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man think himself at all obliged to notice either the objects, or the fruits of his illicit intercourse? In all cases of seduction, we may see what would be the effects of the abolition of marriage. There it is, in effect, abolished inasmuch as it is disregarded; and there is no law to compel any observance of it. The love, in many instances, is probably mutual. Rank may forget its authority, and wealth its influence, for the moment. Man sighs, vows, and betrays:—woman believes, confides, and is undone. The treasure is rifled; and the robber hastes on the high-road of pleasure to make other victims. The institution of marriage checks, though it does not eradicate this evil. It takes care, at least, that part of the female sex shall be, in some degree, protected from the caprice of the lords of the creation. It takes care that some portion of the rising generation shall be properly provided for. It lessens the evils of prostitution, and seduction; though it cannot annihilate them, while interest and inclination are encouraged at the expence of justice. There is now a multitude of women, whom licentiousness dare not approach with its contaminating lust. The protection afforded to women by fathers, brothers, and friends, is some compensation for