VIII. It seems not to be agreeable to that great law of Christ,
Mat. vii. 12, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men
should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and
the prophets.”
But whatever was objected, the said bill at length passed, and was
confirmed with the royal assent, which gave occasion to the Quakers to
add in the conclusion of the printed epistle of their annual assembly
at London, the following caution and exhortation: ‘There seems at
present to hang over us a cloud, threatening a storm. Let us all watch
and pray, and retire to our munition and strong hold in our spiritual
rock and foundation which standeth sure; that our God may defend,
help, and bless us as his peculiar people, to the end of our days and
time here, and the full fruition of the heavenly kingdom and glory
hereafter.’
About Midsummer this year died Sophia, widow and electoral princess
of Brunswick Lunenburg, on whom the succession of the crown of Great
Britain was settled. Scarce two months after her demise, queen Anne
deceased, who after having languished a long time, at length was taken
away by death on the first of August, the self-same day that the act
against the growth of schism was to have taken effect.
The same day George, prince elector of Brunswick Lunenburg, was
proclaimed king of Great Britain; who some time after repairing to
England, made his entry at London on the 20th of September. Not long
after his arrival he declared in council, that he would maintain the
toleration in favour of the Protestant dissenters. Hereupon many
addresses of congratulation were presented to him, and on the third of
October the people called Quakers also offered their address, which
was delivered by George Whitehead, and about forty of his friends,
introduced by the lord Townsend, one of the principal secretaries of
state. The prince was not only present, but many of the nobles, and
others also; and G. Whitehead presenting the address to the king, said,
‘We are come in behalf of the people called Quakers, to present to king
George our address and acknowledgment: may it be favourably accepted.’
Being then presented, G. Whitehead said, ‘One of us may read it to the
king.’ Whereupon he receiving it again, delivered it to Joseph Wyeth,
who read it audibly, being as followeth: