That Dr. Priestley, however, made truth his primary object in all his theological and metaphysical discussions, we shall readily acknowledge; for such is his own profession, and the world never had reason to question his veracity.

In his "Lectures on History and General Policy," the youthful student may find a treasure of historic information, systematically arranged. He exhibits the general uses of history under three heads: "1st. As it serves to amuse the imagination, and interest the passions in general. 2nd. As it improves the understanding. And, 3dly, as it tends to strengthen the sentiments of virtue." With his usual perspicuity he points out the superiority of history over works of fiction, as more interesting, because it is a narrative of facts, exhibiting a most impressive view of the dispensations of divine providence to mankind.

He then expatiates on the benefit to be derived from the study of history, as an improvement of the understanding.

"By studying history," as Lord Bolingbroke observes," and examining all kinds of causes and effects, a man may sharpen his penetration,

fix the attention of his mind, and strengthen his judgment." The Doctor, therefore, considers the study of History as anticipated experience, which qualifies a young man to begin life with a considerable acquisition of what is called knowledge of the world; which is often too dearly bought in the school of experience. He then proceeds to elucidate the advantages of studying history, with a view to the acquirement of political knowledge, and expresses himself with that independence and freedom which he always manifested when investigating this critical subject.

"Political knowledge, it will be said, is useful only to politicians and ministers of state. But, besides that, it is a matter of reasonable curiosity, to examine into the springs of the great wheel of government, on the just balance and regular motions of which our temporal security and happiness depend; and though political affairs be almost wholly, but not entirely out of the sphere of private persons, under an arbitrary government; yet in free governments, as is admirably said by Lord Bolingbroke, "The public service is not confined to those whom the prince appoints to the several posts in the administration under him. Men of all

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degrees ought to instruct themselves in those affairs, wherein they may be actors themselves, or judges of those who act, or controllers of those who judge:' and from some one or other of these classes, no subject of Great-Britain is wholly excluded."

Another great advantage arising from the study of history, is, its tending to free the mind from many foolish prejudices, and consequently to enlarge the understanding and rectify the judgment. This he illustrates by examples of extravagant patriotism. He also sanctions the observations of Hume "that the fair sex may learn in history this important truth, that love is neither the only, nor always the governing principle in the hearts of men; which, from the reading of novels, frequenting the theatre, and even the general turn of polite conversation, they might otherwise imagine."

But the most important use of history, on which our philosopher dwells with particular emphasis, is, its tendency to strengthen the sentiments of virtue. On this subject he reasons with great force and eloquence, demonstrating the usefulness of a true representation of vicious, as well as virtuous characters.

The only reason," as he observes, "why a young person cannot be safely trusted with viewing the vices, as well as the virtues that are in the world, is that, if left to himself in real life, vice may be so circumstanced, as to be put too inviting to his unexperienced mind.. But, in history, vice never appears tempting."

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"So consistent is the orderof Divine Provi dence, that, if the scheme be fairly and completely represented, we may depend upon it that nothing will be exhibited from which it may be justly concluded,, that vice is eligibleupon the whole. Contrary, therefore, to what may be apprehended from a promiscous acquaintance with the world, through the glass of history, vices may be viewed as safely as virtues.. Nay, they both equally teach wisdom and good morals. It is even impossible to say, which of them inculcate the moral lesson with more force.. The excesses of Nero, and the goodness of Marcus Aurelius, have the same good effect in history,"

For the truth of this observation we have only to appeal to our own hearts; and we shall

find, that not only historic narrative, but poetic fiction, have exercised all the most generous emotions of our nature. How often have our bosoms glowed with patriotism, while reading the story of Leonidas and his Spartan's; or that of St. Pierre, and the other Citizens of Calais, who offered themselves as voluntary victims to save the city. While we admire the stern heroic virtue, and nice sense of honour, which compelled Virginius to kill his beloved daughter, to preserve her chastity, our indignation is exerted against the detestable Appius, and the mind is established in the principles of justice and virtue.

But the excellent effects of history, in correcting the prejudices, rectifying the judgment, and improving the morals of the student, are best explained in the Doctor's own illustrations and reflections. Accordingly, a considerable portion of the first volume is occupied with striking passages from Universal History, in which our philosopher has, at once, demonstrated the vast extent of his reading, and his judgment in selection.

Few works will impart more useful precepts to the youthful mind, and the man of reflection