Nothing can equal the barefaced Falshood of the Quakers & Tories in this City, unless perhaps their Folly, in giving out that M. Gerard does not come in the Character of a publick Minister, but only to obtain Pay for the Stores we have receivd from that Country.  These Quakers are in general a sly artful People, not altogether destitute, as I conceive, of worldly Views in their religious Profession.  They carefully educate their Children in their own contracted Opinions and Manners, and I dare say they have in their Hearts as perfect a System of Uniformity of Worship in their Way, and are busily employd about spiritual Domination as ever Laud himself was, but having upon professed Principles renouncd the Use of the carnal Weapon, they cannot consistently practice the too common Method made use of in former times, of dragooning Men into sound Beliefe.  One might submit to their own inward Feelings, whether they do not now & then secretly wish for fire from Heaven in support of their Cause, in order to bring them upon a footing with. those whose Consciences dictate the kindling fires on Earth for the pious Purpose of convincing Gainsayers, and who keep the Sword in their Hands to enforce it.  He who in the Spirit of the Apostle professes to wish Peace to all those who love the Lord Jesus Christ in Sincerity, must discover an unmortified Pride & a Want of Christian Charity to destroy the peace of others who profess to have that sincere Affection to the Common Master, because they differ from him in Matters of mere opinion.  But the Post is just going.  I must therefore conclude with assuring you that I am affectionately,

Yours,

1 A clergyman, of Maiden, Mass.

TO JAMES WARREN.

[Ms., Samuel Adams Papers, Lenox Library.]

PHILAD Sept 1 -78

MY DEAR SIR

After having been disappointed several Weeks I am at length favord with your very acceptable Letter of the 18 of August.  You have formerly hinted to me your Apprehension that I mt think your Letters came to me too frequently.  I could not then suppose you to be in Earnest; but your Silence from the 17 July to the Date of your last, which you own to be many Days, is a very serious Comment, & obliges me in a formal Manner to assure you, that you cannot gratify me more than by writing to me often.

My Enemies in Boston are exceedingly mistaken if they think I have condescended to become a Party Man in their unimportant Disputes about Manly & Mc Neil,1 Neither of whom, in my opinion have derived any Honor from the Decisions of the late Courts martial.  I wonder how Manly can attribute his Disappointment to me.  At my Request he called to see me.  I found him to be one of those Men who stand in Need of Advice & gave him the best I could.  I told him what Questions would probably be asked him that he might prepare to answer them.  In short I said