Elias’s cousin Edward Hicks also wrote about tax resistance in his memoirs, though he seemed less agreeable to it, in an entry dated :
“My very soul is grieved with the anarchy of the modern ranters now among Friends”
I am perfectly aware that these strictures may give offence and confirm the charge that is brought against me of being in favor of war; but I again declare, that the Prince of Peace came into the world to put an end to war, and to redeem man from his fighting state; and hence, with legions of angels at his command, he bore the contradiction of sinners. His sacred countenance, impressed with divine glory, was spit upon, — he was buffeted, — he was scourged, and finally put to the ignominious death of the cross, without making any resistance, praying in the last extremity for his enemies. “Father forgive them, they know not what they do.” Ah! blessed Saviour, your kingdom is not of this world, therefore your real disciples never can fight with carnal weapons. Your children, your dear disciples, who heard your gracious words, with their outward ears, as well as their inward, were instructed by your example to make no resistance, but passively to submit to outward power, and to respect civil government, however corrupt. You did even pay the tax that was laid upon your people by the sword of the heathen, and thereby declared that the power of the Roman governor was given him from above. But, alas! how different is the precepts and example of your professed followers of the present day. My very soul is grieved with the anarchy of the modern ranters now among Friends.
