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In some matters of a moral and practical nature, Friends have adopted a line of conduct different from that pursued by other Christians; as in refraining from all use of oaths, not only on trifling occasions, but even in courts of justice; in refusing to kneel before kings and governors, and to take off the hat in honour of man; in addressing single individuals by pronouns in the singular number; and giving numerical names to the months and days of the week, objecting to those in common use as being mostly derived from the names of heathen deities. They are also distinguished by the plainness and uniformity of their dress, as they entirely disregard the changeable fashions of the world in this respect. They consider themselves enjoined, by the great moral code, under every circumstance to suffer wrong rather than to avenge it, and to abstain from all participation in warfare, whether offensive or defensive.
The Society of Friends believe that the baptism of Christ, (which is by the Holy Ghost,) and a participation by faith in his body and blood, are essential to membership in his Church, and to the salvation of the soul; but they disuse the outward ceremonies of the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper as now practised among Christians, believing that they do not correspond with the spirituality of true worship.
They likewise believe in the divinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; in the incarnation of the Son, and the atonement made by him on the cross for the sins of all men; in his resurrection, ascension, and supreme government; in the immortality of the soul, and resurrection of the body; in the future glorious appearing of Jesus Christ; and in the final and universal judgment of quick and dead.
METHODISTS.
This numerous sect sprung up at Oxford in 1739. In November of that year, John Wesley, and his younger brother Charles, with a few other students at the University, formed themselves into a small sociсty, for the purpose of mutual edification in religious exercises. So singular an association excited considerable notice; and among other names bestowed upon the members, that of Methodists was applied to them, from the exact regularity of their lives. Their numbers continued gradually to increase; and, in the year 1735, they were joined by the celebrated George Whitfield. The Society professed an attachment to the articles and liturgy of the Established Church, but adopted the mode of worship which prevails among the Dissenters. Whitfield and the Wesleys being excluded from the pulpits in many churches,
