a part of their education. But there are other considerations, of a
different nature, which influence them in the same way.

Music, in the first place, is a sensual gratification. Even those who
run after sacred music, never consider themselves as going to a place of
devotion, but where, in full concert, they may hear the performance of
the master pieces of the art. This attention to religious compositions,
for the sake of the music, has been noticed by one of our best poets.

"and ten thousand sit,
Patiently present at a sacred song,
Commemoration-mad, content to hear,
O wonderful effect of music's power,
Messiah's eulogy for Handal's sake!"
COWPER.

But the Quakers believe, that all sensual desires should be held in due
subordination to the pure principle, or that sensual pleasures should be
discouraged, to much as possible, as being opposed to those spiritual
feeling, which constitute the only perfect enjoyment of a christian.

Music, again, if it were encouraged in the society, would be considered
as depriving those of maturer years of hours of comfort, which they now
frequently enjoy, in the service of religion. Retirement is considered
by the Quakers as a christian duty. The members therefore of this
society are expected to wait in silence, not only in their places of
worship, but occasionally in their families, or in their private
chambers, in the intervals of their daily occupations, that, in
stillness of heart, and in freedom from the active contrivance of their
own wills, they may acquire both directions and strength for the