It operates, by discovering him, as a check upon his actions. It keeps
him also, like the dress distinct from others. And the Quakers believe,
that they can never keep up their Christian discipline, except they keep
clear of the spirit of the world. Hence it has been considered as of
great importance to keep up the plain language; and this importance has
been further manifested by circumstances, that have taken place within
the pale of the society. For in the same manner as those, who begin to
depart from the simplicity of dress, are generally in the way to go off
among the world, so are those who depart from the simplicity of the
language. Each deviation is a sign of a temper for desertion. Each
deviation brings them in appearance nearer to the world. But the nearer
they resemble the world in this respect, the more they are found to mix
with it. They are of course the more likely to be seduced from the
wholesome prohibitions of the society. The language therefore of the
Quakers has grown up insensibly as a wall of partition, which could not
now, it is contended, be taken away without endangering the innocence of
their youth.
SECT. VII.
_Advantages and disadvantages of the system of the Quaker,
language--disadvantages are that it may lead to superstition--and
hypocrisy--advantages are that it excludes flattery--is founded upon
truth--promotes truth, and correctness in the expression of
ideas--observation of Hobbes--would be the most perfect model for a
universal calendar--the use or disuse of this system may either of them
be made useful to morality.
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