Preface to Volume 1 of the 1852 Sampson Low Reprint

It would be no easy task to define in a few words the characteristics of this work, now presented in an English dress and commended to English readers; but it may be allowable to say, that its main aim is to show that no circumstances are too trying, and no difficulties too great, even for the youngest Christian, when the aid of God is earnestly besought,—and that real happiness and peace can only be found in the faithful service of God.

The authoress has beautifully delineated what always ought to be the character of the good, and therefore what always will be the aim of every real Christian. The deep, earnest tone of the work will commend itself. The naturalness of the characters described in it will strike every reader, and, perhaps, most of all in those cases in which, by a few touches, an expressive outline is exhibited, without delaying the reader by long and tedious developments. To many it will have a special value from its descriptions of American scenes and customs of the back-woods, with the sociality of that life where every one must necessarily depend on his neighbour,