CHAPTER VIII. Conclusory remarks, as they relate to those,who compose the world at large-Advantages which these may derive from the contents of this work-from a review of many of the customs and of the prin ciples explained in it-from seeing practically the influence of these customs and principles in the production of character and happiness-and from seeing the manner of their operation, or how they produce the effects described. I SHALL now endeavour to make my conclusory remarks useful, as they may relate to those, who may be called the world. To state the object, which I have in view, I shall observe at once, that men are divided in opinion as to the lawfulness, or expediency, or wholesomeness, of many of the customs, fashions, and accomplishments of the world. Thus we find some encouraging in their families, and this without any hesitation and to an almost unlimited extent, those which many, on account of religious considerations, have expelled. Thus we find others others endeavouring to steer a course between the practice of these. The same diversity of sentiment prevails also with respect to principles. The virtuous or moral are adopted by some. The political by others. That the political often obtain both in education and in subsequent life, there is no question. Thus, for example, a young man is thought by some to be more likely to make his way in the world with the address, which fashionable accomplishments may give him, even if he be a little dissipated, than one of strict virtue with unpolished manners. Thus, again, in actions and transactions, policy is often preferred to express and open declarations of the truth. Others, again, are of opinion that the general basis of principle should be virtue, but that a latitude may be allowed for a seasonable policy. Thus an education is going on under Christian parents, as if Christianity had objects in view, which were totally opposite to each other. It is chiefly in throwing light upon subjects, such as the foregoing, that I can hope to be useful in this conclusory part of work. We have seen, in the course of it, both my customs customs and principles laid open and explained. We have seen these examined by a moral standard. We have seen their tendencies and bearings. We have seen their influence on character and happiness. We have seen the manner in which they act, or how this influence is produced. A revision therefore of these customs and principles cannot but be useful, but more particularly to parents, as it may enable some, 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 us here, which is divested of all superstition. It is no where contended, 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 shown 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 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 misfortunes. Thus they excite hope and fear, and give birth to *This argument is usually applied to grown persons; but may be applied to youth, when we consider the ingenious inventions of modern times, such as maps of dissected geography, historical and other games; which, while they afford pleasure, promote improvement. 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 Society does, by the abolition of such amusements, he will at least have had the advantage of seeing that there may be evil in them, and where it lies, and the extent (if he will only look at the historical instances cited) to which it may proceed, and its infallible prevention or its cure. The next subject, among customs, which offers itself to our view is the practice of Music; and this comes before us in two forms, either as it is instrumental or vocal. With respect to instrumental, it is no where insisted upon that its origin is evil, or that it is not productive of a natural delight, or that it does not soothe and tranquillize the passions, or that it may not be innocently used, or that it may not be made under |