[preface To Second Edition:] ...

I Began This Book With The Intention Of Concealing Nothing, That Those Who Liked Might Have The Benefit Of Perusing A Fellow Creature's Heart: But We Have Some Thoughts That All The Angels In Heaven Are Welcome To Behold -- But Not Our Brother-men -- Not Even The Best And Kindest Amongst Them.

Forgetfulness Is Not To Be Purchased With A Wish; And I Cannot Bestow My Esteem On All Who Desire It, Unless They Deserve It Too.

I Am Satisfied That If A Book Is A Good One, It Is So Whatever The Sex Of The Author May Be. All Novels Are Or Should Be, Written For Both Men And Women To Read, And I Am At A Loss To Conceive How A Man Should Permit Himself To Write Anything That Would Be Really Disgraceful To A Woman, Or Why A Woman Should Be Censured For Writing Anything That Would Be Proper And Becoming For A Man.

This Paper Will Serve Instead Of A Confidential Friend Into Whose Ear I Might Pour Forth The Overflowings Of My Heart. It Will Not Sympathize With My Distresses, But Then, It Will Not Laugh At Them, And, If I Keep It Close, It Cannot Tell Again; So It Is, Perhaps, The Best Friend I Could Have For The Purpose.

Yet, Should Thy Darkest Fears Be True, If Heaven Be So Severe, That Such A Soul As Thine Is Lost, Oh! How Shall I Appear?