Page:The pleasures of friendship; a poems in two parts (IA pleasuresoffrien00rowd).pdf/14

viii are connected. Hence reciprocal acts of kindness are performed, and mutual sacrifices made, which constitute the general order, harmony, and happiness of created nature. It is not only considered as referring to the endearments of social life, and the attachment of Friends, but as embracing the tender sympathies of parental, filial, and conjugal affections.

If the introduction of the passion of Love should be deemed incompatible with the chaster feelings of the mind, let it be understood, that by love is only meant those delicate movements of the soul, that tenderness of esteem, that reverence of virtue, and