THE occupation of an instructor of youth, is a most honorable and responsible one. The persons who are, in a few years, to become our legislators, judges, and governors, are now in the process of training, in our public schools. Teachers should therefore realize the magnitude of their trust, since the future character and destiny of the nation depend so essentially upon the degree of ability and fidelity with which this trust shall be discharged.
In our common schools, chiefly, must the foundation be laid for our future statesmen. From this work, if it shall meet a favorable reception, not a few of them will receive their first lessons." Its usefulness, however, will depend materially upon the manner in which it is received and used by teachers.
A teacher who desires to be in the highest degree useful, will cheerfully undertake the instruction of a class in civil government. The exercise may be made interesting to both teacher and scholars. The interest of the latter may be increased, by showing them the inseparable connection between good government and public and individual prosperity.
Notwithstanding a due familiarity of style and simplicity of illustration have been attempted, words and phrases have frequently become necessary, of which the limits of the work would not admit a full explanation. Teachers will therefore have occasion to tax their own resources in supplying the omission. This exercise will be alike profitable and interesting, both to the teachers and to their pupils.
Most of the chapters will be found too long for single lessons, especially for the younger scholars, and on passing through the work for the first time. Such portions only