Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1818-09-08
FOR THE GAZETTE.
PH1Lo-DRA.AaTTC SOCIETY.

PHILO-DR.4ILaTTC SOCIETY.
Among the many subjects that have eli
cited ths, genius aud erudilion of the lite-
rati of the present day, | am not little
surprised TO sec so little said in praise of
charitable institUtiuns. So general is the
diffusion OF wealth. and so easy is COM
potency obtained, that the possessors loo
often forget that there are many other fell
low beings who from various causes and
unforeseen incidents are bereft of the means
OF attaining the actual necessalies OF life,
AMI in consequence reduced to the most pi-
liable and depIorable situa!ion,--From dali
" occurrences il indeed appears 10 be too
true, that. as wealth accunulates, the heart
becomes callous and unfeeling--selfin interest
preponderatcs every other passion-social
happiness is considered as theoretical
speculation, or the Elusive fancy Of an in
toxicated imas ination-and the warm cur
rent Of benevolence and philanthropy is fro
zen up by the sordid desire of pecuniary
aggrandizement. But still there are some
who do not forget that Providence has gift
ed them with the goods of this world TO re-
lieye the misfor,unes of their fellow crea-
lures; TO whom the tale OF woe needs not
recital, and whose presence the poor de-
serving medicant, leaves with smiling
counienance and heart overlooking with
gratitude.
have noticed with the most heartfelt
pleasure the laudable exertions of the Phi
lo.Dramatic Society of Alexandra, COM
posed of young men OF talents and respec-
liability, and founded ON the principles OF
benevoence and MISUNDERSTANDING for its
aim the alienation OF the suaerings OF the
INDECENT and distrcssed-lhat they may
procure the means to prevent the poor iu-
gitiye wretch, who would otherwise walk
in The path OF rectitude, from the necessity
of obtaining subsistence by stealth,
For stern necessity's control,
Resistless sways the human SOUL
that the disconsolate widow and helpless
orphan may smiIe through heir tears, and
exult that amidst the general depravity OF
feelings, humanity has still her yotarIes.--
Nor should it be forgotten that under the
present circumstances theatrical peitorman-
ces are attended with the most beneficial
effects in society: by holding up virtue
as il were in the mirror, and vice in her
own image"-by painting out the reward
of doing good, and creating noble emula-
ton in the youthful mind, to initiate the ex-
ample set before it-by depicting turpltude
in its blacklist colors, and guilt in It's most
horrid aspect the tender mind is fashioned
TO revere the one and to despise the other.
We know there are many possessed OF both
the ability and disposition 10 contribute TO
the relief of their suffering fellow creatures;
but from their situation in life they have
not the opportunity Of bestowing it, and
would gladly attend the performances OF
this society as the sure channel OF dispens-
ing their charity whiis, others, with hearts
cold as The polar ice and hard as adamant,
attend merely tor amusement, and unin-
ten.ionally assist in the pious undertaking.
Impressed with these ideas, little doubt
can be entertained Lut that this and institu-
tons OF similar nature will meet with the
appreciation and encouragement OF the
friends OF human ty, knowing that the viz
tuous mini requires no other retribution tor
doing good action than the sanction OF the
heart. ALPHONSO.