A short account of the courtship of Alonzo & Melissa setting forth their hardships and difficulties, caused by the barbarity of an unfeeling father |
PREFACE. |
 | A short account of the courtship of Alonzo & Melissa |  |
PREFACE.
WHETHER the story of Alonzo and Melissa
will generally please, the writer knows not:
if however, he is not mistaken, it is not unfriendly
to religion and to virtue. One thing was
aimed to be shown, that a firm reliance on providence,
however the affections might be at war
with its dispensations, is the only source of consolation
in the gloomy hours of affliction; and
that generally such dependence, though crossed
by difficulties and perplexities, will be crowned
with victory at last.
It is also believed that the story contains no
indecorous stimulants; nor is it filled with unmeaning
and inexplicated incidents, sounding
upon the senses, but imperceptible to the understanding.
When anxieties have been excited
by involved and doubtful events, they are afterwards
eludicated by the consequences.
The writer believes that generally he has copied
nature. In the ardent prospects raised in
youthful bosoms, the almost consummation of
their wishes, their sudden and unexpected disappointment,
the sorrows of separation, the joyous
and unlooked for meeting—In the poignant feelings
of Alonzo when at the grave of Melissa, he
poured the feelings of his anguished soul over
her miniature by the “moon's pale ray.” When
Melissa, sinking on her knees before her father,
was received to his bosom as a beloved daughter
risen from the dead.
If these scenes are not imperfectly drawn, they
will not fail to interest the refined sensibilities of
the reader.
| A short account of the courtship of Alonzo & Melissa | |