OF FINAL CAUSES. A DISSERTATION IN THREE PARTS, WITH AN INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER ON THE CHARACTER OF MODERN DEISM. Josiah BY WILLIAM J. IRONS, M.A. OF QUEEN'S COLLEGE, OXFORD, AND CURATE OF ST. MARY'S, ΠΑΤΕΡ ΔΙΚΑΙΕ, ΚΑΙ Ο ΚΟΣΜΟΣ ΣΕ ΟΥΚ ΕΓΝΩ, ΕΓΩ ΔΕ ΣΕ ΙΗΣΟΥΣ. LONDON! LONDON: J., G., & F. RIVINGTON, ST. PAUL'S CHURCH-YARD, AND WATERLOO-PLACE. 1836. 1875, March 22. Walker Bequet. HARVARD LIBRARY T. C. HANSARD, PATERNOSTER-ROW, 8366 52-109 Litte PREFACE. So little attention is ordinarily paid to what an Author says of his own performance, that a Preface is now almost thought to be a superfluous piece of labour. But for the sake of those who may yet consider it as a courtesy due to the Reader, as well as for my own sake, I shall venture to trespass for a few lines. It may appear to many, that the phrase "WHOLE Doctrine," used in the Title-page, requires some explanation; which, I own, I have difficulty in briefly giving; though on a general review of the Dissertation, I cannot persuade myself to alter it. I would, indeed, if it be necessary, disclaim the vanity of implying thereby, that much more may not be said on this subject, than I have brought forward and yet I must say, that I have attempted to ascertain the exact Truth, that is to say, the "Whole Doctrine," in opposition |