I should not wish, by the relation of this anecdote, to be understood as
reflecting in the slightest manner on the practice of the Scottish
church. I know well the general sobriety, diligence, piety and religious
example of its ministers. I mentioned it merely to shew, that even where
the religious character of a person was high, his mind, by the frequent
repetition of the same forms of expression on the same occasions, might
frequently lose sight of the meaning and force of the words as they were
uttered, so that he might pronounce them without that spiritual feeling,
which can alone constitute a religious exercise.
CHAP. VII.
_Customs at and after meals--Quakers never drink healths at dinner--nor
toasts after dinner--the drinking of toasts a heathen custom--interrupts
often the innocence--and leads to the intoxication of the company--anecdote
of Judge Hale--Quakers sometimes in embarrassing situations on account of
this omission--Quaker-women seldom retire after dinner, and leave the men
drinking--Quakers a sober people._
The Quakers though they are occasionally found in the custom of saying
grace, do not, as I have stated, either use it as regularly, or in the
same manner as other christians.
Neither do they at their meals, or after their meals, use the same
ceremonies as others.
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