Description
QUAKERS FEAR MEMBERS WILL TAKE UP ARMS IN 1776
QUAKERS AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR-DATED 1776 EPISTLE, 4-pages, 8.5 x 10.25, Philadelphia, 21 September 1776, titled: "AN EPISTLE FROM OUR Yearly-Meeting, Held in Philadelphia, for Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, and the Western Parts of Maryland and Virginia" which encourages members not to take up arms and asks British brethren to do the same. “…in this time of affliction and adversity…amidst the confusions which now prevail…we are constrained to entreat and exhort all to keep near to the Divine Principle…in conformity to the precepts and example of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we are taught, that wrath, contention, wars and fighting are unlawful; and that meekness, patience, and universal love to mankind will be rewarded with peace…as a Religious Society, are and may be subjected in the present commotions and unsettled state of public affairs…a large number of hopeful youth appear united with us…Many seasonable admonitions, exhortations and cautions, suitable to the circumstances of these perilous times, having been given forth by our brethren in Great Britain last year…to entreat them, during the present commotions and unsettled state of public affairs, to decline from having any share in the authority and powers of government…and as the distresses of many in divers parts of this continent are now very great and daily increasing…be pitiful, be courteous, not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing…the face of the Lord is against them that do evil….” There are biblical references printed in the margins, throughout, which are included in support of the comments made in the Epistle.
General light toning; cleanly separated spine repaired with archival tape; marginal fold separations with negligible paper loss; crease along right side, else in near fine condition.
$900 #10626
