ΤΟ THE RIGHT HONORABLE CHARLES, LORD TENTERDEN, BARON TENTERDEN, OF HENDON, IN THE COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, LORD CHIEF JUSTICE OF ENGLAND, &c. &c. &c. THIS WORK, IS, WITH PERMISSION, MOST RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED, BY HIS LORDSHIP'S MUCH OBLIGED AND MOST OBEDIENT SERVANT, THE AUTHOR. PREFACE. THE utility of works expressly devoted to the investigation of particular branches of jurisprudence, has been universally acknowledged; and it is a matter of surprise, that, among the numerous valuable text books already published, the Law of Covenants has not been made the subject of a distinct treatise. With the view of supplying the defect, the Author undertook the heavy responsibility of composing this volume. To collect, analyze, and reduce into order, the mass of confused, and frequently contradictory cases on the subject; to expound their general principles; and to exhibit, in a connected and comprehensive form, the actual state of the Law of Covenants at the present day, was the serious duty he imposed upon himself. With what degree of success his endeavours may have been attended, he is afraid to contemplate. Had he been aware of the difficulties incident to the progress of his labours, he might, perhaps, have abandoned his intention, and have left the task to others more competent to carry it into execution. |