INTRODUCTION.

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the corrupt propenfities which too frequently L E c Tprevail among mankind. Elegant fpeculations J,are fometimes found to float on the furface ofthe mind, while bad paffions poffefs the interiorregions of the heart. At the fame time thiscannot but be admitted , that the exeicife oftafteis, in its native tendency, moral and purify-ing. From reading the moft admired producti-ons of genius , whether in poetry or profe, aimoftevery one rifes with fome good impreffions lefton his mind ; and though thefe may not alwaysbe durable , they are at leaft to be ranked amongthe means of difpofing the heart to virtue. Onething is certain , and I ihall hereafter have oc-cafion to iliuftrate it more fully, that withoutpoffefling the virtuous affedtions in a ftrong degree,no man can attain eminence in the fublime partsof eloquence. He mull feel what a good manfeels, if he expects greatly to move or to inter-eft mankind. They are the ardent fentiments ofhonour , virtue , magnanimity , and publick fpi-rit, that only can kindle that fire of genius, andcallup into the mind thofe high ideas, whichattract the admiration of ages; and if this fpiritbe neceffary to produce the melt diftinguifhedefforts of eloquence, it muft be neceffary aifo toour relilhing them with proper tafte and feeling.

On thefe general topics I lhall dwell no long-er ; but proceed directly to the confiderationof the fubjects which are to employ the follow-ing Lectures. They divide themfelves into fiveparts. Firft, fome introductory difiertations on,

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