| Citation |
PC.767.060
30 Mar 1767:411 (1/10 Postscript)
Mr. Goddard, I could not help observing an odd contrast in
the Postscript to your paper of February 23--On the one
side, we were pathetically recommended to a view of misery
in the inhabitants of the jail, and on the other, had a
tempting invitation to the Play-house. It immediately
occur'd to me that a visit to the latter might be of
admirable advantage to the former, if only one performance
were exhibited expressly for the benefit of the prisoners.
This method of relieving particular distresses has been
often practised with great success in the mother country,
and I cannot question the ready acquiescence of the American
Comedians, on an occasion which will enable them to manifest
their gratitude by an act of humanity towards the wretched
individuals of a city, from whence they have receiv'd such
unbounded encouragement. A crouded theatre will certainly
be the result of such an advertisement, pleasure will then
appear laudable, while clothed in the amiable and becoming
garb of charity or benevolence; and when the expenses of the
house, as lights, &c. are deducted, I doubt not there will
remain an overplus which (under proper direction) will yield
a much more effectual daily support to those poor confin'd
persons, that can possibly flow from the precarious and
insufficient bounties they now receive from the tables of
the rich and affluent.
To restrain a gay and lively people (surrounded with
plenty, even to satiety) from entertainments and diversions
ever before their eyes, and in their power, seems altogether
impracticable, and I have always regarded attempts of that
kind as vain and fruitless--Many serious pieces have been
lately written with that design; but could the pens of a
Foster, Sherlock, or
Tillotson, have been employ'd, I am apt to believe that even
their persuasions would, in this case, have had little
weight. . . [30 lines, signed] Philanthropos.
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