The poetical works of Elizabeth Margaret Chandler: with a memoir of her life and character

Preface

In offering to the public a collection of the Poetical Works of Elizabeth Margaret Chandler, it is considered unnecessary to say much in explanation of the motives which have influenced those concerned in the compilation. — Among the female writers of modern times, who have distinguished themselves in philanthropy and moral excellence, few, indeed, if any, have presented stronger claims to favourable notice, than the amiable author of the valuable essays and miscellaneous pieces comprised in this volume. Personally, she was unknown to the literary world — and even her name was not familiar to the reading community ; yet the beautiful and excellent productions of her pen, emanating from a refined and highly cultivated mind, will be found worthy an attentive perusal ; and their merit will, no doubt, be properly appreciated by the virtuous and discriminating. The philosophic and sentimental piety manifested in them ; the liberal principles of charity and benevolence which they inculcate ; and the lessons of justice, humanity, and active philanthropy, that are taught by them, cannot fail to recommend the book to the libraries of the learned, the circles of literary taste, and to readers, in general, who take an interest in the march of human improvement, and the welfare and happiness of mankind.

These considerations, it may be presumed, will afford a sufficient inducement for the humane and the philanthropic to acquaint themselves with the contents of the volume. — And that they may be found profitable in awakening and increasing the disposition to spread the light of Christian philanthropy, and in promoting more zealous efforts to meliorate the condition of oppressed and suffering humanity, is the ardent desire and truly cherished hope of

The Publisher.

Philadelphia, ) Sixth Monthy 1836, S 3