In the time, again, of George Fox, women had, only their
monthly and quarterly meetings for discipline, but it has since been
determined, that they should have their yearly meetings equally with the
men. In the time, again, of George Fox, none but the grave members were
admitted into the meetings for discipline, but it has been since agreed,
that young persons should have the privilege of attending them, and
this, I believe, upon the notion, that. While these meetings would
quality them for transacting the business of the society, they might
operate as schools far virtue.
This system of discipline, as thus introduced by George Fox, and as thus
enlarged by the society afterwards, has not escaped, notwithstanding the
loveliness of its theory, the censure of the world.
It has been considered in the first place, as a system of espionage, by
which one member is made a spy upon, or becomes an informer against
another. But against this charge it would be observed by the Quakers,
that vigilance over morals is unquestionably a Christian duty. It would
be observed again that the vigilance which is exercised in this case, is
not with the intention of mischief, as in the case of spies and
informers, but with the intention of good.
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