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GEORGE PHILIP & SON, 32 FLEET STREET, E.C.;

LIVERPOOL: CAXTON BUILDINGS, SOUTH JOHN STREET,
AND 49 & 51 SOUTH CASTLE STREET.

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228-63

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N this book, the aim has been to preserve the excellences which distinguish the preceding volumes of Philips' Historical Readers. While it possesses a marked individuality of its own, the lines of thought which prevailed in the earlier periods of our history have been carried on unbroken to the days in which we live; and, where the final result of any movement has not yet manifested itself, clear indications have been given of the direction in which the national life is developing. In this way, it is hoped the reader may be taught that our country's past represents a steady process of organic growth, watched over by Divine Providence, and governed by unchanging and beneficent law. No better way could have been devised for educating the young to that continuity of thinking which is so vital an element in all real intellectual culture.

The special function of History in school life has been constantly kept in view-that, while co-operating with other subjects in the work of mental and moral training, its peculiar province is to prepare the young for the enlightened performance of their political duties as citizens of their country. Care has been taken to guard against any danger of encouraging a one-sided development of the national character: the rights of freedom take their place side by side with the claims of order, loyalty, and fidelity to the Constitution; and the advancement of domestic prosperity proclaims its importance, without ignoring the greatness of our colonial empire or the duties imposed upon us by our relation to foreign powers.

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