These publications shewed the sentiments of the Quakers, as a religious body, upon this subject.

It was understood that no Quaker could be present at amusements of this sort.

And this idea was confirmed by the sentiments and advices of several of the most religious members, which were delivered on public occasions.

By means of these publications and advices the subject was kept alive, till it became at length incorporated into the religious discipline of the Quakers.

The theatre was then specifically forbidden; and an inquiry was annually to be made from thenceforward, whether any of the members of the society had been found violating the prohibition.
Since the time of Charles the second, when George Fox entered his protest against exhibitions of this sort, it must certainly be confessed, that an alteration has taken place for the better in the constitution of our plays, and that poison is not diffused into morals, by means of them, to an equal extent, as at that period.