There are circumstances again in the constitution of the Quakers, which are either preventive of mental activity, and excitement of passion, or productive of a quiet habitude of mind.  Forbidden the use of cards, and of music, and of dancing, and of the theatre, and of novels, it must be obvious, that they cannot experience the same excitement of the passions, as they who are permitted the use of these common amusements of the world.  In consequence of an obligation to have recourse to arbitration, as the established mode of decision in the case of differences with one another, they learn to conduct themselves with temper and decorum in exasperating cases.  They avoid, in consequence, the frenzy of him who has recourse to violence, and the turbid state of mind of him who engages in suits at law.  It may be observed also, that if, in early youth, their evil passions are called forth by other causes, it is considered as a duty to quell them.  The early subjugation of the will is insisted upon in all genuine Quaker families.  The children of Quakers are rebuked, as I have had occasion to observe, for all expressions of anger, as tending to raise those feelings, which ought to be suppressed.  A raising even of their voice is discouraged, as leading to the disturbance of their minds.  This is done to make them calm and passive, that they may be in a state to receive the influence of the pure principle.  It may be observed again, that in their meetings for worship, whether silent or vocal, they endeavour to avoid all activity of the mind for the same reason.

These different circumstances then, by producing quiet personal habits on the one hand, and quiet mental ones on the other, concur in producing a complacency of mind and manner, so that a Quaker is daily as it were at school, as far as relates to the formation of a quiet character.

CHAP.  V.

Third trait is, that they do not temporize, or do that which they believe to be improper as a body of Christians—­Subjects, in which this trait is conspicuous—­Civil oaths—­Holy or consecrated days—­War—­Tithes —­Language—­Address—­Public illuminations—­Utility of this trait to the Quaker character.

It is a third trait in the character of the Quakers, that they refuse to do whatever as a religious body they believe to be wrong.

I shall have no occasion to state any of the remarks of the world to shew their belief of the existence of this trait, nor to apply to circumstances within the Quaker constitution to confirm it.  The trait is almost daily conspicuous in some subject or another.  It is kept alive by their discipline.  It is known to all who know Quakers.  I shall satisfy myself therefore with a plain historical relation concerning it.