vourable to the Society of Friends, and they have reason to believe that many of their fellow christians of other Societies lament the frequency at least, of legal swearing...

While George Fox's capacious mind embraced the great and important principles already noticed,, he was also attentive to some minor evils which existed in the christian world, and which he con→ sidered inconsistent with the christian character. Of these the complimentary and flattering titles given to men, the addressing individuals in the plural number, and bowing, or putting off the hat, struck him as inconsistent with the simplicity of the Gospel, and with the doctrines which our Saviour taught, when personally on earth. These practices he therefore laid aside; and the disuse: of them by his friends, the plainness of their dress, and their not regulating it by the fashion of the day, continue to be marks of the members of this Society.

Although the principles of George Fox, both as to civil and religious rights, were very liberal, yet they were far from being such as led to anarchy and confusion; and therefore in the Society which he had been the principal means of forming, he early saw the necessity of establishing a christian. discipline, by which its members were employed.

in watching over and admonishing each other, -when occasion required; and those whose conduct became reproachful, and could not be reclaimed, were disowned, or disunited, and the Society cleared of the discredit which might otherwise attach to it. However infallible was the principle of Divine Light and Grace which he preached, he well knew that those who professed a belief in it, were fallible men. He therefore wisely considered, for the purpose already mentioned, as well as for various others, relating to the internal economy of the society, that meetings for discipline were essentially necessary. These he was instrumental in establishing upon a plan that has now existed about 150 years; and experience has shown the wisdom in which they were made.

Among the peculiarities of George Fox's views, was the part which he assigned to the female sex, so far as related to themselves, in the discipline which he had established, and in asserting their call, by the great Head of the Church, to a part in the ministry. One obvious effect resulting from these regulations was, to raise the sex in useful ́ness and importance, and consequently to elevate their character, both in religious and civil society. This, it has been often observed, is one of the many beneficial effects of Christianity; but no Society of Christians has carried this so far as

that of Friends; and there is, perhaps, no society in which the sex is more virtuous, or more respectable, or more happy.

Besides the various matters already mentioned, this enlightened Reformer, (for so I hope I may now be permitted to style him,) testified against those public amusements and diversions which are much in use among professing Christians; but as there are many other religious people, who, in a great measure, concur with him in these respects, it may not be necessary to rank these among his peculiarities. His sentiments, however, and the practice of the society in reference to these things, may fairly be considered as exalting their moral character; and when all the principles and practices propagated by this true Follower of Christ, are fully taken into view, I believe it will be found that few, if any, have approached nearer to the standard of those Christian precepts inculcated by our blessed Redeemer, in his most excellent Sermon on the Mount, and that no principles are better calculated to promote the happiness of man in this world, or more adapted to prepare him for a state of happiness in that which is to come.

END of the SUPPLEMENT.

PREFACE TO VOLUME II

THE pious and benevolent Author of the following work, had nearly completed the volume, before he became so much indisposed as to be unable to give it his finishing hand. But the useful and excellent nature of the work demands its publication. It may be considered as the last legacy of the Author, to the members of that Society, whom he dearly loved, and for whose best interests he felt himself deeply concerned. It is therefore a debt of justice, both to his memory, and to the persons for whom it was composed, to present it to them nearly in the state in which he left it.

The work in its present condition, except the notice respecting William Ames, the materials for which had not been seasonably procured, received the approbation of the Morning Meeting of Friends in London, before the Author's decease. But as it was his intention to give an account, in its proper place, of this intrepid and steady advocate for

the cause of truth and righteousness, the omission has been supplied by another person. The notice will be found at p. 129; and it is hoped, that this supply will prove more satisfactory to the reader, than if it had been whollyomitted.

Whether any Friend may, in future, proceed in thể · accomplishment of these “Biographical Notices,” is at : present uncertain. It is, however, a desirable object, that so entertaining and useful a work, as memorials of the lives and characters of many distinguished members of our society, should be completed according to the plan of the Author, for the comfort, example, and encouragement of many amongst us, especially of the rising generation. And it is hoped that some judicious person, qualified forso interesting a work, may feel his mind engaged to carry forward and complete, the views of our dear departed friend.

It is presumed that the present volume, from the variety of characters which it contains, and from most of them being but little, if at all, known to many Friends, will excite a peculiar interest and attention in its readers; and produce in their minds that satisfaction, which arises from the perception of new and revived evidences, in support of those principles which have long commanded their respect and attachment.