Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-09-17

affections. The turpitudo OF an action I
like this, is really horrible. No crime
in our estimation, is SO deserving Of
death-none should be viewed with such
adherence and disdain, by christian
people. Faihers-have you daughters
Shut your doors and your cOurtesies
from the enjoyment Of a libertine: The
midnight robber is not half so danger
Gus to the peace Of your family-the one
will only deprive you Of that which again
may be recovered-the other robs you
of fame, of honour and Of happiness.
The assassin is less to be dreaded--the
one takes away your life; the other de.
prives you of that which is dearer than
life--reputation. Woman! gentle and
lovely woman would you preserve an
unsulIed chastity and untainted name
would have no eye to look upon you
with the glance of suspicion, and no
tongue to pour forth its slander upon
you-shun besecch you, the society
of libertne, for she that can find pleas
ure in such society, lays herself open TO
slander, and tacitIy confesses that even
amidst lmpurity she can discover enjoy
ment. shun him | beseech you, as you
would start from viper, that was
crossing your path-for the human
heart is web Of mystery-the bright
st-the wiscst and the lovellest
have fallen into t5e fangs Of the
spoiler, and she who places her
self in the path Of a serpent, exer-
cisss more presumption than prudence.
The conversation Of sensualist OF this
kind partakes Of his general character.
At every opportunity he will introduce
covert and lewd observations-hls glanc-
es will be kinded by unchas.e thoughts,
and his whole manner will panake OF
that artificial, yet easy righteousness,
which was the distinguishing character
istic Of Ovid. Young females have but
faint idea ofthe influence, which knowl-
edge of their male friends produces up
on the minds of sensible and thinking
men. 1t is almost the lot Of every fe-
male to have been in terms of brotherly
intimacy with at least one male, previous
to becoming eighteen years Of age-and
scrutiny into the character OF that in-
dividual, is almost sufficient criterion,
as to her own disposition and character.
if he is man OF much mental wealth
of chaste aud honorable habits-Of gen.
tlemanly appearance and manners, and
Of sound morality; we have at once
! favourable impression Of the females
taste. If on the contrary he Is lop or
a fool--a braggadocio or blackguard
a knave or libertne; most wonderfully
will our opinions preponderae against
commendable estimate of her character
1t is therefore, beseech you, my dear
young friends to be most especially care
fuI in all your intimaces, whether they
be those OF pleasure seeking, and tran
STORY friendship, or those where the
heart is deeply interested, and the al
fections are the ties which b,nd you
Beware of the bastard and the kEave-
the trifler and the changeling-a con-
nection with neither will be found con-
ducive to your happiness. Place per-
sonaI beauty entirey out Of the question
intellectual strength and knowledge Of
the world-habits of industry and dis
position not readily depressed at the tri-
fling bubbles of sorrow that float upon
the current Of existence, will be found
the most commendablc requisites in the
character of your partner-and most
conducive to a felicitous state of human
being. Yet The insiduous approaches Of
villain are not easily guarded against.
When once his unchaslc inuendoes only
provoke a smile, or when through habit,
they are thought unentiled to indigna-
tion and anger, the fist false step is pass
ed, and unconscious to herself, the VIC
tim will find the barriers Of prudence
rapidly wearing away until with break
ing heart, she starts back with horror,
tottering upon the precipice Of her own
ruin. The progress of indelicacy and
crime, can be so wrapped in labyrinth
of Ccceit and counterieited atfectiony
that it requires all the prudence of virtue
aud all the philosophy of a stole TO keep
out and guard against the destinations
! Of youth, Of creduIlty and feeling And
whilst we admit it requires force Of
philosophy that man may not evince, we
know it absolutely necessary for woman
to exercise the most indignant, and high
minded principle when circumstances in
troduce her TO the society ofan insidious,
elegant and fascinating scoundrel.
ASMODEUS.