| Citation |
NYG(W.761.129
21 Dec 1761:21 (155)
It is doubtless the duty of all legislators, to superintend
the morals of the people committed to their care . . . [1/2
column]
That the stage has this pernicious tendency [to create
public disorder], can require no proof to any man, who has
not suffered the inordinate love of pleasure to silence the
voice of reason. In this infernal school of impiety, the
great Sovereign of the universe is treated with levity and
outrage: His tremendous name is appealed to, on the most
trifling occasions, and invoked with genuflexion and
counterfeit solemnity, in scenes of loose gallantry, and
extravagant impertinence. Almost every sentence is larded
with oaths and imprecations; and the ear gradually
familiarized to the most shocking blasphemies.
The clergy are introduced like so many Merry Andrews; . .
. [several more paragraphs against the theatre]
Our magistrates therefore deserve the highest applause, for
refusing to admit such pestilent strollers into their
jurisdiction: -- And that they act notwithstanding, is
matter of grief to almost every worthy and virtuous man
among us.
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