every work, all cannot be expected to harmonize in their views, it would not be surprising if, in some cases, and to a certain extent, he should be found to have reflected his own prejudices too strongly to escape the imputation of having been biased in his judgment, or, at least, of having overlooked those more remote causes which influence the actions of men, and which should never be lost sight of in forming a just estimate of their motives and deeds. It will probably be conceded, however, that it is better to err on the side of charity than on that of intolerance or general censoriousness. It is much easier, indeed, to blame than to commend; and it is a more common fault to arraign and condemn the past than to speak of it calmly, and to draw from it the lessons of prudence it should teach. It is hoped, therefore, that those who may read the following pages will not too hastily censure the author, if they cannot in every instance agree with him in his conclusions, and will make due allowance for the necessary infirmities of a fallible judgment. That the health of the author has been spared to complete his work is, to him, a source of unfeigned thankfulness; and if the public shall find that work such as is needed, the consciousness that the labor it has cost has not been in vain will prove of itself a sufficient reward.