| Citation |
NYJ-N.771.047
28 Mar 1771:11 (1473)
The Impartialist, or Universal Reformer, V.
. . . [2 lines in Latin, by Horace]
Of vice and virtue more instructive rules
Than all the musty precepts of the schools. Francis.
[Discussion of religion vis-a-vis fashionable people]. . .
or who, of any breeding, would forego the dear delights of
cards and music, for the service of their Maker, supposing
such a being really to exist?--Are not quadrille and loo,
infinitely more entertaining than prayers or sermons; and
who would pretend to compare a dull psalm, or a stupid hymn,
with the wood-lark, or the rapture; with Felton's gavot, or
Handel's water-piece?
. . . [3 more paragraphs] But, in order effectually to put
you, and other foolish men, to silence, I will now briefly
state some of the reasons why card-playing on a Sunday (for
that is the time you seem principally to have in view) is
not only blameless, but commendable. . . [In the third
reason, or paragraph, the following] Nay, I should as soon
expect to see them thumbing the Evangelists, or hear them
making melody with Sternhold and Hopkins; as on a Sunday to
find them renouncing Spadille and Basto, or neglecting to
exercise mighty pam in the verdant fields of loo.
. . . [1 more paragraph, signed] I am, Mr. Reformer, (tho'
totally different from you in sentiments) your humble
servant, Edmund Hoyle. Card-Table-Hall, 17th March, 1771.
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