And here it may be observed, that an
effect has been produced by this care concerning dress, so beneficial to
the moral interests of the society, that they have found in it a new
reason for new vigilance on this subject. The effect produced is a
general similarity of outward appearance, in all the members, though
there is a difference both in the form and colour of their clothing;
and this general appearance is such, as to make a Quaker still known to
the world. The dress therefore of the Quakers, by distinguishing the
members of the society, and making them known as such to the world,
makes the world overseers as it were of their moral conduct. And that it
operates in this way, or that it becomes a partial check in favour of
morality, there can be no question. For a Quaker could not be seen
either at public races, or at cock fightings, or at assemblies, or in
public houses, but the fact would be noticed as singular, and probably
soon known among his friends. His clothes would betray him. Neither
could be, if at a great distance from home, and if quite out of the eye
and observation of persons of the same religious persuasion, do what
many others do. For a Quaker knows, that many of the customs of the
society are known to the world at large, and that a certain conduct is
expected from a person in a Quakers habit.
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