PREFACE.

Xl

ly free from difficulty. The truth is, practical Christian moralsform a branch of science, depending quite as much on authorityas any other science whatever. The writer of an elementarytreatise on any branch of the law presents his conclusions sus-tained, limited, modified, and otherwise qualified, by the bestauthorities with which his learning and research have furnishedhim. To this end, he consults statutes, the decisions of the mostauthoritative tribunals, the comments and illustrations of menlearned in the science, and uses them all in aid of his own ac-quirements made by reading, observation, and reflection. Inlike manner, the science of morals does not consist of theopinions, sentiments, and conclusions of one or of a few men.The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, the law of theland, the illustrations, amplifications, and deductions of thegreat masters of reason and argument, who have adorned theannals of mankind, both in ancient and modern times, are to beconstantly consulted by the moral philosopher, and their laborsare to be used in aid of his own.

7. As this Treatise is designed for the use of our higher insti-tutions of learning, as well as for private reading, it has beenmy aim to select, from the very wide circle of subjects embracedwithin this science, those which are fitted to be most useful to theyoung men who resort to those institutions for education, and totreat them in a manner suited to their situation and wants. Indiscussing and illustrating the various subjects selected, it hasbeen my aim to convey as much pertinent and valuable mat-ter as possible, in a clear, direct, and condensed style. Themost suitable order and arrangement, too, in which to dispose mymaterials have engaged my attention. I have brought to thecomposition of the work, a spirit of patient labor and a desire tobe useful. I have endeavoured, moreover, to infuse into everypart, a healthful moral tone, suited to cherish the candor,modesty, sincerity, ingenuousness, and docility of temper, whichare the greatest ornament of youth, and the highest promise offuture success and usefulness in life. I have permitted no occa-