At the same time, I am perfectly sensible, that the observation above mentioned is far from being altogether void of foundation. It is certainly desirable, that virtuous dispositions, and the active exertions to which they prompt, should not be separated by a very long interval. This circumstance, however, is obviously beyond the controul of an author, or public instructor. The care of it must rest with the individual himself, and more particularly with those who have the direction of his studies and pursuits. One particular, that deserves to be attended to in this view, shall be mentioned in the sequel of the present essay.

Such, then, appears to be the purpose which fiction is best calculated to answer. The next object is, to ascertain the manner in which it is to be conducted, in order to become most conducive to this purpose. On considering this subject, some questions naturally arise, which I shall now proceed to examine in their order.

And, first,-Is this perfection to be bestowed alike, on all the characters that are

introduced into the story. Shall the reader be transported entirely into a new world, from which every thing coarse and turbulent is excluded. This appears to be attended with many dangers, and to be little likely even to accomplish the end at which it aims. The natural effect will be, to lead a man to look for perfection in all those whom he meets, or at least forms any intimate connection with. But, however desirable it may be that he should employ a high standard in judging of his own conduct, it is by no means equally so, that he should apply a similar standard to that of his neighbours. Here he is in general disposed to be sufficiently rigid. Candour and moderation, as they are strongly called for by the weakness of our nature, so they are the virtues in which there is the greatest temptation to fail. Too high expectations from our fellow-men, necessarily lead to a disappointment, which is extremely apt to terminate in discontent and misanthropy; dispositions than which none can be more fatal, either to our own happiness, or that of those with whom we are connected.

Works, conducted on this plan, besides being attended with these bad effects, would be ill calculated even for attaining the object in view. The nature of our duties must vary extremely, according to the character of those with whom we live and act. The same line of conduct, which would be proper in a society of beings thus divested of human imperfection, would lead to the greatest errors, if adopted in our intercourse with men such as they really exist. Imprudence, at least, if not something worse, must be the inevitable consequence of such a delusion. The only good effect which can be produced, is, in regard to those whose superior knowledge and opportunities afford them the means of influencing and guiding the conduct of others. This is, no doubt, an important branch of active benevolence, and one which the author of such a work may, with propriety, endeavour to inculcate on his readers. But the improvement produced should appear to be in consequence of efforts made for that purpose, not as existing independently of them.

What then are the characters to whom this

superior excellence is to be ascribed? They are the leading characters, those in whom the reader takes the deepest interest, and with whom he feels disposed, as it were, to identify himself. Their number ought certainly to be very small; nay, I doubt, if in its highest degree, this quality should be bestowed on more than one. The rest may be mixed and imperfect characters, with gradations of good and evil, such as actually take place in real life. There may be a propriety, indeed, in drawing a somewhat stronger line between the two, in exhibiting virtue in all her lustre, and vice in all her deformity; and, where the latter predominates, in not veiling her turpitude, by any large proportion of good qualities. This, however, need take place only in the case of a few of the mostpredominant actors; while the rest, forming the greater number, may be placed on a level with the generality of mankind.

A distinction is also to be made between those associates whom the hero has chosen for himself, and those among whom he is thrown by unavoidable accident. The for

mer, without being absolutely free from faults, ought yet to possess such a degree of merit, as to render them worthy of his choice. The latter can with no propriety be raised above the ordinary standard.

Our next question relates to the degree in which this favourite character is to be endued with the gifts of nature and fortune. And here a considerable embarrassment arises. For, on the one hand, his merit ought to be as much as possible intrinsic, and independent of outward circumstances. At the same time, to make him strikingly deficient in qualifications which command so much of the admiration of mankind, would lower his character in the eyes of most readers, and would tend to throw contempt even on those moral qualities, which are held forth as objects of imitation. Between these opposite dangers, it will not be easy for the writer to conduct himself so as not to fall into one or other of them. His plan, as I conceive, must vary according to the different nature of these advantages. Most of them may be comprehended under these three: external