TO THE READER. IN the preceding volume, we have attempted to sketch the great line of history, through the ancient nations. A similar attempt with regard to the modern, and on the same scale, however small it may appear, would be impracticable, without extending the work far beyond its intended limit. The reader has already been apprised that a methodical abridgement, even in the former part of the work, was not intended....much less will it be in the subsequent. As we approach our own times, the subject matter of history becomes so copious, that its very outline would fill volumes; and its skeleton could not be accurately drawn but in a work of magnitude. In passing through a field so wide and diversified, we shall be able only to suggest some of the principal topics of historical observation. It will be like gliding lightly and swiftly over the numberless waves of the ocean, and touching only some of their highest tops.* Yet our selection of topics has not been without regard to the pleasure and profit of the reader. It is feared that the rapidity and general nature of the narration, kept up for so long a time, will chill and disgust the mind. But we apprehend less danger from this source, than from a strictly chronological form, which would exhibit a much greater number of facts, but without combination. In our choice of objects to present to the experienced reader, we have had continual reference to the power of association, and have endeavored to present such as will be most likely to bring to remembrance groups of ideas and circumstances, which were once fresh, but are now fading in the mind. |