Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

For the New-Hampshire Gazette.

An humble Attempt towards a Definition of Love.

LOVE is the most delicate refinement of the human mind : as the apostle says of charity, It seeketh not its own ; but, on the contrary, places its happiness in that of another (and in pursuance of that consideration, must undoubtedly give place to charity, which is universal, whereas love considers an individual only.) Refined love, so far from being rendered happy but by the possession of the beloved object, would willingly resign that felicity, and would receive unspeakable satisfaction from the knowledge of their happiness, tho' enjoyed in concert with a rival. It is divested of sensual views, but takes part in the joys and sorrows of the person beloved, and would even be instrumental in rendering them happy in the possession of another more fortunate in having gained a heart in their esteem of so great price. I cannot deny, but it might appear at first sight more pleasing to be conscious of an equal return of passion ; but where we perceive that to be impossible, the refinement consists of surmounting the first impression, and rendering what was a passion a virtue. I may perhaps be thought absurd in my notion of the subject I have undertaken ; if any are of that opinion, if they will condescend to inform me where I err, they will confer an obligation on

AURELIA.