XIV

ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE AND

through all the diverfity of fliades and afpefls inwhich it was prefented, and afterwards in tracingit backwards to that original,propofition or generaltruth, from which this beautiful train of fpecula-tion had proceeded.

“ His reputation asaProfelfor was accordinglyraifed very high, and a multitude of ftudents froma great diftance reforted to the Univerfity, merelyupon his account. Thofe branches of fciencewhich he taught became falliionable at this place,and his opinions were the chief topics of difcuffionin clubs and literary focieties. Even the l'mallpeculiarities in his pronunciation or manner ofIpeaking, became frequently the objects of imita-tion. ”

While Mr. Smith was thus diftinguifliinghimfelfby his zeal and ability as a public teacher, hewas gradually laying the foundation of a moreextenfive reputation, by preparing for the prefshis fyftem ofmorals. The firft edition of this workappeared in 1759 , under the title of “ The Theoryof Moral Sentiments. ”

Hitherto Mr. Smith had remained unknownto the world as an author; nor have I heard thathe had made a trial of his powers in any anony-mous publications, excepting in a periodical workcalled The Edinburgh Review , which was begunin the year 1755, by fome gentlemen of diflin-