The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-08-13

are none more so than those taking place among
the Friends OF Quakers in Pennsylvania. We
have Just received tract, in their quaint Ian
guage styled "A Testimony"-one of their
usual expressions discusses the subject of
"Amusements, their Uses and Abuses" and ema-
mates from the Fifth Yearly Meeting, in Ches
ter, Penn, held in May last. 1t is officially
signed by three clerks, and was subsequently ap-
proved by the Waterloo Yearly Meeting Of this
State 1t is the work and authoritative opinion
of new dissenting religious community who
call themselves Progressive Quakers." 1t is
well known that the Seekers or Friends in this
country have had numerous divisions among
themselves AT various times they have modified
the various teachings of their founder, George
Fox, who, by the way, visited this country.
There is yet, or was lately, tree at Flushing
Long Island, under which he frequently preach
ed. In Pennsylvania they adopted the principles
of William Penn, and before the Revolution and
since-though highly influential body-were
not always at peace among themselves, nor unani-
nous in the direction of their influence. Though
generally non-combatants, a portion Of them
during the war formed themselves into military
company, under the command Of Captain Hum
phrey, for the defence of the country and fol-
lowed the patriotic advice of Thomas Mifiiin, a
Quaker member of the Provincial Congress, who
advocated an appeal to arms. A good many dis
putes have arisen to their belief in the divinity
of the Saviour, and in 1886 Elias Hicks broke
loose from the main body, and was believed to
have advocated the principles of Deism. His
followers still constitute considerable body of
the Friends Without going into detail as to the
doctrines generally held by them, both in Great
Britain and the United States it is enough for the
present to mention that, without exception, they
have always been opposed to public diversions,
gaming and other vain amusements of the world
as waste of time and diversion Of the mind
from the sober duties of life." In this they differ
from the Shakers, who make what the gay world
calls an innocent amusement, a part of their most
solemn ceremonies. These followers Of Anna
Lee are the most persevering OF dancers, but
those Of Fox Barclay and Penn hitherto never
tolerated il in any form.
But now it seems new light has broken in
upon the brethren. The Testimony to which
we have already alluded comes out fiat
footed, heel and toe, in favor Of social dancing.
They have officially announced their change
of opinion; and the candor and good sense they
have shown while discussing the subject, could
be proftably initiated by those straight-laced
sectarians Of other denominations who denounce
the wrath Of God on all who trip it soft TO
soothing measures" We assert with conf
dence," say they, :" that the prejudice which
places amusements in the list of things forbidden,
has its root in the asceticism which disfgures
the popular faith; piety becomes hdeous
spectre-grotesque, spectral, and fantastic; its
tong an unnatural whine, its voice menacing
growl" Religion they continue was not
designed to make us sorrowful, melancholy and
cadaverous, but round faced, happy and joyful"
I'VE do not hesitate say they, Ito advise
parents TO cultivate in their children the faculty
of music" IF there Is on earth any scene that
can give us a foretaste Of heavenly bliss, il is
that of household whose refined sympathes
aflluent affections and world embracing love- find
daily expression in melodious song"
With regard TO dancing. they admit the exist
ence Of a strong prejudice in the minds Of serious
persons against the practice, its most invctc-
rate opponents are the most strict in their vene-
ration Of the Scriptures" But how can they
shut their eyes, Gays the Testimony" against The
example Of Miriam, or the aphorism Of Solomon,
that there Il time to dance, or of the exIlorta-
ton Of the Psalmist. to praise God In the dancer"
or the saviours parable Of the Prodigal son,
whose return to virtue and his fathers house was
celebrated with music and dancing?r While we
must not forget however, that the Shakers quote
the very same authorities for cutting their capers
we must admit that they are well put 10y the
"progressiyes," who advocate the amusement.
however, only as a social one They oppose pub
lie balls in no measured terms. They consider
them as the worst form Of social pleasure mas
much as the 'time consumed in preparation, the
extravaganza in dress, the late hours, the
exhaustion Of strength, the exposure Of health
and the languor Of the succeeding day are evils
sufficient to cause the Punishment " of such
amusements from the community. But hop
among friends. improviscd, enlivening, health
full and innocent. 'that is the ticket" Yea,
verify, II is horse Of another color.
With regard to the drama, the progressivcs have
not yet made up their minds. Good plays must
be good; bad plays must be bad. They will at
present proceed no farther in the business" In
short, we have the evidence Of singular out
break among these quaint honest, broad brim-
med people, but II viii be mighty popular" in
Philadelphia and New York. One Of these days
not far off, perhaps the old English song viii
come into fashion,
Merriiy danced the Quakcr's wife,
Mcrrily danced the Quaker
C1IANING OF The STREErs--NEw CRY ORpI-