And this I will
boldly say, that if its numerous Beauties are added to its excellent
Tendency, it will be found worthy a Place, not only in all Families
(especially such as have in them young Persons of either Sex) but in the
Collections of the most curious and polite Readers. For, as it borrows
none of its Excellencies from the romantic Flights of unnatural Fancy,
its being founded in Truth and Nature, and built upon Experience, will
be a lasting Recommendation to the Discerning and Judicious; while the
agreeable Variety of Occurrences and Characters, in which it abounds,
will not fail to engage the Attention of the gay and more sprightly
Readers.

The moral Reflections and Uses to be drawn from the several Parts of
this admirable History, are so happily deduced from a Croud of different
Events and Characters, in the Conclusion of the Work, that I shall say
the less on that Head. But I think, the Hints you have given me, should
also prefatorily be given to the Publick; _viz._ That it will appear
from several Things mentioned in the Letters, that the Story must have
happened within these Thirty Years past: That you have been obliged to
vary some of the Names of Persons, Places, _&c._ and to disguise a few
of the Circumstances, in order to avoid giving Offence to some Persons,
who would not chuse to be pointed out too plainly in it; tho' they would
be glad it may do the Good so laudably intended by the Publication. And
as you have in Confidence submitted to my Opinion some of those
Variations, I am much pleased that you have so managed the Matter, as to
make no Alteration in the Facts; and, at the same time, have avoided the
digressive Prolixity too frequently used on such Occasions.

Little Book, charming PAMELA! face the World, and never doubt of finding
Friends and Admirers, not only in thine own Country, but far from Home;
[_del._ 8th] {where thou mayst give an Example of Purity to the Writers
of a neighbouring Nation; which now shall have an Opportunity to receive
_English_ Bullion in Exchange for its own Dross, which has so long
passed current among us in Pieces abounding with all the Levities of its
volatile Inhabitants.} The reigning Depravity of the Times has yet left
Virtue many Votaries. Of their Protection you need not despair. May
every head-strong Libertine whose Hands you reach, be reclaimed; and
every tempted Virgin who reads you, imitate the Virtue, and meet the
Reward of the high-meriting, tho' low-