The world, my young friends, is indeed a troubled ocean, on which the barks of youth and inexperience are frequently tossed till they founder on the rocks of passion, sink in the whirlpool of dissipation, or run aground on the shoals of vanity.All are equally destructive; and what thanks. are not due to the skilful hand who can save the vessel, even though its every joint should be loosened with the storm?— Yet if the main-mast of virtue be preserved, the whole may be repaired by the power of friendship in the harbour of peace. Shun evil consellors and flatterers, the first your heart must tell you are dreadful enemies; for the latter, flattery everbespeaks some sinister purpose. You fearrobbers, yet are they not half so dangerous, as their dilapidations go no farther than to rob you of your gold, which, though a present mischief, may be repaired ;-but whither whither may not smooth tongued flattery beguile you?-it may undermine your principles, and rob you of what can never be regained-peace, probity, and honour. Trust not in your own strength, be deaf to all solicitations that have not rectitude and prudence for their basis. Secresy bespeaks guilt, and though at first you may recoil to unveil your heart even to a sincere friend, rise above such weakness; and with sincerity and candour seek counsel from those who may direct you with prudence, and lead you with the hand of wisdom through the perils that ever attend youth and inexperience. ON ON MODESTY. THE CONTRAST. BEHOLD the young Clarissa, - whom prudent. parents have carefully edu cated, and whose watchful instructions have been blessed with success; -see her come forth, blooming as the spring, innocent as the dove, and spotless as the lamb,-she has risen with the lark, and supplicated the protection of that power, whose spirits ever guard the virtuous. This first duty paid, she runs to her parents, who rapturously bless her; and her early avocations fulfilled, she walks forth to enjoy the morning breeze. Dignified Dignified modesty graces her person,her eyes are neither wantonly cast around, nor sheepishly fixed on the earth; no cosmetics daub her complexion, no powder disguises her hair, no studied locks fall in affected negligence about her face, but the natural ringlets of a glossy brown stray on her glowing cheek. Her light figure is modestly cloathed in white drapery, and we discover that she is tall and elegantly shaped; but the form of her limbs is concealed, though no doubt. can remain from the gracefulness of every motion, that she is formed with perfect symmetry. A hand of purest white is discoverable, but fashion has not taught her to make bare her arms;-her shoulders and neck are decently shaded with muslin-but to judge from her face and throat, they might vie with the lilly. The The aged as she passes stop to converse with her; she inquires of their health, and if there appears to be need, offers the support of her arm. The notable dames of the village drop her a courtesy and bid her good-morrow, while their sons, with a rustic bow, internally bless her sweet face. As she proceeds, she attracts the obser vation of the libertine, who fixes his eyes on her with the rude stare of insolent familiarity and admiration. A slight blush crosses her cheek, but she passes on with dignified calmness. - Again the libertine draws near, resolved to address her, but the cold repellant eye of modesty abashes him into silence, and taking a last look he bows respectfully and retires. Not so the man of sense, of merit, and virtue; her modesty was never shocked by his rude gaze, but his judgment pointed her out as a jewel, which it was his highest wish to obtain; |