To Miss CLEORA PARTRIDGE.
Newbury-Port.
DEAR CLEORA,
I AGREE with you, that the habits of the
weak and vain are too insignificant to employ
the pens of those, whose literary talents might
produce great and good effects in the political,
moral, and religious state of things. Were absurd
fashions adopted only by those whose frivolity
renders them the dupes of folly, and whose
example can have no effect on the considerate
and judicious part of the community, I should
think them below the attention of statesmen,
philosophers, and divines: but this is not the
case. The votaries and the inventors of the
most fantastical fashions are found in the ranks
of, what is called, refined and polished society;
from whom we might hope for examples of elegance
and propriety, both in dress and behaviour.
By these, luxury and extravagance are sanctioned.
Their influence upon the poorer class is
increased; who, emulous of imitating their superiors,
think that the most eligible appearance,
(however beyond their income, or unsuitable to
their circumstances and condition in life) which
is preferred and countenanced by their wealthier
neighbours.
Absurd and expensive fashions, then, are injurious
to society at large, and require some
check; and why is not satire levelled against
them, laudable in its design, and likely to produce
a good effect? Adieu.
