"We mean a spirit of levity, as engendered or fostered by indulgence in frivolous amusements. We wish not to be understood as setting ourselves against every species of youthful amusement. We do not look for the gravity of old age in the morning of life, nor do we think that the religion of the Bible requires it. Christianity, rightly understood, has nothing to do with a demure preciseness of manner, or an affection of singularity, which God does not require.

Cheerfulness, especially in youth, is perfectly compatible with spirit of the Bible; and as far as amusements are rational in their character, moral in their nature and tendency, rightly timed and enjoyed in moderation, we have nothing to object. But cheerfulness and levity belong to different families, and whenever the former is suffered to degenerate into the latter, the consequences must be evil" (pp. 2-3).