For if the use of
this reformed language be considered as an essential of religion, that
is, if men are highly thought of in proportion as they conform to it
rigidly, it may be a covering to many to neglect the weightier matters
of righteousness; at least the fulfilling of such minor duties may
shield them from the suspicion of neglecting the greater: and if they
should be reported as erring in the latter case, their crime would be
less credited under their observance of these minutiae of the law.
These effects are likely to result to the society, if the peculiarities
of their language be insisted on beyond their due bounds. But, on the
other hand, it must be confessed, that advantages are likely to follow
from the same system, which are of great importance in themselves, and
which may be set off as a counterbalance to the disadvantages described.
The Quakers may say, and this with the greatest truth, "we have never
cringed or stooped below the dignity of men. We have never been guilty
of base flattery; we have never been instrumental in raising the
creature, with whom we have conversed, above his condition, so that in
the imagination of his own consequence, he should lose sight of his
dependence on the Supreme Being, or treat his fellow-men, because they
should happen to be below him, as worms or reptiles of the earth.
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