w explained.

The next subject, which comes to us in order, is dancing. This is handed
down to us, under two appearances, either as it is simple, or as it is
connected with preparations and accompaniments.

In viewing it in its simple state, it is no where contended, if it be
encouraged on the principle of promoting such an harmonious carriage of
the body, or use of the limbs, as maybe more promotive of health, that
it is objectionable, though it is supposed that it is not necessary for
such purposes, and that, without music and its other usual
accompaniments, it would not be pleasant. Neither is it contended that a
simple dance upon the green, if it were to arise suddenly and without
its usual preparations, may not be innocent, or that if may not be
classed with an innocent game at play, or with innocent exercise in the
fields, though it is considered, that it would hardly be worthy of those
of riper years, because they who are acknowledged to have come to the
stature of men, are expected to abandon amusements for pursuits of
usefulness, and particularly where they make any profession of the
Christian name.

In viewing it with its preparations, and with its subsequent
accompaniments, as usually displayed in the ball-room, we see it in a
less favourable light. We see it productive, where it is habitually
resorted to, of a frivolous levity, of vanity and pride, and of a
littleness of mind and character. We see it also frequently becoming the
occasion of the excitement of the malevolent passions, such as anger,
envy, hatred, jealousy, malice, and revenge. We find it also frequently
leading to[57] indisposition. We find lastly, that, in consequence of
the vexation of mind, which may arise from a variety of causes, but more
particularly from disappointment and the ascendency of some of the
passions that have been mentioned, more pleasure is generally perceived
in the anticipation of these amusements, than in the actual taste or use
of them.

[Footnote 57: Not only colds, head-aches, and a general lassitude, ore
the result Of dancing in ball-rooms, but occasionally serious
indisposition. I have known the death of two young persons attributed to
it by the physicians who attended them in their illness.]

The subject of novels is presented next to our view. And here it has
appeared, that no objection can be truly adduced against these on
account of the fictitious nature of their contents. Novels also are not
all of them p