| Citation |
CJ-B.779.010
11 Mar 1779:11,12,13 (146)
[Above debate continued. A few reflections included are:]
But perhaps, Doctor, you may think the your profession
intitles you the an exclusive priviledge of finding fault,
and of enveighing against governments, societies and
individuals: But be assured your profession calls for a
different behaviour; . . . [You suggest that] the ladies
and Gentlemen of the town of Boston who attended concerts or
assemblies were not of the considerate or pious part of the
state, and that music and dancing were inconsistent with
morality. Without making any observations upon the very
illiberal and uncharitable reflection, I call upon you to
probe that music and dancing are inconsistent with morality,
or (if you please) with true religion, or that the gentlemen
and ladies of the town of Boston are the more wanting in
either of them, on account of their frequenting these
amusements. . . [You alarm your readers to think that] the
concerts and assemblies in the town of Boston, are likely to
overthrow the Independence of the continent, and reduce it
to slavery. -- A circumstance too ridiculous to need a
comment. . .
I am now, Sir, to conclude with recommending you to
restrain your busy curiosity--to find less fault with
others--to correct you own heart, and after having effected
the great work of self-reformation, if you still remain
anxious to reprove others, be assured--that your efforts
will be forever ineffectual until you learn to do it with
reason, modesty and address. [signed] A Citizen.
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