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THE NEW YORK

PUBLIC LIARY

561453 B

TILOR VOCATIONS
R 1950 L

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PREFACE.

NE

EXT to the difpofitions and manners of Young Women, thofe of Young Men may be regarded as of the greatest consequence, both to the present and future generations. It is certain they will be attended with the moft powerful influence on that Sex, whofe empire is univerfal. Their mutual intercourfe indeed is evidently much more efficacious, in moulding the minds, and directing the actions, of others, than the highest authority, or the wifeft example, of age. How deeply fociety will be affected by the connexions which Young Men shall form, and by the conduct which they shall hold, as they advance, it is not difficult to imagine; nor can it be neceffary to prove, that, as the behaviour of individuals in their early days gives for the most part a turn to the reft, fo from the

character of our Youth in general, we may prognofticate favourably, or otherwife, concerning our own times, and those that shall more immediately fucceed them. For these reasons, and others that need not now be stated, the improvement of the rifing age in the best things, has always appeared to me an object of the first magnitude. On this principle Sermons to Young Women were attempted. From the generous reception with which they were honoured by the public, many perfons, whofe judgement I must ever respect, were induced to intimate the moft obliging wishes that I might proceed to address the Youth of my own sex. But such an undertaking was at first rendered impoffible by ill health; and afterwards, when I thought of engaging in it, I hefitated long from real diffidence.

I readily reflected, that I could add but little to the large ftores of moral and religious instruction, with which Young Men

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