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INTRODUCTION.

THESE Lectures were privately printed, in the hope that Mr. Sydney Smith's remaining friends would feel some interest in the occupations of his early years. By these partial judges they have been very generally approved. Several eminent men have counseled their publication; but their fragmental and elementary state seemed to forbid it.

The following letter from Lord Jeffrey (written but three days before his sudden illness, which terminated fatally) appears to be so decisive of their publication, that, under the shadow of such authority, and with the deepest feelings of gratitude to him for the candor and the affectionate approval shown toward their author, they are no longer withheld from the public.

"My ever dear Mrs. Smith,

"Edinburgh, January 18th, 1850.

"I can not tell you how grateful I am to you for having sent me this book; not merely (or chiefly) as a proof of your regard, or as a memorial of its loved and lamented author, but for the great and unexpected pleasure I have already derived, and feel sure I shall continue to derive, from its perusal. Though it came to me in the middle of my judicial avocations, and when