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 which the author has found it necessary to employ in the work, and that they may send it forth to the public, as correct as his best wishes could desire.

To the Directors of the Honorable East India Company, and to the Gentlemen of the Select Committee for the management of their affairs in China, the author acknowledges himself as under great and manifold obligations, for their kind notice and patronage of the work, and for their munificent liberality, in printing it, free of expence, at their own press in China.

May the present feeble undertaking be rendered eminently serviceable in the promotion of Chinese literature, and may students of the language, whether for civil or religious purposes, derive essential benefit therefrom! and to that God who has granted health for the undertaking, and ability to bring it to a conclusion, shall be all the glory.

W. H. M.

Batavia, July 29th. 1831.