A Letter from Batista Angeloni - 6
The Quaker who takes the common oaths of the country, in cases of being robbed, cannot at other times plead conscience against it with justice; because either his conscience admits of doing what it knows to be wrong on these occasions, or he screens himself from what he thinks to be right in others, and has no real exception against.
For these reasons if he is suffered to take his affirmation in cases of property, he should not be indulged to take his oath in those of life and death. He ought to adhere to his conscience throughout, and not change the nature of the obligation as his interest and inclination permit him. In truth, it is a weakness to excuse a set of men from oaths in these instances, where all others of the kingdom are obliged to take them.
Such are the Quakers: I leave you to decide if they are that simple primitive people which Voltaire and abbe le Bland have told you; have they not found means to obtain advantages which favour of refined cunning, and secure themselves in safety behind the mask of religion whilst the nation is fighting their battles?
The celebrated system of P***, which has been so much praised and for so little reason, is absolutely impracticable amongst men: indeed it is easy to preserve peace with the Indians, who are purchased by small presents to continue it; but can they buy off the French, who are preparing to increase their dominions in America? will the spirit of meek-
