History of the Religious Society of Friends from Its Rise to the Year 1828; From Its Rise to the Year 1828 (Paperback)

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1861. Excerpt: ... HISTOET OF THE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. CHAPTER I. FRIENDS IN ENGLAND. 1660-61. The restoration of Charles II. to the throne of his ancestors, in the year 1660, was an event of deep interest to the society of Friends, and was hailed with joy hy the nation at large; for they hoped under his reign to enjoy the advantages of a stable government, and the security of law. The king, by his courteous manners and great affability, gained the affections of the people, and soon became exceedingly popular; but, unhappily, these amiable qualities were counteracted by extreme levity of disposition, indolent habits, and licentious morals. The courtiers who surrounded him being generally disposed to imitate his deportment and encourage his vices, there was a sudden change in the manners of the court, passing from the rigid austerity of the Puritans, to the opposite extreme of gay frivolity and unblushing immorality. There is reason to believe that the king was not disposed to be a persecutor, but, on the contrary, was II.--2 (13) desirous to .conciliate all parties, and to heal the wounds in the body politic by clemency and toleration. With this view, when about to embark for England, he issued from Breda a proclamation granting a free and general pardon to all his subjects who within forty days should publicly declare their return to loyalty and obedience, excepting only such offenders as should be excepted by Parliament. Freedom of conscience was also promised in the following clause, viz.: "We do declare a liberty to tender consciences, and that no man shall be disquieted or called in question for differences of opinion in matters of religion which do not disturb the peace of the kingdom, and that we shall be ready to consent to such an act of Parliament, as upon mature deliberation shall...