XVI PD Rita ACE.

Whether it is poflible for human powers ever to at.

1ely doubtful.

But it is probable that thofe will come neareft to it, who, y

having their eye conftantly fixed upon the goal, know,

with fome degree of certainty, the diftance they are from it, and the obftacles that muft be overcome be-

fore they can reach it; and, with a well-directed per-

feverance, fteadily prefs forward with unremitting ar-

dour.

To affit{uch ingenious enquirers, it was propofed to enter into an accurate examination of all the particular branches that might appertain to each of the general heads above enumerated;—to endeavour to point out, under each particular head, what were the circum- ftances that it would be of the greateft importance fo. him to know;—to enquire with accuracy, what particu- lars relating to each particular head had been already dif- covered:esto diftinguifh, by a careful difcrimination, the facts that had been eftablifhed with certainty, from thofe that had been adopted without fufficient proofs;—and to jead to the moft probable means of profecuting future dif- COVETIES,

Such