some tribute (however inadequate) to him, whose kind influence has been so beneficial to my native land. Mercantile interests, the mild administration of the laws, the steady course of impartial justice, under your late Viceroyalty, gratefully claimed in your Lordship a patron of distinguished pre-eminence. Here is a theme, on which the energies of my country will not permit her to be silent: amid all her afflictions from party indiscretion, the language of her heart must be heard. Conscious of your actual love for Ireland, which exceeds that of her best sons, she will long cherish in her mind the revered impressions produced there by such a national benefactor. Her prayers, too, may ascend in memorial on high, and the good offices you have performed in her behalf be remembered, where no misconception prevails. Meanwhile, in this her probationary state, till your benign wishes be realized, she cannot cease to sigh

for that peace and good-will, that harmony and prosperity so generously designed by magnanimity of the most disinterested and exalted character.

I have the honour to be,

My Lord Marquess,

With unfeigned and profound respect,

Your Lordship's most obedient, faithful, and devoted Servant,

EDWARD DOWLING.

Phibsboro', near Dublin,

Jan. 31, 1829.

ADDRESS TO THE READER.

In the present undertaking it is merely intended to place the Attributes in such a point of view as seems in accordance with an omnisciently benign Creator. Having long revolved, with deep and unfeigned regret, the gloomy manner in which this truly elevated subject hath been treated by injudicious zeal, the writer wishes with great humility to plead the cause of divine truth as really calculated to awaken our lively gratitude and best affections. And let it be clearly understood that he has no desire to enter into the unfriendly mazes of controversial excitement. Seconded by the combined voice of reason and Revelation, he would speak like a friend, and not like an enemy, to all those who may conscientiously differ with him in opinion.

Though resolute to maintain his own sentiments till convicted of error, he shall ever prefer that pure language of benediction which flows from the fountain of universal benevolence. Christianity itself, if properly estimated, and duly attended to in our converse with our fellow-men, would be far indeed from intentionally dropping any additional acid into the already too effervescent cup of mortal existence. Receive, then, what is here presented, in the aspect in which it is offered; and do not consider it at variance with the most sincere good-will to all mankind. Remember what a great diversity exists, as to the human countenance, and be not surprised to meet as great a diversity in human thoughts. Be zealous and indefatigable as the course of time itself. Admire the mighty thunders as well as the bright sunshine of your best friend. But whilst you contemplate even the tempest itself, look chiefly to its future beneficial results; and let not its awful terrors completely eclipse, in your estimation, those enlivening rays that graciously follow its apparently angry visitation. Dwell not too much on the gloom-cast portion of