What may be the success of this imperfect essay, the author is not prepared to hazard a conjecture. On the one hand, he is encouraged by the indulgent manner in which a former work was received by the public; while, on the other, he is checked by a sense of his deficiencies, especially on a subject where he is less in possession of that near and actual experience, which in all practical cases is the great master. This however is not meant as a plea for his book, should it be found, on the whole, a bad one, but as a reason why it is not better; and he trusts it may induce the reader's favourable allowance, that, instead of a bold demand upon his justice, he thus comes forward with a modest appeal to his candour and generosity. But though the author readily waves all *Rural Philosophy, or Reflections on Knowledge, Virtue, and Happiness, chiefly in reference to a life of retirement in the country. challenges and pretensions on the score of abilities, he would presume to put in his claim for a share of moderation and impartiality; and this claim, he flatters himself, will not be refused by such as are themselves distinguished for these qualities. From the violent of all parties, whether they are prerogative tories or republican whigs, high churchmen or rigid dissenters, or under whatever name or ensign they appear, he can expect no particular favour, nor even scarce indulge a hope, that he shall entirely escape their censure. Leaving such, therefore, to their own way, till further reflection or experience may lead them to a better, it is to those free and independent spirits, who know how to prefer the whole to a part, and to steer a middle course both in church and state, that, next to the patronage of heaven, he looks for support and countenance; and it is by their judgment that he is willing to stand or fall. CONTENTS. CONTAINING A VIEW OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT IN Sect. I. A general Sketch of Man, the Subject to be Sect. II.-Of the immediate Ends of civil Government, and how far they are attainable.... Sect. III.-An Estimate of the Influence of civil Govern- ment on Virtue and Happiness, from the Relation it Sect. V.-The Influence of civil Government on Virtue and Happiness, from the Relation it bears to Pro- Sect. VI.-In which it is considered, how far the favour- able Aspect of Wealth on the liberal Arts and Sciences, ON THE IMPORTANCE OF RELIGION, BOTH TO SOCIETY AND THE INDIVIDUAL; WITH REFLEC- ..... 125 Sect. II.-On Toleration without an Establishment...... 150 Sect. III.-Of an Establishment without Toleration...... 165 Sect. IV. Of an Establishment together with a Tolera- tion, and this either complete or partial Sect. V.-On the most effectual Methods by which an ON THE CONDUCT OF A GOOD CITIZEN, PARTICULARLY UNDER ANY MODERATE GOVERNMENT, Sect. I.-To guard against any wrong Impressions he might receive from new and plausible political The- ories; and to regulate his Expectations by what is obvious and practicable in the present State of human Sect. II. To distinguish real political Evils from ima- ginary ones, and from those various Evils which arise out of the common Condition of Man in this World: Also, Not to aggravate or rashly oppose the First ; Sect. III. To avoid an idle Curiosity in political Mat- Page Sect. IV. To beware of any unnecessary or hasty At- tachment, and still more of a blind Devotion to any Party whatever, either in Politics or Religion...... 316 Sect. V. Lastly: Never forwardly to urge his public Claims or Pretensions, nor beyond what the common Good may require; and when this, on the Whole, is ON THE WAY TO LIVE HAPPILY UNDER ALL GO- VERNMENTS, AND IN ALL SITUATIONS. Sect. I.-The Foundation of the Happiness here proposed, must be laid in Peace of Conscience, and in holy and |