196 1.2 vols.) gift PREFACE. EXT to the difpofitions and manners of Young Women, thofe of Young Men may be regarded as of the greatest confequence, both to the present and future generations. It is certain they will be attended with the most powerful influence on that Sex, whofe empire is univerfal. Their mutual intercoui fe indeed is evidently much more efficacious, in moulding the minds, and directing the actions, of others, than the highest authority, or the wifeft example, of age. How deeply fociety will be affected by the connexions which Young Men shall form, and by the conduct which they fhall hold, as they advance, it is not difficult to imagine; nor can it be neceffary to prove, that, as the behaviour of individuals in their early days gives for the moft part a turn to the reft, fo from the VOL. I. a 6336 character of our Youth in general, we may prognofticate favourably, or otherwife, concerning our own times, and those that shall more immediately succeed them. For these reasons, and others that need not now be stated, the improvement of the rifing age in the beft things, has always appeared to me an object of the first magnitude. On this principle Sermons to Young Women were attempted. From the generous reception with which they were honoured by the public, many perfons, whofe judgement I muft ever respect, were induced to intimate the most obliging wishes that I might proceed to address the Youth of my own fex. But fuch an undertaking was at first rendered impoffible by ill health; and afterwards, when I thought of engaging in it, I hesitated long from real diffidence. I readily reflected, that I could add but little to the large ftores of moral and religious instruction, with which Young Men difpofed to use them were already furnished from a variety of quarters: and when I contemplated those giddy youth who wanted admonition moft, I eafily difcovered that they were least inclined to receive it. From the impetuofity of their paffions, and the force of their prejudices, together with the thousand artifices that were conftantly employed to inflame the former and strengthen the latter, while the voice of Virtuous Friendship, and of Domestic Wisdom, was either not exerted, or not heard in the din and tumult of the world, nothing seemed fo difficult as obtaining the attention of fuch minds to counsel in the shape of Sermons. I well knew with what contempt and difguft they were taught to look on every thing that bears the name of Preaching: nor was I confcious of poffeffing fkill fufficient to furmount effectually fo powerful an obftacle. The regard to decorum, which the generality of Young Women deem it ne ceffary to preferve; the happy restraint from many evils, and fubjection to useful rules, which that lays them under; their quick feeling of reputation, and ardent defire to please by a demeanour at once attractive and unblemished; the diffufive influence of thefe qualities on their whole characters; the peculiar warmth and foftnefs of their affections; their fuperior aptitude for devotion; their prevailing fenfibility to whatever can entertain the imagination, or imprefs the heart; and . perhaps may be added, the lively interest they take in those that are avowedly attached to them, as they might perceive I was; all these things concurred to fupply me with fuch handles in addreffing that fex, as I could not hope to find in the other cafe. If, in confequence of fo many advantages, my endeavours met with approbation, it was natural for me to entertain doubts of fuccefs, where thofe advantages did not take place; where, on the contrary, the disadvantages were great; |