might be adduced on the occasion, continued to be large in after
times. Now it must be observed, that the Quakers are a sober and
temperate people, that they generally marry at a proper age, and that
they have large families. It is therefore impossible, if the descendants
of the early Quakers had continued in the society, that their number
should not have been much larger than we find it at the present day,
and, if so, there must have been a secession or an expulsion, amounting,
notwithstanding all influx by conversion, to a decrease.

[Footnote 46: Although the remark may be just, that in the time of
George Fox "a great number were converted to his principles," yet a
small portion of those were actually received into membership, and the
same remark may correctly be made even in the present day: as it is
believed that immense numbers are convinced of the truth as held by the
Quakers, but owing to their "not being willing to undergo an ordeal of
suffering on account of their principles," a small portion of those
apply to be admitted into the society. AMERICAN EDITOR.]

It is obvious again that the Quakers, in consequence of their industry
and their frugal habits, must almost unavoidably grow rich. Now if the
descendants of the early Quakers had remained in the society, we should
have seen more overgrown fortunes in it, than among others in proportion
to their numbers. But this is contrary to the fact. The very richest, as
the world now goes, would not be considered to be particularly rich; and
it is a truth that those who are affluent among them have generally been
the founders, by means of their industry and integrity, of their own
fortunes.

It is, again, a matter of observation among the Quakers, now grown into
a truth, that if men grow rich in the society, their grand-children
generally leave it. But surely this amounts to a confession, that in a
particular part of the society there are the seeds of a regular and
successive decrease.

That the Quakers then upon the whole are a declining body, there can be
no doubt.[47] While I state it, I lament it. I lament that there should
be any diminution of number among those who have done so much good in
the world, and who have so justly obtained the reputation of a moral
people. This consideration will lead me to enquire into the causes of
this decline. It will impel me also to enquire into the means of remedy.
How far I may be successful in the latter attempt, I am unable