PREFATORY. To MUCH time is wasted by human beings, in general, on establishment of systems; and it often takes more labour to master the intricacies of an artificial connexion, than to remember the separate facts which are so carefully connected. I suspect that system-makers, in general, are not of much more use, each in his own domain, than, in that of Pomona, the old women who tie cherries upon sticks, for the more convenient portableness of the same. cultivate well, and choose well, your cherries, is of some importance; but if they can be had in their own wild way of clustering about their crabbed stalk, it is a better connexion for them than any other; and, if they cannot, then, so that they be not bruised, it makes to a boy of a practical disposition, not much difference whether he gets them by handfuls,* or in beaded symmetry on the exalting stick. I purpose, therefore, henceforward to trouble myself little with sticks or twine, but to arrange my chapters with a view to convenient reference, rather than to any careful division of subjects, and to follow out, in any by-ways that may open, on right hand or left, whatever question it seems useful at any moment to settle. * Or basketfuls? DEDICATORY AND EXPLANATORY. то S. S. B. THE volume of Selections from the numerous works of JOHN RUSKIN, which was published some years since, I devoted mainly to "Nature" and to "Art," Ruskin's specialty, leaving only a small portion of the book to "Morals" and "Religion." Consequently, manifold thoughts, on these latter topics, remained in those voluminous works as hidden treasure, inaccessible to the many—thoughts valuable to the Christian philosopher, the statesman, and, indeed, to readers in general. Without repeating any of the former selections, I have culled from that great treasure-house of thought the gems for this volume, which I take special pleasure in dedicating to you, my dear S., as an appreciative admirer of the writings of JOHN RUSKIN. Affectionately and fervently yours, PRINCETON, N. J. LOUISA C. TUTHILL. |
