PREFACE TO PARENTS. 9 



As to the style of this work a word may be said ; 

 not, of course, for the purpose of disarming criticism 

 (for truly the writer has never supposed his trifle worth 

 the critic's labour or notice), but simply to remark, 

 that the object has been to write for the minds of chil- 

 dren ; if the book be intelligible to them, the utmost 

 ambition of Uncle Philip will be attained. Truth 

 and plainness were all he sought. The first he be- 

 lieves he has attained ; and to determine his success 

 in attempting the last, he turns from the parents, and 

 looks for the decision of the question to the suf- 

 frages of the children. He would rather hear the ex- 

 pression of satisfaction from the lips of one intelligent 

 little reader, than receive the words of approbation 

 from many who are elders ; the first is testimony 

 derived from experience, the last is but opinion. 

 Children always know better than any one else does 

 what books they understand. 



In conclusion, the author owes it to himself to 

 say to the parents of his young countrymen, and to 

 the patrons of the " Boy's and Girl's Library," 

 that what he has written will be found on the side 

 of religion and morals. So far as these important 

 points are concerned, the writer is not ashamed 

 to avow himself a Christian ; nor yet does he mean 

 to make it the subject of boasting. In his simple 

 view, Christianity is a very quiet and gentle thing, 



