ON LOV E. THE HE Defire of Praife, which we have found fo powerful in the minds of Young Men, never perhaps operates fo ftrongly as when it comes to be actuated by the contemplation of the female fex, particularly of those individuals amongst them whom nature or accident throws in its way, and whom the peculiarity of the temperament concurs with the character of the heart, to felect as favourite objects. From this period, indeed, it is apt to be accompanied with a paffion unspeakably interefting, and of fo mighty an influence, when it takes. full poffeffion, as to absorb, in a manner, VUL. I. N all other propenfities, or rather convert them to its own use, give them its own ftamp, and nearly reduce to a level the feelings of mankind; no diversity of turn or condition, of genius or culture, being able to produce any very effential difference in the behaviour of Lovers as fuch, unless where the fanctity of honour, or the debasement of vice, occafions that difference. It is recorded of the youthful Patriarch Jacob, that "he ferved Seven Years for "Rachel, and they seemed to him but a "Few Days, for the Love he had to ❝her. "" How amiable an attachment! How animating a motive! How chearful and happy a fervice! Attend, ye fons of Virtue, whofe bofoms beat with the fame beautiful affection; attend, whilft I endeavour to display its foundation, dignity, and influence. Liften also, thou flave of Appetite, who haft fubmitted to drag the chain of a harlot, to flatter heri vanity, and humour her caprice, to feed her infatiable rapacity, and tamely endure her violence, at the very time that thy reason defpifed her for her want of worth, and thee for fo vile a bondage; liften, and learn the difference between Senfual Defire and Honourable Love. The Meanness and Mifery created by the first, wherever it domineers, I purpose to expofe on fome future occafion. The oppofite Character and Confequences of the laft, when attended with discretion, and profpered by Heaven, I will now try to represent, without any apology for addreffing you, in this ferious ftyle, on a fubject too often treated with levity, but fanctified, as you see, by no less an authority than that of Holy Writ, complicated with the deepest sensations of human nature, connected with the dearest concerns of fociety, and productive of the most |