t of offenders is their reformation; that
this accords best with the genius and spirit of the Christian Religion;
and that while such a system, when followed, restores the abandoned to
usefulness in society, it diminishes the number of crimes.[45]

[Footnote 45: See Vol. I, Sect. 4, p. 198.]

They have shewn again, by their own example, that it is not so difficult
for men to live peaceably together, as has been usually believed; and
they have exhibited the means by which they have effected this desirable
end in life. And as they have proved, that this is practicable in
private, so they have proved, as has appeared in this volume, that it is
practicable in public life, or, which is the same thing, they have
shewn, that in the intercourse which exists between nations, there is no
necessity for wars.

They have shewn and established again by the two latter instances, both
of which relate to government, a proposition which seems scarcely to be
believed, if we judge by the practice of statesmen, but the truth of
which ought for ever to be insisted upon, that the policy of the Gospel
is superior to the policy of the world.

This is a portion of the good which the Quakers have done since their
appearance as a society in the world. What other good they have done it
is not necessary to specify. And as to what they would do, if they were
permitted to become universal legislators, it may be a pleasing subject
for contemplation, but it does not fall within the limits of the present
chapter.

CHAP. III.

_General opinion, that the Quakers are on the decline as a
society--Observations upon this subject--Opinion believed, upon the
whole, to be true--Causes of this supposed declension--Mixed
marriages--Tithes--Pursuit of trade, as connected with the peculiar
habits of the society, and a residence in the towns--Education._

I have often heard it suggested as matter for conversation, whether the
Quakers were increasing or decreasing in their number, and the result
has always been an opinion, that they were a declining body.

When we consider the simplicity and even philosophy of the Quaker
religion, the preservation it affords against the follies and
difficulties of life, and the happiness to which it ultimately leads, we
shall wonder that the progress of the society, in point of number, has
not been greater than we find it. And when we consider, on the other
hand, how difficult it is to be a Quaker, how much it is again