TO HENRY, MARQUIS OF LANSDOWNE. MY LORD, You have been always distinguished for your sympathy with the welfare of your fellow-creatures, of whatever country; for your ready patronage of every art, science, or institution, contributing to the embellishment, or advancing the interests of the community; for welcoming to the hospitality of your splendid mansion, every man, whether native or foreigner, who could be supposed to have any merit deserving of your attention; it has therefore been always a source of pride to me, to have owed my Professorship to your Lordship's favorable opinion; and these Lectures, the result of my appointment, are now dedicated to your Lordship, with every sentiment of affection, gratitude, and respect. WILLIAM SMYTH. St. Peter's College, Cambridge, VOL. 1. A ADVERTISEMENT. THE following Lectures were drawn up to be delivered to a youthful audience, at an English University, voluntarily assembled. The Reader is requested never to lose sight of this particular circumstance, — they were to be listened to, not read; they are now published in the hope that they may be useful to others, at a similar period of life. Minute historical disquisition or research cannot be expected in compositions of this nature: what the author has hoped to accomplish will be found explained in the Introductory Lecture; and the maxim of the poet seems but equitable, "In every work regard the writer's end, Since none can compass more than they intend." |