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FON

THE SA ME.

HEY whofe minds are not formed

THE

by Nature for the finest of all connexions, will be apt to confider what has been already offered on this fubject as frivolous, unmeaning, and infipid: but better fpirits will be happy to hear yet -farther of an intercourfe,

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"When heart meets heart, reciprocally foft,
"Each other's pillow to repofe divine."

For the gratification and improvement of fuch, the prefent Addrefs will turn upon a comparison between the folidity, beauty, and sweetness of Friendship as fubfifting, where indeed it only can subsist in its ge<nuine excellence, among perfons of worth, and the poor wretched phantom which VOL. II.

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affumes its title among thofe of a different character. We mean to trace both through a variety of views and fituations; and from this induction of particulars we shall, I doubt not, fufficiently difcover the infinite fuperiority of that holy, fublime, and immortal relation, to all the boafted ties which profligacy or vanity would fain dignify with so venerable a name.

If, befide affording pleasure and edification to the more affectionate part of our auditors, we could, by any thing we shall now fay, awaken an emulation of their enjoyments in breafts lefs amiably dif pofed, we fhould reflect on this attempt with double fatisfaction. It furely requires no extraordinary good-nature, to find complacence in contributing to the felicity of others at fo eafy a rate.

We begin with obferving, that Rectitude of heart has ever been justly regarded

as the only firm foundation of the union we recommend; and that the fpecies of Friendship, which men deftitute of principle profess for one another, amounts to little more than combinations in vice, or at best, partnerships of interest, ambition, or amusement, without any real or durable éfteem and confidence. That fuch men have often done great things in the way of generofity and zeal for their companions, and fometimes even greater things than feveral who in ftrictnefs of morals furpaffed them, we readily acknowledge, while we fincerely regret, that the latter fhould allow themselves to be outstripped in any commendable quality. But it is certain, that conftitutional kindness frequently operates, in a very powerful, though irregular manner, on minds much corrupted in other refpects. And is it not probable, that libertines may be defirous of making fome atonement to the world, and to themselves, for irregularities which neither can seriously juftify; that, fecretly

humiliated by their inferiority to the virtuous in those instances, they would gladly out-do them in such as are consistent with their favourite inclinations, and that they flatter themselves with the hope of at laft eclipfing, by the fame of their liberality, perfons whofe reputation for ftri&t honour and felf-command appears to darken them? Or is it unlikely, that they expect to derive fome confolation from thus ftrengthening their party against men of fober life, whom they never can forgive for daring filently to reproach them by a purer conduct?

But does it not, you will ask, seem as natural, on the other hand, that they fhould conceive a close attachment for one another, on account of their mutual refemblance, fince it is univerfally agreed that fimilarity of character is among the ftrongest incentives to mutual affection? True but a farther enquiry will arise, Whether the affection in this cafe can

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