PREFACE. SOME Editor, in drawing out a prospectus for his periodical, remarks, that " to us the most disgusting kind of arrogance is that which pretends to have no pretensions ;" and he afterwards says, "We do not believe that the kingdom of Great Britain is to be gained, like the kingdom of Heaven, by excessive humility." I am much inclined to coincide with his opinion; and though I am aware that no work stands more in need of the generosity of the reader and the indulgence of the critic than the one now presented to the public, yet it should not go forth to that public without some claims, however lowly, upon their attention and regard; and I am sufficiently presumptuous to hope, that the deep interest and importance of some of the subjects discussed will, in some degree, make for those errors up |