their pursuit. I had some experience of this in what Merchants call Exchange. The generality of them perfectly understand the practice, and seldom err in it; but beyond the practical part, they are deficient in the exact notions required for a correct analysis; so that a Philosopher having occasion for some information on the subject, talked a long time with several Merchants before he could gain a precise idea of it; such was the confusion of their ideas in all but the practical part; but when he had once seized the meaning of it, he was able to explain it in a few words to all who had the least glimpse of the matter. Besides, continued LEANDER, there may be Metaphysicians who make an ill use of their science, applying it to subjects to which it is unsuited,—such as practical morality, and the business of social life, where so much precision is not demanded, and where men usually act from the dictates of conscience and the suggestions of their own good sense, as the emergencies arise; to tie them down. to strict rules would only displease and

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disgust them. But, in this case, it is not so much a misapplication, as a want of Metaphysics for the same exactness of thought, which it is the purpose of Metaphysics to effect, should teach us the nature of morality and the common concerns of life, which cannot be confined within such narrow limits, but must be allowed a latitude of discretion more adapted to the active habits of man. those, then, who are otherwise able Metaphysicians, form an incorrect judgment of the ordinary conduct of life, it arises from ignorance of the world, and of human nature; and thus their Metaphysics, for want of knowledge of the subject, fail of success. I am ready to admit, then, that the Learned are sometimes, with respect to ordinary Men, what they are with respect to the Learned: the former are less Metaphysicians than they imagine themselves to be, for want of acquaintance with the common concerns of life; while the latter are more so than they think, in consequence of their accurate

and subtile reflections on the things with which they are conversant.

Here the arrival of more company put a stop to the conversation; but EUGENIUS proposed a walk to LEANDER, on a future day, when they might renew this discussion more conveniently between themselves. What passed on that occasion will form the subject of the next Dialogue.

ELEMENTS OF METAPHYSICS.

DIALOGUE II.

You seem, said EUGENIUS, somehow or other, so to confound Metaphysicians and ordinary men, that I do not yet comprehend the use of making Metaphysics a particular study. If a familiar acquaintance with certain objects constitutes a man a Metaphysician, here he is at once a Philosopher without knowing it; and he has the farther advantage of having saved himself the expense of study and reflexion.

The saving you speak of, replied LEANDER, is no advantage to him. It is as if a Mason should congratulate himself on being spared the expence of learning