the very flattering encouragement the public have been pleased to give "the looking-glass for the mind, or intellectual mirror," has invited the editor of that work to intrude once more on their indulgence. as a general preceptor, he wishes to be useful to the rising generation, and with that view recommends to their serious perusal "the blossoms of morality."
the looking-glass is a very free translation of some of the most interesting tales of mons. berquin, and other foreign writers, whose works in the juvenile line undoubtedly merit the highest encomiums, and claim the most extensive patronage of their fellow-citizens. it certainly must be allowed, that great merit is due to those foreign celebrated writers, who, after studying the higher branches of literature,iv instead of attempting to acquire honour and fame by delivering lectures on the abstruse sciences, have condescended to humble themselves to the plain language of youth, in order to teach them wisdom, virtue, and morality.
with respect to the present work, though we have not so largely borrowed from foreign writers, yet we have endeavoured to supply that deficiency by the introduction of original matter. the juvenile mind very early begins to enlarge and expand, and is capable of reflection much sooner than we are generally apt to imagine.
from these considerations, we have carried our ideas in this volume one step higher than in the last: and, though we have given many tales that may contribute to amuse the youthful mind, yet we have occasionally introduced subjects which, we hope, will not fail to exercise their judgment, improve their morals, and give them some knowledge of the world.
for instance: in the history of ernestus and fragilis, which is the first, andv one of the original pieces inserted in this volume, the youthful reader is led to reflect on the instability of all human affairs; he is taught to be neither insolent in prosperity nor mean in adversity; but is shown how necessary it is to preserve an equality of temper through all the varying stages of fortune. he is also shown, how dangerous are the indulgences of parents, who suffer children to give themselves up to indolence and luxury, which generally, as in this history, terminate in a manner fatal to all the parties concerned.
may these blossoms of morality, in due time, ripen to maturity, and produce fruit that may be pleasing to the youthful taste, tend to correct the passions, invigorate the mental faculties, and confirm in their hearts true and solid sentiments of virtue, wisdom, and glory.
