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Let us next examine the other reason, viz, the disorderly and worthless people who frequent playhouses, and gather about their passages and neighbourhood. Young women of respectable families, whatever their rank may be, go to theatres protected and kept out of the way of witnessing any thing improper, or in so transient a manner as to be scarcely apprehended, and soon forgotten. It is, then, the effect which coming in contact with such company may have on young men that must chiefly be attended to. Formerly, when a youth came from the country to London, he went to the Theatre in attendance on the ladies of some sober family, to whose notice he might be recommended. Often some good aunt, cousin, or friend, pointed out to him the beauties and defects of the play, or the remarkable people present amongst the spectators, if any such were there; and near her and her party, he was kept out of the reach of contamination. He most probably attended this friendly party home, and had some slight refreshment with them before he returned to his solitary lodging, and next morning he awoke with a pleased fancy and an easy mind. In those days, too, young men, resident in London, went frequently to the Theatre with their mothers or sisters, or other members of