New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-05-19
THE DFclDEyCE or OU4KERISM.


The Friends this week are holding their great
Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia. Quaker
meeting is always earnest and practical, ana
there is no want of earDestness and practical
sbrewd common sense in this congress of Keen
faced, middle aged men and placid, middle
aged women. There are some things lacking.
howcyer-the enthusiasm, force and energy
which belong to all growing bodies, physical or
social a want which is explained by the simple
fact that the members OF this and all the other
six Yearly Meetings are almost invariably Md
die aged or venerable old people. Most OF the
time this week was occupied III discussing the
causes of the universal decline in attendance at
First Day meetings and the general decadence
of the Society, a decadence reluctantly ac-
kuowledged but too apparent to be longer
ignored The cause is evident: the sect is lit
orally diving out for the want of youngi blood.
All over the country the sons and daughters of
Friends, even of the most eminent preachers,
have assumed the worlds garb. They are seen
in the theatre and ballroom, they hang pictures
on their walls are musicians, artists, good or
bad. and either remain outside of any religious
body or slip quietly into some Protestant sect F.;
usually those whose ritual appeals most
strongly to the senses and imagination. Even
in the stronghold of Quakerism, Philadelphia,
where il once held absolute possession, young
man or woman in the plain dress is now so rare
sight on the street as to attract remark. Not
only in this country are the children OF Friends
deserting the Meeting, but in England this de-
sertion is so marked that Il revision of the large
volumes Of Doctrine, Practice and Discipline of
the Society has been ordered for this year. In
this revision the remonstrances with backsllders
are energetic with note of despair. Friends
are urged not to seek help in forms or nodes
of worship Inconsistent with their own; to
4" call the months and days by Scripture ana
not heather names; to adhere to "plainness
in speech. dress and behavior" and to aban-
don the pursuit OF music, dancing, vain sports
and theat ical entertainments" The rules of
the Society are relaxed in regard to the report
which was exacted Of the individual condition
of each member, the ceremonies preceding
marriage, etc, etc.
There is something pathetic in the sight of
this old failing Church, composed almost wholly
of old and failing people who watch their chill
dren 20 from them and make feeble, useless
efforts to keep them in the faith that has
strengthened and cOmforted themselves. II
they would face the issue with the keen hard
sense that they bring to secular affairs, they
would see why it is impossible that the young
man and woman Of the present day should re-
main in the Society as it is, and also the conces-
sions which If made by it would probably keep
them Quakerism consists of two parts-the
spirit or soul of it is fine pure devotion to the
! simplicity the bro:herly charity, the truth OF
Christ; but the body of it is an adherence TO a
certain costume aud peculiaritles of speech, and
an memorable prejudice against music, art and al
the softnesses, courtesies and beauty of manner
OF surroundings which refine and gentle every
day life. Nothing could be more powerful OIL
| purer than the inner motive of Quakerism, thu
calming of the soul to receive Light from God
the iron purpose to live by the teachings of tina