Having heard portions of Mr. Divoll's work, entitled, "The True American Citizen," read, I concur with the preceding commendations of it, by Mr. Boardman, and am persuaded, that were its admonitions generally heeded, it would give us renewed assurances of the perpetuity of our institutions.

WM. H. BURLEIGH,

I concur in the foregoing commendations of Mr. Divoll's work, by Mr. Boardman and Burleigh.

MINTHORNE TOMPKINS.

Having somewhat hastily read "The True American Citizen," by Willard Divoll, I cheerfully unite with others in commending this little work to the attention of the public. The author having plainly set forth the duties of American Citizens to the government, it will repay all to give the book a careful perusal, especially voters, and every young man who expect to become a voter. WM. W. NORTHROP,

102 Broadway, N. Ý.

I regret extremely that I have not had time to examine as fully as I would like, the MS. which Mr. Divoll has done me the honor to place in my hand. But from what little I have been able to examine it, I think his work is calculated to do good.

M. F. HURST,

Pastor of the Trinity M. E. Church, S. I.

PREFACE.

TO THE READER:

WE make no pretensions for the work in regard to its matter or style. But having for a considerable time, made the relation of individuals to government, a study, especially the relation of American Citizens in their own government, we have through the advice of friends, concluded to give some of our thoughts to the public, hoping that any persons who may read them, if they have in any manner been derelict in the performance of their duty as Americans may in the future be excited to more faithfulness. The ground is taken that no free government can long exist, unless honesty and intelligence shall pervade the com

X

munity; that no citizen, however honest or religious he may profess to be, can perform his whole duty, unless he participates in the affairs of civil government, that as this government is a government of the people, its prosperity and perpetuity will depend on the action of intelligent and honest citizens. That it is necessary for all upright men to attend punctually such meetings and conventions as may be called to take action in reference to electing public officers or servants.

By our long personal experience in these matters, we are convinced of the great necessity of their doing so, in order that the public safety may be secured. And what are called the better classes of community, are in a great measure responsible for the evils which have afflicted and now afflict the country. Had these classes performed their duty as true American citizens, we should have escaped many of the calamities

which have fallen upon us. And our future prosperity can only be secured by the actual participation in governmental affairs of the enlightened and moral classes.

This work is written with no reference to party.

We do not expect all to think alike, but we wish all to think something-to examine the subject of government, and act according to their honest convictions of duty. It is our wish that all parties may be purified and enlightened.

While honest and capable men hold the reins of government, the community is safe, let them belong to what party they

may.

We ask for a candid consideration of the following pages, believing that you will assent to the position we have taken, and will see the necessity of all good men acting together in order to secure the blessings of civil government. We have appended to