How many women owe to the examples and deceptive lessons of a so-
called friend, the bitterness that corrodes their hearts, and the
remorse which perhaps torments their life! We pass over in silence
those societies the evident danger of which is easily perceived, and
on that account easily averted; but you have not the same guarantee
against the noxious effects which arise from those relations whose
union is found in the most frivolous instincts of the heart, to which
access is gained by the feeblest faculties of the soul. What is it
that is most commonly found in those intimacies, if not thoughts
without consistency, vain hopes, precocious or impatient desires,
indiscreet confidence, imprudent language, rash questions and answers
rasher still?
As a general rule, any society or company from which you derive no
benefit for head or heart is, if not dangerous, at least pernicious;
and you ought to shun them unless that imperative reasons or the will
of your parents advise otherwise; for all that tends to diminish your
esteem for the value of time and for the love of serious things is
prejudicial to your soul.
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