What recommendation would it be of this book, if humbly I should say, it can do no harm? But if vainly I avowed that it was my object and endeavour to do good, I might indeed speak the truth as to my wishes, but I should palpably disguise my expectations. It will do no good. Reformers are as unpopular as informers; the medicine, which nobody will take, can do nobody any service. When I witness the avidity, with which men will read a thing called a novel, wherein the characters of their friends are libelled, what folly would it be to suppose they will countenance an attempt to impress them with more kindness for their fellow-creatures than they are disposed to entertain, or will suffer themselves to be persuaded, that their fellow-creatures merit? I have been too long acquainted with you, my dear candid readers, to trouble you with any compliments, or solicit you for any favours. I have only to say, that I am doing my utmost to amuse you, and if you shall lay down this volume with any appetite for the second, I hope you will not find that my exertions flag. END OF THE FIRST VOLUME. WRIGHT, Printer, St. John’s Square. Typographical errors corrected by the etext transcriber: been mispent=> been misspent {pg 24} vaulted casmate so fortified=> vaulted casemate so fortified {pg 57} the same tranport=> the same transport {pg 166} bodily acheivements=> bodily achievements {pg 182} had recieved=> had received {pg 215}