be useful to the Quakers
themselves, first, by letting them see how their own character may be
yet improved; and secondly, by preserving them, in some measure, both
from unbecoming remarks, and from harsh usage, on the part of their
fellow-citizens of a different denomination from themselves. For surely
when it is known, as I hope it is by this time, that they have moral and
religious grounds for their particularities, we shall no longer hear
their scruples branded with the name of follies and obstinacies, or see
magistrates treating them with a needless severity, but giving[58] them,
on the other hand, all the indulgences they can, consistently with the
execution of the laws. In proportion as this utility is produced, my
design will be answered in the production of the work, and I shall
receive pleasure in having written it. And this pleasure will be subject
only to one drawback, which will unavoidably arise in the present case;
for I cannot but regret that I have not had more time to bestow upon it,
or that some other person has not appeared, who possessing an equal
knowledge of the Quakers with myself, but better qualified in other
respects, might have employed his talents more to the advantage of the
subjects upon which I have treated in these volumes.

[Footnote 58: Some magistrates, much to their honour, treat them with
tenderness; and no people are more forward than the Quakers in
acknowledging any attention that may be shewn them, but particularly
where their religious scruples may be concerned.]

END OF THE THIRD VOLUME

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