| Citation |
PG-P.747.019
16 Mar 1746:22 (953)
Some Serious Reflections on an Advertisement lately
published in the Pennsylvania Gazette.
Having lately read in the Gazette of the 20th of January
1746-7, an advertisement, subscribed by one Thomas Skillirn,
in which he has published his intention of erecting a
fencing and dancing school: I thought it necessary to make
some observations and remarks thereon. I was indeed
surprized at the contents of it, but more at the audacity
and brazen impudence of the author, in giving those
detestable vices, these high epithets, viz. "The noble Art
and Science of Defence," and "Pursuit of the Small Sword,
and the Accomplishment of Dancing:" Contrary to which
titles, they may be proved to be of infernal race and
diabolical descent. This he is not asham'd to publish to
the world to be his calling, to teach people to spend their
precious, irrevocable moments, in the most unprofitable,
profuse manner imaginable; for besides these particular
vices above-mentioned, they are accompanied with a train of
other evils, such as pride, emulation, lasciviousness,
luxury, idleness, &c. &c. and all this cover'd with the
specious colour of noble arts and accomplishments; O Horror!
I shall here anticipate an argument, that perhaps may be
advanced in his favour, viz. That he has no better
imployment, therefore he is obliged to follow that for a
livelihood: I answer, then let him be taught better in
Bridewell, a place provide for such idle dissolute wretches;
and I doubt not, but in one year's apprenticeship there, he
may acquire a far more honourable as well as honester way of
living. Now let me make my humble address to, and beseech
the supream authority of the province of Pennsylvania, who
bear the Christian name, to consider how inconsistent with
Christianity such heathenish practices are, and provide that
the free people of this city and province may not become
slaves to such impious sensualities. But if these base
corrupting vices, so openly put in practice, are conniv'd at
by those in authority, it is justly to be fear'd, they'll be
accessary to the drawing down divine vengeance upon the
land, rather than prolonging its tranquility under so happy
a political constitution. [signed] Samuel Foulke.
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