ADVERTISEMENT. THE Author cannot but feel flattered at the favourable reception this little Work has received from both the Literary and Religious World, and knows no better way of expressing gratitude for this early call for a Second Edition, than by endeavouring to improve it. With this view the remarks of friendly criticism have been listened to with attention, and the Author's thanks are particularly due to the kind suggestions of a FRIEND who chose to be anonymous. Extracts from the Principal Reviews of this Work. "WE wish that the celebrity of Mr. Beresford's publication, ("The Miseries of Human Life,") may tend to procure for the present the wide circulation which it deserves; and that the seasonable improvement which our fair author has made of human miseries, may prevent an abuse of that ingenious work."-Eclectic Review. "While all the preceding writers (authors of Miseries, More Miseries, &c.) have prosecuted the subject of " Miseries" with attempts at wit and pleasantry, this author endeavours to give a serious turn to the whole discussion, and to prove, in an appropriate tale, that practical religion is the only Antidote to "the ideal, minor, and real miseries of life."-The subject is well illustrated in a conversation with the widow Placid (a Quaker) and other passengers in a stage-coach: and the fashionable affectation of calling such incidents as breaking a shoe-string, or losing a button, a misery, is properly exposed. The moral from the whole is, that true Religion will make us at happy in a miserable world, a doctrine as important as it is true, and which cannot be too much enforced. Mr. Beresford, as a Cleigyinan, will probably not be sorry to find his frivolities thus seriously terminated, and his Sensitive and Testy made to yield to the amiably patient, and christianly pious, Mrs. Placid. Monthly Review, Nov. 1807. "This defect (the want of just sentiment) in Mr. Beresford's work, probably suggested to the author of this little volume his leading idea, which is to shew that religion is the grand, the only Antidote to human Misery, camming and sweetening the mind, rendering it superior to all the evils, great and small, which chequer the path of life.-The tale itself is told in a manner suf ficiently interesting. We extract the following passage as a fair specimen of the author's manner, and as an inducement to the younger part of our readers to peruse the whole, which we think they cannot do without pleasure and improvement." [Here follows a very long quotation.] Christian Observer, August 1807. "The readers of this performance will find a deal of humour in it, but it is of the most innocent kind; and it would be uncandid not to say, that its leading design is to suggest the most important truths, in a most inoffensive and inviting manner.....We demur a little on the propriety of making a Quaker Lady so profoundly wise, so truly liberal in her sentiments, or so very communicative, when a scholar and an author are present. Such a character is a rara avis indeed; but the other characters are natural enough, and well supported throughout; and we think the author has taken a most agreeable way of convincing his readers, that there is, in vital religion, "An antidote to every misery which can fail to the lot of human nature." Evan. Mag. June 1807. CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION. The behaviour of a fine lady, and a country 'squire's mode of salutation to a fine gentleman. · A book-keeper's mistake, and a short dialogue in con- Matters accommodated, and Mrs. Placid and her daughter Rachael admitted into the stage-coach, the scene of action for each person concerned in the nar- rative. A criticism upon new plays, and fashionable CHAPTER II. The eye of a scholar attracted by a new book, and the party interested by its contents. The 'Squire's opinion of Latin quotations. Mrs. Placid makes a sudden transi- tion from a gay to a grave subject. The effect produced. An address to the reader. Mrs. Placid proposes to re- CHAPTER III. wife. An interesting point of controversy briefly dis- dissertation on the art of conversation. The 'Squire makes an offer to the Widow Placid, who gives her opi- nion upon scandal. The Captain discovers a new ini- sery, and utters a groan on the occasion. The Scholar offers an hint upon education, which rouses the Cap- tain's poetical genius. Mrs. Placid decides the contro- Mrs. Placid. evinces her attachment to one, of King, Charles's rules. The Captain declares the motive of his actions, and Miss, Einakin whispers her sentiments. Mrs. Placid makes some of the company smile, and her, daughter meets with an embarrassment. The Scholar talks of amiable weaknesses, and Mrs. Placid explains their nature. Aspointed" question addressed to Miss Mrs. Placid resumes her history.. An apostrophe to the memory.of a beloved mother,. The. 'Squire's plan of education for a tradesman. Mrs. Placid's plan for ditto. The scholar's illiberality, and the widow's can- dour, on a question of character. The sort of cheat which the country gentleman would not prosecute, Miss Finakin much disturbed in mind, and oppressed in body, by a very common incident in travelling, |