of them satisfactory.  The Institution, at length became so popular, that, incredible to relate, its own popularity destroyed it!  So many persons were ambitious of the honour of becoming members of the committee, that some of inferior knowledge, and judgment, and character, were too hastily admitted into it.  The consequence was, that people dared not trust their affairs to the abilities of every member:  and the institution expired, after having rendered important services to numerous individuals who had tried it.

When we consider that this institution has been tried, and that the scheme of it has been found practicable, it is a pity that its benefits should have been confined, and this for so short a period, to a single town.  Would it not be desirable, if, in every district, a number of farmers were to give in their names to form a standing committee, for the settlement of disputes between farmer and farmer? or that there should be a similar institution among manufacturers, who should decide between one manufacturer and another?  Would it not also be desirable, if, in every parish, a number of gentlemen, or other respectable persons, were to associate for the purpose of accommodating the differences of each other?  For this beautiful system is capable of being carried to any extent, and of being adapted to all stations and conditions of life.  By these means numerous little funds might be established in numerous districts, from the surplus of which an opportunity would be afforded of adding to the comforts of such of the poor, as were to distinguish themselves by their good behaviour, whether as labourers for farmers, manufacturers, or others.  By these means also many of the quarrels in parishes might be settled to the mutual satisfaction of the parties concerned, and, in so short a space of time, as to prevent them from contracting a rancorous and a wounding edge.  Those, on the other hand, who were to assist in these arbitrations, would be amply repaid; for they would be thus giving an opportunity of growth to the benevolence of their affections, and they would have the pleasing reflection, that the tendency of their labours would be to produce peace and good will amongst men.

CHAP.  VI.

SECT.  I.

Management of the poor—­Quakers never seen as beggars—­George Fox began the provision for the Quaker-poor—­Monthly meetings appoint overseers—­Persons passed over are to apply for relief and the disorderly may receive it in certain cases—­Manner of collecting for the poor—­If burthensome in one monthly meeting, the burthen shared by the quarterly—­Quakers gain settlements by monthly meetings, as the other poor of the kingdom, by parishes.

There are few parts of the Quaker-constitution, that are more worthy of commendation, than that which relates to the poor.  All the members of this society are considered as brethren, and as entitled to support from one another.  If our streets and our roads are infested by miserable objects, imploring our pity, no Quaker will be found among them.  A Quaker-beggar would be a phenomenon in the world.