PREFACE.

THE Editor of this highly popular Poem cannot allow it to appear in its present form without reverting to a few particulars which may help to explain his views. It is now about fourteen years since he had the satisfaction of introducing "The Omnipresence of the Deity, by Robert Montgomery," to the Public, as its original Publisher. Its extraordinary and (with few exceptions) almost unrivalled success is now a matter of literary history, and need not here be alluded to, except as a warrant for its express adaptation to scholastic use. Let it, therefore, suffice to intimate, that, notwithstanding the concussion of literary interests, the war of critical opinions, and the passion for cheap novelties in the literature of the day, THE OMNIpresence of the DEITY has maintained its ground, become a living and permanent portion of the

Poetry of Great Britain, and (it may be said without hyperbole) made the Author's name a familiar word wherever the language of England extends.

Encouraged by this decision of the national taste, the Editor obtained permission to send forth a new and improved SCHOOL EDITION, which, without the slightest deviation from the order of the Poem, or the omission of a single word, he has arranged under distinctive heads, thereby rendering its truly interesting contents better calculated to meet the intelligence of youthful readers. It is proper to add, that about eight years ago two editions for School circulation were published, and almost immediately sold. This fact alone ought, perhaps, to be a sufficient reason for reprinting it; but others equally cogent exist, not the least of which is the peculiar appropriateness of this Poem for imprinting in the minds of youth the sentiments of genuine devotion, eloquently expressed, and heightened by the persuasive charms of poetical imagery and a flowing versification.

With such recommendations, the Editor doubts not that ere long this celebrated production will become as popular among youthful readers of moral and religious poetry, as it has hitherto been among

the more mature lovers of our poetical literature. Of one thing he feels fully confident,—that sublime impressions of God, beautiful feelings for nature, and exquisite benevolence towards mankind, are nowhere more eloquently enforced than in this Poem by Robert Montgomery. And does any Parent, or pious Instructor of Youth, ever fail to teach the young heart and the unfolding mind, that the watching eye of an omnipresent Deity is ever upon them? Assuredly not. It is, indeed, one of the grandest lessons which Education can impart! and it would be a mere work of supererogation while offering this Edition to the notice of Conductors of respectable Scholastic Establishments, to expatiate on a theme so well appreciated by them. The Editor, however, trusts he may be allowed in this place to quote a portion of the splendid eulogy with which "the leading journal of Europe," on the first appearance of this Poem, announced it to the Public:

From the "TIMES" April 1, 1828.

****“He has displayed a depth and maturity of thought, a strength and justness of reasoning, which would do honour to any writer of the present day. His versification combines, in no ordinary degree, energy and elegance. His figures are beautifully appropriate,—they are never introduced merely at the suggestion of fancy, but are called in to illustrate