On theſe grounds I reſt the matter: And as no offer hath yet been made to refute the doctrine contained in the former editions of this pamphlet, it is a negative proof that either the doctrine cannot be refuted, or, that the party in favour of it are too numerous to be oppoſed. Wherefore, inſtead of gazing at each other with ſuſpicious or doubtful curioſity, let each of us hold out to his neighbour the hearty hand of friendſhip, and unite in drawing a line, which, like an act of oblivion, ſhall bury in forgetfulneſs every former diſſention. Let the names of Whig and Tory be extinct; and let none other be heard among us than thoſe of a good citizen, an open and reſolute friend, and a virtuous ſupporter of the rights of mankind, and of the free and independent States of America.
The writer of this is one of thoſe few who never diſhonours religion, either by ridiculing or cavilling at any denomination whatſoever. To God, and not to man, are all men accountable on the ſcore of religion. Wherefore, this epiſtle is not ſo properly addreſſed to you as a religious, but as a political body, dabbling in matters which the profeſſed Quietude of your Principles inſtruct you not to meddle with.
As you have, without a proper authority for ſo doing, put yourſelves in the place of the whole body of the Quakers, ſo the writer of this, in order to be on an equal rank with yourſelves, is under the neceſſity of putting himſelf in the place of all thoſe, who approve the very writings and principles againſt which your teſtimony is directed: And he hath choſen this ſingular ſituation, in order that you might diſcover in him that preſumption of character which you cannot ſee in yourſelves. For neither he nor you can have any claim or title to Political Repreſentation.
When men have departed from the right way, it is no wonder that they ſtumble and fall. And it is evident from the manner in which ye have managed your teſtimony, that politics (as a religious body of men) is not your proper walk; for however well adapted it might appear to you, it is, nevertheleſs, a jumble of good and bad put unwiſely together, and the concluſion drawn therefrom both unnatural and unjuſt.
The two firſt pages (and the whole doth not make four) we give you credit for, and expect the ſame civility from you, becauſe the love and deſire of peace is not confined to Quakeriſm; it is the natural as well as the religious wiſh of
