I may repeat what I have already said, that I have never wittingly misrepresented an event, or suppressed an incident, which might interfere with my own preconceived view.

Jacta est alea, as Bayle said on the completion of his dictionary ; and all that I have a right to ask is, that I be judged by my labours.

This work has exacted many years of labour of the writers life, and some personal sacrifice on his part.

Had it not been for the generous assistance of three friends, whose important aid was given in the crises of its production, he would have failed in its com- pletion.

It was this aid which permitted its continuation to the period designed; that is to say, that the work which this preface introduces is ended.