, either in Politics or Religion..... 316 Sect. V.—Lastly: Never forwardly to urge his public Claims or Pretensions, nor beyond what the common Good may require; and when this, on the Whole, is Sect. I.—The Foundation of the Happiness here proposed, must be laid in Peace of Conscience, and in holy and well-regulated Affections ...... ............ 357 poate or Protidence chief Topice of |