XIV

ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE AND

through all the diverfity of fliades and afpe£ls illwhich it was presented, and afterwards in tracingit backwards to that original, propofition or generaltruth, from which this beautiful train of specula-tion had proceeded.

“ His reputation asaProfeffor was accordinglyraised very high, and a multitude of Undents froma great distance resorted to the University , merelyupon his account. Thofe branches of sciencewhich he taught became fafhionable at this place,and his opinions were the chief topics of discussionin clubs and literary societies. Even the linailpeculiarities in his pronunciation or manner ofspeaking, became frequently the obje£ls of imita-tion. ”

While Mr. Smith was thus diftinguifliinghimfelfby his zeal and ability as a public teacher, hewas gradually laying the foundation of a moreextensive reputation, by preparing for the prelshis iyftem of morals. The firft edition of this workappeared in 175 g, 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 some gentlemen of dill in-