PREFACE.

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THE nature of this undertaking requires but little preface. The enigmatical description of the birth, education, and progress in life of our author, will give an easy clue, whereby those who are conversant with their National History, (and who are not?) will thread out the principles to which we attach importance, and those to which "Common Sense will be opposed."

In our progress, we shall necessarily touch upon many matters which have been previously discussed, possibly we may place them in a new, and in a true light. As artists As artists vary in their style and whim, so we may go to work in a manner different from our predecessors. At all events,

we shall abstain from glare and tinsel; not aiming to robe a shrivelled carcase in a youthful drapery, or to invest boyhood with a premature laurel. In medio tutissimus is an axiom of "Common Sense."

After an age of personal animosity and angry dispute upon almost every question of government, the Country appears to have suddenly settled down into an unanimity of action, and of opinion; which we trust, will not be momentary; It will be our anxious, earnest, and sincere effort to promote this unanimity. Ready ourselves to concede when we are detected in error, so we shall aim not to provoke, but to convince and conciliate sternly stedfast in those fundamental principles, which we believe to be right, and just, and true; we do not however mean, to fall into the doctrine of infallibility.

If it he thought, that under the modest but significant garb of The Common Sense Book," we only conceal the fire of Demosthenes, and the well trimmed lamp of Cicero, (we stab not with the dagger of Junius,) we can only say, that such are not our high pretensions-but did we possess them, we should apply the one to the pile of

nonsense; and introduce the other into the dark and adjoining chambers of pride, prejudice, and ignorance.

Our aim is to be useful and in this age of progressive improvement and unceasing discussion ; to place ourselves, as it were, between contending opinions, and reduce the zeal of partizans to the standard of "Common Sense."

How many subjects require to be thus treated, may appear from a few positions which constantly divide the opinions of society :

First. As RELATES TO THE CONSTITUTION. "The monarchical principle," guarded and tender in the exercise of its own rights, is yet considered by some, as overbalancing the democratic branch of the Constitution. Is this true?

"The Peers of the realm," now so splendid in talent and solid acquirements, are looked upon by many as in a great degree the ready creatures of the ministers of the day. Is this true? "The House of Commons," teeming with intelligence, and laborious in research and practical improvements, has been loudly pronounced within its own walls, to be corrupt. Is this true?

"The Church," tolerant in principle and practice,

is accused of want of zeal; or if it exact the performance of duties, is then reviled as bigotted and time-serving. Is this true?

The tyrannical and restless spirit of the Romanists, is thought by some, necessary to be incorporated with the executive government; and that when introduced, it would prove perfectly uninfluential in the policy of a Constitution bottomed on the principles of limited monarchy and religious toleration. Is this true?

Ireland, remaining in her prejudices still unconquered, sets greatly at defiance the legislation of a protestant government. Is this true? ^ IN MATTERS OF POLICY.

England, powerful in resources, and rendered more so by her good faith, is looked upon by some, as humbled in consequence, and lowered in influence. Is this true?

Commerce, which already crowds every known port in the world, is clamorous for extended privileges, and is thought to be too monopolizing. Is this true?

A hasty zeal, and a mouthy philanthropy, risque the gift of freedom, at the hazard of murders and civil war. Is this true?

Even the Bible, which ought to be the messenof peace, is circulated amidst the jealousy of party. Is this true?

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IN MATTERS OF JURISPRUDENCE.

Justice, however purely and publicly administered, is enveloped in such confusion of technicality and previous form; that it is said-The study of the lawyer is, rather to know what is not, than what is law. Is this true?

The principles of criminal law now in force admit of serious doubts; and those of protection to property, are full of contradiction. Is this true?

IN MATTERS OF FINANCE, AND POLITICAL ECONOMY.

Whilst some look upon the national debt, as an absorption of unemployed capital; others contemplate the weight of its interest, as producing a state of financial exertion, replete with ultimate danger. Is this true?

The poor laws, intended to promote industry, and discourage and punish mendicity; as yet, encourage not the former, and are a patrimony to the idle and its rates are unequal. Is this true?

Tythes, necessary to the support of the Clergy,