IN offering to the public a collection of the Poetical Works of Elizabeth Margaret Chandler, it is considered unnecessary to say much in explanation of the motives which have influenced those concerned in the compilation.-Among the female writers of modern times, who have distinguished themselves in philanthropy and moral excellence, few, indeed, if any, have presented stronger claims to favourable notice, than the amiable author of the valuable essays and miscellaneous pieces comprised in this volume. Personally, she was unknown to the literary world—and even her name was not familiar to the reading community; yet the beautiful and excellent productions of her pen, emanating from a refined and highly cultivated mind, will be found worthy an attentive perusal; and their merit will, no doubt, be properly appreciated by the virtuous and discriminating. The philosophic and sentimental piety manifested in them; the liberal principles of charity and benevolence which they inculcate; and the lessons of justice, humanity, and active philanthropy, that are taught by them, cannot fail to recommend the book to the libraries of the learned, the circles of literary taste, and to readers, in general, who take an interest in the march of human improvement, and the welfare and happiness of mankind. These considerations, it may be presumed, will afford a sufficient inducement for the humane and the philanthropic to acquaint themselves with the contents of the volume.-And that they may be found profitable in awakening and increasing the disposition to spread the light of Christian philanthropy, and in promoting more zealous efforts to meliorate the condition of oppressed and suffering humanity, is the ardent desire and truly cherished hope of PHILADELPHIA, } THE PUBLISHER. 3 4 NOTICE. WHEN the proposals were circulated for publishing this volume by subscription, it was so uncertain to what extent the work would be patronized, that a very moderate edition was contemplated. It was estimated that the price mentioned would be simply a reasonable equivalent for the labour and expense of issuing it in the ordinary mode of printing, and the form of binding stated in the prospectus. The publisher soon ascertained, however, that the disposition to encourage it far exceeded his calculations: and in consequence of the liberality thus manifested by those who take an interest in its circulation, he concluded to have it stereotyped, and to add a collection of the author's writings in prose, amounting to more than one hundred pages. The volume is also put in better binding than at first proposed. This has occasioned some delay in the printing: yet, as the price will not be enhanced, on account of the addition to the number of pages, as aforesaid, it is hoped that the arrangement will be satisfactory to the subscribers. 4 MEMOIR BY B. LUNDY. ELIZABETH MARGARET CHANDLER was born at Centre, near the town of Wilmington, in the State of Delaware, on the 24th day of the Twelfth Month (December) 1807. She was the daughter of Thomas Chandler, a very respectable farmer, who possessed a handsome competency, and lived in easy circumstances, though he was not reputed wealthy as to the riches of this world. He received a liberal education, and also studied medicine; but while he resided in the country, he devoted his attention principally to agriculture. The name of her mother was Margaret Evans, who was born at the city of Burlington, in the State of New-Jersey. Both the Chandler and Evans families were of English origin, their ancestors having migrated to this country at an early period of its settlement by the Europeans. Thomas Chandler and his wife resided at Centre a number of years after their marriage, where they were highly respected by their acquaintance generally. They were both exemplary members of the religious society of Friends, and lived in strict conformity with its established rules of order and discipline. They were blessed with three fine healthy children, of whom the subject of this memoir was the youngest, and only daughter. But although their prospects were highly flattering, while the peaceful enjoyment of connubial happiness lightened the burthens of worldly care, the bright anticipations of this worthy family were destined to be of short duration.-The mother died while the daughter was still in her infancy.-Elizabeth was then too young to be sensible of the irreparable loss which she thus sustained. How applicable to her infantile bereaved condition were the following elegant lines of Barton !— 7 |