Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1819-05-29
FROM THE FRIEND.
NOVELS.

A late celebrated writer has given it
as his opinion that literature, we'll or i'll
conducted, is the great engine by which
all civilized states must ultimately be
supported or overthrown. 1t therefore
behoves every writer and editor, in
this country, where almost every one
is reader, if he is possessed of any So
licitude for the virtue and happiness of
the rising generation, to be careful that
he does not admit into his work any thing
that may, in the least, have tendency
to corrupt the mind, or wound the mod
esty, of a single human being.
1t is a melancholy thought, that men
can be found who strenuously endeavor
to lessen that small portion of good
which is allotted to this lifc-who employ
those means which are e1ninently calcu-
lated to refine, instruct, and elevate the
mind, to effect its degradation and cor
ruption. Yet, it is well known that for
the attainment of these obj they have
labored with a perseverance unwearied
as the wing Of time, and with an appe-
tito keen as the grave. They have OK
plored every avenue to the human mind,
and avaied themselves of its weakness
es, its prejudices, and it's PASSIONS
They have adapted their works to the
capacities OF every class of men, in order
to extend their influence, and increase
the number of their proselytes, in pub
LEGATIONS, from volumes, down to penny
sheets and ballads for children.
Perhaps no writings have done more
harm in the world than NOVELS the
writers of which have, in almost every
age, chosen such subjects only as tend
to captivate the youthful mind, and fan
those passions into flame which rather
require to be stifled by the mantle of
self-denial.
Novels, from their extensive circula-
ton, the avidity with which they are read,
and the deep impression that they make,
have become objects of serious conside-
ration. The propensity of the human
mind to quit the tame realities of life,
and ramble through the gay regions of
fancy, to fashion new scenes of happi-
ness, and devise new modes of enjoy
ment, has been remarked by Bacon as
proof Of its high origin, and noble capa-
cities.
This propensity, of course, has been
gratitied among all nations, in manner
suited to the taste, habits, and improve
ments, of each succeeding age. Among
modern civilized nations, the dominion
of fancy has been circumscribed within
the limits of probability, and novels have
been supposed to present picture bear
ing some resemblance to human life.
But. setting aside the immortality with
which most of them abound, they are
calculated to " lead to bewilder, and
3 dazzle to blind" Every object is dress
ed by the light fingers of fancy, and in
vested with a visionary character
wealth, pleasure, taste, friendship, and
love, are the natural result of this ideal
economy, which but agreeably deludes
with vague hope of a like unknown
good, that accident or fortune will some
) time or other throw in the way. Fact
and experience are neglected, and ex.
pectation stands on tiptoe. They nour-
ish desires which can never be gratifed,
and feed upon the expectation of pleas
nres which never will arrive. Young
girls who love to inhabit the. fairy world
which the novelist has created for them.
are apt to return to" this dim spot which.
men call EARTH" with restlessness and
disgust. Their standard of pleasures
and virtues is not formed for world
where disappointments and sorrows in
trude. They sigh for a state where love
is constant and unabating, where friend