AN INTRODUCTION ΤΟ SPELLING AND READING, IN TWO VOLUMES. BEING THE FIRST AND SECOND PARTS OF A COLUMBIAN EXERCISE. THE WHOLE COMPRISING An Easy and Systematical Method OF TEACHING AND OF LEARNING THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. BY ABNER ALDEN, A. M. VOL. I. CONTAINING A SELECTION OF WORDS IN COMMON USE, ARRANGED AND DIVIDED IN SUCH A MANNER, AS WILL LEAD TOGETHER WITH A VARIETY OF LESSONS FOR READING. Sixth Edition. PUBLISHED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS. BOSTON: PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY JAMES LORING, No. 2, CORNHILL, May, 1824. RECOMMENDATIONS. HAVING examined an INTRODUCTION TO SPELLING AND READING, in two volumes, published by Mr. ABNER ALDEN, we are of opinion, that it is a work of great merit, it being remarkably plain and easy, as well as systematick and complete : We do, therefore, recommend it, as a book excellently well calculated to lead children and others into a knowledge of the Orthography and Pronunciation of the English Language. Subscribed by the following Gentlemen. Hon. JABEZ BOWEN, LL. D. Hon. SAMUEL EDDY, LL. D. Hon SETH PADELFORD, LL. D. Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Perez Fobes, LL. D. A. A. S. to the Author. RAYNHAM, June 16, 1798. DEAR SIR, HAVING attentively perused your INTRODUCTION TO SPELLING AND KEADING, I am happy to find, that it consists of a proper Selection, a natural Division, and a systematical Arrangement of the words which compose our language. The utility of Classification is acknowledged in every Science; but in none, perhaps, is it more conspicuous, than in the Botanical system of Linnæus; in which, if artificial arrangement has performed wonders, in facilitating the knowledge of Plants, why may it not in facilitating the knowledge of Words? Especially, when it is considered that the apparent anomalies of the former, are the result of infinite wisdom and design, while those of the latter are the effects of accident and ignorance, more than of art or design. Without rule or system, all must be the work of memory; but, by arrang iv RECOMMENDATIONS. ing, in separate tables, as you have done, words which contain si- is the best division of words into syllables, words, The benefit of a Key sound of all the vowels and diphthongs, placed at the top of each page, will be acknowledged by all. Nor "less useful perhaps, in a work of this kind, is your introduction of tables of Figures, to be learned preparatory to the study of Arithmetick. This, while it adds variety, will afford useful employ ment 10 young minds, at a period of life when the knowledge of figures, so far at least as they are an act of the memory, ought ever to be included among the earliest lesson of education, Your selection of Anomalous Words, is not only much larger than any other which I have seer, but their pronunciation is explained in a manner, which, to me, appears uncommonly easy and familiar. These, Sir, are some of the reasons, which, in my opinion, give the COLUMBIAN EXERCISE a decided preference to any other work of the kind which I have seen. C With sentiments of friendship and esteem, I am, dear Sir, yours, &c. Copy of a Letter from Asher Robbins, Esq. formerly NEWPORT, March 15, 1800. DEAR SIR, I HAVE examined your INTRODUCTION TO SPELLING AND KEADING with attention and pleasure. The Plan is, in a great degree, original; and, in my opinion, as important as it is new. Pre-eminently above every book of the kind that I have seen, it is calculated to facilitate the acquisition of a correct Orthography and a just Pronunciation. Its universal adoption would lead to a national improvement in language, highly ornamental in itself and useful in its consequences. With wishes that the publick may duly appreciate the value of your efforts, I am, dear Sir, Your Friend and bumble Servant, Copy of a Letter from Mr. Donald Fraser, a Member of the Society of Associated Teachers, in the City of NewYork, to the Author. NEW-YORK, May 17, 1800. SIR, HAVING, some time since, introduced your INTRODUCTION TO SPELLING AND KEADING into my Academy, in preference to any other book of the kind, it appears unnecessary for me to say any thing more in commendation of it. The following approving senti ments of your work, from some respectable gentlemen here, members of the Society of Associated Teachers, must prove highly ac ceptable to you : "The Subscribers, publick Teachers in the city of New-York, after a careful perusal, do warmly approve of an Introduction to Spelling and Reading, in two volumes, being the First and Second Parts of a COLUMBIAN EXERCISE, published by Mr. Abner Alden; and consider it a most valuable acquisition to American Schools." 1 Subscribed by JAMES HARDIE, A. M. I am, Sir, with much esteem, Your most obedient Servant, From the Teachers in the town of Providence. DURING the course of several years, we have taught Reading and the English Language; and have instructed from a num |