And how common such men are with us in this century, and how inviting and how necessary their delineation, may be seen in this,--that the popular and pre-eminent Observer of the age in which we live has since placed their prototype in vigorous colours upon imperishable canvas .-- [Need I say that I allude to the Pecksniff of Mr.Dickens ?] There is yet another object with which I have identified my tale.

I trust that I am not insensible to such advantages as arise from the diffusion of education really sound, and knowledge really available;--for these, as the right of my countrymen, I have contended always.

But of late years there has been danger that what ought to be an important truth may be perverted into a pestilent fallacy.

Whether for rich or for poor, disappointment must ever await the endeavour to give knowledge without labour, and experience without trial.

Cheap literature and popular treatises do not in themselves suffice to fit the nerves of man for the strife below, and lift his aspirations, in healthful confidence above.