It is true, that the difficulty of constructing a solid System of Morality may be expected to be, in some degree, great, in proportion to its great value and extensive bear ings, when once constructed. But on the other hand, this acknowledged difficulty in the task will, it may be hoped, procure some indulgence to him who undertakes it if he perform his labour patiently, and as far as he can, consist ently. Even if he be not wholly successful, he may produce a result of which some part may have a permanent value.