Memoir of Amelia Opie

that history much to illustrate the goodness of God, and to show the infinite superiority of religious principle to the highest attainments of nature, as well as the greater happiness of which it is productive. If we endeavour now to recall the incidents that have been touched upon as we passed along, I think we cannot fail to observe many striking proofs of the providence of God and his overruling care on behalf of his servant. Adverse as the circumstances of her early history assuredly were to the formation of anything like Christian character?leaving her exposed to various dangerous and seductive influences, and assailed by numerous snares and temptations?she was, nevertheless, preserved from running into the extravagances of many others, who shared, with her, the enthusiasm and exaggerated opinions of an age of excitement and revolution. Had her affections unhappily become interested on behalf of any of those " friends of change," it is but too probable that her course would have been a very different one. But, guarded by the influence of early attachments, she clung to the home and the friendships of her girlhood; .and when, at a later period, she became the wife of Mr. Opie?although, unhappily, this union was not one that brought her within the influence of the high and happy sanctions of true religion, yet there was much about her husband calculated to cheek her natural inclination to gay pleasures and company, and suited to excite in her mind a spir... --This text refers to the Paperback edition.