Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-02-13

scipio Nssica's time.a nd eyer cs late as Livy's
they were entitled TO support, ard esteemed
bonorsry and these exceptions undoubtedly
demonstrate that both PLAYS aud PLAYERS of a
superior order. possessing the attic, Cor ottaIan
.f'f ard geTius having tor their object, the pro-
motion OF virtue and morality, were licenced,
while all others were under the power and re-
strictions Of law: And in our days the great
and virtuous Addison, and other chss.c and NOR
al writers have given it as their opinion, that IL
cenced Plays and well regulated Stage, 70
promote a studied lsraceiulness of department
and elocution, can never be arrayed in hostility
70 virtue and morals: have introduced this
subject thus far, TO slew the candid and chart
table Christian that the situation of the suffer
crs, does not merit cu!pability, any more than
those, on whom Churches have fallen, or those
,infortunates, whom the Tower in Siioam
iell.-The writer of these memoirs could fur
the- progress, if necessary, to shew that Trage-
dy was not unknown 10 the Patriarchs; we find
in The book Of job, "a canonical book the most
beautiful specimen Of tragedy, wrote in Hebrew
mere, that ever was emitted to the world, al
tho 1t partook of no pomp, no advantages of
dress decoration or convenience, yet there is to
be seen the 2iofed fable, and the Drama entire,
and the moral complete. But to argue from
the abuse ola good principle or any good thing,
as some may do, that their practice and use may
possibly IN some instances, demoralise, il
no fair deduction, bet logically erroneous As
well might a-man.retuse to regaie on the boun-
ties ard delioacics of nature, because being Civ
en- to appetite, he might overcharge his diges-
live faculties, and bring on disease and palsey.
II from these cursory remarks, l have soothed
the breast oftne afflicted, or suppressed one SIM
gie sigh, think 1 am generously rewarded for
the consolation And believe that these much
lamepted sufferers, like the Prophet Elijah, on
= rhnrtnt nf fra hoo f-.,, tal ~,
Heavenly domains :--Let this idea banislI anxi-
Gus solicitude, brighten every hope, and fortify
and strengthen the faith of Mourners. Howev-
er gay and festive the City of Richmond has
been IN times past, that city was, of q certain
~ at period previous tn this heart-rending ca
tastrophe. rapidly emerging for wears from those
scenes of dissolute living, with which it has
been too literally censured: The writer of
these observations, was much gratifictllast sum
mcr inayisit to that hourishing City; which
bids fair TO rival in oppulence, ard in the fine
arts, as well az manufactures, and improved ma
turai advantages some Of our leading Cities of
America; found It's inhabitants civil, courte-
Gus aud polite, one of the days which 1 spent
there, was Sabbath, / had 4 desire TO see the
state ct Improvement in society and morals, and
laccordingly attended Divine Service in the
Capitol At Richmond, in 3 crowded assemblage
OF Citizens ofmany denominations, who appear
ed highly respectable; dressed in the most de-
cent attire, and possessed of the most pleasing
department OF manners: They did rot appear
to be unaceustomed to the duties and ceremo-
MES Of Public Worship, but profound and de-
cent solemnity accompahed every part of Divine
Service. The ancient, and the grave, the mid
dle-aged, the YOUTH and humble slave seemed
to be seriously and devoutly impressed with the
duties OF Religion, and their numbers clearly e.
WINGED, that there were many seeking after the
Pearl OF great price. I returned to nv Hos,
s,r.r rC.fIs IuN Co. r
rect and censorious After the service of thu
day was ended, walked into some bye lanes &
vacant grounds in the environs Of the CITY, and
here my eyes were most agrccably saluted with
an assembly ofslsyes, and free people Of colour.
who were seriously engaged in the devout du.
ties OF Prayer and other religious exercises.
which were administered by white psople, and
people of colour their collection was ntImar-
Gus, orderly and their soiemnity impressive /
questioned my heart: Is this that CITY. whose
fame has gone abroad as immoral haters of wor,-
ship and religion? / was pleased with nv e.
veninS,s walk, returned, and reflected on the
censoriousness and uneharitableness of man!
Within short time, have heard that the
seite 1.-THE Thestre has been purchased 10y the
Corporation of Richmond, for the purposes OF
intermcnt and commemoration of this dire ca
iamity, and thata monument is to be erected at
the expence OF the Corporation, with an appro.
pirate inscription SHOULD this be determined
on; IN my opinion, no inscription would be more
impressive, and give greater consolationto the
wounded heart, than that answer Of our Lord &
Master, addressed to the rd.hearted Phari-
sees OF that, and our day. "Think We those
" eighteen upon whom the Tower of Sloan
I" fell, and slew them, that they were sinners
" above all that dwell in Jerusalem y tell YOU
Nay Or thus transposed, "Think We those
- seventy-five persons, upon whom the flames of
." the Theatre Of Richmond fell, and slew them,
~that they were sinners. above all men that
" dwell in Richmond tell you Nay" These
considerations being recently committed to pa
Per, cannot refrain TO present them to the dis
consulate Mourncrs ofRicbmond.
OLIVER WIIIPPLE.
Georgetown, Jan. 9Th, 1872