as it is, has only been adopted for the communication of the sentiment. As to fiction in sacred matters, I lean to the "fortassè tolerabitur" of Erasmus: I have therefore totally disregarded incident. If the work had been published as it was written several years ago, it would have had more of narrative and description; but in preparing it for the press, I have only preserved so many of the chapters, and so much of the sentiment, as I was unwilling to destroy. Most of the chapters, if I am not mistaken, contain observations which deserve general consideration, and from which solid advantage may be derived by those who read for moral improvement. A single hint or remark is sometimes far more valuable than a prolix dissertation.

In the present state of society we are all called upon to do what we can for the good of men both as moral and social agents. I have employed some of my hours in putting pages before the public which I deemed suitable to the peculiar character of our day; such, I trust, as are calculated, through the blessing of God upon them, to do some little good. But if to write well is something, to live well is certainly a far better thing. He may do good service to religion who

uses his pen well in its behalf; but I am decidedly of opinion that he does much better service to it, who shines in society as an example of its influence.

Much blame is in our day cast upon the Clergy; and much of that blame may be just: I have no hesitation in saying, that I think it to be so. We have, I fear, been too regardless of our awful office, and of our peculiar character. We have, I fear, been too secular in our thoughts, our spirit, and our conduct. It is to be hoped that we shall lay the subject to heart.

But I must say, and am bold to maintain, that the Gentry of our land, as it relates to the great cause of national piety and virtue, have been scarcely less faulty than the Clergy of our land. If the opulent and conspicuous men of the country be thoughtless; frivolous, gay, and dissolute, or if they be tame, supine, and inefficient characters, how can they exonerate themselves from the charge of having done evil, or of having done no good, in society?

We have among us the pride of intellect in our day; and we have among us the pride of wealth and rank but have we among us, as a Christian people ought to have, any thing like a wise, serious, manly,

and decided attention to those sentiments, principles, and rules, by which we ought to be governed? Where much pride exists, much moral good cannot be expected. Under the influence of this deadly principle we virtually cast off religion, and thus we become worldly, sensual, vain, and gay.

The application of these ideas to the present state of society, would require a volume, and not a cursory paragraph of this sort. But after we had minutely examined the conduct and habits of the influential part of the community, what would the conclusion be at which we should arrive? That if the Clergy as a body have failed in their duties, the Gentry as a body have failed in their duties. Bright examples of real excellence are most undoubtedly to be found among the clergy and the laity; but if the Clergy are to be censured, let those also be censured who are offenders as well as they. In speaking thus freely, I only plead for justice. It is high time for the Clergy to look to themselves; and is it not high time for the Gentry to look to themselves? Recrimination is of no use; let us all consider facts; let us all consider our duties; and let us all heartily engage in the performance of them.

It is of no moment how I, or any one else, may indulge in our sentimental moods, and endeavour to improve the world by our speculation. The loftiest thoughts of our minds, and the finest paragraphs of oratory that we may write, are of no value but as they lead to action. Our happiness and our prosperity, in a moral point of view, whether we regard individuals, families, or nations, do not depend so much upon what we know or upon what we are able to say, as upon what we are, and upon our line or course of practical proceeding.

Let the mansion of any Country Gentleman be known in its district to be the house of piety and virtue, of order and benevolence, of good plans and performances; and such a mansion will diffuse around it a powerful influence in favour of all that is lovely and of good report. What we want is sound moral reformation; religion properly regarded by our Gentry as well as by our Clergy; on the six days of the week, as well as on the seventh; in the house of man, as well as in the house of God. However the reader of my pages may feel on the subject, I must beg leave to say, that he only is the wise and happy man who seriously considers the subject, and engages

without delay in doing what God, what his own reason and conscience, and what his Country require him to do. "O that I had lived to God and religion as I have lived for the world and vanity!" is an awful reflection for any one in the last hour.

This dedication is sufficient to show you, that my work, though it must be called a tale, is a serious and grave performance: as such I should wish it to be read. You are yet young: but old age will come; and when it does come, may you have the testimony of your own conscience, that you have through life adorned and benefited society by attending to all that is sound in religion, lovely in benevolence and virtue, and useful in active exertions. Such is the sincere wish and prayer of,

MY DEAR SIR,

Your faithful Minister and Friend,

NEWCHURCH PARSONAGE,

April, 1833.

JOSEPH JONES.