which contribute so extensively to the improvement of general and literary taste, by bringing the happier efforts of higher minds within the reach of all classes of society. The volume now offered to the public may also, we trust, prove serviceable to the interests of education. The selection contained in the following pages is such it is hoped, as will exert a favourable influence on the minds of youth, by the predominating intellectual and literary character of the pieces. The sentiments imbibed from the perusal of this compilation will be such as our most eminent writers have inculcated; and the spirit infused by it will be that vivid admiration of nature and of human excellence, which forms a characteristic trait in American writings. There is a period, too, in education, in which an enlightened instructer will not omit a candid comparison of our native literature with the contemporary productions of English writers,-not for the sake of indulging national prejudice of any kind, but of enlarging the intelligence, and disciplining the taste, of the rising minds, which, in their subsequent advancement, are to influence the literary estimation of their country. As a reading book for the higher classes in seminaries for both sexes, the Common-place Book will be found, it is thought, well adapted to a department of education in which it is difficult to find a volume of suitable character, and especially when that excellent volume the First Class Book, or any similar work, has been used in the previous stages of instruction. Boston 1828. EDITOR. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Page. Goodness of the Deity displayed in the Beauty of Creation. Dwight. 9 Passage of the Potomac through the Blue Ridge. Moral and intellectual Efficacy of the Sacred Scriptures. Labours of periodical Composition. Industry necessary to the Attainment of Eloquence. Influence of Female Character. The Stout Gentleman. A Stage-coach Romance. Patriotism and Eloquence of John Adams. Description of the Speedwell Mine in England. Hypochondriasis and its Remedies. Climate and Scenery of New England. Posthumous Influence of the Wise and Good. Difficulties encountered by the Federal Convention. Reflections on the Battle of Lexington. Declaration of American Independence. Mementos of the Instability of human Existence. Description of the Preaching of Whitfield. Destruction of a Family of the Pilgrims by the Savages. Melancholy Decay of the Indians. Object and Success of the Missionary Enterprise. Mont Blanc in the Gleam of Sunset. Paga Extract from a Speech on the British Treaty. Appeal in Favour of the Union. Professional Character of William Pinkney. External Appearance of England. Literary Character of Jefferson and Adams. |