I have not been willing to believe this: and I publish my speculations accordingly. I have aimed at a popular, and (if I could reach it) an interesting style; and, if I am thrust aside and disregarded, I shall console myself with believing that I have not neglected what it was in my power to achieve. One characteristic of the present publication will not fail to offer itself to the most superficial reader. I know many men who are misanthropes, and profess to look down with disdain on their species. My creed is of an opposite character. All that we observe that is best and most excellent in the intellectual world, is man: and it is easy to perceive in many cases, that the believer in mysteries does little more, than dress up his deity in the choicest of human attributes and qualifications. I have lived among, and I feel an ardent interest in and love for, my brethren of mankind. This sentiment, which I regard with complacency in my own breast, I would gladly cherish in others. In such a cause I am well pleased to enrol myself a missionary. February 15, 1831. The particulars respecting the author, referred to in the title-page, will be found principally in Essays VII, IX, XIV, and XVIII. CONTENTS Essay. I. Of Body and Mind. The Prologue II. Of the Distribution of Talents III. Of Intellectual Abortion IV. Of the Durability of Human Achievements and Productions V. Of the Rebelliousness of Man VI. Of Human Innocence VII. Of the Duration of Human Life VIII. Of Human Vegetation IX. Of Leisure X. Of Imitation and Invention XI. Of Self-Love and Benevolence XII. Of the Liberty of Human Actions XIII. Of Belief XIV. Of Youth and Age XV. Of Love and Friendship XVI. Of Frankness and Reserve XVII. Of Ballot XVIII. Of Diffidence XIX. Of Self Complacence XX. Of Phrenology XXI. Of Astronomy XXII. Of the Material Universe XXIII. Of Human Virtue. The Epilogue THOUGHTS, &c. ESSAY I. OF BODY AND MIND. THE PROLOGUE. There is no subject that more frequently occupies the attention of the contemplative than man: yet there are many circumstances concerning him that we shall hardly admit to have been sufficiently considered.