Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1859, by In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York. STEREOTYPED BY THOMAS B. SMITH & SON, 82 & 84 Beekman-st. PRINTED BY GEORGE W. WOOD cor. John and Dutch-sts. PREFACE. THE following Lectures, as the title indicates, were prepared for the use of Teachers' Insti tutes, and have been delivered at intervals, before these bodies, during the past five years. They were intended to be addressed to an assembly of teachers and citizens, such as are usually found at the evening sessions; consequently, they are not designed for the exclusive reading of teachers. The attempt has been, to make the opinions developed thoroughly accord with the fundamental principles of our institutions and form of government. The necessity to the safety and prosperity of the State, that every child, should be educated, and that the wealth of the country should pay for this education, has been made a prominent feature. There will not be found in this volume a viii systematic treatise for the special guidance of the teacher, but those motives and incentives to preparation, which may serve to awaken inquiry and stimulate thought. In the hope that it may contribute to the development of our noble school system, it is submitted to the public. MEADVILLE, June 6, 1859. |