But whatever may be the light in which persons, not of the society, may view this institution, the Quakers submit to, and respect it.  It is possible there may be some, who may feel it a restraint upon their conduct.  And there is no doubt, that it is a restraint upon those, who have irregular desires to gratify, or destructive pleasures to pursue.  But generally speaking, the youth of the society, who receive a consistent education, approve of it.  Genuine Quaker parents, as I have had occasion to observe, insist upon the subjugation of the will.  It is their object to make their children lowly, patient and submissive.  Those therefore, who are born in the society, are born under the system, and are in general educated for it.  Those who become converted to the religion of the society, know beforehand the terms of their admission.  And it will appear to all to be at least an equitable institution, because in the administration of it, there is no exception of persons.  The officers themselves, who are appointed to watch over, fall under the inspection of the discipline.  The poor may admonish the rich, and the rich the poor.  There, is no exception, in short, either for age, or sex, or station.

It is not necessary, at least in the present place, that I should go farther, and rake up all the objections, that may be urged upon this subject.  I shall therefore only observe here, that the discipline of the Quakers, notwithstanding all its supposed imperfections, whatever, they may be, is the grand foundation-stone, upon which their moral education is supported.  It is the grand partition wall between them and vice.  If this part of the fabric were ever allowed to, be undermined, the building would fall to pieces; though the Quakers might still be known by their apparel and their language, they would no longer be so remarkable as they are now generally confessed to, be, for their moral character.

SECT.  II.

Manner of the administration of the discipline of the Quakers—­Overseers appointed to every particular meeting—­Manner of reclaiming an individual—­first by admonition—­this sometimes successful—­secondly by dealing—­this sometimes successful—­but if unsuccessful, the offender is disowned—­but he may appeal afterwards to two different courts or meetings for redress.—­

Having now given the general outlines of the discipline of the Quakers, I shall proceed to explain the particular manner of the administration of it.

To administer it effectually all individuals of the society, as I have just stated, whether men or women, are allowed the power of watching over the conduct of one another for their good, and of interfering if they should see occasion.

But besides this general care two or more persons of age and experience, and of moral lives and character, and two or more women of a similar description, are directed to be appointed, to have the oversight of every congregation or particular meeting in the kingdom.  These persons are called overseers, because it is their duty to oversee their respective flocks.