PRINTED AND SOLD BY JOHN MARSHALL
AND Cº Nº 4, ALDERMARY
CHURCH YARD, IN
BOW-LANE.
To Master ——.
The pleasure which you take in reading, made me solicitous to write a few pages for your amusement, when you wish to unbend your mind from more serious studies. But the want of opportunity, and the frequent interruptions which I met with during the course of them, have rendered the whole less worthy your acceptance than I had hoped, when I first formed the design. My affection for you, incites me to wish your improvement in every branch of useful knowledge; and though this little work may be regarded as trifling, yet, the moral which it contains, is worthy your most serious attention. Do not, therefore, be too proud to receive instruction from its contents, because you have commenced acquaintance with Greek or Latin authors. It is from a superficial knowledge either of men or books, that we derive a supercilious contempt of the one, or are critically nice in our judgment of the other. I would wish you, my dear boy, to form your taste on the most perfect models; but to profit by every thing which is praise-worthy in those authors who are less distinguished. Above all, you should remember, that to improve your temper, and to encrease in virtue as well as knowledge, is the great end of all your studies; nothing which can promote this design, can be too low to merit your attention. That you may each day continue to advance in your progress towards every thing which is great, generous, and manly, till you become an ornament of society, a blessing to your friends, and the delight of your indulgent parents, is the most earnest wish of,
Your affectionate Friend,
The Author.
WILLIAM SEDLEY;
OR, THE
EVIL DAY DEFERRED.
“It is a delightful morning!” said a gentleman to a boy of about twelve years old, as he walked up and down an avenue with high trees on each side, which led to a handsome house. A coach drove, at that moment, out of the court-yard. “What a fine day!” repeated the gentleman. “I think, William, the roads will be extremely pleasant.” William made no answer. The tears trickled down his cheeks, which he wiped away with the back of his hand.