verted the spirit of the original, or derogated from the dignity of the subject. This edition, although translated by the same hand as that erroneously said to be by the Author of the Adviser, differs in some respects from that translation, which was composed very hastily, and came from the press with some inaccuracies. Some of the concluding sentences, which were omitted before, are now restored, as tending to promote the cause of religion and the practice of humanity; and many corrections have been made. I cannot conclude, without sincerely congratulating the public upon the increase of piety, and the more general diffusion of knowledge, in this country. Our children are leaving the worse-than-foolish tales of Tom Thumb, Goody Two-shoes, Little Red Riding-hood, Jack the Giant Killer, and many more productions of like nature, all tending to vitiate their young minds, fill them with absurd notions, and encourage a love of the marvellous, and a dislike to plain truth; for works savouring more of probability, and tending to conduct them through the paths of virtue to the temple of fame. The present work I venture to recommend to young people, with a firm confidence in its improving the mind and ameliorating the heart. It will be particularly useful to those whose reading is not very extensive, as containing much useful information in natural history and natural philosophy, conveyed in language intelligible to young children; and every where abounding with devotion warm from the heart. 144 Hymn of thanksgiving for the works of nature 218 Diversity of traits in the human countenance 146 Caterpillars The universal care of God over his creatures 147 Beginning of summer |