We tent of civil obedience, are derived, rightly explaine ed, and well understood. Indeed, as far as I have observed, in political, beyond all other subjects, where men are without some fundamental and scientific principles to resort 'to, they are liable to have their understandings played upon by cant phrases and unmeaning terms, of which every party in every country possesses a vocabulary. appear astonished when we see the multitude led away by sounds; but we should remember that, if sounds work miracles, it is always upon ignorance. The influence of names is in exact proportion to the want of knowledge. These are the observations with which I have judged it expedient to prepare the attention of my reader. Concerning the personal motives which engaged me in the following attempt, it is not necessary that I say much; the nature of my academical situation, a great deal of leisure since my, retirement from it, the recommendation of an ho. noured and excellent friend, the authority of the venerable prelate to whom these labours are inscribed, the not perceiving in what way I could employ my time or talents better, and my disapprobation in literary men, of that fastidious indolence which sits still because it disdains to do little, were the considerations that directed my thoughts to this design. Nor have I repented of the undertaking. Whatever be the fate or reception of this work, it owes its author nothing. In sickness and in health I have found in it that which can alone alleviate the one, or give enjoyment to the other, occupation and engagement. CONTENTS. BOOK II. MORAL OBLIGATION. CHAP. I. The question, Why am I obliged to keep my word ? considered JI. What we mean when we say a mano is obliged to do a thing 53 III. The question, Why am I obliged to keep my word ? resumed IV. The will of God 56 V. The Divine benevolence 59 VI. Utility 60 VII. The necessity of general rules 62 VIII. The consideration of general conse. quences pursued . 64 IX. Of right 67 X. The division of rights 68 XI. The general rights of mankind 73 II. The use of the institution of pro IV. In what the right of property is IX. Contracts of lending of inconsuma- X. Contra eoncerning the lending of XI. Contracts of labour-service will 110 XII. Contracts of labour-commissions 113 XIII. Contracts of labour--partnership 115 XIV. Contracts of labour-offices XIX. Oath against bribery in the election XXI. Oaths to observe local statutes 135 BOOK III. PART III. QF RELATIVE DUTIES WHICH RESULT FROM THE CONSTITUTION OF THE SEXES, AND OF THE CRIMES OPPOSED TO THESE. CHAP. I. Of the public use of marriage insti- tutions II. Fornication III. Seduction IV. Adultery V. Incest VI. Polygamy VII. Divorce 174 175 180 182 186 187 191 DUTIES TO OURSELVES, AND THE CRIMES OPPOSITE TO THESE. CHAP. I. Division of these duties II. Of the duty and the efficacy of prayer, so far as the same ap- pear from the light of nature 235 III. Of the duty and efficacy of prayer, as represented in Scripture 240 IV. Of private prayer, family prayer, V. Of forms of prayer in public wor. VI. of the use of sabbatical institu- VII. Of the Scripture account of sabba- VIII. By what acts and omissions the |