erent in their kind, that they could not reasonably
be supposed to exist in the same persons. We should find that others
could scarcely be admitted among a body of professing Christians. The
Quaker character, in short, as it has been exhibited to the world, is a
strange medley of consistency and contradiction, and of merit and
defect.

Amidst accounts, which have been so incongruous, I shall attempt the
task of drawing the character of the Quakers. I shall state, first, all
the excellencies, that have been said to belong to it. I shall state
also, all the blemishes with which it has been described to be
chargeable. I shall then enquire how far it is probable that any of
these, and in what degree they are true. In this enquiry, some little
reliance must be placed upon my personal knowledge of the Quakers, and
upon my desire not to deceive. It is fortunate, however, that I shall be
able, in this case, to apply to a test, which will be more satisfactory
to the world, than any opinion of my own upon this subject. I mean to
say that the Quakers, like others, are the creatures of their own
education and habits, or that there are circumstances in their
constitution, the knowledge of which will assist us in the discussion of
this question; circumstances, which will speak for themselves and to
which we way always refer in the case of difficulty or doubt. Their
moral education, for example, which has been already explained, cannot
but have an influence on the minds of those who receive it. Their
discipline also, which has appeared to be of so extraordinary a nature,
and to be conducted in so extraordinary a manner, cannot but have an
effect of its own kind. The peculiar customs, in which they have been
described to have been born and educated, and which must of course act
upon them as a second nature, must have a correspondent influence again.
From these, and other prominent and distinguishing features in their
constitution, I may hope to confirm some of the truths which have been
told, and to correct some of the errors that have been stated, on the
subject which is now before us.

Nor am I without the hope, that the discussion of this subject upon such
principles, will be acceptable to many. To those, who love truth, this
attempt to investigate it will be interesting. To the Quakers it will
be highly useful. For they will see, in the glass or mirror which I
shall set before them, the appearance which they make in the world. And