Hence new phrases came into use, different from those which
were used by the world on the same occasions; and these were gradually
spread, till they became incorporated into the language of the society.
Of these the following examples may suffice.
It is not usual with Quakers to use the words lucky or fortunate, in the
way in which many others do. If a Quaker had been out on a journey, and
had experienced a number of fine days, he would never say that he had
been lucky in his weather. In the same manner if a Quaker had recovered
from an indisposition, he would never say, in speaking of the
circumstance, that he had fortunately recovered, but he would say, that
he had recovered, and "that it was a favour." Luck, chance, or fortune,
are allowed by the Quakers to have no power in the settlement of human
affairs.
It is not usual with Quakers to beg ten thousand pardons, as some of the
world do, for any little mistake. A Quaker generally on such an occasion
asks a persons excuse.
The Quakers never make use of the expression "christian name." This name
is called christian by the world, because it is the name given to
children in baptism, or in other words, when they are christened, or
when they are initiated as christians.
Pages:
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284