"I had rather, says he, faithfully keep to the express words of
Paul, than exactly follow the polished style of our tongue. Therefore I
always use that form of calling God in the singular number not in the
plural, and therefore I say rather thou than you. I confess indeed, that
the civility and custom of this word, requires him to be honored after
that manner. But it is likewise on the contrary true, that the original
tongue of the New Testament hath nothing common with such manners and
civility, so that not one of these many old versions we have doth
observe it. Let not men believe, that we give not respect enough to God,
in that we call him by the word thou, which is nevertheless far
otherwise. For I seem to myself (may be by the effect of custom) more to
honor his divine majesty, in calling him after this manner, than if I
should call him after the manner of men, who are so delicate in their
forms of speech."
Erasmus also in the treatise, which he wrote on the impropriety of
substituting you for thou, when a person addresses an individual, states
that this strange substitution originated wholly in the flattery of men.
SECT. II.
_Other alterations in the language of the Quakers--they address one
another by the title of friends--and others by the title of friends and
neigbours, or by their common names--the use of sir and madam
abolished--also of master or mister--and of humble servant--also of
titles of honor--reasons of this abolition--example of Jesus Christ.
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