Those generations! I see them rising and spreading abroad, as future years roll on! What shall be their character--their regard for civil and religious liberty--their peace, order, happiness, and prosperity, may depend upon the example which we set, and the principles which we inculcate. We are living and acting not only for the present, but for the future. We are making impressions for all time to come. If, then, our history for the future shall be as our history past--filled up with divine blessings, and signal providential interpositions--if the noble work begun, centuries since, is to go on--if the "fullest liberty and the purest religion" are to prevail as time rolls on--if this vast continent is to be inhabited by enlightened and happy millions--we, who are now on the stage of action, must imitate the example of that pilgrim band, which first landed on Plymouth Rock. Under the influence of such an example transmitted from generation to generation, we may hope that our beloved country will ultimately become, if she is not already, "The queen of the world, and the child of the skies." Impressed with the importance of such sentiments himself, the author will make no apology for offering them as, in his own view, an appropriate introduction to a work chiefly designed for the benefit of the rising generation. [Illustration] PART I. UNITED STATES. I.--EARLY DISCOVERIES. [Illustration] I. NORTHMEN. Claims for the Northmen--Voyage of Biarné--Leif--Thorwald--Thorfinn--Helge and Finnboge. II. COLUMBUS. Birth and Education of Columbus--Unsuccessful application to several European Courts--Patronized by Isabella--Sails from Palos--Early Discontent of his crew--Expedients by which they are quieted--Discovery of Land--First appearance of the Natives--Cuba and Hispaniola discovered--Columbus sets sail on his return--Incidents of the voyage--Marks of consideration bestowed upon him--Second Voyage--Further Discoveries--Complaints against him--Third Voyage--Discovery of the Continent--Persecuted by Enemies--sent home in Chains--Kindness of Isabella--Fourth Voyage--Return and Death. III. SEBASTIAN CABOT. Discovery of the North American Continent by Sebastian Cabot. I. NORTHMEN.