it, in opposition to and abhorrence of all those treasonable practices, positions, and principles abjured and renounced by that oath; though we are conscientiously afraid to swear it, only with respect to Christ's prohibition in the case of swearing."

SECTION XIV.

George Whitehead and Thomas Burr re-conveyed to prison-released at the next quarter sessions.-Distinction between the refusal of Friends to take the oath and that of the Papists.-Change in the sentiments of parliament respecting the persecution of dissenting protestants.-Bills for the relief of dissenters.-Character of informers.-Petition to the king.-A discourse with him. -G. Whitehead labours in the ministry and shares in the sufferings of his Friends.

After this manly and Christian defence of their civil and religious rights, being re-conveyed to prison, George Whitehead and his companions addressed a letter to the mayor and aldermen of the city, acknowledging the impartiality and moderation with which they had been treated on their trial; but at the same time respectfully urging the illegality of the proceeding, in the tendering of the oath to them, de novo; and requesting a hearing in their council chamber, or to be brought before the adjournment of the court. Notwithstanding the favourable disposition of the magistrates, and that the recorder, five days after their trial, had been voted out of place by the common council, their discharge was not effected until the time of the next regular sessions; when no charge being exhibited against them, they were ordered to be released.

The earl of Yarmouth and several other persons of eminence interfered in their favour; from which, as well as from the conduct of the magistrates, it may be inferred, that some change in public opinion, probably both as regarded the character of the Quakers and the nature of persecution, had taken place.

It must also be admitted, that some change had taken place in the manner of George Whitehead's treating those who differed from him; and that, without any diminution of the sincerity and piety which marked the

early period of his life, there was an evident increase of that conciliatory spirit, which is the usual accompaniment of mature wisdom. He has left very copious remarks on the proceedings in this case; and whilst they have lost much of their interest, by the happy change in the laws, as well as, we trust, in the disposition of the people respecting persecution, the following passages, in which he draws the distinction between the case of the Papists and the Quakers in regard to the refusal of the oath of allegiance, may be worthy of insertion; as showing the views taken by the Society, in relation to the political duties of its members.

Our case, says he, vastly differs from theirs for whom the oath was intended; there is no parity between our case and theirs. We conscientiously scruple or fear to take that oath, as we do all oaths, viz because it is an oath; not because of the declaration therein contained, of such duty and allegiance as every true and wellaffected subject ought to bear to the king; nor yet because of the testimony or declaration therein against the pope, his pretended power, excommunications, absolutions, damnable positions, &c. therein mentioned; for that declaration and testimony therein contained, for fidelity to the king and against the pope, &c. we can freely sign, as we have delivered a declaration to that purpose to the late long parliament, and in some points containing a more full protestation against popery, in the most erroneous, idolatrous, and superstitious doctrines thereof: which declaration was accepted by a large committee of parliament, as sufficient to distinguish us from Papists, and entered into the journal of the house of commons. And therefore the substance of the declaration of allegiance, contained in the oath

* George Whitehead published at the time a very particular account of the trial, under the title of " Due order of Law and Justice, pleaded against irregular and arbitrary Proceedings. Published for information and caution, on the behalf of true Protestants and Englishmen's birthrights."

Editor.

of allegiance, we cannot oppugn, but own, as it is or may be transferred or intended on behalf of the present king, in opposition to those treasonable practices and principles thereby renounced and abjured; as being persuaded in conscience, that he was eminently preserved and restored by the hand of Divine Providence, to have actual power and dominion in this realm and all other his countries, knowing that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of men and that they are at his disposal.

And we also believe, that in good conscience we are bound to demean ourselves honestly, and to live as peaceable minded Christians and true protestant subjects under the king and his government, giving to Cæsar the things that are Cæsar's and to God the things that are God's. And then our solemn and serious protestation is against the pope as antichristian, and against those popish principles, wicked positions and practices,

viz.

Of deposing or murdering kings and princes excommunicated by the pope.

Of disposing of their kingdoms, dominions, and coun

tries.

Of authorizing foreign princes to invade and annoy them.

Of absolving subjects from their allegiance and obedience.

Of licensing any of them to bear arms, raise tumults, or offer violence or hurt to their lawful kings, princes, governments, or subjects.

Of treasons, traitorous conspiracies, and hellish plots against king, government, parliament, or people.

Of that damnable position, that princes that be excommunicated or deprived by the pope, may be depos ed by their subjects or any other.

All which destructive principles and abominable practices, together with that antichristian spirit from whence they proceed, we do in good conscience and in the sight and presence of God who knows our hearts, utterly

abhor, protest, and testify against; and therefore do neither refuse nor scruple the said oath in favour to these or any such principles.

What is now wanting that we must be run to premunire, to lose our estates and liberties? Is a peaceable conversation wanting on our parts? No. Is the duty of allegiance towards our king wanting? No. Are we infected with popish, treacherous, treasonable, or destructive principles against our king, or his government or people? No; God knows the innocency of our hearts and intentions, and men know our peaceable conversations. What then is the matter, that we must be so severely dealt withal, to the uttermost rigour of the law, to be deprived of all outward liberties, properties, estates, livelihoods, and all our outward comforts in this world? Are we guilty of any such essential offence or capital crime, in our not coming under the circumstance of an oath, as may justly and naturally merit such severity? No, surely. The case is brought to a near point, and reduced to a very narrow compass.

An innocent, honest, quiet, and well meaning man, both towards the king, his government, and people; he is truly principled in his duty; he is real and honest in his heart towards his protestant prince; he is a real protestant against the pope and all popish antichristian positions and destructive practices; he not only performs his duty of allegiance in his peaceable conversation, but also declares it in the sight of God and men, and is willing to sign and subscribe such declaration of his duty of allegiance, if he may not otherwise be believed; only he conscientiously scruples to say, I swear, and to kiss the book, to make his declaration an oath ; for want only of which circumstance and ceremony, this poor innocent man and sincere protestant must be run to a premunire, his liberty lost, and the little estate or substance he has must be forfeited and all taken from him; his poor wife and small children left desolate, wholly impoverished and want bread; his