Rector of St. Paul’s Church, Boston.
March 27th, 1837.
Philadelphia, March 31, 1837.
Messrs. Wm. Marshall & Co.
Gentlemen:—Few men exert a more decided, extensive, and lasting influence upon society than Booksellers; and in these times, when so many prostitute the press to gratify and increase the appetite for books that are worthless, or decidedly immoral in their tendency; it is exceedingly gratifying to find here a firm, who bring nothing before the world which can injure their race. So far as I have noticed, you have as yet published nothing at which you need blush, should you meet the book on the parlour table of your best friend.
Among others of your productions, I have read your “Library of Christian Knowledge,” edited by Mr. Hooker. Ever since I read the little work of Mr. H. entitled “The Portion of the Soul,” I have felt sure, that he was safe; by which I mean, that any work to which he might prefix his name, would be a sound, discreet, judicious book. His taste is correct, discriminating; and his own pen at times, is guided by a hand of no ordinary strength. Honestly attached to the Episcopal Church, he, nevertheless, is so endowed with the limbs of a man, and the heart of a Christian, that his denominational habits do not hinder him from appearing in a working dress, in the vineyard of his Master. I can sincerely recommend the “Library,” as containing such works of practical piety, as will be useful in every family, and I could wish that the circulation of such works might banish the light reading of the age. I hope your circulation will be very extensive. Respectfully yours,
J. TODD.
THE LIBRARY OF CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE. Edited by the Rev. Herman Hooker, A. M. Author of “The Portion of the Soul,” &c.
Four volumes of this series have appeared, and if we may consider these as a specimen of the work, we congratulate the Christian public on the prospect of being supplied from time to time, with a rich feast of evangelical matter, calculated to give nourishment and refreshment to the spiritual life of believers.