en, at the first sight, that the precepts of Quakerism make
decidedly against it. And we may say again, that it ought to be
expected, that all those principles and circumstances, which have an
influence in the production of moral character, or of such a character
as belongs to the Quakers as a body, should work together either towards
its prevention or its cure.

On the other hand, if we examine the situation of the society, we shall
find circumstances, the operation of which is directly in favour of such
a trait.

And first, in looking into the human heart, we seem to discover a
circumstance, which, on account of the situation alluded to, may operate
as a spring in producing it. Men, generally speaking, love consequence.
Now the Quakers, though they have consequence in their own society, have
none in the world. They can be neither legislators nor magistrates. They
can take no titles to distinguish them. They pass therefore in the
world, like the common and undistinguished herd, except from the
circumstances of their dress. But riches give all men consequence. And
it is not clear to me, but that this circumstance may have its operation
on the minds of some who are called Quakers, in contributing to the
production of the money-getting spirit, inasmuch as it may procure them
a portion of estimation, which they cannot otherwise have, while they
remain in their own body.

In looking again into the human heart, we find another, and this a
powerful spring, connected with the situation of the society, for the
production of such a trait.

The Quakers, as I have observed before, are mostly in trade. Now they
are generally a sedate, thoughtful, sober, diligent, and honest people.
It is not then too much to say, with these qualifications, that they
will be as successful in trade as others. Hence their incomes will be as
great, in proportion to their capitals, as those of others, from the
same source.

But let us look for a moment at their outgoings. They neither spend nor
lose their money at cards, or at horse-races, or by any other species of
gaming. They do not waste their substance either in drinking at taverns
or at home. Not having, in general, an enlarged education, or a taste
for literature, they have no expensive libraries. They buy no costly
paintings. They neither powder their hair, nor dress in a splendid
manner. They use no extravagant furniture. They keep no packs of hounds
for their diversion. They are never se