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RELIGION

OF THE

QUAKERS.

INTRODUCTION.

Religion of the Quakers-Invitation to a patient perusal of this part of the work-No design by this invitation to proselyte to Quakerism-All systems of religion that are founded on the prin ciples of Christianity are capable, if heartily embraced, of producing present and future hap piness to man—No censure of another's creed warrantable, inasmuch as the understanding is finite-Object of this invitation.

HAVING explained very diffusively the three great subjects, the Moral Education, Discipline, and Peculiar Customs of the Quakers, I propose to allot the remaining part of this volume to the consideration of their Reli gion.

I know that persons who are religiously disposed will follow me patiently through this division of my work, not only because religion is the most important of all subjects that can be agitated, but because, in the explanation of the religious systems of others, some light may arise, which, though it may not be new to all, may yet be new and acceptable to many. I am aware, however, that there are some who direct their reading to light subjects, and to whom such as are serious may appear burthensome. If any such should have been induced' by any particular motive to take this book into their hands, and to accompany me thus far, I intreat a continuation of their patience, till I have carried them through the different parts and divisions of the present subject.

I have no view, in thus soliciting the attention of those who are more or of those who are less religiously disposed, to attempt to proselyte to Quakerism. If men do but fear God and work righteousness, whatever their Christian denomination may be, it is sufficient. Every system of religion, which is founded on the principles of Christianity, must be capable, if heartily embraced, of producing

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producing temporal and eternal happiness to man. At least man, with his limited understanding, cannot pronounce with any absolute certainty, that his own system is so far preferable to that of his neighbour that it is positively the best; or that there will any material difference in the future happiness of those who follow the one or the other; or that the pure professors of each shall not have their peculiar rewards. The truth is, that each system has its own merits. Each embraces great and sublime objects. And if good men have existed, as none can reasonably deny, before Christianity was known, it would be a libel on Christianity to suppose, either that good men had not existed since, or that good Christians would not be ultimately happy, though following systems differing from those of one another. Indeed every Christian community has a great deal to say in the defence of its own tenets. Almost all Christian churches have produced great characters and there are none, I should hope, that had not been the authors of religious good. The church of England, in attempting to purify herself at the reforma

work. Since that time

tion, effected a great work.

she has produced at different periods, and continues to produce, both great and good men. By means of her universities she has given forth, and keeps up and disseminates, a considerable portion of knowledge; and though this, in the opinion of the Quakers, is not necessary for those who are to become ministers of the gospel, it cannot be denied that it is a source of temporary happiness to man; that it enlarges the scope of his rational and moral understanding; and that it leads to great and sublime discoveries, which become eminently beneficial to mankind. Since that time she has also been an instrument of spreading over this kingdom a great portion of religious light, which has had its influence in the production of moral character. But though I bestow this encomium upon the established church, I should be chargeable with partiality and injustice, if I were not to allow that among the dissenters, of various descriptions, learned, pious, and great men, had been regularly and successively produced. And it must be confessed and reflected upon with pleasure, that these, in proportion to their numbers,

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