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THE BRITISH EMPIRE.

VOL. I.

LONDON

PRINTED BY SPOTTISWOODE AND CO.

NEW-STREET SQUARE

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WITH AN INTRODUCTION, TRACING THE PROGRESS OF SOCIETY AND OF THE
CONSTITUTION FROM THE FEUDAL TIMES TO THE OPENING OF THE

HISTORY, AND INCLUDING A PARTICULAR EXAMINATION

OF MR. HUME'S STATEMENTS RELATIVE TO THE

CHARACTER OF THE ENGLISH

GOVERNMENT.

BY GEORGE BRODIE, ESQ.

HISTORIOGRAPHER-ROYAL OF SCOTLAND.

NEW EDITION.

IN THREE VOLUMES.

VOL. I.

LONDON:

LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO.

226. i. 46.

BIBI

PREFACE

ΤΟ

THE NEW EDITION.

Ir is now many years since I published my History of the British Empire, and often since then have I been urged to produce a new edition; but other avocations so occupied me that I was obliged to delay it for a season, though I never renounced the idea.

During that time-induced by the remarks of some whose sentiments on various subjects differed from my own-I have subjected my work to the most searching scrutiny, and carefully reperused my authorities. I have endeavoured as far as possible to correct my errors, making alterations and additions wherever by so doing I considered I could throw more light on any subject. What is the value of History but to present truth? Dr. Robertson the great Historian used to say, that he considered himself on oath in every statement he made; this was a just view, and such as no one who undertakes history should lose sight of.

This work was formerly entitled A History of the British Empire;' but in the present edition I have adopted a title which explains more definitely the scope of my book.

LONDON: October 20, 1865.

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