with the principles on which its religious institutions are established, to guard him betimes from being haftily prejudiced against those institutions by mifrepresentations or groundless objections. I have endeavoured, on fuitable occafions, to obviate, without entering too deeply into argument, fome of those cavils of fcepticism and infidelity which a young perfon may probably hear; and thus to lead him to withhold implicit confidence from others, which he may afterwards have to encounter. Throughout the whole work it has been my predominant defire to direct the acquifition of knowledge to its proper purpose; the establishment and confirmation of Chriftian views, motives, and practice through life. Í may truft that the candour of the public, which I have repeatedly experienced respecting other works, will be extended to the prefent, prefent, perhaps more humble, yet I would hope, under the bleffing of God, not lefs useful attempt. My objects in drawing up this performance would be abundantly anfwered, if it should be deemed worthy of being placed as a manual in the hands of the youth of both fexes during their education at home or in public feminaries. I · am alfo willing to persuade myself that it may prove a convenient fummary to many perfons of all ages, when they happen not to have leisure and opportunity for the perufal of larger works. |