also must be equally agitated between hope and fear; and the same state
of desperation may be produced, with other fatal consequences, in the
event of loss.

Buying and selling in the public stocks of the kingdom is, under
particular circumstances, discouraged also. Where any of the members of
the society buy into the stocks, under the idea, that they are likely to
obtain better security, or more permanent advantages, such a transfer of
their property is allowable. But if any were to make a practice of
buying or selling, week after week, upon speculation only, such a
practice would come under the denomination of gaming. In this case, like
the preceding, it is evident, that money would be the object in view;
that the issue would be hazardous; and, if the stake or deposit were of
great importance, the tranquillity of the mind might be equally
disturbed, and many temporal sufferings might follow.

The Quakers have thought it right, upon the same principle, to forbid
the custom of laying wagers upon any occasion whatever, or of reaping
advantage from any doubtful event, by a previous agreement upon a monied
stake. This prohibition, however, is not on record, like the former, but
is observed as a traditional law. No Quaker-parent would suffer his
child, nor Quaker-schoolmaster the children entrusted to his care, nor
any member another, to be concerned in amusements of this kind, without
a suitable reproof.

By means of these prohibitions, which are enforced, in a great measure,
by the discipline, the Quakers have put a stop to gaming more
effectually than others, but particularly by means of the latter. For
history has shewn us, that we cannot always place a reliance on a mere
prohibition of any particular amusement or employment, as a cure for