TO THE READER.

To gratify the repeated demands which have been made in the public. journals, for some account of the late JOSEPH DENNIE, Esquire, and a complete edition of his writings, the editor of this volume was urged by an affectionate regard for his memory. Gratitude whispered, that the founder of the PORT FOLIO should not be forgotten by his successor; and justice, calling to mind the ornament of society, the Columbus of polite literature in this hemisphere, the zealous friend and the elegant writer, seconded the amiable suggestion. During the summer months of the present year, the editor sojourned among the friends of the deceased, that he might learn the

story of his life. He tarried in the villages, and questioned the inhabitants of the metropolis of New England. By such means he accumulated a mass of materials, which must be interesting to those who love the memory of Dennie, and are curious on the subject of domestic literature. Among other papers, his familiar and his literary correspondence alone, would form an article unusually attractive. But it is mortifying to confess, that the neglect which uniformly attends every effort in this country to vindicate the claims of "lettered worth," unless it has been blazoned in a foreign clime, urges the editor to remember the cautious conduct of Cumberland, who tried his Observer in an obscure village. In a similar spirit, dictated by that species of necessity which compels a man to consult his judgment rather than his heart, the present volume is confined to a narrow compass, and the edition is restricted to a few impressions. If it should be well received, some hazard may then be encountered. But during the rage for English books which now prevails, maugre our hatred,

malice, and uncharitableness towards that country, it would be worse than folly to offer the life and writings of an American author, to a community which purchases, with eager avidity, the most disgusting details of English profligacy,* and regards with indifference the classical beauty, the gorgeous eloquence, and the sound sense of an Ames, a Hamilton, and a Harper.

Philadelphia, 1816.

* The Editor alludes here more particularly to the rapid sale of "The Book," the "Life of Lady Hamilton," and "Glenarvon; a novel."

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PREFACE.

As the title of this work may appear ludicrous to some, and be obscure to others; as many start at the word Preacher, and may sneer at a Lay man, tampering with theology-it is proper to state that this is not a volume of sermons. It is a series of essays, modelled after the designs of Addison and the harmless and playful levity of Oliver Goldsmith. The mottos are copied from the oriental writings; but they are either a moral lesson, an economical precept, or a biographical picture. The topics to which they are prefixed, are didactic, descriptive, or airy, as the gravity or the humour of the hour prompted. On the fenced, and walled, and hallowed ground of religion, the author has never