Now in this point of view it is, that the Quakers
generally consider dancing. They never view it, as I observed before,
abstractedly, or solely by itself. They have therefore forbidden it to
their society, believing it to be the duty of a Christian to be serious
in his conversation and deportment; to afford an example of humility;
and to be watchful and diligent in the subjugation of his evil
passions.
CHAP. VI.
_Novels--novels forbidden--their fictitious nature no argument against
them--arguments of the Quakers are, that they produce an affectation
knowledge--a romantic spirit--and a perverted morality--and that by
creating an indisposition towards other kinds of reading, they prevent
moral improvement and real delight of mind--hence novel-reading more
pernicious than many other amusements_.
Among the prohibitions, which the Quakers have adopted in their moral
education, as barriers against vice, or as preservatives of virtue, I
shall consider that next, which relates to the perusal of improper
books. George Fox seems to have forgotten nothing, that was connected
with the morals of the society. He was anxious for the purity of its
character, he seemed afraid of every wind that blew, lest it should
bring some noxious vapour to defile it.
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