| Citation |
PGCJ.763.010
5 Feb 1763:32,33 (16)
I read in your paper two performances on dancing; and when a
difference happens between two, sometimes a third person is
necessary; therefore I hope it will not be thought
impertinence in me, if I attempt to supply that place, and
give my opinions as impartially as the nature of the thing
will admit, with some remarks of my own as I go along:---
Also conclude the whole with a few observations.---
The author of the piece signed A L.V. falls abruptly on
the consequences of dancing-schools, and in a very
contumeleous manner, throws out many unkind and unguarded
reflections on the fair sex, which even common prudence
ought to restrain, and likewise induce us to treat them with
a becoming tenderness, as being part of our own species.---
But if ladies are taxed with too much probosity, it may not
be thought amiss to mind them of that saying of Plato, who,
being told somebody had spoken ill of him; said, "it matters
not; I will live so that nobody will believe him." Yet, I
can't imagine that author could, in his illusion, mean to
brand all the fair creation with that indignity, which some
of them may justly deserve: And as he has advanced
something very commendable and laudative, I think we should
not cast away, the gold, because it is alloy'd with some
baser metal.
The author of the piece signed Philander, tells his
surprise on seeing the piece signed A L.V. with the
"ludicrous thoughts and observations" of that author,
calculated to set that optable diversion in an unfavorable
light.---He also endeavors to palliate the conspicuous
effects of dancing, by lavishing his encomiums on that noble
art, that is "both laudable and beneficial," and renders
those persons, thus accomplished, "agreeable to all around
them."---And to illustrate it's great usefulness, he
condescends so low as that hard mineral call'd marble; and
shews, that by the help of human understanding, it may be
wrought in such a manner, as to exhibit many hidden
beauties;---And still he goes on to urge it's
qualifications; and justly takes notice of persons degrading
themselves below the brute creation, by attending the feasts
of Bacchus, till they loose their reason.--And to conclude
it's defence he quotes the Spectator.---But I can't
acquiesce with this author in every particular; for in the
first place he makes ship-wreck of his wily talents, upon
the same rock of offence he so loudly complains of, by
opprobriously giving those the appellation of morose misers,
and wretches, that shew'd their aversion to an art that is
capable of working wonders.---Secondly. We cannot dispute
the virulency of the vice of dancing, as well as others.
And I think it is very impertinent to make it it a similar
case, between the beauties that may appear to the eye, in a
well polished piece of marble, and the beauties, (if any)
acquired at a dancing-school.---Neither does it follow, that
persons abandoned to the vice of drunkenness, should in any
wise mitigate the fallaciousness of dancing.---Likewise,
this author, through rashness of judgment, or catopsis, has
been led to quote the Spectator, as thinking he favored his
beloved opinion of dancing; whereas that great author, in my
opinion, ridicules that vice as well as many others.---I can
agree with Philander in quoting the Spectator, and would
advise them that are not much acquainted with his works, to
only carefully read his No. 334, No. 342, and No. 370, in
Vol. 5, after which I imagine they may be able to judge for
themselves.---
Upon the whole, we would do well to consider the great
and ultimate end of our creation.---I am persuaded there are
none that have any knowledge of a divine being or future
state of happiness, but know they were designed for a far
more noble and sublimer end, than to satiate themselves on
the fallacious pleasures of this world: All the transitory
allurements of it, are incapable of producing any solid
happiness, any real pleasure, any real beauty, any real
delight, or any real virtue.---Therefore let us leave off
our drunkenness, our dancing, and every other vice. And let
us be as eager to set up assemblies for devotion, and pay
our adoration to our great creator, and rejoice in the being
which he has bestowed upon us; and be thankful that he has
given us a soul susceptible of real pleasure.---We cannot
sufficiently express our gratitude to him, who has given us
a being, where we can enjoy these valuable privileges, and
in a land where he has brought our bitterest enemies under
subjection; where we can lie down in safety, and rise in
safety.---Surely this is a great blessing.---Let us implore
his divine goodness to continue these favors to us, and to
our posterity.---And let us, instead of dancing, train up
our children in religion, and the ways of virtue. Whatever
some may think of religion, it is highly valuable, and
worthy of great veneration.---It animates the soul to
actions truly laudable, makes us agreeable and beneficial to
society; it constitutes the pleasures of civil life; it
gives us qualifications easy in themselves, and truly
agreeable to every virtuous mind.----'Tis that can work
wonders.---------- Your constant reader, &c. M-------.
Providence, Feb. 2, 1763.
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