As to the PERSONAL SCANDAL, in both your Letters, it is a
Commodity I never deal in; and therefore, cannot make you any Return
for those _flagrant_ UNMERITED _Civilities_, which I have received
from your _polite_ Hand. However, if you think that such delicate
_genteel_ Touches of Raillery will be of any Service to you, in the
farther Prosecution of this _worthy_ Argument, I shall be far from
objecting against your Use of them.
And so, _my dear_ Tommy, _for the present_,
_I bid you heartily Farewell_.
OBADIAH PLAINMAN.
_The Pennsylvania Gazette_, May 29, 1740
_Religious Mood in Philadelphia_
During the Session of the _Presbyterian_ Synod, which began on
the 28th of the last Month, and continued to the third of this
Instant, there were no less than 14 Sermons preached on
_Society-Hill_ to large Audiences, by the Rev. Messrs. the
_Tennents_, Mr. _Davenport_, Mr. _Rowland_ and Mr. _Blair_, besides
what were deliver'd at the _Presbyterian_ and _Baptist_ Meetings, and
Expoundings and Exhortations in private Houses. The Alteration in
the Face of Religion here is altogether surprizing. Never did the
People show so great a Willingness to attend Sermons, nor the
Preachers greater Zeal and Diligence in performing the Duties of
their Function. Religion is become the Subject of most
Conversations. No Books are in Request but those of Piety and
Devotion; and instead of idle Songs and Ballads, the People are every
where entertaining themselves with Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs.
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