“BEHOLD her stretched upon the mournful bier!—Behold her silently descend to the grave! Soon the wild weeds spring afresh round the little hillock, as if to shelter the remains of betrayed innocence—and the friends of her youth shun even the spot which conceals her relicks.
“SUCH is the consequence of SEDUCTION, but it is not the only consequence. Peace and happiness fly from the nuptial couch which is unattended by love and fidelity. The mind no longer enjoys its quiet, while it ceases to cherish sentiments of truth and gratitude. The sacred ties of connubial duty are not to be violated with impunity; for though a violation of those ties may be overlooked by the eye of justice, the heart shall supply a monitor, who will not fail to correct those who are hardy enough to burst them asunder.——I am &c.
“W. Holmes.”
TO this Letter, Mr. Harrington returned the following answer.
Hon. Mr. Harrington to the Rev. Mr. Holmes.
“PERMIT me, my ever honoured friend, to return you thanks for your late favours—need I add—an acknowledgement for your liberality? No—your heart supplies a source of pleasure which is constantly nourished by your goodness and universal charity.—
“THE picture you have exhibited of a ruined female is undoubtedly just, but that the rude spoiler has his share of remorse is equally so—The conclusion of your letter is a real picture of the situation of my heart.
“PERHAPS you were always ignorant of the real motives that influenced me, and gave a particular bias to my conduct.—At an early period of my life, I adopted a maxim, that the most necessary learning was a knowledge of the world, the pursuit of which, quadrating with a volatility of disposition, presented a variety of scenes to my heated imagination. The éclat of my companions gratifying my vanity and increasing the gale of passion, I became insensibly hurried down the stream of dissipation. Here I saw mankind in every point of view—from the acme of the most consummate refinement, to the most abject stage of degradation. I soon became a ready proficient in the great school of the world—but an alteration of conduct was soon after necessary—I was compelled to it, not so much from the world’s abhorrence of a dissolute course of life, as the dictates of my own heart.—It was, indeed, my policy to flatter the world, and exhibit a fair outside—for I was in love with Amelia—My licentious amour with Maria was secret—she was affectionate and tender—her manners were pleasing, but still I was unhappy.—
“MY CAREER of dissipation, however alluring it struck my vitiated fancy, left little satisfaction on the mind—Reflection had its turn—and the happiness I had promised myself in connexion with the amiable Amelia, I fully enjoyed in our marriage. A course of uninterrupted tranquillity ensued, but it was of short duration. The volatility of my temper, and the solicitude of my old associates, induced me at subsequent periods to fall into my old vagaries. The taverns frequently found me engaged in meannesses derogatory to the character of a gentleman. These things I perceived affected the soul of Amelia—she was all meekness, gentleness and compassion, and she never once upbraided me with my illiberal conduct;
But let concealment, like a worm in bud,