no aspirate, but otherwise similar, has a manifest utility. The short sentences are introduced, not as models of tasteful writing, but as initiatory exercises upon the pauses which are to be observed in correct reading and speaking. It may be proper to remember, that those to whom such humble directions are not wanting, may pass them; and that for this purpose they are kept in an exclusive part of the work. An objection may be made to a deficiency of taste in some of the selections in the commencement of the Second Part of the work. These selections are intended, not as examples of elegant composition, but as exercises of discrimination and retention, and as means of exciting fluency in oral expression. In making them, it was necessary to begin with narrative, and to place the most simple narratives first in order. On the Third Part, which treats more particularly of the application of the mind to its own resources, the author has endeavoured to employ particular care. The great object of this division of the work is to bring into familiar practice the principles of reasoning which have hitherto been granted only to mathematical and logical research. It will not be thought presumptuous to say that those acquirements have frequently been found inefficient in the investigation of occurrences in real life. Some mode was wanting to apply those principles of analysis and demonstration to the causes and effects of human action. The author has endeavoured to lead the mind, by cautious gradation, from the habits of definition, to the investigation of complex proposition. In every stage the principle is put into practice upon such subjects as form the inquiries of life. And although the author has not offered to the public an extended system of reasoning, yet he trusts that what he has done will materially conduce to readiness in arrangement, to perspicuity in expression, and even to the facilitation of colloquial intercourse. "Exercises in Reading and Recitation" occupy the Fourth Part. Their literary excellence is so faultless, that the author of this book presumes they will approve themselves to all readers. It will not diminish the gratification, that so many of them are from the pens or the lips of our own great writers or speakers. In the Contents, the titles of such of the pieces printed in the Second Part as were deemed suitable, have been enumerated with those of the Fourth Part: the articles thus selected will serve the double purpose of examples under rules, and of exercises for recitation. Allusion is made in the Introduction to the "Debate on the Character of Julius Cæsar," which forms the Fifth and concluding Part. Its eminent author has afforded by its composition strong evidence of the estimation in which he holds debating schools, as sources of instruction and amusement. Such institutions are to be encouraged wherever they exist under proper regulations. No young man who prepares himself duly, by previous investigation and reflection, to debate the subjects proposed in an intelligent and lucid manner, can fail to obtain advantage from them. It need hardly be suggested, that some acquaintance with grammar and some practice in written composition should precede the attempt to engage in extemporaneous discussion. To the engraver, for his exquisite and faithful representation of the eminent statesman and not less distinguished judge whose portraits form the embellishments of this volume, the thanks of the publishers are due. The appropriateness of the Dedication will, it is conceived, be the general sentiment. Its object is justly esteemed one of the brightest living examples of proficiency in that art which this work attempts to teach. He is truly heir, not merely in blood, but also, to the genius, eloquence, and love of freedom and country, which were so preeminently the characteristics of our oldest and greatest orator. |