This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1902 edition. Excerpt: ...of rest less vigor, who sought the frontiers, making a fringe outside the German line. By their scorn of conciliation they rather invited Indian attacks, which no scruples prevented them from returning. Politically they were in the opposition through all the colonial days, but had their ascendancy during and after the Revolutionary war, which they largely supplied with soldiers, generals and statesmen. Every Protestant Christian sect was politically the equal of every other. Catholics, Jews and Socinians could not hold office, but their numbers were small, and while provincial parties were often separated rather sharply by denominational boundaries, no tests gave one organization any advantage over the others. AVhat was gained was by legitimate influence and honest public service. The Friends had given up their control of the Pennsylvania Assembly in 1756. The war which the Governor and Council had declared against the Delaware Indians seemed to make it impracticable for uncompromising peace men to remain longer in the government. Their cautious brethren, whose influence was supreme in Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, urged them to sacrifice place to principle. Their co-religionists in England had asked the Ministry not to drive them out by the imposition of an oath, and had sent over a deputation to use personal influence with all legislators who had a membership among Friends to resign or refuse reelection. by secret instructions, and against their right to have their lands relieved from bearing a share of the public burdens. This seemed the only way to get them out. Though bitterly attacked for their unwillingness to provide military provisions, an attack hardly justified in late years by their record, they were strong in the confidence of...