Anecdote of Anthony Benezet,
Reading edition
Not inserted in Vaux's interesting Memoir of that Philanthropist.
Soon after the arrival of the Chevalier Luzerne, minister from the court of France, Benezet called on him with a French copy of Barclay's Apology, with a view of informing him of the principles of the Society of Friends. The minister being a Knight of Malta, and of course at enmity with the Turks, appeared much surprised that any professed Christians should object to the destruction of the Ottoman Empire—which increased on being informed that his profession would not permit taking the life of any man: on which the minister observed that it was very good, but too straight for him to object to killing a Musselman.
The interview prepared the way for frequent visits to the embassador, who always received him with pleasure, the latter often observing that he had but a small body; but added, extending his arms nearly at full length, as if to embrace a large object—"Oh what a capacious soul he possesses!"—evincing by his whole conduct, that he valued him as an extraordinary man, possessing true Christian principles.
G.