| Citation |
BNL.732.020
16-23 Nov 1732:11,12 (1504)
Boston, Novemb. 23. The following observations of a
gentleman, coming to our hands, we have been desired to
insert them in this paper for the benefit of the publick,
viz.
Passing by the Town-House on Saturday the 11th of this
month, a piece of paper was slipt into my hand, giving
notice of an entertainment of musick and dancing (call'd by
the fashionable name of an assembly) to be held at Mr.
Pelham's dancing school on the Thursday following, &c. which
entertainment, as I am inform'd it to be repeated monthly;
for the benefit of gentlemen and ladies.
I could not read this advertisement without being startled
and concern'd at the birth of so formidable a monster in
this part of the world; and I began to consider what could
give encouragement to so licentious and expensive a
diversion, in a town famous for its decency and good order,
and at a time when poverty is coming upon us like an armed
man; when our trade is daily decreasing, and our debts and
poor multiplying upon us; does the tranquility of our
affairs at home, or the unusual success of our commerce,
invoke us to new pleasures and expenses?
When we look back upon the transactions of our fore-fathers,
and read the wonderful story of their Godly zeal, their
pious resolutions, and their publick virtues; how should we
blush and lament our present corruption of manners, and
decay of religious & civil discipline? They laid the
foundation of their country in piety, and a sanctity of
life: This was building upon a rock; and by the blessing of
God they flourish'd exceedingly, and became the astonishment
and envy of their neighbours: magistrates then discharg'd
their duty with diligence and fidelity, and vice and
irregularities want carefully watch'd, and crop'd in the
bud. Then were their sons a virtuous and industrious race,
and their daughter rich in modest, frugal, and religious
education. But this their posterity are too delicate to
follow their sober rules, and with maxims, and crying out
for music, balls, and assemblies, like children for their
bells and rattles; as if our riches flow'd in so fast upon
us, that we want always to dispose of them; Whereas it is
too well known how our extravagance in apparel, and luxury
at our tables, are hastening the ruin of our country, and
are evils which call loudly for a remedy.
In vain will our legislature provide wholesome laws to
suppress this epidemical profuseness. In vain will our
ministers preach charity, moderation and humility, to an
audience, whose thoughts are ingaged in scenes of splendour
and magnificence, and whose time and money are consumed in
dress and dancing. In vain will masters secure their
treasure (the fruit of long toil and industry) with locks
and bolts, while the wives and daughters are invited to
balls & assemblies, where a great part of the pleasure
consists in being gaz'd at, and applauded for the richness
of their cloaths, and the elegancy of this fancy. This is
laying a foundation for pride, vain emulation, envy, &
prodigality.
Time was when our maidens were the desire of all countries
we had any dealings with; and tho' their fortunes were
small, yet their minds were humble; If we should now feed
their pride & extravagance, without inlarging their
portions, we may perhaps dispose of them to some
inconsiderate lovers; but woe be to the men to whose lot
they fall & they will be a moth in their estates, and a bane
to their happiness.
These & many more mischiefs too tedious to mention, fatal to
modesty & virtue, and expensive to families, will be the
pernicious consequence of tolerating such assemblies. And
they are mischiefs which demand a general remedy, by the
interposition of publick authority: For what single person
tho' ever so prudent or stout-hearted, durst deny a beloved
wife, or favorite daughter, the liberty of a pleasure
indulged to all their neighbours and acquaintance? And if
madam & miss are not suffered to shake their heels abroad,
they will make the house & family shake at home.
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