PREFACE. THE papers composing this little volume were originally intended for a serial form of publication, which will explain the use of various signatures. It may, however, be proper to repeat here what the title professes that all the papers in this series are the productions of one writer, with the sole exception of "Our English Villages," which was written by a friend. However varied in form, it is hoped that a unity of purpose will be found pervading these tales and essays. To express the want, in our times, of a true, social education;-for the rich as well as the poor-to plead for humane relations between the various classes of society, instead of such as are purely mercenary and falsely styled "utilitarian" -this has been the aim of the writer. Such a purpose could not be fully developed in these few pages, which have been chosen, as specimens, from many other papers, which the writer, if encouraged, will be glad to publish. Whatever the public opinion of their merits may be, the author will continue to believe that their object, the union of Life and Literature, or, in other words, the devotion of Literature to Social Interests, is one of the highest importance. "There is a cant of philanthropy in our day," some smart writer has said. Yes; and there is a "cant' against philanthropy. Every good purpose is marred by some mistakes; and we need not wonder if some hasty advocates of social reforms have taken a one-sided view of their topic, and have represented a mere "change of circumstances" as all that is wanted by the people. But, on the other side, it is equally fanatical to expect improved men in unimproved circumstances. Mere teaching will not suffice for our times. The people require new thoughts, new feelings and new circumstances; and to suggest some of these has been our aim. If our views appear, in some part, ideal, it be remembered that the ideal has its place and its use in literature. may Several of the shorter tales are reprinted from Jerrold's Magazine and The People's Journal; and two or three of the poems have appeared in the Athenæum and Chambers' Edinburgh Journal. Bedford, July 1, 1848. J. G. |