learnt concerning the doctrine of the Quakers. In my next letter I shall
acquaint you with their history, which you will find more singular than
their opinions.



LETTER III.--ON THE QUAKERS


You have already heard that the Quakers date from Christ, who, according
to them, was the first Quaker. Religion, say these, was corrupted a
little after His death, and remained in that state of corruption about
sixteen hundred years. But there were always a few Quakers concealed in
the world, who carefully preserved the sacred fire, which was
extinguished in all but themselves, until at last this light spread
itself in England in 1642.

It was at the time when Great Britain was torn to pieces by the intestine
wars which three or four sects had raised in the name of God, that one
George Fox, born in Leicestershire, and son to a silk-weaver, took it
into his head to preach, and, as he pretended, with all the requisites of
a true apostle--that is, without being able either to read or write. He
was about twenty-five years of age, irreproachable in his life and
conduct, and a holy madman. He was equipped in leather from head to
foot, and travelled from one village to another, exclaiming against war
and the clergy. Had his invectives been levelled against the soldiery
only he would have been safe enough, but he inveighed against
ecclesiastics. Fox was seized at Derby, and being carried before a
justice of peace, he did not once offer to pull off his leathern hat,
upon which an officer gave him a great box of the ear, and cried to him,