Having now related what hath come to my knowledge, that I thought remarkable, and of singular moment in respect of the rise and progress of the people called Quakers, I think what I have written may suffice, and answer the contents of the title of this history; and therefore I will add only a few occurrences, and then come to a conclusion.
1708-1709.
Many years ago, even in the time of King James I. endeavours were used to unite England and Scotland into one kingdom, but all in vain: king William III. also tried what could be done in this case, but his life did not permit him to bring the work to perfection. Yet at length the matter was agreed and settled about the beginning of the year 1707, in the reign of Queen Anne, it being concluded that these two kingdoms henceforth should be united into one, and called Great Britain. In the forepart of the year 1708, Scotland was threatened with an invasion by the pretended prince of Wales; but he failed in the attempt, and his design came to nought. Now since the union of the said kingdom with that of England was accomplished, and the succession of the crown in the Protestant line established by law, the queen on that account was congratulated by a multitude of addresses of her subjects; and the Quakers, so called, judged themselves obliged also to testify their affection to that princess, as they did by the following address:
To ANNE, Queen of Great Britain, &c.
The grateful and humble Address of the People commonly called Quakers, from their Yearly Meeting in London, this 28th day of the third month, called May, 1708.
‘We having good cause to commemorate the manifold mercies of God vouchsafed to this united kingdom of Great Britain, believe it our duty to make our humble acknowledgments, first to the Divine Majesty, and next to the queen, for the liberty we enjoy under her kind and favourable government, with hearty desires and prayers to Almighty God, (who hath hitherto disappointed the mischievous and wicked designs of her enemies, both foreign and domestic,) that he will so effectually replenish the queen’s heart, together with those of her great council, with his divine wisdom, that righteousness, justice and moderation, which are the ornaments of the queen’s reign, and which exalt a nation, may be increased and promoted.
‘And we take this opportunity to give the queen the renewed assurance of our hearty affection to the present established government, and that we will as a people in our respective stations, according to our peaceable principles, by the grace of God, approve ourselves in all fidelity the queen’s faithful and obedient subjects, and as such conclude with fervent prayers to the Lord of Hosts, that after a prosperous, safe and long reign in this life, thou, O queen, mayest be blessed with an eternal crown of glory.’
This address was signed in the name of the meeting by fourteen members thereof, who also were ordered to present it; but it being understood that the queen seemed willing to be attended with it in private, only seven, among whom were G. Whitehead and Thomas Lower, went in with it, and were introduced by the principal secretary of state Boyle; and G. Whitehead presenting it, said, ‘We heartily wish the queen health and happiness: we are come to present an address from our yearly meeting, which we could have desired might have been more early and seasonably timed, but could not, because our said meeting was but the last week; and therefore now hope the queen will favourably accept our address.’ Then G. Whitehead delivering it, the queen said, ‘Pray read it:’ whereupon he took and read it, and the queen answered,
‘I thank you very kindly for your address, and I assure you of my protection; you may depend upon it.’