The moral lessons also of this lady's novels , though clearly and impressively conveyed , are not offensively put forward , but spring incidentally from the circumstances of the story ; they are not forced upon the reader , but he is left to collect them ( though without any difficulty ) for himself
It is fascinating that Whatley is commending Jane Austin for covert didactic narratives. To have the moral lessons being in arm's grasp, if only, the individual seeks it out. Though, if I was to critique this rationale, to suggest that this methodology is "conformed more closely to real life" not evidently true. Often times, the big moral lessons in real life become loud and clear with great consequences. Beyond the critique, it is fascinating that Jane Austen wrote works with social realism predating the Realism literary period. Revolutionary and "novel" in application.
SIDE NOTE: I hope Whatley lived long enough to see the emergence of the Realism literary period. Given this was written in 1818, I hope he lived 22 years to at least see prevalence of Realism as that seems to be his fascination.