| Citation |
BEP(F.749.008
27 Feb 1749:21,22,31 (707)
The following is an extract from a pamphlet, entituled, The
Grand Concern of England Explained; which, tho' designed
more particularly for the City of London, yet, like an
almanack, may indifferently serve for many other places, and
none better than Boston in New-England.
There is nothing ruins the gentry and tradesmen of England
so much, as living above their estates, or profit arising by
their trades. How much all sorts of men do this, I leave
the world to judge, their habits and other expences being
more extravagant and vain than ever was known; and not only
do masters and mistresses of families run to excess in their
own dresses, but suffer and encourage their servants also to
do the same, which costs them dear at last; for all comes
out of their pockets, and it makes servants so proud and
scornful, as to neglect their duties, slight their
superiors, and, upon every little reproof, to go from them.
. . [para. 3]
How careless are parents of their children's education,
bringing them up idly, putting them upon no manner of
employment, unless to musick and dancing; using them to
balls and plays, and to keep vain company? Which they get
such an habit of, that they very hardly, if ever, can be
broken from it, but spend most of their time in gaming,
whoring, and drinking; . . . [31, line 11] and abroad they
get new acquaintance, at balls, plays, or dancing-schools;
and, being young, pretty, and in fine clothes, are so
courted and gallanted, that oftentimes they are persuaded
into such inconveniences, as prove fatal to their husbands,
as well as to themselves. . .
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