It is not to obtain money,
but to preserve reputation and virtue. It is not to persecute but to
reclaim. It is not to make a man odious, but to make him more
respectable. It is never an interference with innocence. The
watchfulness begins to be offensive only, where delinquency is begun.
The discipline, again, has been considered as too great an
infringement, of the liberty of those, who are brought under it. Against
this the Quakers would contend, that all persona who live in civil
society, must give up a portion of their freedom, that more happiness
and security may be enjoyed. So, when men enter into Christian
societies, they must part with a little of their liberty for their moral
good.
But whatever may be the light in which persons, not of the society, may
view this institution, the Quakers submit to, and respect it. It is
possible there may be some, who may feel it a restraint upon their
conduct. And there is no doubt, that it is a restraint upon those, who
have irregular desires to gratify, or destructive pleasures to pursue.
But generally speaking, the youth of the society, who receive a
consistent education, approve of it. Genuine Quaker parents, as I have
had occasion to observe, insist upon the subjugation of the will.
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