be, that of Washington. We pronounce it with filial reverence, as well as gratitude; for we admire and love him, not merely in consideration of what he did, but what he was. There is a sacred charm in his actions and his sentiments, as well as a divine philosophy in his remarkable career. But his example and his precepts are a legacy, not only to America, but to all mankind. And as they are contemplating and admiring his virtues, they are invited to read, in his own words, his golden maxims. These are adapted to the use of Statesmen, Soldiers, Citizens, heads of families, teachers of youth, and, in a word, all who should aim at what is great and good, in public and in private life, and who would avail themselves of such sagacious, profound, and ennobling sentiments. With a view to furnish, for popular use, a small volume of the words of Washington, the labor of culling and arranging his memorable precepts in this collection, was originally undertaken. Public documents and private letters, manuscripts and printed volumes, have accordingly been examined, with a view to the completeness and interest of the collection; and none but undoubtedly authentic materials have been used in forming it. The late EARL OF BUCHAN, whose uniform regard for the American States was manifested long before the epoch of their Federal Union, said of our Washington, "I recommend the constant remembrance of the moral and political Maxims conveyed to its citizens by the Father and Founder of the United States. It seems to me, that such Maxims and such advice ought to be engraved on every FORUM or PLACE OF COMMON ASSEMBLY among the people, and read by parents, teachers, and guardians, to their children and pupils, so that TRUE RELIGION, AND VIRTUE, its inseparable attendant, may be imbibed by the rising generation, to remote ages." That generation after generation may enjoy the blessedness of the benign influence which these Maxims are so eminently calculated to exert, should surely be the prayer of patriots, philanthropists, and Christians, until all men shall be animated by the spirit of Washington, and exemplify his precepts. NEW YORK, September 12th, 1854. J. F. SCHROEDER. CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION, in the words of Washington... POLITICAL MAXIMS. The Cause of the American Colonies.. The Spirit of the Revolution....... False and Cruel Policy of Great Britain.. The Stamp Act: its Passage condemned. PAGE 11 |