PRELIMINARY REMARKS.

JOHN ix. 4. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day,—for the night cometh, when no man can work.

In the first part of this Work we have considered the situation of man as a subject of the kingdom of God, that is to say, we have endeavoured to point out the peculiarities of that portion of the Divine dominions amidst which man holds his place, and to which his whole nature is adapted. In the second part of the Work we endeavoured to state what is the object proposed to man as a subject of the Divine kingdom,—that is to say, what is the precise duty given him to fulfil. In the third part of the treatise, we have endeavoured to cor

rect some prevailing errors respecting the mode of fulfilling the duty prescribed to man;-and have made it our study to point out what seems to us to be the true method of accomplishing that duty in the most effectual and becoming style. And, throughout the whole of these previous portions of the Work, we have drawn the attention of the reader repeatedly and strongly to the importance of the distinction between the object proposed to man and the helps afforded him, by his peculiar powers and capabilities, for the due and successful discharge of his duty, because we are satisfied that the whole of this subject has been commonly treated in too vague and perplexed a manner,—and, especially, that the most mischievous misconceptions have originated in confounding the object proposed to man with the best manner of addressing himself to the attainment of that object. We accordingly again recommend to the reader to make this distinction familiar to his thoughts.

In the part of the Work on which we are now to enter, we intend to state, generally, the rules or maxims of a good life,—that is to say, we intend to offer a representation or picture, under general heads, of that degree and style of excellence

which seems competent to man,

and which every

human being, consequently, by a due use of his powers, is capable of realizing. This, as the reader will readily perceive, is a distinct purpose from that aimed at in the second part of the treatise, in which we endeavoured to point out the object proposed to man, or the duty required of him, and also, more particularly, from that pursued in the third part, in which we stated the best mode of fulfilling that duty. Our object, in that portion of the Work, was chiefly to correct some great misapprehensions which have gained a very general prevalence respecting the course which man ought to pursue in endeavouring to realize his purpose,—and to set him on the right road, by traversing which only he can effectually gain his end. In the part on which we are now entering, our business is to point out the rules or maxims which must be observed, that the route proposed may be traversed in the most expeditious and cheerful style ;-and the difference between the object aimed at in the third and in this last part, is, consequently, the same as between pointing out the path which must be followed, and giving such rules as may enable him, who

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is disposed to enter on it, to pursue his course with steadiness and success.

Now the grand principle which we mean to make use of throughout this last part, is the same with that by which all the preceding portions of the Work have been characterized, namely, that the most common pursuits and occupations of life form part of the duty given to man,—and may thus become, by being well performed, a service done to God, so that man may be, throughout all the parts of his conduct, a Living Temple, consecrated to the true worship and service of his Creator.

This idea flows directly from the account formerly given respecting the situation of man as a subject of the Divine kingdom,—and respecting the characteristically religious nature by which man is distinguished;—and the idea has some advantages so important and influential, that we shall here draw the attention of the reader once more to them in one or two sentences.

In the first place, this idea unites all duties, secular and religious, by exhibiting them all as parts of