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TO THE

ENGLISH READER:

OR,

ELEGANT SELECTIONS

IN PROSE AND POETRY.

DESIGNED TO IMPROVE

THE HIGHEST CLASS OF LEARNERS, IN READ.

ING

TO ESTABLISH A TASTE FOR JUST

AND ACCURATE COMPOSITION;

AND

ΤΟ

PROMOTE

THE INTERESTS

OF

PIETY AND VIRTUE.

BY LINDLEY MURRAY,

Author of "English Grammar, adapted to the different Classes of Learners," &c.

Boston Edition :

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY LINCOLN & EDMANDS.

Sold at their Bible Warehouse, and

Theological & Miscellaneous Bookstore, No. 53 Cornhill.

1816.
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THE second edition of this work has received the Author's particular attention. Many of the pieces in the former edition are omitted, and others inserted which are of superior importance, or more interesting to young persons. The new edition contains also, in an Appendix, Biographical Sketches of the authors mentioned in the "Introduction to the English Reader," "The English Reader" itself, and the "Sequel to the Reader," with occasional strictures on their writings, and references to the particular works by which they have been most distinguished.*

By these Biographical Sketches, it is the Compiler's intention, not only to gratify the young reader's curiosity, respecting the authors of the pieces he has perused; but also to present to him such facts and sentiments as are peculiarly instructive and interesting, and calculated to make durable impressions on his mind. The language too of these Sketches has been studiously regarded; that no want of accuracy or perspicuity in the composition might prevent this part of the book from forming an additional number of occasional exercises in reading.

* From the difficulty of obtaining accurate and impartial informasien, and from motives of delicacy, no account is given of living authors.

THE "English Reader" has been fo favourably received by the public, as to encourage the Compiler to hope, that the present volume will not be deemed unworthy of attention. It pursues the fame objects as the former work; it preferves the fame chafte attention to the morals of youth; its materials are taken from the moft correct and elegant writers: and, as the pieces are generally more extended, and contain a greater variety of ftyle and compofition, it is prefumed that it forms a proper "Sequel to the Reader," and is calculated to improve, both in fchools and in private families, the higheft clafs of young readers.

In felecting materials for the poetical part of his work, the Compiler met with few authors, the whole of whofe writings were unexceptionable. Some of them have had unguarded moments, in which they have written what is not proper to come under the notice of youth. He must not therefore be understood as recommending every pro. duction of all the poets who have contributed to his felection.* Judicious parents and tutors, who feel the importance of a guarded education, will find it incumbent upon them to felect for their children and pupils, fuch writings, both in profe and poetry, as are proper for their perufal; and young perfons will evince their virtue and good fenfe, by cordially acquiescing in the judgment of thofe who are deeply interested in their welfare. Per

* Justice to the authors from whose writings the extracts were made, and regard to the credit of the present work, rendered the insertion of names indispensable.

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