sion to pass by unimproved, which I might fairly use, to inculcate an elevated sense of justice, of integrity, of honor, of dignity, and of independence of feeling, sentiment, and action. All these are elements of an enlightened sense of duty, the strengthening and maturing of which, is, of all things, the most essential in the formation of character.
Next to religion, the moral interests of a nation are its highest interests, and practical morals have an intrinsic claim to be universally studied and understood. Studies pertaining to moral duty, that is, to personal conduct, may well claim precedence of every other. It is not important, that every man should be acquainted with Algebra and Geometry, though these sciences are not without their use to any one; but it is important, that every man, whatever may be his vocation, should be acquainted with practical morals. Still, the importance of Moral Philosophy is not so generally acknowledged as it ought to be, and it has been very much neglected, in almost, if not quite all our institutions of education.
Moral Philosophy has important relations to, and connexions with law; and, on these parts of the subject, I have sometimes stood in need of the aid and advice of gentlemen learned in the law. My acknowledgments are due to Mitchell King, C. G. Memminger, and George W. Eggleston, Esquires, of Charleston, for considerable assistance rendered in this way. While residing at Cambridge to superintend the printing, similar assistance has been given me, with much kindness and courtesy, by Simon Greenleaf, Esq., Royall Professor of Law in Harvard University, and by Mr. Justice Story, of the Supreme Court of the United States. Invited "to consult them as often as it suited me," several of my chapters have derived the greatest advantage from the consultations which were thus encouraged. President Quincy, also, with his accustomed liberality, and without waiting to be applied to, opened to me all the facilities of the University.
Cambridge, 4 September, 1837.