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by the stealing of which, (for so let it be called,) neither the plagiarist hath gained, nor the proprietor lost, a fraction of a farthing.

Yours, &c.

W. PALEY*.

ADVERTISEMENT PREFIXED TO THE SEPARATE PUBLICA

TION OF ARCHDEACON PALEY'S ESSAY UPON THE

BRITISH CONSTITUTION.

[See Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy, Book vi. chap. vii.]

WHAT has passed in Europe, under the immediate observation of this country, during the last four years, hath naturally drawn the thoughts of the reflecting part of the English community to the constitution of their government. The conduct also of some principal writers upon both sides of the question, hath tended to excite, not only the attention, but the passions of the publick; and to force the subject upon the thoughts of multitudes, whose minds would, otherwise, have been very little disposed to entertain political speculations. I cannot however persuade myself, that the friends of publick tranquillity have any thing to fear. The body of the British people appear to me to be satisfied with their condition; to be intent upon their various employments; and to be tasting the sweets of industry and order in the increased and increasing gains of almost every occupation. This state of this country is a strong security for its internal peace. Nevertheless,

An anonymous defence of Mr. Paley, and two additional letters from Mr. Robertson, appeared in the same volume of the Gentleman's Mazazine, which it is not thought necessary to re-publish here.

since these discussions are undoubtedly become very general, it is expedient, that whatever any one has to propose, should be proposed in a form fitted for general reading. This reason hath induced me to publish the following apology for the British Constitution in a separate pamphlet; as the work, from which it is taken, is hindered by its size and price, from finding its way into the hands of many who might receive advantage from the perusal. Some late notices of that work, much too honourable for me to repeat, have procured to it a degree of regard, which will probably obtain readers for this part of it. I trust also that it will be a recommendation of the principles here delivered, that they were not made for the times or the occasion; to serve any purpose or any party; that they were committed to writing ten years ago, and under circumstances, which, if they were known, would exclude all suspicion of insincerity or design. The opinions I then formed, were formed upon the best considerations I was able to give to the subject of which I treated. Since the publication of the Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy, I have written nothing, and, to speak the truth, have thought little, upon political questions; for, interesting as they may seem to be, or are, my age, and still more my health and profession, have taught me that there are other studies, in comparison with which even these are unimportant.

W. P.

Carlisle, June 29th, 1792.

INDICES

OF THE

PRINCIPAL MATTERS

OF THE

BOOKS, AUTHORS, SECTS OF CHRISTIANITY, OR OTHER RELI

GIOUS AND HISTORICAL EVENTS, &c.

AND OF THE

TEXTS OF SCRIPTURE CONTAINED, QUOTED, EXPLAINED,

OR REFERRED TO,

IN THE

WORKS OF DR. PALEY.

DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS, TO WIT:

BE it remembered, that on the ninth day of March, in the thirty-six th year of the Independence of the United States of America, JOSHUA BELCHER, of the said district, has deposited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as proprietor, in the words following, to wit: "Indices of the Principal Matters of the Books, Authors, Sects of Christianity, or other Religious and Historical Events, &c. and of the Texts of Scripture contained, quoted, explained, or referred to, in the Works of Dr. Paley."

In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, entitled, "An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts and books to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned;" and also to an act entitled, “An act supplementary to an act, entitled, An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the times therein mentioned; and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching, historical and other prints." WILLIAM S. SHAW, Clerk of the District

of Massachusetts.

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