If they view it as connected with an assemblage of persons, they must, they conceive, equally condemn it.

And here it is in fact, that they principally level their arguments against it.

They prohibit all members of their society from being present at balls, and assemblies; and they think, if their youth are brought up in ignorance of the art of dancing, that this ignorance will operate as one preventative at least against attendances at amusements of this nature.
The Quakers are as strict in their inquiry with respect to the attendances of any of their members at balls, as at theatrical amusements.

They consider balls and assemblies among the vain amusements of the world.

They use arguments against these nearly similar to those which have been enumerated on the preceding subjects.
They consider them in the first place, as productive of a kind of frivolous levity, and of thoughtlessness with respect to the important duties of life.