PREFACE.

TO THE FIRST EDITION.

The author of this work died in the spring of 1828, leaving in manuscript the three essays of which it consists. We learn from himself that the undertaking originated in a belief (in which he probably is far from being alone) that the existing treatises on moral philosophy did not exhibit the principles nor enforce the obligations of morality in all their perfection and purity; that a work was yet wanted which should present a true and authoritative standard of rectitude-one by an appeal to which the moral character of human actions might be rightly estimated. This he here endeavors to supply.

Rejecting what he considered the false grounds of duty, and erroneous principles of action which are proposed in the most prominent and most generally received of our extant theories of moral obligation, he preceeds to erect a system of morality upon what he regards as the only true and legitimate basis-the WILL OF GOD. He makes, therefore, the authority of the Deity the sole ground of duty, and His communicated will the only ultimate standard of right and wrong; and assumes, that wheresoever this will is made known, human duty is determined; and that neither the conclusions of philosophers, nor advant

ages, nor dangers, nor pleasures, nor sufferings, ought to have any opposing influence in regulating our conduct."

The attempt to establish a system of such uncompromising morality, must necessarily bring the writer into direct collision with the advocates of the utilitarian scheme, particularly with Dr. Paley; and accordingly it will be found that he frequently enters the lists with this great champion of expediency. With what success-how well he exposes the fallacies of that specious but dangerous doctrine-how far he succeeds in refuting the arguments by which it is sought to be maintained, and in establishing another system of obligations and duties and rights upon a more stable foundation, must be left to the reader to determine.

He

In thus attempting to convert a system of moral philosophy, dubious, fluctuating, and inconsistent with itself, into a definite and harmonious code of Scripture Ethics, the author undertook a task for which, by the original structure of his mind and his prevailing habits of reflection, he was, perhaps, peculiarly fitted. had sought for himself, and he endeavors to convey to others, clear perceptions of the true and the right; and in maintaining what he regarded as truth and rectitude, he shows everywhere an unshackled independence of mind, and a fearless, unflinching spirit. The work will be found, moreover, if we mistake not, to be the result of a careful study of the writings of moralists, of much thought, of an intimate acquaintance with the genius of the Christian religion, and an extensive observation of human life in those spheres of action which are seldom apt to attract the notice of the meditative philosopher.

In proceeding to illustrate his principles, the author has evidently sought, as far as might be, to simplify the subject, to disencumber it of abstruse and

metaphysical appendages, and, rejecting subtleties and needless distinctions, to exhibit a standard of morals that should be plain, perspicuous and practicable.

Premising thus much, the work must be left to its own merits. It is the last labor of a man laudably desirous of benefiting his fellow men; and it will fulfil the author's wish, if its effect be to raise the general tone of morals, to give distinctness to our perceptions of rectitude, and to add strength to our resolutions to virtue.

A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF

JONATHAN DYMOND.

In attempting to compile a biographical sketch of Jonathan Dymond, to accompany the present edition of his "Essays on the Principles of Morality, and on the Private and Political Rights and Obligations of Mankind," it has been a matter of some surprise that the material for such a memorial has proved to be very meager. The explanation is probably to be found in the retiring character of this gifted man, the close application to business which he found needful in maintaining his little family, and the brief period of life allotted him. While therefore, his may be termed an uneventful life, and one devoid of striking incident, it was marked by rare fidelity to duty, the diligent occupation of talents of no common order, combined with a clearness of perception, and maturity of judgment seldom met with in early years.

The thoughtful cast of his mind readily turned toward questions involving some of the highest interests of humanity, and the promotion of the Redeemer's kingdom, while in the eminently wise and just conclusions which are reached in his writings, we cannot doubt his intellectual powers were quickened and sanctified by Divine grace, and his course of reasoning guided by that "Spirit of truth" which our Lord