THE BEAUTIES OF HISTORY; OR, PICTURES OF VIRTUE AND VICE, PRINTED FOR J. BRAMBLES, A. MEGGITT, AND J. WATERS, BY H. MOZLEY, GAINSBOROUGH. PREFACE. HOWEVER persons differ about the manner of con ducting education, the importance of it is universally allowed. It forms the brightest_characters, calls forth those faculties which in a state of nature would lie dormant and concealed, and directs them to the best ends, the good of Society. Nature may be more liberal to some of the human species; but her gifts often prove hurtful to their possessors, if education does not teach the right use and exertion of them. The service of the public should be held up as the first duty of every individual. The love of mankind is the most generous principle of action, and should be recommended to youth as the first object of their attention. In comparison of this, the gratification of pleasure, avarice, or ambition, are mean and contemptible motives. The ancients trained up their youth to be useful to the state, and taught them to despise every advantage inconsistent with tis welfare. The consequence of this was visible in the dignity and disinterestedness of their public and private transactions. This sentiment produced such illustrious characters and actions as we can scarcely give credit to. To collect these records of virtue, and to inspire the minds of youth with a noble emulation to rival them, is the intent of the present publication: how useful such a work must be, I need not to say; and the pleasure it will afford must be equal to its utility. It is keeping the best company, and viewing human nature in the most amiable light. The entertainment it affords, not only springs from generous sentiments, but 6340 (RECAP) MAR-21908 224148 |