" The repetition of this apposite
text stopped the judge from any farther comments on the custom, and he
ordered him and his companions to be taken away again. And they were
accordingly taken away and they were thrust again among thieves. In
process of time, however, this custom of the Quakers began to be known
among the judges, who so far respected their scruples, as to take care
that their hats should be taken off in future in the courts.
These omissions of the ceremonies of the world, as begun by the
primitive Quakers, are continued by the modern. They neither bow nor
scrape, nor pull off their hats to any, by way of civility or respect,
and they carry their principles, like their predecessors, so far, that
they observe none of these exterior parts of politeness even in the
presence of royalty. The Quakers are in the habit on particular
occasions of sending deputies to the king. And it is remarkable that his
present majesty always sees them himself, if he be well, and not by
proxy. Notwithstanding this, no one in the deputation ever pulls off his
hat. Those, however, who are in waiting in the anti-chamber, knowing
this custom of the Quakers, take their hats from their heads, before
they enter the room, where the king is.
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