The New Hampshire Gazette

Containing the Freshest Advices,

To the PRINTER.

By inserting the following in your next Paper, you'll perhaps oblige many of your Readers, and in particular, yours, &c.

A Friend to Society.

As mankind was form'd for society, we see almost every individual fond of it. Constant retirement and perpetual solitude, is so far from being agreeable, that on the contrary, it is naturally the terror and aversion of every rational mind. There are indeed persons who from peculiar notions and motives, voluntarily engage and persevere in a recluse life; yet as they consider it as an evidence of great self denial and mortification, it is plain they judge it an unnatural state. Some retire for the sake of company, and pretend they are never less alone, than when they are alone. These agree with the rest of the social world, in their sentiments of the pleasure of society, but only appear a little wrong headed in their opinion of the best method of enjoying it.

This principle in the human breast, is the source of those associations, fraternities and clubs, common in all populous places, form'd upon different plans, and professing various designs. Every one in the least degree acquainted with the world, has often heard of a fraternity form'd and united, as it is said, on designs of love and general benevolence. But tho' that is well known, being publicly profess'd, and the distinguishing characteristic assum'd, yet the alms, as well as other effects of this benevolence being done in secret, cannot be known on cheaper terms than becoming a brother, which like the freedom of the ancient Roman citizens, if purchas'd, it must be with a great sum, considering the value to the purchaser.

There is another noted society, instituted with a generous and general view of service, by raising a sovereign contempt of the persons, and promoting an hearty aversion to the manners of our national enemies. And it must be allowed, that with a laudable industry and zeal, they have spirited all within their influence, to exert their utmost abilities to humble those invaders of our repose. Nor are their own good examples wanting, for they have made many winter campaigns; and by a warm fire side, animated with zeal for the common cause, even at ten at night, with good claret and other enliveners, have often given the French a sound drubbing.

Besides these more noted associations, there are clubs that meet merely to relax from business and other applications, to recreate themselves, and advance good humour and mutual kindness.

"When men are thus knit together (says a noted author) by love of society, not a spirit of faction, and do not meet to censure or annoy those that are absent, but to enjoy one another; when they are thus combined for their own improvement, or the good of others, or at least to relax themselves from the business of the day, by an innocent cheerful conversation, there may be something very useful in these little institutions and establishments."

But as the corruption of the best things is the worst, it is prudent to guard against abuses: for none of these assemblies exclude the use of meats and drinks; and good humour and sociability we know are not antidotes in that case: some cautionary rules therefore may not be improper in that as well as other respects. As a friend to this method of cultivating good neighbourhood, I would therefore propose the following rules, to be adopted and carefully observed by any, or all the aforesaid associations, which have not already bound themselves by the like or better rules. But having had experience of the usefulness of these, in the club of which I have the honor to be a member, I can heartily recommend them.

1. That no session of this society or club continue longer than twelve hours at a time.

Secondly. That no member be allowed to drink more than four quarts at a session, including what he takes with his food; having a right to the majority present, to grant to any particular member, whose solid contents may require more moistening, a further allowance, not exceeding a pint and half.

Thirdly. That those members who burn tobacco, be not permitted to consume more than six pipes at one session.

Fourthly. That when the society breaks up at half an hour after twelve, no member presume to go elsewhere to spend the evening, on pain of being compell'd to go to bed for the next three nights successively at ten o'clock precisely.

Fifthly. That in order to prevent misunderstanding, not more than three members be allowed to speak at one time, on any interesting or difficult topic.

Sixthly. That if any member shall profanely curse or swear, during the continuance of any meeting, notwithstanding any provocation, he shall not be permitted to drink the three next successive toasts, nor allowed to take a drop of any thing till the fourth comes in course, except a little cold water to allay the heat of his mouth.

Seventhly. That nothing be said of an absent member, that tends to asperse him unless he is present, has a fair hearing by himself or his advocate; and that this rule shall be construed to extend to his friends and acquaintance.

Eighthly. That no point of politics started, be seriously debated until half after ten, or the session has continued four hours in case of meeting by day, not only that all the members may be present, but also that every one may have opportunity to be sufficiently illuminated in the nature of the subject.

Provided nevertheless, that any of the foregoing rules may be dispensed with, upon the news of any important advantage gained of the French, or any notable success of the King of Prussia, at the two next meetings.