The wisdom, therefore, of the Quakers, in making it to be considered as a law of the society, that no member is to lay wagers, or reap advantage from any doubtful event, by a previous agreement upon a monied stake, is particularly conspicuous.

For, whenever it can be enforced, it must be an effectual cure for gaming.

For we have no idea, how a man can gratify his desire of gain by means of any of the amusements of chance, if he can make no monied arrangements about their issue.
SECT.

II.
_The first argument for the prohibition of cards, and of similar amusements, by the Quakers, is--that they are below the dignity of the intellect of man, and of his moral and christian character--sentiments of Addison on this subject_.
The reasons, which the Quakers give for the prohibition of cards, and of amusements of a similar nature, to the members of their own society, are generally such as are given by other Christians, though they make use of one, which is peculiar to themselves.
It has been often observed, that the word amusement is proper to characterize the employments of children, but that the word utility is the only one proper to characterize the employment of men.
The first argument of the Quakers, on this subject, is of a complexion, similar to that of the observation just mentioned.

For when they consider man, as a reasonable being, they are of opinion, that his occupations should be rational.