t may be as difficult for parents to eradicate
them, as for the Ethiopian to change his colour, or the leopard his
spots? But surely the Quakers ought to know the impropriety of undue
indulgences in their families, as well as any other people? Is not the
early subjugation of the will a doctrine more particularly adopted by
them as a society? Without such a subjugation do they not conceive the
mind to be in an unfit state to receive the admonitions of the pure
principle, and of course to make a true proficiency in religion? Do they
not consider themselves also as a highly professing people, and do they
not know that the world expects more from them than from others? But how
can their children ever perpetuate this extraordinary character after
them, or shew that their parents possessed it, unless they are brought
up in a peculiarly guarded manner? In addition to these observations it
may be recommended, that parents should be careful to give their
children what may be called a literal instruction in Christianity, in
contradistinction to pure theism, or to those doctrines which they
conceive may come from the teachings of the Holy Spirit, so that they
may have a more intimate knowledge of all their principles, as a
Christian body.

With respect to that part of education which may consist of knowledge
as it is literary or philosophical, I conceive it might be attended with
advantage to carry it to a greater extent than has hitherto been
practised in the society, but particularly the latter. Nothing is so
delightful to youth as experimental philosophy, by which they see the
causes of things unfolded to their view. No science takes their
attention more, or inclines them, in the farther pursuit of it, to be
satisfied with home. And yet I doubt whether this branch of learning be
not almost wholly neglected in the Quaker schools. The education which
is received in the society, as it consists of the two kinds of knowledge
described, is not, in my apprehension, carried far enough, so as to suit
the peculiar situation of the children of the rich. These are they, who
are most in danger. These are they, who, having the prospect of wealth
before them, have the prospect of being able to procure destructive
pleasures. These are they, who, having the prospect of independence, do
not fear the opinion of the world or the loss of reputation in it, like
those, who have their livelihood to obtain by their own industry. Now it
should be the pa