| Citation |
PJ.766.021
17 Jul 1766:13, 21 (1232)
Disagreeable as it is to complain, the uneasiness of a great
and reputable part of the people of this province, cannot,
ought not to be stifled. They fear the consequences of the
already too prevailing immoralities and licentiousness in
this land. They dread the issue of the very general neglect
of holy things, even among those who are not ashamed of the
Gospel of Christ; . . . [3 lines] These are the motives
which lead them to wish, that no provocatives to any species
of vice, luxury and effeminacy may be admitted among us; and
in particular they hope that the introduction of plays and
players may be timeously and effectually prevented. This is
a species of diversion which always has been disagreeable to
the virtuous, the learned and the religious of almost all
countries. . . [10 lines] Each in their respective spheres
can do much towards preventing those mischiefs, that must
ensue from an establishment of a theatre among us. Not to
encouarge, as we apprehend it to be the duty of all those,
so will it have a tendency to keep us free from the evil. .
. [19 lines]
The infancy of the colonies, and of this in particular,
should forbid them; at best we are not yet ripe for these
things. A spirit of industry and frugality has made us what
we are. As these have caused our growth to be rapid, so a
spirit of dissipation will doubtless make our fall as
exemplary. We cannot find many among us who can deprive
their families of five shillings for a ticket, or their
daily labour . . . [13 lines]
Such inconveniencies we may fear from the introduction of
plays; and such are the fears which have alarmed many in
this city and country. . . [12 lines]
*** The above was designed for a former paper but omitted
for want of room.
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