BY THE REV. ALEX CROMBIE, LL.D., F.R.S., AND M.R.S.L. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. I. LONDON: PRINTED FOR R. HUNTER, 72, ST. PAUL'S CHURCH-YARD, M.DCCC.XXIX. PREFACE. Ir the talents of the author were equal to the importance of the subjects, discussed in these volumes, he might reasonably anticipate their favourable reception. Entertaining no such vain presumption, and candidly acknowledging his obligations to several writers, who have preceded him in this field of enquiry, he is at the same time inclined to hope, that the Theologist, or the Metaphysician, who may honour these Essays with a perusal, will not find his time fruitlessly expended, or that they present nothing new, which may be worthy of his consideration. The work is offered to the public, under the persuasion, that it may be useful in contributing somewhat to check the |