xii PREFACE

But I infenfibly run into a metaphyfical fpeculationsto prove, that in political queftions, itis better forpeuple to jndge from experience and reafon, thanfrom authority; to explain their terms, than todifpute about words; and to extend their combina-tions, than to follow conceits, however decoratedwith the name of{yftems. How far 1 have avoidedfuch defels, the reader will determine.

Every writer values himfel{ upon his impartiality;becaufle he is pot fenfible of his fetters. The wan-dering and independentlife Thave led may naturallyhave fet me free, in{ome mcafure, from ftrongattachments to popular opinions. This may be calledimpartiality. But as noman can be deemed impartial,who leans to any fide whatever, 1 have been par-ticularly on my guard againft the confequences ofhis fort of negative impartiality, as have found itfometimes carrying me too far from that to whichanational prejudice might have led me.

In difcufling general points, the beft method 1found to maintain a juft balance in that refpect,was to avert my eye from the country in which llivedat the time; and to judge of abfent things by theabfent. Ohjedls which are prefent, are apt to pro-duce perceptions too flrong to be impartially com=pared with thole recalled only by memory.

When{ have had occafion to dip intoany queftionconcerning the preference to be given to certainforms of government above others, and to touchupon peints which have been the object of fharp