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The Massachusetts Spy
Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts
What is this article about?
A letter to the Massachusetts Spy complains about noisy bustle and confusion in religious assemblies immediately after morning prayers and afternoon blessings, which prevents many from hearing these solemn parts of the service. The writer urges congregants to wait until after the blessing to adjust and leave, suggesting such behavior may reflect weariness in serving God, and appeals for decency to respect those who value the rituals.
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Mr. Thomas,
Among the many indecencies practiced in our religious assemblies, by the gay and unthinking part of our audiences, I see none more generally or more constantly indulged than the noise, confusion and hurry, commencing immediately after the concluding prayer in the morning and singing in the afternoon, both before and while the blessing is pronouncing; by reason of which, it is well known, that this solemn part of divine service is often not heard by numbers in the congregation. Is there any sufficient excuse for this unpolite bustle? Surely there is time enough after the blessing is given, to adjust all matters necessary to our retiring from the house of God. We are not detained so long at public worship in these days as to render it any ways inconvenient to tarry a little longer. Shall I be censured as wanting charity if I hint that there is a possibility that this bustle may proceed from a temper of mind similar to that of which the following words of scripture are expressive? Behold what a weariness it is, it is in vain to serve God, &c. However this may be, permit me through your paper, to beg of those who appear to have no taste for this part of usual exercise, so far to oblige those who have, as not to disturb the assembly by (to say no worse) their unbecoming behaviour.
A Friend to Decency.
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Letter to Editor Details
Author
A Friend To Decency.
Recipient
Mr. Thomas
Main Argument
congregants should cease the noisy bustle immediately after prayers and blessings in religious services to allow everyone to hear these solemn parts, as there is ample time afterward and such behavior may indicate weariness in serving god.
Notable Details