But surely what I can say, or can be expected to say, on subjects of
country life, would gain little by the seriousness of a preacher, or by
exhibiting fallacious representations of what has long been termed _Rural
Innocence_.
The Poem of "Good Tidings" is partially known to the world, but, as it
was originally intended to assume its present appearance and size, I have
gladly availed myself of an endeavour to improve it; and, from its present
extended circulation, I trust it will be new to thousands.
I anticipate some approbation from such readers as have been pleased with
the "Rural Tales;" yet, though I will not falsify my own feelings by
assuming a diffidence which I do not conceive to be either manly or
becoming, the conviction that some reputation is hazarded in "a third
attempt," is impressed deeply on my mind.
With such sentiments, and with a lively sense of the high honour, and a
hope of the bright recompence, of applause from the good, when heightened
by the self-approving voice of my own conscience, I commit the book to its
fate.
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