| Citation |
BEP(F.746.022
4 Aug 1746:11-21 (573)
From the Gentleman's Magazine for March, 1746.
It is, I think, very remarkable, that the years of our Lord
48 and 88 have been, for these two last centuries at least,
if not longer, noted for either great changes or
revolutions, of some sort of other, in these European
Kingdoms, particularly in Britain, or else for very great
and extraordinary efforts towards such revolutions, and very
uncommon dangers at least. . . [para.2]
It is also worth observing, that all these four great
events, turned out in favour of a further remove from popery
in Gr. Britain, and reviving the principles of the
reformation. I mean those contained in the 39 articles, the
letter of which seems to be all that remains of them at
present in the established church. . . [12]
Proposal for augmenting the publick revenue. . .
Public diversions, I think might be made to contribute
something to this good end, without any great damage to
society in general. Very few gentlemen or ladies would be
kept from Vauxhall, Ranelagh, the play, the opera, or the
assembly, because it might cost them one shilling more in
four or five than it does at present.
I have spoken in disfavour of an excise; but there is one
article of luxury, mix'd with indolence and avarice, that I
would by all means have taxed, in which I think an excise
might be introduced, and still without any harm to the
community.----I would have an officer always present at
every polite assembly of the learned in this way, to take
for the service of the public one third of the money won or
lost. . .
We have not at present our harlots under any regulation as
in other countries: but since they are altogether as
numerous, and do as much mischief as if they were, it would
be worth consideration whether a law might not be made, in
imitation of our neighbours, that would render their calling
beneficial to the state.
Next, old batchelors and old maids, as they promise no
help to the future generation, should, I think, be made of
all possible use to the present. Suppose a tax were laid on
them, to begin at thirty, be increased at thirty-five,
forty, and so on ? ---I will mention no sum, because that
should be regulated by their fortunes and circumstances; and
I would excuse all maids who could take a solemn oath that
they had never been ask'd the question. But for her who
had, and without good occasion used the man ill, keeping him
still a batchelor thro' pure love, I would have the duty
levied upon her for both parties, and him excused. The same
upon a man, who has kept a woman single upon the same
principle. [signed] Will Equitable.
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