Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

THOUGHTS

ON THE

MORAL ORDER OF NATURE.

BY ANNA MARIA WINTER.

IN THREE VOLUMES.

VOL. I.

DUBLIN:

JOHN CHAMBERS, 4, ABBEY-STREET.

1831.

[ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]

"TO THE AUTHOR OF THOUGHTS ON THE

MORAL ORDER OF NATURE.'"

"MY DEAR SISTER,

"I have read over your manuscript with the interest which, you will believe, I must take in a production of your pen; though, from the limited time which I had to devote to it, much more hastily than would have been necessary to a careful examination of the great variety of subjects it embraces.

"I think, however, I may take upon me to assure you, that the publication of it can be, in no respect, discreditable to you. Your work appears to me to afford proof of an observant, penetrating, capacious intellect, as well as of a pure and benevolent

heart.

"As to those peculiar views which it unfolds, and which occupy so considerable a portion of it, I cannot undertake to pronounce an opinion upon them, and I am not, perhaps, well fitted to do so. Accustomed always to the practical concerns of mankind, and to contemplate them, in their various relations, according to the recognized, established principles of moral and social order, it may well be supposed that, at my present time of life, my mind may not be sufficiently open to the reception of new ideas on matters of this high importance. I must, therefore, as to all these points, refer you to the judgment of those enlightened readers which, I trust, your work will meet with, without pretending to anticipate what it may be. However, in your most novel speculations, I think they will, at least, discern the workings of a strong mind; as, I have no doubt, they will duly appreciate the force of character, and steadiness of purpose, which determined you, possessing the means of enjoying the amusements and pleasures of the world, to devote your time and thoughts to these profound meditations, and to the developement of views which you hoped might tend to advance the moral worth, dignity, and happiness of your fellow-creatures.

"Your very affectionate brother,

“JOHN PRATT WINTER."

« AnteriorContinuar »