A Looking-Glass for Presbyterians (Inscribed: J. Arbo) - 5
NUMB. I.
Put them in mind to be subjest to principalities and powers, to obey Magistrates.
Titus 3. v. 1.
Knaves out of favor, grudge good Men their place
And Rogues are always honest in disgrace,
The grand Contention's plainly to be seen.
To get some Men put out, and some put in.
True born Englishman.
IN Consequence of the present Debate, every impartial Freeholder of the Province of Pennsylvania will be naturally induced to consider which of the Professions in this Country he would venture to chuse as Guardian of his civil and religious Liberties, in a Government, where, according to the Constitution, no one Proffession in particular can be established by Law, withous a manifest breach and Violation of its original Foundation. But as the Contest seems particularly to be between the Quakers and Presbyterians, we ought, as Members of one common Society, seriously to weigh the Merits of both Parties, before we list ourselves under the Banner of either,—Neither ought Country, Prejudice of Education, or particular Opinions in Religion, sway us with regard to Government because even the Mahometan Jurisdiction is to be preferred (with respect to Liberty of Conscience) to many Countries in Europe govern'd by Christians.
I have never read of any Country in the World, where Quakers have had Authority except Pennsylvania; so that all the Examples of their good or bad Administration, must be drawn from this Place. Now even the most prejudiced cannot but acknowledge, after taking an impartial View of the conduct of the Quakers, that we have been wisely and judiciously govern'd. For Matters of Fact speak loudly in their Favour. The present amazing Perfection this Province has arrived to in so short a Time, both in Riches, Trade and Commerce, is owing to the wise and prudent Administration of this good People. Was not every useful and salutary Plan pursued by them to encourage Emigrents of all Nations to settle here? And when they did settle, did they not enjoy Liberties both civil and religious in the most ample Manner? Has the bloody Spirit of Persecution ever prevail'd among them to the Detriment of other Christians.
