There was also to be no office in the
society belonging to the men, but he advised there should be a
corresponding one belonging to the women. By this new and impartial step
he raised the women of his own community beyond the level of women in
others, and laid the foundation of that improved strength of intellect,
dignity of mind, capability of business, and habit of humane offices,
which are so conspicuous among Female-Quakers at the present day.
With respect to the numerous offices, belonging to the discipline, he
laid it down as a principle, that the persons, who were to fill them,
were to have no other emolument or reward, than that, which a faithful
discharge of them would bring to their own consciences.
These are the general outlines of the system of discipline, as
introduced by George Fox. This system was carried into execution, as he
himself had formed it, in his own time. Additions, however, have been
made to it since, as it seemed proper, by the society at large. In the
time of George Fox, it was laid upon every member, as we have seen, to
watch over his neighbour for his spiritual welfare. But in 1698, the
society conceiving, that what was the business of every one might
eventually become the business of no one, appointed officers, whose
particular duty it should be to be overseers of the morals of
individuals; thus hoping, that by the general vigilance enjoined by
George Fox, which was still to continue, and by the particular vigilance
then appointed, sufficient care would be taken of the morals of the
whole body.
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