A Portraiture of Quakerism, Volume 3 Taken from a View of the Education and Discipline, Social Manners, Civil and Political Economy, Religious Principles and Character, of the Society of Friends

"A Portraiture of Quakerism, Volume 3" by Thomas Clarkson is a historical exploration of the Society of Friends, also known as Quakers, during the early 1800s. The book peers into their moral character by looking at their instruction, rules, community behaviors, and involvement in civic and political life, as well as their core faith beliefs. Clarkson seeks to show the Quaker values and their importance within the unfolding events of history. The book begins by laying out Quaker opinions, particularly their unique views on government, war, and making formal promises. A core element of the Quaker faith includes the fundamental idea that governments should stay out of religion, valuing individual beliefs above laws passed by people. Also, Quakers choose to peacefully accept the results of their actions rather than fight back, following their core teachings of peace and high moral standards. The text also goes into why they don't make oaths, because they believe being truthful should not require any formal promises; this leads to a wider look into the ideas that guide the Quakers.