We have seen their influence on character and
happiness. We have seen the manner in which they act, or how these
effects are produced. A revision therefore of these cannot but be
useful, but more particularly to parents, as it may enable some of
these, in conjunction with the knowledge they possess, to form probably
a more correct system than they may have had it in contemplation to
adopt, for the education of their youth.

The first advantage then, which those who compose the world at large may
derive from the contents of this work, will be from a review of some of
the customs which have been censured in it.

In looking into customs, the first that obtrudes itself upon our notice,
is that of allowing to children those amusements, which, on account of
the use of them, may be called gaming. A view is offered to us here,
which is divested of all superstition. It is no where contended at
random, in speaking against these, that their origin is objectionable.
It is no where insisted upon, that there is evil in them considered
abstractedly by themselves, or that they may not be used innocently, or
that they may not be made the occasion of innocent mirth. The evil is
candidly stated to arise from their abuse. The nature of this evil is
unfolded. Thus the malevolent passions, such as anger, envy, hatred,
revenge, and even avarice, are stirred up, where they should be
particularly prevented, in the youthful breast. A spirit of gaming,
which may be destructive of fortune, health, and morals, is engendered.
A waste of time[56] is occasioned, inasmuch as other pursuits might be
followed, which would be equally amusing, but conducive to the
improvement of the mind. The nature of the abuse is unfolded likewise.
It consists of making games of chance productive of loss and gain. Thus
they hold up speedy pecuniary acquisitions, and speedy repairs of
misfortune. Thus they excite hope and fear, and give birth to pain and
disappointment. The prevention also of the abuse, and that alone which
can be effectual, is pointed out. This consists of a separation of
emolument from chance, or of the adoption of the maxim, that no youth
ought to be permitted to lay a wager, or to reap advantage from any
doubtful event by a previous agreement on a moneyed stake. Now if the
reader be not disposed to go the length which the Quakers do, by the
abolition of such amusements, he will at least have had the advantage of
seeing that there may be evil in them