rait in the character of the Quakers is that of a
money-getting spirit, or of a devotedness to the acquisition of money in
their several callings and concerns.

This character is considered as belonging so generally to the
individuals of this society, that it is held by the world to be almost
inseparable from Quakerism. A certain writer has remarked, that they
follow their concerns in pursuit of riches, "with a step as steady as
time, and with an appetite as keen as death."

I do not know what circumstances have given birth to this trait. That
the Quakers are a thriving body we know. That they may also appear, when
known to be a domestic people, and to have discarded the amusements of
the world, to be more in their shops and counting-houses than others,
is probable. And it is not unlikely, that, in consequence of this
appearance, connected with this worldly prosperity, they may be thought
to be more intent than others upon the promotion of their pecuniary
concerns. There are circumstances, however, belonging to the character
and customs of the society, which would lead to an opposite conclusion.
The Quakers, in the first place, are acknowledged to be a charitable
people. But if so, they ought not to be charged, at least, with that
species of the money-getting spirit, which amounts to avarice. It is
also an undoubted fact, that they give up no small portion of their
time, and put themselves to no small expence, on account of their
religion. In country places they allot one morning in the week, and in
the towns generally two, besides the Sunday, to their religious worship.
They have also their monthly meetings, and after these their quarterly,
to attend, on account of their discipline. And this they do frequently
at a great distance, and after a considerable absence as tradesmen, from
their homes. I do not mean to insinuate by this latter instance, that
men become pious, and therefore proof against the influence of money,
exactly in proportion as they attend their religious meetings, but that,
where they are voraciously intent upon the getting of money, they could
hardly be expected to make such a sacrifice of their time.

But whatever may be the appearance on either side, the question is,
whether the imputation of the trait, which is now under our
consideration, be founded in fact. What circumstances make in favour of
it? What circumstances make against it? And which of these preponderate
on the whole?

We may say th