| Citation |
NYJ-N.768.024
28 Jan 1768:123;21 (1308)
[Discussion of moral dangers of pleasure, continuation from
earlier issues] There are temptations for all, and such too
as the prudent can scarcely withstand:--What then must
become of the inconsiderate? Let the play-house answer the
question, and she will proclaim that to them in a great
measure she owes her support.--I wish this was her only
resource, but alas! many of the prudent have given way to
the temptation, and may justly charge themselves in this
respect with the follies of the inconsiderate. There are
however many of the richest people among us, who have not
been at the play-house, and who in refraining from it, have
acted from a principle of public spirit, and generous
compassion to the poor, knowing that the stage is a
dangerous snare to them. . .[3 lines]
Let it be no longer said that you are unprofitably wasting
your time and substance at plays.--They can yield you no
substantial good, and may do you much harm.--In abstaining
from them, you will serve your country while you are serving
yourselves.--Remember that unless an effectual
discouragement be given to the Play-house now, it is likely
to be intailed upon us. It lies upon you in part to give
this discouragement. But if we continue to fill it as we
have done, we shall for the future have the play-house open
about one half the year, and whether this will be a blessing
or curse to us, I shall leave yourselves to judge.
[Signed] Philander. New-York, Jan.23, 1768.
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