PREFACE. AT T a time, when so many volumes of select lessons, intended almost solely for the instruction of youth, are in circulation, it may, perhaps, appear superfluous to add to the number. While however, those have their appropriate 'excellencies, it is presumed that this, from the variety, and interesting nature of the matter it contains, will be deemed not unworthy of the patronage of those who are interested in the improvement of the rising generation. From the abridgement of arts and sciences, the compiler conceives that much valuable and necessary information may be obtained, and that young people in particular, may be enabled to store their minds from this little volume, with a fund of knowledge, which they could not acquire but from the perusal of works more copi. ous and extensive. Great pains have been taken to select such historical pieces, as shall have a ten n'ency to inspire the mind with generous and noble sentiments, and at the same time, to blend amusement with instruction. How far the object has been attained, instructors of youth, and the enlightened citizens of the United States, into whose hands this volume may fall, will decide. THE COMPILER Of Division of time, or Chronology, Population, scats, of government, chief towns, &c. 85 Spanish Provinces in North America, The Weft Indies, 8g QE England, Sele&tion of Pieces in Reading and Speaking, Qbservations on the principles of good reading, Diftinctness, 117 128. Select Sentences and Paragraphs, 139 Narrative Pieces. No rank or possessions can make the guilty mind happy, 146, Change of external condition often adverse to virtue, 147 Qrtugrul ; or, the vanity of siches,. 148 Lady Jane Gray, 150 'The Hill of Science, 154 The journey of a day; a picture of human life, 157 Didactis 99 119 124 Page. The importance of a good education, A suspicious temper the source of misery to its passes- The mortifications of vicę greater than those of vittue, 163 Rank and riches afford po grobod for eney, Moderation in our wishes recommended, ei Happiness is founded in rectitude of conduct, 170 - Virtue man's highest interest, On the immortality of the soul, The Cataract of Niagara, in Canada, North America, 176 The Grotto of Antiparos continued, i On the beauties of the Psalms, Character of Alfred, King of England, Trial and execution of the Earl of Strafford, who fell & a sacrifice to the violence of the times, in the reign of The clemency and amiable character of the Patriarch .. Dionysius, Pythias, and Damon, ?The Apostle Paul's noble defence before Festus and 206 Sbort |