engage the attention, and to fix them in the memory, till advancing age, and the reading of history in detail, shall call them into use.

Next to the study of the Sacred Scriptures, I have always held the history of our own country to be important in education, particularly in that of boys.

To teach the love of our country is almost a religious duty. In the Scriptures how often is it referred to! How many beautiful passages in the Psalms encourage it! "If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning." But above all other tender expressions, is that of the blessed Jesus, addressed to Jerusalem and its inhabitants: "How often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!"

Let no one fear that to cultivate patriotism is to make men illiberal in feeling towards mankind in general. Is any man the worse citizen for being a good son, or brother, or father, or husband?

I am indeed persuaded that the well-grounded love of our own country is the best security for that enlightened philanthropy which is aimed at as the perfection of moral education.

This is the feeling that has guided me in writing LITTLE ARTHUR'S HISTORY.' If it should happily lay the foundation for patriotism in one single Englishman, my wishes will be answered, my best hopes fulfilled.

M. C.