CHAPTER III.

Sect.  I.—­Music forbidden—­instrumental innocent in itself, but greatly abused—­the use of it almost inseparable from its abuse at the present day.

Sect.  II.—­Quakers cannot learn instrumental on the usual motives of the world—­nor consider it as a source of moral improvement, or of solid comfort to the mind—­but are fearful that, if indulged in, it would interfere with the Christian duty of religious retirement.

Sect III.—­Quakers cannot learn vocal, because, on account of its articulative powers, it is capable of becoming detrimental to morals—­its tendency to this, as discoverable by an analysis of different classes of songs.

Sect IV.—­The preceding the arguments of the early Quaker—­but the new state of music has produced others—­these explained.

Sect V.—­An objection stated to the different arguments of the Quakers on this subject—­their reply.

CHAPTER IV.

Sect I.—­The Theatre forbidden—­short history of its origin—­and of its state and progress.

SECT II.—­Manner of the drama objected to by the Quakers—­as it personates the characters of others—­and it professes to reform vice.

SECT III.—­Contents of the drama objected to—­as they hold our false sentiments—­and weaken the sinews of morality.

SECT IV.—­Theater considered by the Quakers to be injurious to the happiness of man, as it disqualifies him for the pleasure of religion.

SECT V.—­To be injurious to the happiness of man, as it disqualifies him for domestic enjoyments.

SECT VI.—­Opinions of the early Christians on this subject.

CHAPTER V.

SECT.  I.—­Dancing forbidden—­light in which this subject has been viewed both by the ancients and the moderns—­Quakers principally object to it, where it is connected with public assemblies—­they conceive it productive, in this case, of a frivolous levity, and of an excitement of many of the evil passions.

SECT.  II—­These arguments of the Quakers, on dancing, examined in three supposed cases put to a moral philosopher.

SECT.  III.—­These arguments further elucidated by a display of the Ball-room.

CHAPTER VI.

Novels forbidden—­considered by the Quakers as producing an affectation of knowledge—­a romantic spirit—­and a perverted morality.

CHAPTER VII.

SECT.  I—­Diversions of the field forbidden—­general thoughtlessness upon this subject—­sentiments of some of our best poets—­law of the Quakers concerning it.

SECT.  II.—­Consistency of this law examined by the morality, which is inculcated by the Old Testament.