date. They cannot therefore approve of songs of this class, because they
conceive them to inculcate sentiments, totally contrary to the mild and
peaceful spirit of the christian religion.

If we were to examine the collection farther, we might pick out other
songs, which might be reckoned of the class of the impure. Among these
will be found ideas, so indelicate, that notwithstanding the gloss,
which wit and humour had put over them, the chaste ear could not but be
offended by their recital. It must be obvious, in this case also, that
not only the Quakers, but all persons filling the stations of parents,
would be sorry if their children were to come to the knowledge of some
of these.

It is unnecessary to proceed farther upon this subject. For the reader
must be aware that, while the Quakers hold such sentiments, they can
never patronise such songs; and that if those who are taught or allowed
to sing, generally lay hold of all the songs that come into their way,
that is, promiscuously and without selection. The Quakers will have a
strong ground as a Christian society, or as a society, who hold it
necessary to be watchful over their words as well as their actions, for
the rejection of vocal music.


SECT. IV.

_The preceding are the arguments of the early Quakers--new state of
music has produced new ones--instrumental now censurable for a waste of
time--for leading into company--for its connection with vocal_.