PUBLISHERS' PREFACE. Though works intended for the direction and guidance of young gentlemen and ladies, are already very numerous, and many of them highly worthy of public patronage, yet the most of them seemed objectionable to us, because of their religious instruction. Errors on so important a subject, especially when addressed to the young, can not be too carefully guarded against, and it appeared to us, that by the manner of presentation, as well as by the cheerless and terrific views presented, too many of these works were calculated to render religion a gloomy, forbidden and repulsive object to the youthful mind. Others, more intent on rendering their works acceptable to the youthful taste as it is, than of directing that taste to what it should be, have altogether avoided that important subject—the only immutable standard of morality and propriety—and based their instructions on the fashion of this world, which passeth away in continual changes. With these feelings and views, and anxious to supply the denomination to which we belong, in particular, with a work to which they could not object, at least on religious grounds, we induced Mr. Austin to undertake this work. It was published, in a series of articles, in the Evangelical Magazine and Gospel Advocate, in the years 1837 and 1838, and met, we believe, with very general approbation from probably 35,000 or 40,000 readers. The classes particularly addressed, have been much interested, so far as we can learn, in its perusal, and many have expressed much gratification on learning that it was to appear, also, in a more permanent and convenient form. Believing that as a book it will be read again, with more pleasure, and as much benefit as at first—and that many, who had not the pleasure of perusing it as it appeared week by week in the Magazine and Advocate, will be benefited and pleased by its perusal in this form, it is now published in a neat volume, and offered for public patronage. All who wish for A GIFT which they can present to a youthful friend, without a fear of offending the purest literary taste, the chastest delicacy, or the most fervent piety, will find it in this work. That it may be greatly blessed of Our Heavenly Father in inspiring a spirit of cheerful devotion, a correct taste, and a pure and affectionate morality among the rising generation, our country's hope and pride, is the fervent prayer of Utica, June 1, 1838. The Publishers. PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. The first edition of 1500 copies having been disposed of in a few months, and the work having been warmly commended by the literary and religious journals of the day, we have procured the author's amendments and corrections, and added an Appendix, which we trust will not be found inconsistent with, or unworthy of the work itself. Thus improved and enlarged, we send forth this second edition with our continued prayer, that, like its predecessor, it may be eminently blessed of God in advancing human improvement, by leading the Youth of our happy land to virtue, usefulness and lasting felicity. Vtica, May 1, 1839. THE PUBLISHERS. |