| Citation |
NYJ-N.768.029
4 Feb 1768:123 (1309)
In our inquiry concerning the entertainments of the stage,
we have proceeded so far as to point out some of the
mischievous effects of the love of pleasure. . . [6 more
lines] Nor did we stop here; for I have ventured to hold up
the play-house as the nursery of pleasure, and the prolific
parent of these evils. . .[107 more lines] Come then my
fellow youth (for I am one myself) let us unite in a
resolution to stand our ground against the allurements of
the theatre. . . [3 lines] I know several young gentlemen,
as well as some young ladies of the first families amongst
us, that are determined not to go to a play; and if we all
had the same fortitude and public spirit, the play-house
would soon be abandoned. . . [3 lines] If a considerable
number of our young gentlemen and ladies, were to refrain
from going to the play, it would soon become so
unfashionable to be there, that others, out of mere delicacy
would forbear to go; and this branch of support being taken
away, I suspect that the play-house could not long support
itself from the middle-aged and grey-headed. . . [3 more
lines] Let us then have the glory of suppressing the play-
house, by a firm and persevering example in discouraging it-
-If we obtain this conquest, only so far as it concerns
ourselves, it will make us superior to many other pleasures,
which the play-house would be a means of preparing and
fitting us for.
[Signed] Philander. New-York, the 30th of Jan.1768.
|