ers_, and contract
_sentimental friendships_.

ERROR is never likely to do so much mischief as when it disguises its
real tendency, and puts on an engaging and attractive appearance. Many a
young woman, who would be shocked at the imputation of an intrigue, is
extremely flattered at the idea of a sentimental connexion, though
perhaps with a dangerous and designing man, who, by putting on this mask
of plausibility and virtue, disarms her of her prudence, lays her
apprehensions asleep, and involves her in misery; misery the more
inevitable because unsuspected. For she who apprehends no danger, will
not think it necessary to be always upon her guard; but will rather
invite than avoid the ruin which comes under so specious and so fair a
form.

SUCH an engagement will be infinitely dearer to her vanity than an
avowed and authorised attachment; for one of these sentimental lovers
will not scruple very seriously to assure a credulous girl, that her
unparalleled merit entitles her to the adoration of the whole world, and
that the universal homage of mankind is nothing more than the
unavoidable tribute extorted by her charms. No wonder then she should be
easily prevailed on to believe, that an individual is captivated by
perfections which might enslave a million. But she should remember, that
he who endeavours to intoxicate her with adulation, intends one day most
effectually to humble her. For an artful man has always a secret design
to pay himself in future for every present sacrifice. And this
prodigality of praise, which he now appears to lavish with such
thoughtless profusion, is, in fact, a sum oeconomically laid out to
supply his future necessities: of this sum he keeps an exact estimate,
and at some distant day promises himself the most exorbitant interest
for it. If he has address and conduct, and, the object of his pursuit
much vanity, and some sensibility, he seldom fails of success; for so
powerful will be his ascendancy over her mind, that she will soon adopt
his notions and opinions. Indeed, it is more than probable she
possessed most of them before, having gradually acquired them in her
initiation into the sentimental character. To maintain that character
with dignity and propriety, it is necessary she should entertain the
most elevated ideas of disproportionate alliances, and disinterested
love; and consider fortune, rank, and reputation, as mere chimerical
distinctions and vulgar prejudices.

THE lover, deep