Judicious;
while the agreeable Variety of Occurrences and Characters, in which it abounds,
will not fail to engage the Attention of the gay and more sprightly Readers.
    The moral Reflections and Uses to be drawn from the several Parts of this
admirable History, are so happily deduced from a Croud of different Events and
Characters, in the Conclusion of the Work, that I shall say the less on that
Head. But I think, the Hints you have given me, should also prefatorily be given
to the Publick; viz. That it will appear from several Things mentioned in the
Letters, that the Story must have happened within these Thirty Years past: That
you have been obliged to vary some of the Names of Persons, Places, etc. and to
disguise a few of the Circumstances, in order to avoid giving Offence to some
Persons, who would not chuse to be pointed out too plainly in it; tho' they
would be glad it may do the Good so laudably intended by the Publication. And as
you have in Confidence submitted to my Opinion some of those Variations, I am
much pleased that you have so managed the Matter, as to make no Alteration in
the Facts; and, at the same time, have avoided the digressive Prolixity too
frequently used on such Occasions.
    Little Book, charming Pamela! face the World, and never doubt of finding
Friends and Admirers, not only in thine own Country, but far from Home; where
thou mayst give an Example of Purity to the Writers of a neighbouring Nation;
which now shall have an Opportunity to receive English Bullion in Exchange for
its own Dross, which has so long passed current among us in Pieces abounding
with all the Levities of its volatile Inhabitants. The reigning Depravity of the
Times has yet left Virtue many Votaries. Of their Protection you need not
despair. May every head-strong Libertine whose Hands you reach, be reclaimed;
and every tempted Virgin who reads you, imitate the Virtue, and meet the Reward
of the high-meriting, tho' low-descended, Pamela. I am, Sir,
Your most Obedient,
and Faithful Servant,
                                                                     J. B. D. F.
 

                To my worthy Friend, the Editor of Pamela, etc.

Sir,
    I return the Manuscript of Pamela by the Bearer, which I have read with a
great deal of Pleasure. It is written with that Spirit of Truth and agreeable
Simplicity, which, tho' much wanted, is seldom found in those Pieces which are
calculated for the Entertainment and Instruction of the Publick. It carries
Conviction in every Part of it; and the