part11-第8节
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opinion in politics as well as religion which makes us take great
interest in them； and bestow our money liberally on those who furnish
aliment to our appetite。 The mild and simple principles of the
Christian philosophy would produce too much calm； too much regularity
of good； to extract from it's disciples a support for a numerous
priesthood； were they not to sophisticate it； ramify it； split it
into hairs； and twist it's texts till they cover the divine morality
of it's author with mysteries； and require a priesthood to explain
them。 The Quakers seem to have discovered this。 They have no
priests； therefore no schisms。 They judge of the text by the
dictates of common sense & common morality。 So the printers can
never leave us in a state of perfect rest and union of opinion。 They
would be no longer useful； and would have to go to the plough。 In
the first moments of quietude which have succeeded the election； they
seem to have aroused their lying faculties beyond their ordinary
state； to re…agitate the public mind。 What appointments to office
have they detailed which had never been thought of； merely to found a
text for their calumniating commentaries。 However； the steady
character of our countrymen is a rock to which we may safely moor；
and notwithstanding the efforts of the papers to disseminate early
discontents； I expect that a just； dispassionate and steady conduct；
will at length rally to a proper system the great body of our
country。 Unequivocal in principle； reasonable in manner； we shall be
able I hope to do a great deal of good to the cause of freedom &
harmony。 I shall be happy to hear from you often； to know your own
sentiments & those of others on the course of things； and to concur
with you in efforts for the common good。 Your letters through the
post will now come safely。 Present my best respects to Mrs。 Gerry； &
accept yourself assurances of my constant esteem and high
consideration。
