But for as much as the thread of that serious _Design_ may seem broken
too often with Observations of Learning, and Reflections of Wit, to be
closely follow'd by those who are either not used to the one, or too
fond of the other; the same good End may perhaps be helped forward a
little, by setting this matter in a less interrupted Light, and a
Simpler View.

And if things are as bad as they are there represented apart, looking
on them together, you will scarce think those expressions too hard,
which in a more large and general State of the Case, you sometimes
thought did a little exceed. And very possibly the Zeal of some may
have proceeded too far in running down to the ground, all _Diversions
of this kind_ without any distinction: Tho' at the same time 'tis
easie accounting for that seeming distance between those who agree
that _Vertue_ shall be their common Design.

For they that are most for condemning these Entertainments, do not
deny but some proper Instructions for civil Conduct at least, might
thereby be gently instill'd; nor are they wholly against _Unbending_
the Mind, as if they suppose the Spirits of Men wou'd carry them
through the Business of Life without any Relief: But they think these,
as they stand, are _dangerous Schools_: And, as for _Refreshment_,
they see none in that which _unfits_ us for our respective duties. And
thus much is granted by those who wou'd shew a regard to the weakness
of Nature, and not be over severe upon the Practice of those they
think well enough of in other Respects.

Whenever you have inclined to savour these _Idle Amusements_, you have
set them before you in an Innocent Dress, and contended for nothing
but what might _Please_ without giving _Offence_, you never design'd