| Citation |
PG-P.740.009
15 May 1740:11,12,21 (596)
To the author of the letter in the last Pennsylvania
Gazette.
Sir, On my first hearing of the outcry that was raised
against the paragraph, that related to the shutting up of
the Concert Room, &c. I immediately called for the Gazette;
but, tho' I read the article over and over with the greatest
attention, I was not able to discover in it the least
injurious reflection on the characters of the gentlemen
concerned. My ill success, I then attributed to my stupidity,
and concluded that the abuse, tho' I could not see it, must
nevertheless by very perspicuous to the Better sort,
otherwise, they would not have made so loud a complaint
against it, as it is publickly known they did, since it was
in the publick street.
. . . [6 lines]
You tell us the paragraph manifestly carries in it an
insinuation, that the persons concerned in the Concert
declin'd meeting, as thinking it inconsistent with the
doctrine of the Christian religion. But, with submission, I
think the paragraph manifestly insinuated the quite
contrary. It mentions, that the gentlemen concerned in the
Concert, &c. caused the door to be broke open, which was the
strongest evidence that could be given of their dislike to
the principles on which it had been shut up. Therefore,
tho' it immediately follows, that no company came the last
Assembly night, it was most unnatural to suppose they should
so suddenly have changed their sentiments, and declines
their diversions on any religious consideration.
Let us admit for argument's sake (which, otherwise, can
by no means be admitted) that the words are guilty of the
insinuation, which you are so fond it should be thought they
are. Yet, how does it appear that the characters of the
Gentlemen are injured by it? You tell us, they think so.
But, is that a reason to induce us to believe it is really
so? Since you have appealed to the mob as judges of this
important controversy, I must inform you, that the assertion
(and much less, the belief) of any man, never passes for
argument at our impartial tribunal. For my own part (I
speak with an humble deference to the rest of my brethren) I
cannot conceive how any person's reputation can be
prejudiced, tho' it would be reported, that he has left off
making of legs, or cutting of capers.
. . . [1 1/4 more column, diatribe against writer as
putting on airs because he was one of the "better sort,"
signed] On behalf of myself and the rest of my brethren of
the Meaner Sort, Yours, &c. Obadiah Plainman
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