PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION. THIS little work attempts only a general description of the rise, progress, and present state of The Society of Friends as a community in its Religious, Philanthropic, Social, and Industrial aspects. Those acquainted with the subject will kindly make allowance for omissions which an intentional brevity has enforced, and any who may desire further details will find them in works which most Friends' libraries possess. Such as this is-it is offered as a passing tribute of regard from one whose membership in the Society by circumstance of birth has been confirmed by an attachment produced by a sense of the justness of its views on Christian Faith and Practice. STOKE NEWINGTON, LONDON, 12th August, 1892. 597331 WILLIAM BECK. 1 |