Pamela Principles Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

Poor Mr. Williams, with Tears of Joy in his Eyes, said; How happily, Sir, have you been touched by the Divine Grace, before you have been hurried into the Commission of Sins, that the deepest Penitence could hardly have aton'd for!—God has enabled you to stop short of the Evil; and you have nothing to do, but to rejoice in the Good, which now will be doubly so, because you can receive it without the least inward Reproach. (78.40)

Um okay. Here, Mr. Williams is literally crying because he's so happy God has stopped Mr. B from raping Pamela. We think that Pamela might have had something to do with it, but you do you, Mr. Williams.

Quote #8

Fie, Mr. Andrews, said he, I thought you knew that the outward Appearance was nothing. I wish I had as good a Habit inwardly, as you have. (78.60)

Here, Mr. B takes up the novel's refrain about how possessing inner goodness is better than looking good… right before insisting that Pamela's dad buys new clothes on his dime. So, which is it, Mr. B?

Quote #9

Said she, You deserve more than I can express; for, to all who know your Story, you are a matchless Person. You are an Ornament to our Sex, and your Virtue, tho' your dear Spouse is so excellent and generous as he is, has met with no more than its due Reward. (92.165)

This entry in Pamela's brag book comes from Lady Jones, who believes that Pamela deserves everything she's gotten and then some for the strength of her virtue (despite her "low" birth). Sounds like Lady Jones has some principles of her own—unlike the rest of Mr. B's gentry friends, who harass and abuse Pamela.