PREFACE. It is not usual to write long prefaces; and if it were, no one would read them: but still it is proper for the Author to explain to his readers the nature of his undertaking. The present work has been made as interesting as possible, by a great number of anecdotes, quotations, and facts; all illustrating, in some respect, the great principles of human action and human happiness. The Author has not, generally, given a reference to the works from which his quotations have been taken, because the quotations are so numerous, that it would have occasioned much trouble to the printer, and little profit to the reader. He has, however, made a distinction between his own. thoughts and those of others, by invariably acknowledging the latter. ON TEMPERANCE AND INTEMPERANCE. On abstemiousness and excess.-The disadvantage and advantage of fasting.-A moderate gratification of the palate allowable.-On intemperance in eating.- The meals of the ancients.-Gluttony degrading.- Intemperance in drinking.—The evils arising from Motion necessary for creation.—The advantage of ex- ercise to man.—The importance of health.—The evil of excessive labour.-On the strength of the female sex.-. necessary for health.-Various modes of travelling.- |