direct the publication of the work, and from the repeated and careful revisions which had necessarily occurred, in the frequent perusal of the Lectures, during many years, in the circle of his family and pupils. The Author began a dedication to his pupils, but it was left unfinished. Those to whom it would have been addressed, have only to recollect the fervent zeal entertained by their preceptor for their best interests, to supply the warm sentiments of affectionate regard that it would have breathed. 1 PREFACE. Ar the commencement of these Lectures, my design was only to make some observations on the System of Moral Philosophy in the Preceptor written by Mr. Fordyce, without any view to publication. The first Lectures, therefore, will be found to be little more than a compilation from Fordyce, Hutcheson, and Reid. And indeed, through the whole, my only view has been to lay before my pupils the plainest principles of Moral Science and of Natural Theology, and whatever is of the greatest practical utility, without any regard to the source from which it was derived. But whatever obligations I may have been under to preceding writers; for some of the most valuable sentiments which these Lectures contain, and which I am happy in having an opportunity of communicating to the world, I am indebted to the instructions which I received vivâ voce from that best of tutors, the Rev. Dr. Aikin. 1 There are no subjects of equal importance both to the present, and to the future happiness of mankind, with those contained in these Lectures. There are few subjects which, at present, are so little attended to. A period may arrive when a different, a better taste, will prevail. When this is the case, or whenever these Lectures are read, that they may be instrumental in laying a foundation for correct ideas on moral subjects, in forming and strengthening a habit of moral sensibility, and in leading the mind to rational and cheerful views of Religion, is the wish and prayer of their Composer and Compiler. CONTENTS I. Moral Philosophy, the Knowledge of the Na- ture, Duty, and Happiness of Man. The Faculties of the Human Mind..................................... IV. In what order, proportion, and degree of inward powers, Virtue consists V. The Foundation of Moral Obligation. Dif- ferent Schemes examined......... VI. The Harmony of the schemes. Man in a State of Moral Obligation or bound by Duty. Division of Duty, as it refers to |