VI.
_Novels--novels forbidden--their fictitious nature no argument against them--arguments of the Quakers are, that they produce an affectation knowledge--a romantic spirit--and a perverted morality--and that by creating an indisposition towards other kinds of reading, they prevent moral improvement and real delight of mind--hence novel-reading more pernicious than many other amusements_.
Among the prohibitions, which the Quakers have adopted in their moral education, as barriers against vice, or as preservatives of virtue, I shall consider that next, which relates to the perusal of improper books.

George Fox seems to have forgotten nothing, that was connected with the morals of the society.

He was anxious for the purity of its character, he seemed afraid of every wind that blew, lest it should bring some noxious vapour to defile it.

And as those things which were spoken or represented, might corrupt the mind, so those which were written and printed, might equally corrupt it also.

He recommended therefore, that the youth of his newly formed society should abstain from the reading of romances.