132 History. 



We have at least one instance on record, of an 

 eloquent Greek historian attending the Olympic 

 Games, for the express purpose of publicly re- 

 citing his history to the assembled multitude. It 

 is natural to conclude that a work formed with a 

 view to such an exhibition would be rather an 

 agreeable poem, accommodated to popular preju- 

 dices, and addressed to popular feelings, than a 

 faithful record of facts, for the instruction of pos- 

 terity. The historians of the present day lay their 

 authorities before the reader, and their caution is 

 excited, and their fidelity rendered more vigilant 

 by the recollection that the same sources of infor- 

 mation are open to others, and that contemporary 

 rivals, and many classes of readers, will sit in judg- 

 ment on the truth of their narratives. 



Another great improvement, which began in 

 the eighteenth century to characterize the more 

 formal and dignified works on civil history, is 

 connecting the progress of literature, science, arts, 

 and manners, with the chain of civil and mili- 

 tary transactions. Very imperfect views of these 

 collateral, but important and interesting objects of 

 inquiry, are to be found in any histories of an 

 earlier date. But of late years, and particularly 

 within the last half century, the best historians 

 have interwoven with their narratives of political 

 and military events, much amusing and valuable 

 information, concerning the religion, learning, 

 laws, customs, trade, and every other object tend- 

 ing to throw light on the progress, genius, and 

 condition of different communities. The import- 

 ance of this improvement will be readily appreci- 

 ated by those who love to study the course of im- 

 provement which the human mind has exhibited; 

 or who reflect how intimately revolutions, and other 

 national events are often connected with the current 

 of literary, moral, and religious opinions; and how 



