Hon. Horace Davis LLD.

George W. Smalley, N.Y. Tribune

James Gardiner Voce R.D.

Perf. Akane Shuman Hill (Hawn'})

THE

SEASONS,

BY

JAMES THOMSON.

TO WHICH IS PREFIXED

THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR.

BY

P. MURDOCH, D.D. F.R.S.

EXETER:

PUBLISHED BY J. & B. WILLIAMS.

1836.

HARVARD
UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

44X260

1

AN ACCOUNT

OF THE

LIFE AND WRITINGS

OF

MR. JAMES THOMSON.

Ir is commonly said, that the life of a good writer is best read in his works; which can scarce fail to receive a peculiar tincture from his temper, manners and habits; the distinguishing character of his mind, his ruling passion, at least, will there appear undisguised. But, however just this observation may be, and although we might safely rest Mr. Thomson's fame, as a good man, as well as a man of genius, on this sole footing, yet the desire which the public always show of being more particularly acquainted with the history of an eminent author, ought not to be disappointed; as it proceeds not from mere curiosity, but chiefly from affection and gratitude to those by whom they have been entertained and instructed.

To give some account of a deceased friend, is often a piece of justice likewise, which ought not to be refused