To Queen ANNE, of Great Britain, &c.
The humble and thankful Address of the Queen’s Protestant subjects, the people called Quakers, in and about the city of London, on behalf of themselves, and the rest of their persuasion.
‘When we consider the queen’s royal regard to protect our religious liberty, and the fresh assurance from the throne, of her Christian resolution to maintain the indulgence by law allowed to scrupulous consciences, and her tender care that the same may be transmitted to posterity in the Protestant succession in the house of Hanover, we find ourselves concerned gratefully to acknowledge her goodness therein, and the ready concurrence of her great council therewith: taking this occasion to assure the queen of our duty and affection, and peaceable behaviour under her government, as is our principle, and hath always been our practice.
‘And we heartily desire our fellow-subjects may lay aside all animosities, and in a spirit of love and meekness, endeavour to outdo each other in virtue and universal charity.
‘That it may graciously please Almighty God to defend and bless thee, O queen, and guide thee by his counsel in a long and prosperous reign here, and afterwards receive thee to glory, is the hearty prayer of thy faithful subjects.’
To this address the Queen was pleased to answer:
‘I thank you for your address, and ye may depend upon my protection.’
The animosities mentioned in this address, did regard the division, which having been a good while among the subjects, began to increase as many thought by the change of the ministry. But this being out of my province, I will not meddle with it.
In the year 1712, died Richard Cromwell, the son of Oliver the protector, about the age of ninety years. Great changes this man had seen, having himself been the supreme ruler of England, as hath been mentioned in due place.