PREFACE. HE plan of this Bibliography, is to give the title of every printed book and pamphlet that relates, in any way, to the State of Rhode Island. Among these are classes of books that may not directly relate to its history, yet relate to men who have been prominent in its annals, who have rendered distinguished service in public life, or who, by their virtuous and good deeds, deserve to be remembered. Thus Funeral Sermons, as they generally relate to men who have left an impress upon society, are mentioned. Discourses at the Ordination of Ministers, and those at the Consecration of Churches. Addresses before Literary, Scientific, Religious, Agricultural, Mechanical and Temperance Societies, Fourth of July Orations, Political Addresses; all these relate, more or less, to persons or things in the State, or to its Institutions, and hence deserve to be mentioned in a list of books appertaining to the State. Then our venerable institution of learning, Brown University, now in the hundredth year of its existence, deserves as full mention as we can give it. Every book and pamphlet, therefore, relating to the Institution is mentioned. This list includes every Oration, Address, and Poem before it, or any of its Societies; together with Catalogues of Students and of Books from its foundation, thus forming a key to its literary history. The subjects of Education and Public Schools, have also had attention. The publications of our various religious sects are also noted. Those of the Baptists, the largest and oldest sect in the State, are very full and complete. To Mr. R. A. Guild, the accomplished Librarian of Brown University, I am indebted for the completeness of the bibliography of Brown University and of the Baptists. On the long-disputed Boundary Questions, thirty-two works are named, with an analysis, or list of the important papers which the large volumes contain. But, perhaps the most important class of books mentioned is that which relates to the Constitution of 1842, adopted by Rhode Island. This includes one hundred and four separate titles, and refers to 385 documents and State papers, the titles of which are given. |