They would say again that this, as well as the other alterations in their language has had a moral influence on the society, and has been productive of moral good.  In the same manner as the dress, which they received from their ancestors has operated as a guardian, or preservative of virtue, so has the language which they received from them also.  The language has made the world overseers of the conduct of the society.  A Quaker is known by his language as much as by his dress.  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.

I have now given to the reader the objections, that are usually made to the alterations, which the Quakers have introduced into the language of the country, as well as the replies, which the Quakers would make to these objections.  I shall solicit the continuance of his patience a little longer, or till I have made a few remarks of my own upon this subject.

It certainly becomes people, who introduce great peculiarities into their system, to be careful, that they are well founded, and to consider how far they may bring their minds into bondage, or what moral effects they may produce on their diameter in a course of time.

On the reformed language of the Quakers it may be observed, that both advantages and disadvantages may follow according to the due or undue estimation in which individuals may hold it.