A Looking-Glass for Presbyterians (Inscribed: J. Arbo) - 6
Whether any of these new comers settled upon unpurchased Land belonging to Indians, or whether they always kept within Bounds, is a Question I will not undertake to determine. But however it appears very unlikely that the Indians should maintain an inviolable friendship with us, when they might have crush'd us in a moment, till we were grown a numerous People, and then go to war with us for no reason when we were able to cope with them in the field of battle.
I shall readily allow that according to the strict rules of Quaker principles, they are not qualified to govern in time of war. And indeed the majority of those worthy people themselves are of the same opinion; for some time ago, when there was an absolute necessity for protecting this province by an armed force, many of the Friends who were then in the House of Assembly resign'd their seats, and left the management of public affairs in the hands of people of another profession. This part of their conduct certainly argued great prudence and discretion, as well as wisdom and modesty. But had their seats been fill'd with Presbyterians, we shou'd innevitably have been in a much worse condition, for it is very evident from undeniable facts, that they are by no means proper men to hold the reigns of government, either in war or peace.
For if a firm attachment to the King, and the laws of our country, be necessary qualifications for a Representative of the people, a Presbyterian can lay no claim to them; and consequently ought not to be elected. If we are to form any judgment of the present members of that society by either their own conduct, or that of their forefathers, we shall find that in the annals both of ancient and modern History, Presbyterianism and Rebellion were twin-sisters, sprung from faction; and their affection for each other has been ever so strong, that a separation of them never cou'd be effected. What King has ever reign'd in Great-Britain, whose Government has not been disturb'd with Presbyterian Rebellions, since ever they were a people? Will they not be answerable for all the innocent blood spilt at Pentland Hills and Bothel Bridge? From whence cou'd they have possibly learn'd but from Mahomet to propogate their Religion with the Sword. If we were to credit their Hypocritical declarations, we must believe they are actuated in all their proceedings by the gracious influences of the Blessed Spirit, and to be the most loyal subjects in Europe or America. But do they not belie the Blessed Spirit in fathering upon him all the unnatural Rebellions they wickedly raised against their lawful Sovereign King Charles the First? Did the Blessed Spirit teach them to rebel twice, and match to the borders of England; and after obtaining every thing they unjustly desir'd, break their public faith the third time, by entering into a most damnable covenant to march an army into Eng-
