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felves reproduced in a numerous offspring. In more degenerated
nations, matrimonial union takes'place from brutal appetite, is
grounded upon the fatisfaClion o f fenfuality, the expectation of
-affiftance from perfons, . whom oppreffion and cuftom has condemned
to become drudges, and laftly the idea o f gaining more
flrength and power from a numerous family o f children. .On the
contrary, the mildnefsof the climate, the happinefs o f organization,
and the kind and benevolent temper o f this people, together with
their more enlightened intellects, contribute very much to refine
and to ennoble that foft paffion which is the firft beginning o f this
congenial harmony; and hence the brutifh inftinCts, which were
wants o f the fame low rank with hunger and third;, are railed to
a lafting, virtuous paffion. This refinement o f mutual love and
'matrimonial complacency, produces thofe tender regards with which
this happy paffion inspires its votaries for the beloved objeCt ;
and it creates that mutual happinefs, which is the refult o f all
the more refined manners, and of their more polifhed behaviour
towards one another.- Th e offspring of fuch’a happy couple early
imbibe by the example o f their parents, that kindnefs and benevolence,
and thofe refined fentiments of love and happinefs which
Contribute fo much to confirm the felicity o f their parents, and
wifh to reduce them to practice, as foon as-they feel the call of
nature and find a partner whofe fentiments are in unifon with their
own;
own ; fo' that thefe Ample* but more exalted ideas o f matrimonial
union* are thus propagated and perpetuated in, the progeny o f a
virtuous and tender couple. But before they attain that age o f
difcretion and maturity, the fond parents take peculiar care of their
education : they frequently check the wild flights-Of their unruly
paffions, and inftill order, moderate induftry, and the principles
o f benevolence and gratitude into their tender minds. I have feen
mothers ■ punifhing" : obftinacy and difobedience, and though extremely
fond o f their children, they neverthelefs are fenfible
enough thus far to do violence to their own feelings, that their
children may not acquire a habit of ingratitude, obflinacy, and
immorality; I have likewife heard them expoftulating with
their unruly little ones, and expreffing their difpleafure at their
conduft * all which proves that they have ideas o f moral reCtitude,
o f order and filial fubordihation, and o f the neceffity o f inftilling
thefe principles early into the minds o f their children. N o r is
this careful education without the good effects, which ought to be
the confequerrce of i t : for we faw many a family, where every individual
belonging to it, gave ftrong. marks, o f an attachment to
the reft of the family, and evident proofs o f thofe ties o f benevolence
which united them all. Th e younger part of them Ihewed
reverence and refpeCt to the older individuals, and at the leaft and
moft diftant danger were alarmed and anxious-for the welfare an'd
*»■ fefety
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