BEING A NEW SELECTION OF LESSONS FOR READING AND SPEAKING. DESIGNED FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS. BY CALEB BINGHAM, Α. Μ. "TRAIN UP A CHILD IN THE WAY HE SHOULD GO," The Ninth Edition. Published according to Act of Congress. BOSTON: PRINTED BY MANNING AND LORING, 1801. June 13,1910 PREFACE. EdercT758.01.208 IN making felections for the following work, a preference has been given to the productions of American genius. The Compiler, however, has not been wholly confined to America; but has extracted from approved writers of different ages and countries. Convinced of the impropriety of instilling falfe notions into the minds of children, he has not given place to romantic fiction. Although moral effsays have not been neglected; yet pleasing and interesting ftories, exemplifying moral virtues, were judged best calculated to engage the attention and improve the heart. Tales of love have not gained admiffion. The Compiler pledges himself, that, while this book contains nothing offenfive to the most rigid moralist, neither a word nor a fentiment shall be found, which would " raise a blush on the cheek of modefty." In the arrangement of pieces, the usual order has not been obferved. But with design to render it more entertaining to children, dialogues, arations, historical anecdotes, &c. with the different kinds of reading in profe and verse, are variously interspersed through the whole work. For the conveniency of large classes, the feveral pieces are divided into paragraphs of a moderate length; the utility of which, those converfant in the instruction of youth will readily discover. Instructors are assured, that the inconveniency arifing from the frequent alterations in the different editions of School-books will never be experienced in this. The Compiler is far from wishing to establish the merits of this, by making objections to other performances. Improvement has been bis object. How far he has succeeded, a candid public will decide. |