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PECULIAR CUSTOMS

VOL. II.

OF THE

QUAKERS.

(Continued.)

PECULIAR CUSTOMS

OF THE

QUAKERS.

CHAPTER I.

SECTION I.

Marriage-Quakers differ in many respects from others on the subject of marriage-George Fox introduced regulations concerning it-protested against the usual manner of the celebration of it-gave an example of what he recommended― present regulations of the Society on this subject, IN the continuation of the Customs of the Quakers, a subject which I purpose to resume in the present volume, I shall begin with that of Marriage.

The members of this Society differ from others in many of their regulations concerning this custom. They differ also in the

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manner of the celebration of it. And as they differ in these respects, so they experience generally a different result. As a married, they may be said to be, a happy people, Hence the detailers of scandal have rarely had it in their power to promulgate a Quaker-adultery. Nor have the lawyers had an opportunity, in our public courts, to proclaim a Quaker-divorce.

George Fox suggested many regulations on this subject. He advised, among other things, when persons had it in contemplation to marry, that they should lay their intention before the monthly meetings both of the men and the women. He advised also, that the consent of their parents should be previously obtained and certified to these. Thus he laid the foundation for greater harmony in the approaching union. He advised, again, that an inquiry should be made, whether the parties were clear of engagements or promises of marriage to others; and, if they were not, that they should be hindered from proceeding. Thus he cut off some of the causes of the interruption of connubial happiness, by preventing uneasy reflections, or

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