so she can assure them that vanity bore no share in her undertaking so arduous a task, which was perhaps superior to her abilities; yet, as it seemed particularly suited to the nature of her employ, she was tempted to combat the difficulties which attended it, and will think her labours amply rewarded, if the system she has formed should prove instrumental in advancing the progress of virtue. Dialogue and Fable are generally esteemed the best vehicles to convey instruction, as they lure the mind into knowledge, and imperceptibly conduct it to the goal of wisdom. This mode of practice often succeeds where formal precept fails, and might produce a happy effect if it were more frequently adopted. The younger part of her readers are earnestly entreated to improve their intellectual faculties with unwearied assiduity and as the Author rejoices in the oppor opportunity now offered her, of casting in her mite towards the accumulating stock which is to enrich their understandings, she begs they will pay attention not only to particular, but general instructions. In the latter class, the following pages are included; which, she hopes, like a nose gay composed of different flowers, will dispense their fragrance, and prove an agreeable compound. PREFACE PREFACE то THE FOURTH EDITION. THE Author begs leave to return thanks to that Public to whose candour she imputes the favourable reception of the former Editions of this Work. As a token of her gratitude, she has endea- voured to render it more deserving their patronage, by some necessary corrections and considerable additions in the Geo- graphical Part; which she offers as the means of rendering her performance of CONTENTS. ON Industry, Truth, and Sincerity; the pe- culiar advantages arising from the practice On Orthography, and the practical Use of Grammar, with an Explanation of some of the most useful Parts of Grammar; also Directions to articulate with Propriety; and priety; and also a definition of the diffe- On the Derivation of Words, and Geography. The etymology of many Words fully ex-. plained, and their several derivations spe- cified. A Dissertation on Geography con- tinued; and the different states in life Page 52 On History; its importance and use; divided into the classes of Sacred, Profane, Natural, and Biographical; the advantages of each |