The True Christians T est, Part 2 · Meditation 4
MEDITAT. IV. Of Quakers.
FRom theſe Falſe Deſpiſers of Pleaſures, I will now proceed to conſider a generation of men that pretend to be mighty Lovers of God, inaſmuch as they reject and undervalue the Honours of the World. For as the predominant love of honour will certainly denominate a man a Lover of the World, ſo it ſeems that the juſt contempt of it ſhould argue a Lover of God. And here, though there be many pretenders, yet the People call'd Quakers ſeem to be the moſt famous ſpecies. I beg their pardon that I call them Quakers (which name they ſeem not to relliſh well) for I profeſs I do it not out of a way of reproach, but merely for diſtinction ſake. I confeſs I do not know what the proprium quarto modo of a Quak…r is; for he has many things common with other ſeparates, and with other men that are not ſeparates, ſo that I ſahll not meddle with him under any conſideration, but this, of undervaluing the World, expreſt either in words, actions, or faſhions, becauſe he pretends more to this, then any ſort of men that I can think of, and yet herein I will not judge him neither, but in kindneſs put him upon judging of himſelf. And I will digeſt my Meditations into this order, Firſt briefly lay down as far as I know the Quakers judgment and moſt general practice about this matter. Secondly, ſhew what Authority or Argument he brings for it. Thirdly, examine the ſtrength of thoſe Arguments and conſider what Anſwers may be given to them. And Laſtly, ſuggeſt ſome things whereby he may try his ſincerity and ſpirituality in this matter.
I will willingly grant by way of Premiſe, that Worldly Honour, Reſpect and Applauſe are very dear and grateful to the Animal Life and Fleſhly Mind; ſo dear, that he does prefer it before the approbation of God and the witneſs of a good Conſcience. I do grant that to love the praiſe of men more than the praiſe of God, is a ſymptom of a Phariſaical and Hypocritical Perſon.
That all Honour in a Scripture ſenſe is due to God, and that all the glory of men is nothing but a reflection of Divine Glory.
That the proper honour conſiſts in due eſtimation, and reverence of mind, and that the external expreſſions of it by words of geſtures are leſs properly called Honour.
That it's an Argument of a weak, corrupt and carnal mind, to honour thoſe whom he knows to be unworthy of Honours, to Bleſs thoſe whom God abhors.
That it's a great perfection to be mortified to the ſenſe and expectation of Worldly Honour, and Approbation and Applauſe, and Reſpect of men, and an excellent Chriſt like Attainment and Fortitude, to be able rightly to bear contempt, and in no degree to complain of unjuſt neglect.
And now I ſhall proceed to the firſt Head which I propound to my ſelf in this Meditation, viz. Which is the Quakers Judgement and moſt general Practice about this matter. I think indeed they are not all agreed (whether it be becauſe ſome are leſs perfect then others, or becauſe ſome are more deluded then others, I know not) but yet their moſt receiv'd opinion is that they ought not to give honour to men: And yet this they moſtly limit to External Honour, for I never met with any of them that ſeemed unwilling to be lov'd, to be eſteem'd well of, and to be valued according to his Worth or Wealth either.
And ſo with them the bowing of the body in a way of Reverence looks like Idolatry, the putting off the Hat is Superſtitious, the giving Titles of Honour is Carnal, and ſo much as to thank the Fellow creature is at beſt vain; and ſo are all Worldly Faſhions in Apparel, Complements in words, Civil diſtinction, and the like.