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If in the marriage state the delight arising from affection to the partner of our fate is not so very intense as the romantic raptures of lovers, it is more tranquil, more durable, and. perhaps, more rational. Without the fervour of a heated imagination to raise it beyond nature, it is really felt, and being once felt, is never afterwards likely to disappoint calculation. In this state also, the bonds of affection are generally drawn closer, and rendered stronger by the possession of a mutual offspring. The conjugal and parental affections being thus united, the tie of attachment becomes doubly binding. Hence when objects, which have such a firm hold upon our affections, are depending upon us for protection and support, our stimulus to exertion becomes too powerful to be resisted, our industry, our self-esteem and satisfaction are increased, and we are rendered more useful both to ourselves and to society.

It may with truth be asserted of the generality of mankind, that, if they had no sustenance but their own to provide, no cause but their own to assert, they would sink into indolence, and become almost indifferent to consequences. But the pleasing duty of providing for a family or a friend, or the generous gratification of maintaining the cause of virtue and innocence, rouses us to an exertion of both mind and body of which we might otherwise conceive ourselves incapable; at least, which our natural indolence would often render burthensome and disagreeable.

Theodore is, at this day, a man of considerable property and of estimable character; though at an early period of life, by indulging himself in every species of vice and licentiousness, he had almost ruined his fortune and reputation. Indeed, so regardless was he of consequences, that the first impulse was suf ficient to drive him to the adoption of any measure however mischievous, or however absurd. Becoming suddenly enamoured of a very handsome and respectable young lady, without any fortune, and who was as unexperienced, as he was careless of the world, he hastily prevailed on her to marry him. With his usual vivacity and thoughtlessness, he extended the expensive pleasures of the honey-moon through the whole of the first year; and without informing his wife of his embarrasments, he even VOL. 1.-No. 1. 6

exceeded her wishes in purchasing, visiting, and showing off in the most brilliant style of fashion. Fortunately, at the end of that year, she bore him a son, which was the first thing that brought him to a sense of prudence and propriety. Often have I heard him say, "the moment I saw my boy, I became as it were a new man. Parental affection prompted me to inquire into the true state of my affairs, and to make my wife acquainted with them. Though in a state of dreadful derangement, they were not absolutely irretrievable. We agreed immediately to retrench our expenses, and settled upon a plan of economical management, to which we have ever since strictly adhered, and from which I have derived more real enjoyment, than from all the fascinating scenes of expensive pleasures, in which I had so long and so ruinously indulged. Often do I praise heaven for my fortunate escape from the tempting snares of youth, which, at one time, I found myself so unable to resist; and often do I reflect with grateful satisfaction, that the birth of my son was destined to save me from destruction!"

A REVIEW

Of Wieland, and other novels, by Charles Brockden Brown, of Philadelphia.

THE fate of these novels has been very peculiar. They have been much praised by the critics, but neglected by the public. They manifest great powers of thinking and a masterly style of writing. Men of learning and of reflection have discovered this, and have proclaimed it; but, to all they have said, the public have remained indifferent.

This has been ascribed to the apathy of Americans in respect to domestic literature. It has been said, that had these works made their first appearance in Great Britain, they would have been hailed with admiration, and would have elevated their author to fortune, and an enviable height of literary fame.

We cannot, to its full extent, embrace this opinion. Had their original publication been in England, they would, no doubt, like

all other works of fancy, have succeeded better; but, of how many other productions, published in this country, might not the same thing be said? Great Britain contains more readers, because it contains more people, among whom there are more wealth and idleness, and as a natural consequence, more taste for literary indulgence. But those who have such taste, in this country, possess it much of the same kind, and in the same degree as it is possessed in Europe; and those who have leisure and means are generally as desirous of indulging it. The only difference is in their numbers; but, to authors, this difference is all important, for it is immense.

But even in England much talent has been expended in the production of works that have not commanded success, if by success be meant the favour of the people. In works of imagi nation in particular, where amusement rather than instruction is sought for, profundity of thought, and aptitude for correct moralization, are not so likely to gain readers, as vivacity of narration, variety and rapidity of incident, and accuracy and force of drawing and discriminating characters.

The writer of the novels before us, possessed the former qualifications in perfection. Of the latter, he has, in these works, afforded us but little indication. His inventive powers are great, and the events he narrates surprising; but they are too often miraculous, and that too without any satisfactory explanation. This is a great fault; but on account of the extraordinary depth of thinking that pervades the works, the reader might forgive it, if the general air of the characters and transactions were not too foreign from those of real life; if the perpetual elevation, and uniform dignity of the language did not render it monotonous and tiresome; and, above all, if the profound moralizing strain of the Godwin school, in which none ever excelled this writer, did not intrude too often, and continue too long, between the incidents of the story.

There is a necessary gravity in abstract reasoning, which, under whatever form it may appear, renders it to the majority of readers, disagreeable. To the readers of novels it is particularly so. Such works are generally opened with a view to entertainment. Instruction is too frequently but a secondary object.

If it comes without trouble it may be welcome; but, in general, no pains will be taken to search after it. To interest the feelings and excite the curiosity in the adventures and characters of one or more individuals who make a prominent and engaging figure in the story, are the chief instruments by which the novelist can bind the affections of his reader to his pages.

The progress of the narrative, it is true, may, without much injury, be occasionally interrupted by short descriptions of scenery, persons and characters. But these, besides being short, should come seldom, should be always lively, and more or less illustrative of the main story. If they are not, the chance will be that the impatience of the reader will induce him either to overleap these superfluous digressions, or throw aside the book, with, perhaps, a hearty condemnation, for being prolix, heavy and uninteresting.

Well managed dialogues, in which the plot is forwarded, its perplexities and mysteries explained, or the sentiments of its characters developed, are also admissible; nay, for the purpose of varying the tone and structure of the work, they are often useful. But these should be animated, perspicuous and easy, and possessed of true dramatic interest. Even when the speakers are of a serious character, as little of the dull, prosing, motivebalancing style, to which the Godwin school writers are so addicted, as may be possible without infringing consistency, should be admitted into the conversation. A moralist and a profound thinker may be strongly enough portrayed, if it be necessary to portray such a character, by many other modes of representation, than abstuse philosophising, however elegant its style, or logical its deductions.

When we wish for assistance to investigate the operations of the mind, to compare the force of the passions, or to weigh the obligations of duty, we naturally turn to works avowedly written on such subjects. Locke, Ecattie, Reid, Dugald Stewart, and innumerable other writers are professedl metaphysical. Their works are not disagreeable for being abstract, for their subjects are abstract. They deceive no one, and they give pleasure to some, for one reader in fifty may be either learned enough, or wise enough to relish their philosophy.

But novels are opened with a quite different view than to learn the art of moralizing. One of their most important objects should, indeed, be to show the beauties and benefits of morality. But this they can do more effectually by picturing forth examples than by laying down rules. The resolute virtue of Jeanie Deans's character, obtains for her a happiness and a respectability, even in this life, which the superior attractions of her sister could not secure, because she was less strict in her adherence to the paths of duty. Such a representation, drawn as it is, with so close a resemblance to the occurrences of real life, must ever have a greater effect in fortifying the mind of a young female against temptation, than all the abstract lectures to be found in the whole circle of literature on the subject of moral duties. The contented spirit of the Vicar of Wakefield amidst accumulating and apparently interminable misfortunes, which, at length, result in his restoration to happiness amidst the endeared circle of domestic comforts, is one of the most efficient lessons against sinking under the calamities of private life, that ever was given to the virtuous unfortunate of mankind.

But it would be endless to quote examples of this kind. A little exertion of memory will suggest to almost every reader, abundance of them; and a little reflection will convince him that works of fiction, of the proper class, are often as effectual in teaching morality, as in yielding enjoyment. What we chiefly insist on, is, that affording the latter is the most ready and powerful means of accomplishing the former.

If the minds of readers were more frequently fitted to enjoy the profound mentalization, if we may use such a term, which is the prevailing character of the novels before us, we would rank them among the very highest class of useful publications. The evil results of giving way to that species of mental weakness which renders us attentive to omens and prodigies, and disposes us to consider mysterious appearances, or inexplicable sounds, as of oracular import, and preternatural origin, were never represented by more impressive incidents, nor told in language more dignified and flowing, than in the novel of Wieland. Here also, are strikingly exemplified, the evils of a defective education; for Wieland's father entertained the same fanatical

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