PREFACE. pon the mindlar in school kind, have me THE various Collections already published 1 and adopted in schools, might seem to render this superfluous; yet the Editor, unintimidated by that reflection, ventures to offer this Selection to the Public, with a full conviction, that judicious teachers will immediately perceive its obvious utility. That excellent Collection of moral and instructive Essays, &c. THE PLEASING INSTRUCTOR, and other popular books of a like kind, have become so familiar in schools, that they pall upon the mind, and boys are inclined to consider the reading of them as a kind of task, and therefore disregard the precepts they contain.-Since the time of their first publication, many excellent authors have added sufficiently to the stock of modern literature to shew the necessity for a Compilation that might combine the beauties. contained in their works, with those we find in Authors that have previously been had recourse to. The Editor's chief purpose in making this selection was, to inculcate in the minds of youth strong impressions of their moral obligations, the danger of the slightest deviation a 2 from from the path of virtue, and those refined sensibilities of the human mind, which elevate man so infinitely beyond the rest of the creation, and fit him for rational enlightened so- , ciety.-The early cultivation of the virtuous, generous, and humane principles of the mind, is certainly a matter of the greatest importance; therefore he who contributes to exalt: and confirm those dispositions, which adorn and ennoble human nature, may surely escape censure, even if the slightness of the means he adopts do not entitle him to any high degree of general approbation. PAGE a On the conduct of youth . of education - - - e : . .. 103 IIS The 109 11%
119 139 147 168 PAGE The arts of deceiving conscience - On the guilt of incurring debts, without an intention or prospect of payment . - : - . 121 Learning should be sometimes applied to cultivate our The story of Maria, from Sterne · The want of piety arises from the want of sensibility The distresses of a modest man . The story of Dionysius the tyrant - The vision of Theodore the hermit of Teneriffe The vision of Theodore continued . On the respect paid by the Lacedemonians and Athenians The history of Joseph abridged The story of a disabled soldier Scene between Col. Rivers and Sir Harry An address to a young scholar.. . On the advantages derivable from national adversity Reinarkable instance of filial duty . - On the importance of governing the temper The impression of truth on the mind when suggested by On the importance of a good character, considered only History of the Empress Catherina - - On the folly and wickedness of war On the beauty and happiness of an open behaviour and an. The resignation of the Emperor Charles V. - iners - - - . Gentleness of manners, with firmness or resolution of mind 276 ă ă 277 Morgan |