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CALIFORNIA

PREFACE.

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the English school. I am not conscious of any such bias, so far as concerns the doctrines, which are taught, apart from the manner in which they are conveyed, and the spirit with which the inquiry is conducted; though the great names of Bacon, and Locke, and Berkeley, and Reid, stand as high in the general history of philosophy, as any others, of which any single country can boast. No one need to be ashamed of a hearty admiration of their characters and services, though he may not admit, that their labors have exhausted the subject, and may search for further contributions to the science, wherever they can be found. But in all that relates to the mode of philosophizing, to the tone of argument and opinion, and to the manner and spirit in which the investigation is conducted, we may fearlessly assert the great superiority of the English speculatists, over their brethren, on the continent. It was well said by Sir James Mackintosh, that "an amendment of the general habits of thought is, in most parts of knowledge, an object as important as even the discovery of new truths, though it is not so palpable, nor in its nature so capable of being estimated by superficial observers. In the mental and moral world, which scarcely admits of any thing which can be called discovery, the correction of the intellectual habits is probably the greatest service which can be rendered to science." If the writings of Bacon and Locke and their followers do not contain more discoveries, than those of any other school, they have certainly done more good to the minds and hearts of those who have studied them. The character of their speculations is eminently sound and healthful. They remove prejudices and vindicate the right of free inquiry ; they inculcate generous sentiments; they discourage the love of paradox and fanciful systems; they show the compass of the human faculties, and while they animate the spirit of discovery, when directed to proper objects, they tend to check its arrogant and hopeless endeavors; they inspire the liberal and catholic feeling, which would make philosophy the property of the multitude, rather than the exclusive heritage of a few. If it argues a timid and slavish spirit, a blind adherence to the past, and distrust of the future, to recommend their example in these respects, there will be many, who will court the reproach, and glory in the companionship, which they will have under the imputation.

Some materials for instituting a comparison, in these particulars, between English philosophy and the speculations which had their birth in France and Germany, will be found in the following pages. The bearing of these systems on the great truths of natural and revealed religion, is a point of so much importance in the general estimate of their character, that no apology need be made for the space given to its consideration. A science that is merely speculative, offers no boon of such great price, that it can compensate mankind for the loss of immortal faith and hope ; and if the reproach of an irreligious tendency be indelibly affixed to it, it will be the part of true wisdom to renounce its cultivation altogether.

There are some allusions in these Essays to the speculative opinions, which have recently made some progress in this country; but there is no mention of persons, or of distinct publications, except for the purpose of mere literary criticism. Doctrines may be examined and censured with perfect freedom, without seeking to cast reproach on the individuals who entertain them. To the public, the sentiments which are published may be of great interest, while the individual is nothing. By forgetting this simple rule, a discussion of great general interest too often degenerates into a mere personal controversy. I hope the following Essays will be found free from objection in this respect, though other and serious faults and imperfections will be discovered in them, of which no one can be more sensible than the writer. He covers the praise only of sincerity and good intentions.

Boston, May, 1842.

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