and, in order to elucidate, as far as possible, a subject involved in no small degree of obscurity, I found it necessary to examine the relations which this system of mythology bore to the doctrines and observances of other nations.
Although my ultimate object has been the illustration of an historical question, I have made no allusion to it in the following treatise. The inferences I wish to deduce are sufficiently obvious.
I am not without some further hope that this work, as well as every other careful research into heathen superstitions, may also tend to another and a not less important result. The more diligently we examine the moral and religious history of those nations who were destitute of the light of revelation, the stronger is our impression of their debasement and mental darkness, and the more just will be our estimate of those means by which Divine Providence has been pleased to deliver us from the atrocious barbarism and unmitigated depravity, in which our pagan ancestors were involved. To this effect an attentive survey of the religious dogmas and practices of the most learned people of the primitive world will not fail to contribute its due share.
I cannot but be sensible of many imperfections in a work composed during the moments of relation from the duties of an active profession; but I am aware that the tribunal of criticism is
