ABSTRACT
Perhaps the human mind can have no entertainment at once more congenial and more useful to it, than […] stories of extraordinary distresses and wonderful deliverances. In the former part, our humanity is cultivated; in the latter is inspired a spirited hope and a trust in Providence, which may enable us to act with resolution in the trying emergencies of life. They have the effect which Aristotle attributes to good tragedy, in correcting the passions by terror and pity. They give us striking examples of the resources in which ingenious distress is fruitful; and instances as remarkable, of magnanimity and virtue, sometimes even in rude minds, and where it might least be expected. (The Annual Register or a View of the History, Politics and Literature for the Year 1758 London: J. Dodsley, 1791: 278)
