ON THE SAME. HEY whofe minds are not form TH ed 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 intercourse, "When heart meets heart, reciprocally foft, "Each other's pillow to repofe divine. For the gratification and improvement of fuch amongst you, the prefent Address will turn upon a comparison between the folidity, beauty, and sweetness of Friendship as fubfifting, where indeed it only can fubfift in its genuine excellence, among perfons of worth, and the poor VOL. II. E wretched phantom which 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 fhall, 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 fair dignify with fo 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 bréafts lefs amiably dif pofed, we should 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 so easy a rate. We begin with obferving, that Rectitude of heart has ever been juftly regarded as the only firm foundation of the union we recommend; and that the fpecies of Friendship, which men deftitute of principle profefs for one another, amounts to little more than combinations in vice, or at beft, partnerships of intereft, ambition, or amusement, without any real or durable esteem 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 several who in ftrictnefs of morals furpaffed them, we readily acknowledge, whilft we fincerely regret, that the latter fhould allow themselves to be outstripped in any commendable quality. But it is certain, that constitutional 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 some atonement to the world, and to themselves, for irregularities which neither can seriously justify; that, fecretly |