The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1823-06-04
IFsom the Nsu- York s,aissn,an.l !


and romances, are multiplying so fast,
and follow one another in such rapid
succession, that the reader finds il Diff
cult to keep pace with the writer.
Anew novel has issued from the press
Of Mr.. Charles Wiley, of this city, en-
titled g justiad, or the Will !. domestick
story" 1t is published in two handsome
volumes, of more than two hundred pa
ges each.
On opening this book, the reader dis
covers, at the first glance, that its con-
tents are of religious cast, designed
not less for instruction than amusement.
The title-p age bears the sacred motto,
Earnestly contend for the faith once
delivered to the saints - and at the eud
of the volume, the reader finds notes
explanatory of some of the conhSverted
points in theology.
These are unusual appendages for
novel; but they are in strict keeping
with the general tenor of the work, and
the reader that can never turn with sat
isfaction from the lively TO the severe,
need not open the pages of Jyustina with
the hope of being pleased.
We shrewdIy suspect that this book
Is intended as an answer or an offset to
the New-England Tale, published last
year, of which it is the reverse in its
religious sentiments, being rigidIy or
thodox and probably designed TO show
that female educated according to the
straitest sect of christianity, can be
all that is elegant in personal accom-
plishments, all that is brilliant in INTEL
iectual endowments, and all that is ami
able in the virtues Of the heart. The
greatest fault we have to find with JUS
tina, the heroine OF the domestick story,
is, that she is too perfect TO be human
In the language Of johnson, "she is
beautiful as the Hours, and wise as 20
heide." Like the heroine of CeIebs,
she has none of those s. amiable weak
nesSes,o which characterize her sex,
but appears TO be an angelck being, sent
to our earth on errands of piety, beney-
olence and love.
The motives and feelings which
prompted the author to undertake a
work of this kind; the zeal manifested
in the holy cause which the writer has
espoused; and the character Of the
work, may in some measure be gathered
from the following brief extract -
Enthusiasm is by some allowed to
display itself or all subjects but religion.
They will start into rapture at any thing
earthly which they think beautiful; ex-
hibit, with glowing eloquence, their adj
miration of the poet, the painter, the
sculptor; their hearts will swell and
burst forth into gratitude TO exalt some
munIicent earthly beneiaclor; and they
will describe, in adoring strains, their
powerful affection for some human OBJ
Ject: but TO the Supreme Fountain Of
love and beauty. whose sun warns and
cheers US; who scatters around US the
lavish gifts Of his providence ''who
makes all nature bcauty to the eve, and
musick to the ear;'' who redeemeth our
life from destruction; who crownctil us
with ioying kindness and tcsder mer-
cies who hath so loved us as to pur-
chase for us salvation with bis own
blood here we must pause, and check
the rising transport Of gratitude and
praise, ere they reach the 4ips each
emotion must be noiseless and still,
like the dews of heaven"
We forbear 10 enter into the details
of the story. since ii would impair the
interest of those who may read the
book. The sceue often changes, being
partly laid in England, in New York,
Albany, tire Island Of Bermuda, and Phil
adelphia In point of style, and as a
literary work, Justina holds very re-
spectacle rank. II abounds with speci-
mems of fine description, and many Of
the scenes are drawn with vivacity and
pathos. We were particularly pleased
with the selection of mottos for the
heads Of the chapters, which, as well as
the general quotations, show familiari-
ty with the best writer's in our language.
This novel is attributed TO the pen Of
lady, (the daughter Of former cler-
gyman Of this city, who is not less emf
nent for her active benevolence and
piety. than for genius, taste, and literary
attaInments.
From The ". Y. Ereaing Post
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