PREFACE. IT is the belief of not a few of those most deeply interested in the education of the young, that on the system at present pursued in most schools, the storing of the intellect has become the sole object of the teacher's care, and that any attempt to form the habits or cultivate the feelings of the pupils would be considered a culpable, or, at least, a useless waste of time. The text books in use are of course adapted to the system that is in highest estimation, and a glance at their contents, which are almost exclusively scientific, will shew that they are not likely to remedy the defect complained of. It was a sense of this deficiency of teaching addressed to the heart and feelings which suggested the compilation of the present work; and it will be the highest gratification of the distinguished philanthropist who suggested the work, as of the author who has prepared it, to know that in any way it has contributed to effect the purpose for which it is designed. The author has freely employed the labours of others when they fell in with his plans, care having, of course, been taken to acknowledge his obligations; and it will be understood, that for those pieces which have no name attached, he is himself responsible. |