It can hardly be, but that "the capricious corruptions of refinement must at length lay prostrate a nations energies.-When the mountain-top is once gained, descent only offers: in the march of civilization there is a highest point too. Many a mighty people has travelled with fearful rapidity on the very same path,--has gained the summit, and fallen-We are on the pass! (13)

But apply this false test of civilization in its effect on morals, on domestic life, and upon women themselves.(14) Luxury, with its countless corruptions, takes up its abode principally among the higher ranks: yet history proclaims, and report still whispers, that "this most incorrigible class of the community”+ is as little distinguished by virtue, as by true refinement and happiness.

Montesquieu in his "Esprit des Loix" considers women a principal cause of luxury;—and he is of opinion that the laws of a wise government should prevent this sex from rendering the possession of wealth or excessive influence an instrument of national corruption. "It has been considered wise in a well governed state, (observes the same author) that the sexes should + Paley.

* Sir J. Mackintosh.
Vide B. xxvi. ch. 3.

not too frequently mix with each other,—and that advantages must result to both in consequence."

Another writer, no less versed in the philosophy of history, makes the following comment upon that strictness which the antients thought it right to observe in their commerce with the fair sex:-"we may be assured that an extreme purity of manners was the consequence of this reserve: on the other hand, in modern times the females enter into all transactions of church and state, and no man can expect success, who takes not care to obtain their good graces. It is needless to dissemble:-the consequence of a very free commerce between the sexes, and of their living much together, will often terminate in intriques and gallantry."

$8 Observe the consequences that have ensued from suffering these "smiling mischiefs"these "fair perditions," hurried down the united streams of ambition and pleasure, to take their own course Ever since the world stood and time began, History and Tradition bear loud and Woartial testimony to the evils of female interference or influence The saving has proved

itself too true: "For every iota of power possessed by a woman, mankind is, through some of its ramifications, the worse."

For what,-to begin with the most ancient of all records, does Scripture itself tell us? The fall of our race from original innocence and happiness, had its rise in the ambitious desires and curiosity of the first Woman. Alas! how entirely are the failings inherited by her busy representatives! "Of the woman came the beginning of sin, and through her we all die."

Mischief has ensued, and probably is to ensue, from this very source to the world's end. How eloquently, in "Paradise Lost," is Adam made to forewarn his descendants of

"innumerable

Disturbances on earth through female snares."

"Thus it shall befall

Him, who, to worth in woman overtrusting,

Lets her will rule."

"For still I see the tenour of man's woe

Holds on the same from Woman to begin."

دو

Did not his wives turn away the heart of Solomon, God's chosen servant? Sampson's might was overthrown by the treachery of a concubine. After ruminating mischief against the Israelites, with what refined invention did Balaam at

not too frequently mix with each other, and that advantages must result to both in consequence."

Another writer,* no less versed in the philosophy of history, makes the following comment upon that strictness which the antients thought it right to observe in their commerce with the fair sex:-"we may be assured that an extreme purity of manners was the consequence of this reserve: on the other hand, in modern times the females enter into all transactions of church and state, and no man can expect success, who takes not care to obtain their good graces. It is needless to dissemble:-the consequence of a very free commerce between the sexes, and of their living much together, will often terminate in intrigues and gallantry."

self too true: "For every iota of power posessed by a woman, mankind is, through some f its ramifications, the worse."

For what,-to begin with the most ancient of ll records, does Scripture itself tell us? The ful f our race from original innocence and happimess, had its rise in the ambitious desires and curiosity of the first Woman. Alas! bow enirely are the failings inherited by her busy epresentatives!" Of the woman came the beginning of sin, and through her we all die."

Mischief has ensued, and probably is to ensue. from this very source to the world's end. How eloquently, in "Paradise Lost," is Adam made to forewarn his descendants of