on the mind than
such as are occasionally introduced. Communication is a great
strengthener of any principle. Feelings, as well as ideas, are often
elicited by collision. Thoughts that are never to be produced, in time
seldom present themselves, while mutual interchange almost creates as
well as cultivates them. And as to the social affections, I am persuaded
that men would love each other more cordially; good-will and kindness
would be inconceivably promoted, were they in the habit of maintaining
that sort of intercourse which would keep up a mutual regard for their
eternal interests, and lead them more to consider each other as
candidates for the same immortality through the same common hope."

Just as he had ceased to speak, we heard a warbling of female voices,
which came softened to us by distance and the undulation of the air. The
little band under the oak had finished their cheerful repast, and
arranged themselves in the same regular procession in which they had
arrived. They stood still at a respectful distance from the temple, and
in their artless manner sung Addison's beautiful version of the
twenty-third psalm, which the Miss Astons had taught them, because it
was a favorite with their mother.

Here the setting sun reminded us to retreat to the house. Before we
quitted the temple, however, Sir George Aston, ventured modestly to
intimate a wish, that if it pleased the Almighty to spare our lives, the
same party should engage always to celebrate this anniversary in the
Temple of Friendship, which should be finished on a larger scale, and
rendered less unworthy to receive such guests. The ladies smiled
assentingly. Ph[oe]be applauded rapturously. Sir John Belfield and I
warmly approved the proposal. Mr. Stanley said it could not but meet
with his cordial concurrence, as it would involve the assurance of an
annual visit from his valued friends.

As we walked into the house, Lady Aston, who held by my arm, in answer
to the satisfaction I expressed at the day I had passed, said, "we owe
what little we are and do, under Providence, to Mr. Stanley. You will
admire his discriminating mind, when I tell you that he recommends these
little exhibitions for my daughters far more than to his own. He says
that they, being naturally cheerful and habitually active, require not
the incentive of company to encourage them. But that for my poor timid
inactive girls, the support and animating presence of a few chosen
friends ju