For the use of it, as it is at present taught, is almost
inseparable from its abuse. Music has been so generally cultivated, and
to such perfection, that it now ceases to delight the ear, unless it
comes from the fingers of the proficient. But great proficiency cannot
be obtained in this science, without great sacrifices of time. If young
females are to be brought up to it, rather as to a profession, than
introduced to it as a source of occasional innocent recreation, or if
their education is thought most perfect, where their musical attainments
are the highest, not only hours, but even years, must be devoted to the
pursuit. Such a devotion to this one object must, it is obvious, leave
less time than is proper for others, that are more important. The
knowledge of domestic occupations, and the various sorts of knowledge,
that are acquired by reading, must be abridged, in proportion as this
science is cultivated to professional precision. And hence,
independently of any arguments, which the Quakers may advance against
it, it must be acknowledged by the sober world to be chargeable with a
criminal waste of time. And this waste of time is the more to be
deprecated, because it frequently happens, that, when young females
marry, music is thrown aside, after all the years that have been spent
in its acquisition, as an employment, either then unnecessary, or as an
employment, which, amidst the new cares of a family, they have not
leisure to follow.
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