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I would fain hope this is exaggerated: not that I 
would by any means reject the use of due caution 
and prudence in forming friendships. I am perfectly 
convinced that on this depends the existence of 
those very feelings; and perhaps the persons who 
compose most of the worthlessness of the world, 
are those who for want of this proper care have 
had their dearest hopes and expectations deceive 
them. Let us therefore, when we hear these com- 
plaints, carefully consider from whom they come ; 
whether from such an one as I have just mentioned, 
or from a person, who, having sacrificed his own 
feelings to interest, wishes to reduce all mankind to 
the same level; or from one of a fretful, peevish tem- 
per, who expects too much from others, far more 
than he will grant them in his turn ; or, lastly, from 
one who has naturally no feeling at all. 
I trust there is more virtue in the world than we 
are generally told of. Those lovely dispositions that 
glow in the youthful heart, may perhaps be gene- 
rally in some degree concealed by various means 
amid the busy pursuits of active life, and sometimes 
may be clouded by a degree of ambition or self-in- 
terest. But in the decline of life we see the social 
feelings revive: then old friendships are renewed ; 
children are doated on; a thousand little offices of 
love are mutually performed; and I confess I do 
not know an object of more respect and admiration, 
instead of contempt and ridicule, than an old per- 
son taking pleasure in recollecting and relating the 
scenes of his past pleasures, and cherishing every 
idea of his former friends. I have indulged myself 
in a little prolixity on this subject; but I hope you 
