romiscuously condemned. It is contended, however, from a
variety of causes which were shewn, that they are very generally
censurable. We are taught again, that the direct tendency of those which
are censurable is to produce conceit and affectation, a romantic spirit,
and a perverted morality among youth. We are taught again, that, on
account of the peculiar construction of these, inasmuch as they have
plot and character like dramatic compositions, they fascinate, and this
to such a degree, that youth wait for no selection, but devour
promiscuously all that come in their way. Hence the conclusion is, that
the effects, alleged against novels, cannot but be generally produced.
We are presented also with this fact, that, on account of the high
seasoning and gross stimulants they contain, all other writings, however
useful, become insipid. Hence the novel reader, by becoming indisposed
to the perusal of more valuable books, excludes himself from the
opportunity of moral improvement, and, if immoral sentiments are
contracted, from the chance of any artificial corrective or cure.

The diversions of the field offer themselves next to our notice. We are
taught, on the discussion which has arisen on this subject, that we are
not permitted to take away the lives of animals wantonly but only as
they may be useful for food, or as they may be dangerous to ourselves
and to the other animals which may belong to us, and that a condition is
annexed to the original grant or charter, by which permission was given
to kill, which is never to be dispensed with, or, in other words, that
we are to take away their lives as speedily as we can. Hence rights have
sprung up on the part of animals, and duties on the part of men, any
breach of which is the violation of a moral law. Hence the diversions of
the field become often objectionable, because life is not thus taken
away as speedily as it might otherwise have been, and because food or
noxiousness is not often the object of the destruction of animals, but
mere pleasure or sport. We are taught also to consider animals, not as
mere machines, but as the creatures of God. We are taught also, that as
they were designed to have their proper share of happiness during the
time of their existence, any wanton interruption of this is an
innovation of their rights as living beings. And we are taught finally,
that the organic nature of men and animals being the same, as far as a
feeling of pain is concerned,