Read Clarissa Harlowe; or the history of a young lady — Volume 1 Page 27

  TO MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE

  For a girl to lay so much stress upon going to church, and yet resolveto defy her parents, in an article of the greatest consequence to them,and to the whole family, is an absurdity. You are recommended, Miss, tothe practice of your private devotions. May they be efficacious upon themind of one of the most pervicacious young creatures that ever was heardof! The intention is, I tell you plainly, to mortify you into a senseof your duty. The neighbours you are so solicitous to appear well with,already know, that you defy that. So, Miss, if you have a real value foryour reputation, shew it as you ought. It is yet in your own power toestablish or impair it.

  JA. HARLOWE.

  Thus, my dear Miss Howe, has my brother got me into his snares; and I,like a poor silly bird, the more I struggle, am the more entangled.