PETER COLLINSON. 



THIS name indicates where those who would profit by the 

 teachings of history may find a happy illustration of the many 

 excellent traits of character which result from a life conformed 

 to principles of Friends. The sect has been much criticised ; 

 the number of its adherents is limited in extent ; we do not our- 

 selves see things spiritual in the light they do, and we have 

 heretofore expressed our dissent and given our reasons as occa- 

 sion prompted.* But the truth of history must concede to them 

 rare virtues, characterized as they are by self-denial, and emi- 

 nent success in their efforts to relieve suffering humanity. In- 

 deed they deny themselves the use of some agencies which most 

 Christians think powerful and effectual as means of doing good. 

 They have had the test of time ; they have had their trials, 

 neither few nor small; they have been sifted and scanned; 

 and, while differing from almost all the rest of the world in 

 some great leading rules of life and conduct, they have perse- 

 vered and have been sustained : after the lapse of more than 

 two centuries, the world sees a vast product of good to the 

 whole human family from the labours of these few men.f Upon 

 whom else in the wide world, since time began, has the sun of 

 truth shone with a brighter light to carry him to the dark re- 

 cesses and secret depths of sorrow, suffering, sin and shame, 

 to relieve the miseries of a brother sinner, a fellow immortal ? 

 Wherever man presents himself, of whatever race or kind; 



* This was the expression of the Princeton Review, where the original 

 article appeared. 



f They seek to personify the practical benevolence which their name 

 indicates, in humble imitation of the example set them by the one great 

 " Friend of Sinners." 



(3) 



