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PREFACE TO VOLUME IX.

We have now arrived at the close of the tenth year, and of the ninth volume of our work. In the Preface to the eighth volume, we gave some account of the objects which we had accomplished, or attempted, in this publication, or of the various topics to which we had given more or less attention. It may now be worth while to allude to some of the materials upon which our future labors may be expended:

1. The completion of the history of the colleges and theological seminaries of our country. It is our aim here to go into considerable detail, especially in the early history of the institutions, to embody as large a mass of authentic facts as our limits will allow, and to furnish references to the sources of more complete information.

2. It is our intention to furnish as perfect lists as the nature of the case will allow, of all the Congregational and Presbyterian ministers (not already in our pages) who have been settled in the ministry since the landing at Plymouth. The ministers of other denominations will be included as our limits will permit. In the form of notes, as well as in the tables, a very large amount of ecclesiastical statistics will be embodied. Our preparations in this department of our labors are already extensive.

3. Biographical sketches of the early graduates of our oldest colleges. In this way, a valuable mass of facts may be rescued from decay and extinction.

4. A history of the historical, philosophical, and other literary and learned societies in our country. The Historical Society of Massachusetts have, at our request, assigned the task of preparing a history of that very useful association, to one of their own members, a gentleman well qualified to do justice to the subject.

5. It is our intention to collect information in regard to all the important public libraries in this country, and throughout the world. This information will be intended to embrace an account of the more rare and valuable books, MSS., pictures, &c., some notices of the founders and contributors, and an exhibition of the regulations under which the books are loaned.

6. Biographical sketches of greater or less extent, of eminent deceased individuals, laymen as well as clergymen, of our own country and of foreign lands. One of these biographies, as a general thing, will be found in each number. The editor, in this, as well as in relation to the other topics, will be assisted by various gentlemen, well qualified to aid in the undertaking. Engraved portraits, so far as they can be procured, and so far as our means will allow, will accompany each biographical sketch.

7. Occasionally, as it may be judged expedient, complete lists of living clergymen of all denominations in the United States; and extended histories of literary institutions, including the names of the faculty, schemes of studies, etc., with details respecting academies, common schools, etc., will be given.

8. More attention than has been practicable hitherto, will be bestowed on foreign lands, particularly the countries of Europe. The volume which now closes, contains two long and very satisfactory articles on the schools, universities, learned societies, philanthropic institutions, &c. of France, furnished by the Rev. Robert Baird, an American clergyman resident in Paris. Mr. B. will act as our stated contributor and correspondent. He will furnish, with the permission of Providence, full details respecting the state of education and learning, of the ecclesiastical establishments, etc. in Holland, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, and other countries of the continent. An American friend, resident at one of the English literary institutions, will perform the same work in respect to Great Britain.

9. Essays, as heretofore, will be procured, illustrating the importance of the Christian ministry, thorough education, classical instruction, eminent piety, and kindred topics.

10. Miscellaneous matters. Notices of new publications will be found in each number. We shall continue to furnish complete lists of the ordinations, installations, and deaths of ministers of all denominations. An accurate collection of facts on this topic, may furnish some important general results.

11. We shall translate from time to time, various interesting statistical documents, from the German, French and Latin languages.

12. A journal of the doings of the American and other education societies, will close each successive number.

In concluding another year, we commit our labors to the candor of the religious public, and to the blessing of the great Head of the church.

BOSTON, APRIL 29, 1837.

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In the first number of this volume, in the biographical sketch of president Porter, we mention that he
pursued his theological studies with Dr. Bellamy of Bethlem, Conn. It should have been Dr. Smalley
of Berlin, Conn.

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