Wherein then lay the distinctive peculiarity of the Quakers?
It has been usual to say that it consisted in their doctrine of the universality of the gift of the Spirit, and of the constant inner light, and motion, and teaching of the Spirit in the soul of each individual believer.

This is not sufficient.

That doctrine they shared substantially with various other sects,--certainly with the Boehmenists and other Continental Mystics, not to speak of the English Antinomians and Seekers.

Nay, in their first great practical application of the doctrine they had been largely anticipated.

If the inner motion or manifestation of the Spirit in each mind, in interpretation of the Bible or over and above the Bible, is the sole true teaching of the Gospel, and if the manifestation cometh as the Spirit listeth, and cannot be commanded, a regular Ministry of the Word by a so-called Clergy is an absurdity, and a hired Ministry an abomination! So said the Quakers.