7. Negligence is first admitted in trivial affairs, and strengthened by
petty indulgences. He that is not yet hardened by custom, ventures not
on the violation of important engagements, but thinks himself bound by
his word in cases of property or danger, though he allows himself to
forget at what time he is to meet ladies in the park, or at what tavern
his friends are expecting him.

8. This laxity of honor would be more tolerable, if it could be
restrained to the play-house, the ball-room, or the card table; yet even
there it is sufficiently troublesome, and darkens those moments with
expectation, suspence, uncertainty and resentment, which are set aside
for the softer pleasures of life, and from which we naturally hope for
unmingled enjoyment, and total relaxation. But he that suffers the
slightest breach in his morality, can seldom tell what shall enter it,
or how wide it shall be made; when a passage is opened, the influx of
corruption is every moment wearing down opposition, and by slow degrees
deluges the heart.

9. _Aliger_ entered into the world a youth of lively imagination,
extensive views, and untainted principles. His curiosity incited him to
range from place to place, and try all the varieties of conversation;
his elegance of address and fertility of ideas gained him friends
wherever he appeared; or at least he found the general kindness of
reception always shewn to a young man whose birth and fortune gave him a
claim to notice, and who has neither by vice or folly destroyed his
privileges.

10. _Aliger_ was pleased with this general smile of mankind, and being
naturally gentle and flexible, was industrious to preserve it by