ز be understood, by what I have said, to express any judgment concerning either. I only mean to remark, that such doctrines are not without effect; and that it is of practical importance to have the principles from which the obligations of social union, and the extent of civil obedience are derived, rightly explained and well understood. Indeed, as far as I have observed, in political, beyond all other subjects, where men are without some fundamental and scientific principles to resort to, they are liable to have their understandings played upon by cant phrases and unmeaning terms, of which every party in every country possess a vocabulary. We appear aslonished when we see the multitude led away by sounds ; but we should remember that, if sounds work miracles, it is always upon ignorance. The influence of names is in exact proportion to the want of knowledge. These are the observations with which I have judged it expedient to prepare the attention of my reader. Concerning the perfonal motives which engaged me in the following attempt, it is not neceffary that I say much; the nature of my academical fituation, a great deal of leisure fince my retirement from it, the recommendation of an honoured and excellent friend, the authority of the venerable prelate to whom these labours are inscribed, the not perceiving in what way I could employ my time or talents better, and my disapprobation in literary men of that faftidious indolence, which fits ftill because it difdains to do little, were the confiderations that directed my thoughts to this defign. Nor have I repented of the undertaking. Whatever be the fate or reception of this work, it owes its author nothing. In fickness and in health I have found in it that which can alone alleviate the one, or give enjoyment to the other-occupation and engagement. C Ο Ν Τ Ε Ν Τ S 41 0 III. The question, Why am I obliged to keep VII. The Necessity of General Rules 123 VI. Contracts 142 VII. Contracts of Sale 144 VHI.Contracts of Hazard - 150 IX. Con |