Among the numerous opinions expressed in these volumes, you will, no doubt, find some which totally differ from your own; and others which more attentive and enlarged views would have taught me considerably to modify or amend. Of the former you will not consider this public address as implying or soliciting your approbation. Of the latter I am confident you will be disposed to form a candid and even an indulgent estimate.

But with respect to some of the leading opinions delivered in the following sheets, I am happy in the assurance that you perfectly coincide with me. To all that is said of the perfect harmony between the RELIGION OF CHRIST and genuine Philosophy, and of the illustration and support which the former has received at every successive step of the latter in the last age; to every unfavourable judgment pronounced on those theories, falsely called philosophy, which pervert reason, contradict Revelation, and blaspheme its divine AUTHOR; and to every expression of satisfaction at the progress of elegant letters and substantial science, as tending to promote the dignity and happiness of man-to opinions and sentiments like these, Ek too much of your character to doubt of receiving your sanction.

Those who, like yourself, contemplate every department of human affairs through the medium of Christian principles, while they see much to deplore, see also much to approve and

admire in the history of science for the last age. What effect the knowledge bequeathed by that age may have on the harmony, virtue and happiness of mankind in the one on which we have entered, is known only to infinite Wisdom. Let us, however, indulge in favourable anticipations as long as we can. In all events we are assured, that this, as well as all the other fruits of human genius and activity, will be made conducive to the welfare of the good, in a in a more enlightened and a more happy world.

I am, dear Sir,

With much respect,

Your obliged and obedient servant,

New-York, Nov. 25, 1803.

SAMUEL MILLER.

more minuteness of detail, and of greater freedom in the choice and exhibition of facts. This alteration in the structure of the work led to an extension of its limits; materials insensibly accumulated; and that portion which was originally intended to be comprised in a third or fourth part of a single volume gradually swelled into two volumes.

It is probable that one of the first reflections made by most readers of the following pages, will be, that the plan is too extensive to be well executed by any individual; and that it was peculiarly presumptuous in one of comparatively small reading, and who could not obtain access to ample libraries, to undertake such a work. The author feels the justness and weight of this reflection; and is sensible that to present a full and satisfactory view of any one of the departments embraced by this Retrospect, would be a task beyond his powers; would afford abundant employment, for many years, to a mind much more mature, active, and enlightened than his. Why then, it will be asked, did he adventure in so arduous an enterprize? In answer to this question, he must ingenuously confess, that he engaged without due consideration, and did not begin suitably to estimate the extent and difficulty of the task till he had proceeded too far to retract. He is also bound in candour to declare, that his own instruction and improvement were among his principal motives in undertaking and prosecuting this work. Being persuaded that writing on a subject is one of the best means of methodizing and correcting one's own views of it; and hoping that, while he informed himself, he might amuse, if not instruct others, he submitted to the toil of collecting and arranging the materials which are here presented. If

none of his readers should be able to derive either entertainment or information from the following sheets, he has the satisfaction of reflecting, that he himself derived both fro the labour of preparing them for the press.

Though the greater part of this work consists of compilation; yet the writer claims to be something more than a mere compiler. He has offered, where he thought proper, opinions, reflections, and reasonings of his own; and though many of these are adopted, perhaps too hastily, from others, there are some of which all the praise and all the blame belong to himself. He is not, however, solicitous to discriminate, even if it were possible, between these several parts of the work. If the exhibition of facts and opinions, so far as it goes, be tolerably just, the question whence they originated is of little consequence to the reader.

With respect to the division and arrangement of the subjects, it was judged advisable to adopt rather a popular than a scientific plan. This plan is, no doubt, liable to some objections; but it appeared better suited to the purpose in view than any other that presented. The reader will observe that the sciences of Theology, Morals, and Politics are not noticed in this first Part. The reason of the omission is, that it appeared most proper to leave what may be said concerning the revolutions and improvements in these three interesting departments of science, respectively, to stand as preliminaries to the three remaining divisions of the work, in which some account will be attempted of the great events in the Christian Church, in the Moral World, and in Political Principles and Establishments, during the last century. It was supposed that in this connection the rise, progress, and in

A