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diff --git a/75590-0.txt b/75590-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a7f9e5c --- /dev/null +++ b/75590-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,29371 @@ + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75590 *** + + +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + + Transcriber’s Note: + +This version of the text cannot represent certain typographical effects. +Italics are delimited with the ‘_’ character as _italic_. Text printed +in bold, blackletter or sans-serif fonts are delimited by ‘=’. + +Footnotes have been moved to follow the paragraphs in which they are +referenced. + +Minor errors, attributable to the printer, have been corrected. Please +see the transcriber’s note at the end of this text for details regarding +the handling of any textual issues encountered during its preparation. + +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + + + + + THE JOURNAL OF GEORGE FOX. + +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + + EIGHTH EDITION + + OF THE + + JOURNAL OF GEORGE FOX. + + TWO VOLUMES, 5/- NET. + + With Map, recently prepared to accompany same, 6/6 net. + The Map separately, in case, 2/6 net. + + ------- + +“His life well repays study. It is a rich mine, and every page of it +seems to be solid gold. Books now-a-days are spun out, and you get +little after reading much; but _The Journal of George Fox_ contains +ingots of gold—things to be thought on and that will have to be thought +on month by month before you get at the bottom of them.”—CHARLES HADDON +SPURGEON. + + ------- + + LONDON: FRIENDS’ TRACT ASSOCIATION. + + Sold by HEADLEY BROTHERS, 14, Bishopsgate Without, E.C. + + + THE JOURNAL + + OF + + GEORGE FOX; + + BEING AN + + HISTORICAL ACCOUNT + + OF + + HIS LIFE, TRAVELS, SUFFERINGS, AND + CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCES. + + + IN TWO VOLUMES. + VOL. II. + + + ------- + + + _THE EIGHTH (Bi-Centenary) EDITION, reprinted from stereotype plates, + with revised and enlarged indexes._ + + + ------- + + + LONDON: + =Friends’ Tract Association;= + SOLD BY + HEADLEY BROTHERS, + 14, BISHOPSGATE STREET WITHOUT, E.C. + 1901. + +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + + + + + HEADLEY BROTHERS, + + PRINTERS, + + LONDON; AND AT ASHFORD, KENT. + + + + + NOTICE TO THE READER. + + ------- + +The present issue of _The Journal of George Fox_ has been printed from +the stereotype plates of the Eighth (Bi-Centenary) Edition, slightly +corrected, and has been furnished with additional particulars of +previous editions of _The Journal_ (see pp. 541-544) and with greatly +enlarged Indexes. + +To accompany this issue, a map has been prepared to show the places +mentioned in _The Journal_, the spelling of the names being mostly taken +from the First Edition. This work has necessitated a considerable amount +of research and enquiry in order to identify some of the more obscure +localities referred to by George Fox. It is hardly to be expected that +the positions of all these, after this lapse of time, will accord with +the judgment of all readers, but it is hoped that the map may promote +the intelligent perusal of these volumes. + +_The Journal_ may be obtained with or without the map (see advertisement +on page ii.). + + NORMAN PENNEY, + _Hon. Sec. Friends’ Tract Association_. + +LONDON, 1901. + +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + + + + + INTRODUCTION + + TO THE EIGHTH EDITION. + + +The following Eighth Edition of _The Journal of George Fox_, taken from +the Seventh Edition, as prepared by the late Wilson Armistead, of Leeds, +has been carefully read and collated with the original or First Edition +of that Work. And the reader can be confidently assured, making due +allowance for the translation or omission of a few obsolete expressions, +that the Work is now, in truth and substance, _the same_ as when it was +first printed. A large number of corrections in the spelling of names, +and of other chiefly clerical errors, have also been made, bringing all +down, so far as practicable, into harmony with the usage of the present +date in these respects. + + DANIEL PICKARD. + +LEEDS, 1891. + + + + + CONTENTS OF VOL. II. + + + PAGE. + + CHAPTER I.—1663-1666.—George Fox visits London—taken up at + Tenterden and examined by the magistrates, but + liberated—travels to the S.W. of England—precious meetings in + Wales—at Derwentwater meets with an old woman whose husband was + aged 122 years—apprehended and taken before the magistrates at + Holker Hall, but liberated on his parole to appear at the + sessions—appears accordingly, and is committed to Lancaster + jail—many poor Friends imprisoned there at the same time, whose + families become chargeable in consequence—one of them (Oliver + Atherton) dies in jail, where he was immured by the Countess of + Derby for tithes—George Fox has the oath tendered him at the + assizes, and is re-committed—Margaret Fell is also imprisoned + there—the prisoners in Lancaster jail to Justice Fleming—a + brief warning to the same by George Fox—George Fox disputes + with Major Wiggan (who was also a prisoner), and confutes + him—writes to the judges against giving nicknames—writes a + warning to all high professors—also a warning against the + spirit of John Perrot—at the assizes he points out many fatal + errors in his indictment, and it is quashed in consequence, but + the judge ensnares him with the oath, and he is again remanded + to prison—suffers much from the badness of the prison—at the + next assizes he again points out fatal errors in his + indictment, and is immediately hurried away to jail, and + sentence is passed on him in his absence—a testimony against + tithes—he is removed to Scarbro’ Castle—has several conferences + and disputes with divers persons there—writes to the king + respecting his imprisonment, and is set at liberty—copy of his + discharge and passport—the day after George Fox’s liberation + the great fire broke out in London, a vision of which he had in + Lancaster Castle—the hand of the Lord turned against + persecutors, 1 + + + CHAPTER II.—1666-1669.—George Fox visits a man above one hundred + years old, who had been convinced—refutes a slander that + Friends love none but themselves—has a meeting at Captain + Taylor’s [at Brighouse], where a neighbouring knight threatens + again to imprison him—comes to London, and finds the city in + ruins as he had seen it in a vision some years before—is moved + to recommend the setting up of monthly meetings to take care of + God’s glory, and to admonish and exhort such as walk + disorderly—travels through the nation for this purpose—meets + with opposition in Huntingdonshire and Bedfordshire—when at + Shrewsbury it was rumoured that “the great Quaker of England + was come to town“—the hypocrisy of the Presbyterians + detected—they and the Independents persecute when in power, but + flinch in time of persecution by other powers—George Fox + recommends certain regulations to be observed relative to + Friends’ marriages—he also recommends the establishment of a + school at Waltham for boys, and one at Shacklewell for + girls—the meetings for discipline are the means of a great + reformation among the people—George Fox discovers a cheat, + writes a prophetic warning to Friends—monthly meetings settled + throughout the nation—the order and good results thereof—George + Fox disputes with a Papist—confers with Esquire Marsh + (Justice), and shows him how to distinguish between Friends and + other Dissenters who refused the oath—Justice Marsh is + afterwards very serviceable to Friends in screening them from + suffering, and recommends the king to grant liberty of + conscience—fourteen monthly meetings are settled in + Yorkshire—Isaac Lindley to George Fox—when at Scarbro’ the + governor presses George Fox to accept his hospitality—large and + precious meetings, 74 + + + CHAPTER III.—1669-1671.—George Fox sails for Ireland in company + with several other Friends—he there sends a challenge to the + Popish priests to try their God, which is not accepted—he + contrasts them with Baal’s priests—the authorities of Cork + threaten him, and issue warrants for his apprehension—he rides + publicly through the city, and is seen by the mayor, but not + molested—writes to Friends in the ministry there—discourses + with professors on election and reprobation—returns to + England—a report is spread that George Fox is turned + Presbyterian, through a trick to obtain a congregation for John + Fox, the Presbyterian, which, however, turns to the advantage + of Friends—George Fox is married to Margaret Fell at + Bristol—writes to the quarterly meetings about putting children + apprentices—Margaret Fox is cast into prison—two of her + daughters go to the king, and obtain a promise of their + mother’s liberty—on the passing of the Conventicle Act, George + Fox writes a declaration against seditious conventicles—writes + to Friends to strengthen them in their trials—is apprehended at + a meeting in Gracechurch Street—taken before the mayor, who + discourses with him and sets him at liberty—visits Friends in + Reading jail—undergoes great travail of spirit, loses his sight + and hearing, and becomes as a sign—persecution becoming hot, + some meeting-houses are pulled down, and Friends are much + abused—George Fox endures great mental conflict—the + faithfulness of Friends is said by some professors to have + preserved the nation from debauchery—George Fox writes an + encouraging letter to Friends—as persecution abates he + recovers—writes a warning to the rulers of the + nation—recommends certain regulations respecting + marriage—writes a prayer, 107 + + + CHAPTER IV.—1671-1672.—His wife being still detained a prisoner, + George Fox puts two women Friends upon going to the king to + procure her discharge, which he granted under the broad seal, + to clear her person and estate after being a prisoner under + premunire ten years—he sails for the plantations in America + with several other Friends—chased by a Sallee man-of-war—the + master in a strait asks advice of George Fox, who seeks counsel + of the Lord, and is assured of their preservation—the event + verifies the prediction—they land at Barbadoes, after a seven + weeks’ passage—a man in the island, who was greatly incensed + against George Fox without just cause, and who had threatened + his life, died a few days before his landing—is laid up for + some weeks—writes to Friends in England—exhorts Friends to care + and watchfulness in regard to marriages, keeping registers, and + records, providing burial grounds, &c.—to deal mildly with + their negroes, and, after certain years of servitude, to set + them free—writes a further exhortation to Friends in + England—visits the governor, who is very kind—has many large + meetings, and there is a great convincement; Colonel Lyne + testifies how much Friends exalt Christ in all his offices + beyond what he had ever heard—the priests rage, and try in vain + to stir up persecution—there is much clamour and cavilling + against Friends, and many slanders and false reports are + issued, which George Fox answers in a paper addressed to the + governor—the governor visits him—writes to his wife—sails for + Jamaica, where he has many meetings, and many are + convinced—Elizabeth Hooton dies there, 140 + + + CHAPTER V.—1672-1673.—George Fox embarks for Maryland, where he + arrives after a seven weeks’ voyage, and having experienced + some remarkable deliverances—attends a General Meeting for + Maryland, which held four days—several meetings for discipline + established—has meetings with the Indian kings—travels towards + New England—attends the Half-year’s Meeting on Long Island, + which continued four days—has a meeting with some + opposers—visits Rhode Island, where the Yearly Meeting for New + England is held, which continued six days—attends a marriage + there, and has a meeting with some Ranters—also one with some + Indians on Shelter Island—one of his companions thrown from his + horse and lays apparently dead, but soon recovers in an + unexpected manner—they reach Maryland after nine days’ travel + overland between three and four hundred miles—visits a judge + who is ill, but recovers—attends the General Meeting for + Maryland, which held five days—sails for Virginia, and arrives + in three days, a distance of 200 miles—thence proceeds towards + Carolina—visits the Indians, and shows them that God made but + one woman for one man—returns to Virginia—sails for + Maryland—endures great extremes of heat and cold within a very + short period—speaks to a woman who had been many years in + trouble, and entreats the Lord for her, and she is thereupon + restored—attends the General Meeting for Maryland, to the + edification and comfort of Friends—sails for England, and + arrives safe, after a six weeks’ passage, 161 + + + CHAPTER VI.—1673-1675.—George Fox writes to his wife from + Bristol—has a glorious powerful meeting there, in which he + declares of three estates and three teachers—at Slaughterford + meets with much opposition to the settlement of women’s + meetings—the chief opposer, struck by the Lord’s power, + condemns his error—at Armscott is arrested by Justice Parker, + and sent to Worcester jail with Thomas Lower—writes to his + wife—he and T. Lower write to Lord Windsor and other + magistrates, with a statement of their case—they are examined + at the sessions, but George Fox is ensnared with the oath, and + re-committed for refusing to take it—Thomas Lower is + discharged, and afterwards visits Justice Parker, and gives the + priest of the parish (who instigated their imprisonment) a + severe rebuke in his presence, though unknown—George Fox + disputes with Dr. Crowder on swearing—he is removed to London + by Habeas Corpus—but ultimately remanded to Worcester—is + examined at the assizes by Judge Turner, but the case is + referred to the sessions—death of his mother—disputes with a + priest on perfection—brought up at the sessions and + re-committed, but has liberty till the next sessions—is again + removed by Habeas Corpus, and tenders in court a declaration + instead of the oath—attends the Yearly Meeting in + London—appears again at the sessions at Worcester, and points + out the flaws in his indictment—yet he is brought in guilty and + premunired—writes to the king respecting the principle of + Friends—is seized with illness, and his life almost despaired + of—Justice Parker writes to the jailer to relax the rigour of + his imprisonment—his wife intercedes with the king for his + release, which he is willing to grant by a pardon—this George + Fox could not accept, as it implied guilt—he is once more + removed by Habeas Corpus—the under-sheriff quarrels with him + for calling their ministers priests—he is brought before the + judges, and Counsellor Corbet starts a new plea, that the court + cannot imprison on a premunire—the indictment is quashed for + error, and he is freed by proclamation after nearly fourteen + months’ imprisonment—he writes many papers and pamphlets in + Worcester jail, 197 + + + CHAPTER VII.—1675-1677.—George Fox attends the Yearly Meeting, + and afterwards sets forward towards the North—attends the + Quarterly Meeting at Lancaster, and goes thence to + Swarthmore—writes many books and papers for the Truth—the + titles of several named—writes to Friends in Westmorland to + keep in the power of God, and thereby avoid strife—writes an + epistle to the Yearly Meeting—makes a collection and + arrangement of his various papers and writings, and of the + names of divers Friends engaged in particular service, or + against the Truth—some meetings for discipline established in + the North in 1653—recites his labours and travels for + establishing meetings for discipline—a spirit of discord and + separation appears in the church—the separatists are rebuked + and reproved—the establishment of men’s and women’s meetings is + much opposed—a narrative of the spreading of Truth, and of the + opposition from the worldly powers—death of Priest Lampitt, a + persecutor—George Fox travels again towards the South—writes to + his wife from York—finds some slack in their testimony against + Tithes—writes an epistle to Friends on the subject—attends the + Yearly Meeting—with John Burnyeat, and other Friends, visits + William Penn at his house at Worminghurst, in Sussex—sets + things in order for visiting Holland—precious meeting, 232 + + + CHAPTER VIII.—1677.—George Fox sails for Holland, with several + other Friends, and lands at Briel—attends the Quarterly Meeting + at Amsterdam—writes an epistle to Friends against the spirit of + separation—writes to the Princess Elizabeth—her answer—a + Monthly Meeting is established at Frederickstadt—Friends are + imprisoned and banished from Embden, and suffer greatly—a + Monthly Meeting settled at Harlingen—a priest assents to the + doctrine promulgated by George Fox—he is questioned for it by + his hearers—George Fox writes an epistle to Friends respecting + the seducing spirit—he writes an epistle of encouragement to + Friends under suffering at Dantzic—and again to Friends + respecting the spirit of separation—spends a considerable time + at Amsterdam in writing on Truth’s account—a warning to the + magistrates and people at Oldenburg—an epistle concerning + fasts, prayers, honour, persecution, true liberty, and the + observance of days and times—a warning to the magistrates, + priests, and people of Hamburg—to the ambassadors met to effect + a treaty of peace in the city of Nimeguen—completes his travels + in Holland—writes a book addressed to the Jews, 266 + + + CHAPTER IX.—1677-1680.—George Fox, with other Friends, sails for + England, and lands at Harwich, after a hazardous voyage of + three days—has a large meeting at Colchester, and proceeds + thence to London—writes to his wife—receives further accounts + of persecution in New England—travels into Buckinghamshire, and + meets with some false brethren, who are unruly and troublesome + at meetings—Friends have a special meeting with them + afterwards—at Reading meets with opposition to the settlement + of a women’s meeting—visits Bristol during the fair, where are + many Friends from various parts—the separatists there are very + rude and abusive—he aids Friends in drawing up a breviat of + their sufferings, to present to the judges at Gloucester + assizes—meets with some separatists at Finchcomb—is engaged + with other Friends in soliciting Parliament to grant them + relief from the statutes made against Popish recusants—attends + the Yearly Meeting, which was a glorious and heavenly + one—Friends greatly united in testifying against the spirit of + separation—not one mouth opened on its behalf—the Truth + prospers at home and abroad—George Fox writes to his + wife—writes to the king of Poland to dissuade him from + persecution—to Friends in Amsterdam—Friends again press their + suit for relief from the statutes made against Popish recusants + without success—are much exercised with the spirit of + separation, which opposes the order and discipline of the + church—George Fox writes a paper to open the understandings of + the weak, and as a reproof to a censorious judging spirit—has + conferences with some of the opposers at Hertford—writes again + to Friends to warn them of this spirit of false liberty—visits + Friends in prison at Leicester—advises Friends how to end their + differences—writes an epistle to Friends in London—writes to + Friends in prison to console them under suffering—writes an + epistle to the Yearly Meeting—an encouragement to Friends to be + valiant for the Truth—also a caution to Friends to keep in + humility—travels again towards the South—visits prisoners in + York Castle—recommends Friends to lay their sufferings before + the judge at the assizes—attends the Yearly Meeting in + London—writes to the Great Turk and to the Dey of Algiers—to + the latter particularly respecting Friends who are captives + there—at Hertford meets with John Story (the schismatic) and + some of his party, but the Truth prevails—has a meeting with + some of the opposers—solicits the Parliament to grant relief to + Friends under suffering—writes a paper against plots and + plotters, 312 + + + CHAPTER X.—1681-1683.—George Fox answers two envious books + written abroad—writes to magistrates to persuade them to + moderation—writes to the Quarterly Meetings—attends the judges + at Chambers, respecting a tithe-suit against himself and his + wife—George Fox had bound himself not to intermeddle with his + wife’s estate—this is shown to the judges in court, at which + they wonder—his counsel thereon founds an argument in his + favour—he again writes against the spirit of strife and + division in the church—writes to the magistrates who had + illegally condemned Friends upon _ex-parte_ evidence—writes two + papers respecting the choice of Sheriffs—Friends are + interrupted at Gracechurch Street Meeting by a civil and + military force—George Fox writes divers books and papers in + support and defence of the Truth—the Spirit of God directed to + as the rule to distinguish between Truth and error, whereby the + evil of persecution may be avoided—an epistle to encourage + Friends under their sufferings, both from the outward powers, + and from false brethren—the laws are now more strictly enforced + against Dissenters—an epistle to Friends, commending them to + the power of God in themselves—writes to Friends imprisoned at + Denbigh, to console them in their sufferings, and exhorting + them to faithfulness—Friends are kept out of their + meeting-houses, and fined for speaking—a Friend is speedily + restored from a sudden illness, in a remarkable manner, through + the prayers of George Fox—persecution is now hot, and George + Fox writes to Friends not to risk the loss of other people’s + goods through their sufferings, 350 + + + CHAPTER XI.—1683-1685.—A salutation of love to Friends, designed + to stir up the pure mind—an epistle to Friends commending them + to Christ, the rock and sure foundation—an epistle of counsel + to Friends—George Fox taken from a meeting and examined by a + magistrate, but soon released—writes an epistle to the faithful + to beware of a seducing spirit—after the Yearly Meeting sails + for Holland, and lands at the Briel—attends the Yearly Meeting + at Amsterdam—writes to Galenus Abrahams, a Mennonist or + Baptist, who, seven years before, bid him “keep his eyes off + him,” for he said “they pierced him,” but now he was become + very loving and tender, as well as his family—George Fox + returns to England—writes to the Duke of Holstein an able + defence of women’s preaching—writes an epistle of counsel to + Friends—advises with, and assists them in, drawing up an + account of sufferings, which is printed and spread amongst + Parliament-men—writes a caution to Friends to keep out of the + world’s spirit, &c.—and a warning against pride and excess in + apparel, 381 + + + CHAPTER XII.—1685-1686.—George Fox tarries in London, labouring + in the service of Truth—removes to Epping on account of his + health—writes an epistle to Friends—returns to London—writes a + paper concerning order in the Church of God—and a warning to + backsliders—assists in distributing money raised for sufferers + by Friends in Ireland—writes an epistle to the king of Poland, + on behalf of Friends of Dantzic—who suffer imprisonment for + conscience’ sake—a paper concerning judging—looks diligently + after Friends’ sufferings in London, and obtains a general + release of prisoners—writes an epistle to Friends, many having + been recently liberated from prison—another on a similar + occasion—an epistle to Friends to keep in the unity in the + Truth—another to remind them of the evidence and seal they had + received of their meetings for discipline having been set up in + the power and spirit of God—a paper concerning the state of the + true Church—a paper respecting the “falling away” foretold by + the apostle Paul, 2 Thess. ii. 3—a paper showing how the Lord, + in all ages, called the righteous out from amongst the wicked, + before he destroyed the latter, 415 + + + CHAPTER XIII.—1686-1687.—The first and second Adam compared—the + two seeds distinguished—George Fox is daily exercised in London + in services relating to the Church, visiting the sick or + afflicted, and writing in defence of Truth, or refuting + error—true prayer distinguished from the practice of the + Papists—visits his son-in-law, William Mead—a distinction + between the true offering and sacrifice, and the false, under + the old and new covenant—a general toleration and liberty being + now granted, George Fox writes a word of counsel and caution to + Friends, to walk circumspectly in a time of liberty—how + redemption by Christ is known and witnessed—repentance must + precede the reception of the gospel, baptism, &c.—a paper + showing wherein God’s people are to be like him—the right way + to Christ—the kingdom of God is to be measurably known in this + life—George Fox is benefited by being three months in the + country—has much service in London again—at Kingston writes a + paper, showing how the Jews, by disobedience, lost the Holy + City and the Holy Land, designed as a warning to + Christians—everlasting life through, and in, Christ, to be + received and witnessed in this life—the stone cut out of the + mountain signifies the kingdom and power of Christ—a + miscellaneous paper, being a collection of Scripture passages + respecting regeneration, sanctification, &c., 446 + + + CHAPTER XIV.—1687-1690.—George Fox continues to have service in + London and the neighbourhood—writes a paper respecting the + gospel and the seed; being also an incentive to diligence—a + general epistle to Friends, forewarning them of an approaching + storm—Moses and Christ both faithful under their respective + dispensations—Christ is on his throne—George Fox’s health + declining, he visits William Mead again for a few weeks—the + world’s teachers, and the emptiness of their teaching—those who + turn people from the inward manifestation of Christ in the + heart, remove them from the heavenly landmark, and bring a + curse on themselves—the prophets, apostles, and holy men of old + were husbandmen and tradesmen, unlike the world’s teachers—the + vanity of being too much busied with, and spending the time in, + hearing and telling news—though still declining, George Fox + attends at the Parliament-house many days on behalf of his + Friends—writes to Peter Hendricks, and to Friends at Dantzic, + to strengthen and comfort them under their sufferings—to the + magistrates and priests of Dantzic, showing the evil of + persecution, and persuading to Christian moderation—an appendix + to the Yearly Meeting’s epistle—an epistle to the Northern + Yearly Meeting, to be held at York—George Fox’s health still + impaired—writes an epistle to Friends in Barbadoes—to Friends + in Pennsylvania and other parts of America—to all that profess + the Truth of God; being a warning to the young against the + world’s fashions, and to the old against going into the earthly + things—Christ is the “Ensign,” prophesied of by Isaiah—an + appendix to the Yearly Meeting’s epistle—an epistle to Friends + in the ministry—to Friends in the ministry gone to America—to + suffering Friends in Ireland—death of George Fox in + 1690—epistle written with his hand and found sealed up—some + account of the interment, 472 + + + APPENDIX:— + + + Testimony of Margaret Fox, concerning her late husband, George + Fox; with a brief account of some of his travels, sufferings, + and hardships, endured for the Truth’s sake, 511 + + + Testimony of some of the author’s relations, 519 + + + An Epistle, by way of testimony, to Friends and brethren of the + Monthly and Quarterly Meetings in England, Wales, and + elsewhere, concerning the decease of our faithful brother, + George Fox, 521 + + + Thomas Ellwood’s account of that eminent and honourable servant + of the Lord, George Fox, 526 + + + An Epistle of George Fox’s, written with his own hand, and left + sealed up with this superscription, viz., “Not to be opened + before the time,” 527 + + + The appearance of the Lord’s everlasting Truth, and its breaking + forth again in his eternal power, in this our day and age in + England, 529 + + + A Chronological Register of the Places visited by George Fox, 531 + + + Texts of Scripture occurring in the _Journal_, 538 + + + Particulars of the English editions of the _Journal_, 541 + + + Particulars of the American editions of the _Journal_, 544 + + + Index I. Persons and Places, 545 + + + Index II. Principal Subjects, 583 + + + + + JOURNAL OF GEORGE FOX. + + VOL. 2. + + ------------------------------------------- + + + + + CHAPTER 1. + +1663-1666.—George Fox visits London—taken up at Tenterden and examined + by the magistrates, but liberated—travels to the S. W. of + England—precious meetings in Wales—at Derwentwater meets with an old + woman whose husband was aged 122 years—apprehended and taken before + the magistrates at Holker Hall, but liberated on his parole to + appear at the sessions—appears accordingly, and is committed to + Lancaster jail—many poor friends imprisoned there at the same time, + whose families become chargeable in consequence—one of them (Oliver + Atherton) dies in jail, where he was immured by the Countess of + Derby for tithes—George Fox has the oath tendered him at the + assizes, and is re-committed—Margaret Fell is also imprisoned + there—the prisoners in Lancaster jail to Justice Fleming—a brief + warning to the same by George Fox—George Fox disputes with Major + Wiggan (who was also a prisoner), and confutes him—writes to the + judges against giving nicknames—writes a warning to all high + professors—also a warning against the spirit of John Perrot—at the + assizes he points out many fatal errors in his indictment, and it is + quashed in consequence, but the judge ensnares him with the oath, + and he is again remanded to prison—suffers much from the badness of + the prison—at the next assizes he again points out fatal errors in + his indictment, and is immediately hurried away to jail, and + sentence is passed on him in his absence—a testimony against + tithes—he is removed to Scarbro’ Castle—has several conferences and + disputes with divers persons there—writes to the king respecting his + imprisonment, and is set at liberty—copy of his discharge and + passport—the day after George Fox’s liberation the great fire broke + out in London, a vision of which he had in Lancaster Castle—the hand + of the Lord turned against persecutors. + + +Having passed through NORFOLK, SUFFOLK, ESSEX, and HERTFORDSHIRE, we +came to LONDON again; where I stayed awhile, visiting Friends in their +meetings, which were very large, and the Lord’s power was over all. +After some time I left the city again, and travelled into KENT, having +Thomas Briggs with me. We went to ASHFORD where we had a quiet, and a +very blessed meeting; and on First-day we had a very good and peaceable +one at CRANBROOK. Then we went to TENTERDEN, and had a meeting there, to +which many Friends came from several parts, and many other people came +in, and were reached by the truth. When the meeting was over, I walked +with Thomas Briggs into a field, while our horses were got ready; and +turning my head, I espied a captain coming, and a great company of +soldiers with lighted matches and muskets. Some of them came to us, and +said, “We must go to their captain.” When they had brought us before +him, he asked, “Where is George Fox? which is he?” I said, “I am the +man.” Then he came to me and was somewhat struck, and said, “I will +secure you among the soldiers.” So he called for them to take me. He +took Thomas Briggs, and the man of the house with many more; but the +power of the Lord was mightily over them all. Then he came to me again, +and said, “I must go along with him to the town;” and he carried himself +pretty civilly, bidding the soldiers bring the rest after. As we walked, +I asked him, “Why they did thus;” for I had not seen so much ado a great +while, and I bid him be civil to his peaceable neighbours. + +When we were come to the town, they had us to an inn that was the +jailer’s house; and after a while the mayor of the town, and this +captain, and the lieutenant, who were justices, came together and +examined me, “why I came thither to make a disturbance?” I told them, I +did not come to make a disturbance, neither had I made any since I came. +They said, “there was a law against the Quakers’ meetings, made only +against them.” I told them, I knew no such law. Then they brought forth +the act that was made against Quakers and others. I told them, that was +against such as were a terror to the king’s subjects, and were enemies, +and held principles dangerous to the government, and therefore that was +not against us, for we held truth; and our principles were not dangerous +to the government, and our meetings were peaceable, as they knew, who +knew their neighbours were a peaceable people. They told me, “I was an +enemy to the king.” I answered, We loved all people and were enemies to +none; that I, for my own part, had been cast into Derby dungeon, about +the time of Worcester fight, because I would not take up arms against +him, and that I was afterwards brought by Colonel Hacker to London, as a +plotter to bring in King Charles, and was kept prisoner there till set +at liberty by Oliver. They asked me, “whether I was imprisoned in the +time of the insurrection?” I said, yes; I had been imprisoned then, and +since that also, and had been set at liberty by the king’s own command. +I opened the act to them, and showed them the king’s late declaration; +gave them the examples of other justices, and told them also what the +House of Lords had said of it. I spoke also to them concerning their own +conditions, exhorting them to live in the fear of God, to be tender +towards their neighbours that feared him, and to mind God’s wisdom, by +which all things were made and created, that they might come to receive +it, be ordered by it, and by it order all things to God’s glory. They +demanded bond of us for our appearance at the sessions; but we, pleading +our innocency, refused to give bond. Then they would have us promise to +come no more there; but we kept clear of that also. When they saw they +could not bring us to their terms, they told us, “we should see they +were civil to us, for it was the mayor’s pleasure we should all be set +at liberty.” I told them their civility was noble, and so we parted. + +Then leaving Tenterden we went to NEWICK in SUSSEX, where we visited +some Friends. Thence we passed through the country, visiting Friends, +and having great meetings; all quiet and free from disturbance, except +by some jangling Baptists, till we came into HAMPSHIRE. After a good +meeting at SOUTHAMPTON, we went to POUNER, in the parish of Ringwood, +where was a monthly meeting next day, to which many Friends came from +Southampton, Poole, and other places; and the weather being very hot, +some of them came pretty early in the morning. I took a friend and +walked out with him into the orchard, inquiring of him how the affairs +of truth stood amongst them; (for many of them had been convinced by me, +before I was a prisoner in Cornwall.) While we were conversing, a young +man came and told us the trained bands were raising, and he heard they +would come and break up the meeting. It was not yet meeting-time for +about three hours, and there being other Friends walking in the orchard, +the Friend that I was discoursing with before, desired me to walk into a +corn-field adjoining it, which we did. After a while the young man that +spoke of the trained bands left us, and when he was gone some distance, +he stood and waved his hat. Whereupon I spoke to the other young man +that was with me, to go and see what he meant. He went, but did not +return; for the soldiers were come into the orchard. As I kept walking I +could see the soldiers, and some of them, as I heard afterwards, saw me, +but had no mind to meddle. Coming so long before the meeting-time, they +did not tarry; but took what Friends they found at the house, and some +whom they met in the lane coming, and led them away. After they were +gone, it drew towards eleven, Friends began to come in apace, and a +large and glorious meeting we had; for the everlasting Seed of God was +set over all, and the people were settled in the new covenant of life, +upon the foundation, Christ Jesus. + +Towards the latter part of the meeting, there came a man in gay apparel, +and looked in while I was declaring, and went away again presently. This +man came with an evil intent; for he went forthwith to Ringwood, and +told the magistrates “they had taken two or three men at Pouner, and had +left George Fox there preaching to two or three hundred people.” Upon +this the magistrates sent the officers and soldiers again; but the +meeting being nearly ended when the man looked in, and he having about a +mile and a half to go with his information, to fetch the soldiers, and +they as far to come, after they had received their orders, before they +came our meeting was over; ending about three o’clock peaceably and +orderly. After the meeting I spoke to the Friends of the house where it +was held (the hostess lying then dead in the house,) and then some +Friends conducted me to another Friend’s at a little distance; where, +after we had refreshed ourselves, I took horse, having about twenty +miles to ride that afternoon to one —— Fry’s house in WILTSHIRE, where a +meeting was appointed for the next day. + +After we were gone, the officers and soldiers came in a great heat, and +when they found they were too late, and had missed their prey, they were +much enraged; and the officers were offended with the soldiers, because +they had not seized my horse in the stable the first time they came. But +the Lord, by his good providence, delivered me, and prevented their +mischievous design. For the officers were envious men, and had an evil +mind against Friends; but the Lord brought his judgments upon them, so +that it was taken notice of by their neighbours. For “whereas before +they were wealthy men, after this their estates wasted away; and John +Line, the constable, who was not only very forward in putting on the +soldiers to take Friends, but also carried those that were taken to +prison, and took a false oath against them at the assize, upon which +they were fined and continued prisoners, was a sad spectacle to behold. +For his flesh rotting away while he lived, he died in a very miserable +condition, wishing he had never meddled with the Quakers, and confessing +that he had never prospered since he had had a hand in persecuting them; +and that he thought the hand of the Lord was against him for it.” + +At —— Fry’s in Wiltshire, we had a very blessed meeting, and quiet, +though the officers had purposed to break it up, and were on their way +in order thereunto. But before they got to it, word was brought them, +that there was a house just broken up by thieves, and they were required +to go back again with speed, to search after and pursue them; by which +means, our meeting escaped disturbance, and we were preserved out of +their hands. + +We passed through Wiltshire into DORSETSHIRE, having large and good +meetings. The Lord’s everlasting power was with us, and carried us over +all; in which we sounded forth his saving truth and word of life, which +many gladly received. Thus we visited Friends, till we came to TOPSHAM +in DEVONSHIRE, travelling some weeks eight or nine score miles a week, +and had meetings every day. At Topsham we met with Margaret Fell and two +of her daughters, Sarah and Mary, and with Leonard Fell and Thomas +Salthouse.[1] Thence we passed to TOTNESS, where we visited some +Friends, then to KINGSBRIDGE, and to Henry Pollexfen’s, who had been an +ancient justice of peace. There we had a large meeting. This old Justice +accompanied us to PLYMOUTH, and into CORNWALL to Justice Porter’s, and +thence to Thomas Mount’s, where we had another large meeting. After +which we went to Humphrey Lower’s, where also we had a large meeting, +and thence to Loveday Hambley’s, where we had a general meeting for the +whole country; and all was quiet. + +A little before this, Joseph Hellen and G. Bewley, had been at Loo to +visit Blanch Pope, a Ranting woman, under pretence to convince and +convert her; but before they left her, she had so darkened them with her +principles, that they seemed to be like her disciples, especially Joseph +Hellen; for she had asked them, “who made the devil; did not God?” This +idle question so puzzled them, that they could not answer her. They +afterwards asked me that question. I told them, no; for all that God +made was good and was blessed; so was not the devil. He was called a +serpent before he was called a devil and an adversary, and then he had +the title of devil given to him. Afterwards he was called a dragon, +because he was a destroyer. The devil abode not in the truth, and by +departing from the truth, he became a devil. So the Jews, when they went +out of the truth, were said to be of the devil, and were called +serpents. Now there is no promise of God to the devil, that ever he +shall return to truth again; but to man and woman, who have been +deceived by him, the promise of God is, that “the Seed of the woman +shall bruise the serpent’s head,”—shall break his power and strength to +pieces. Now when these things were opened more at large to the +satisfaction of Friends, those two who had yielded to the spirit of that +ranting woman, were judged by the truth; and one of them, Joseph Hellen, +ran quite out, and was disowned by Friends; but George Bewley was +recovered, and afterwards became serviceable. + +We passed from Loveday Hambley’s to Francis Hodges’s, near FALMOUTH and +PENRYN, where we had a large meeting. Thence we went to HELSTONE that +night, where some Friends came to visit us; and next day passed to +Thomas Teage’s, where we had another large meeting, at which many were +convinced. I was led to open “the state of the church in the primitive +times, the state of the church in the wilderness, and the state of the +false church that was got up since, and to show that now the everlasting +gospel was preached again over the head of the whore, beast, false +prophets, and antichrists, which had got up since the apostles’ days; +and now the everlasting gospel was received and receiving, which brought +life and immortality to light, that they might see over the devil that +had darkened them.” The people received the gospel and the word of life +gladly, and a glorious blessed meeting we had for the exalting of the +Lord’s everlasting truth and his name. After the meeting was over I +walked out, and as I was coming in again I heard a noise in the court, +and coming nearer, I found the man of the house speaking to the tinners +and others, and telling them, “it was the everlasting truth that had +been declared there that day;” and the people generally confessed to it. + +From thence we passed to the LAND’S END, to John Ellis’s, where we had a +precious meeting. Here was a fisherman, one Nicholas Jose, that was +convinced. He spoke in meetings, and declared the truth amongst the +people, and the Lord’s power was over all. I was glad that the Lord had +raised up his standard in those dark parts of the nation, where there is +since a fine meeting of honest-hearted Friends; many are come to sit +under Christ’s teaching; and a great people the Lord will have in that +country. + +Thence we returned to REDRUTH, and next day to TRURO, where we had a +meeting. Next morning, some of the chief of the town desired to speak +with me, amongst whom was Colonel Rouse. I went and had much discourse +with them concerning the things of God. In their reasoning, they said, +“the gospel was the four books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John;” and +they called it natural. I told them, “the gospel was the power of God, +which was preached before Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, or any of them +were printed or written; and it was preached to every creature (of which +a great part might never see or hear of those four books,) so that every +creature was to obey the power of God; for Christ, the spiritual man, +would judge the world according to the gospel, that is, according to his +invisible power.” When they heard this, they could not gainsay; for the +truth came over them. I directed them to their teacher, the Grace of +God, and showed them the sufficiency of it, which would teach them how +to live, and what to deny; and being obeyed, would bring them salvation. +So to that grace I recommended them, and left them. + +Then we returned through the country, visiting Friends, and had meetings +at Humphrey Lower’s again, and at Thomas Mount’s. Afterwards at George +Hawkins’s, at STOKE, we had a large meeting, to which Friends came from +Launceston and several other places. A living, precious meeting it was, +in which the Lord’s presence and power was richly manifested amongst us; +and I left Friends there under the Lord Jesus Christ’s teaching. + +In Cornwall I was informed there was one Colonel Robinson, a very wicked +man, who, after the king came in, was made a justice of peace, and +became a cruel persecutor of Friends, of whom he sent many to prison. +Hearing that they had some little liberty, through the favour of the +jailer, to come home sometimes to visit their wives and children, he +made great complaint thereof to the judge at the assize against the +jailer; whereupon the jailer was fined a hundred marks, and Friends were +kept very strictly up for a while. After he was come home from the +assize, he sent to a neighbouring justice, to desire him to go to a +fanatic-hunting with him. On the day that he intended, and was prepared +to go, he sent his man about with his horses, and walked himself on foot +from his dwelling-house to a tenement, where his cows and dairy were +kept, and where his servants were then milking. When he came there he +asked for his bull. The maid-servants said, they had shut him into the +field, because he was unruly against the kine, and hindered their +milking. Then he went into the field to the bull, and having formerly +accustomed himself to play with him, he began to fence at him with his +staff. But the bull snuffed at him, and passed a little back; then +turning upon him again, ran fiercely at him and struck his horn into his +thigh, and heaving him upon his horn, threw him over his back, and tore +up his thigh to his belly. When he came to the ground again he gored him +with his horns, run them into the ground in his rage and violence, +roared, and licked up his master’s blood. The maid-servant, hearing her +master cry out, ran into the field, and took the bull by the horns to +pull him off from her master. The bull, without hurting her, put her +gently by with his horns, but still fell to goring him and licking up +his blood. Then she ran and got some men, that were at work not far off, +to come and rescue her master; but they could not at all beat off the +bull, till they brought mastiff dogs to set on him; and then he fled in +great rage and fury. Upon hearing of it his sister came, and said to +him, “Alack! brother, what a heavy judgment is this that has befallen +you!” He answered, “Ah! sister, it is a heavy judgment indeed. Pray let +the bull be killed, and the flesh given to the poor,” said he. They +carried him home, but he died soon after. The bull was grown so fierce +that they were forced to shoot him; for no man durst come near to kill +him. Thus does the Lord sometimes make some examples of his just +judgment upon the persecutors of his people, that others may fear, and +learn to beware. + +After I had cleared myself of Cornwall, and Thomas Lower had brought us +over Horsebridge into DEVONSHIRE again, we took our leave of him. Thomas +Briggs, Robert Widders, and I, came to TIVERTON; and it being their +fair, and many Friends there, we had a meeting amongst them. The +magistrates gathered in the street, but the Lord’s power stopped them. I +saw them in the street over against the door, but they had not power to +come in to meddle with us, though they had will enough to do it. + +After the meeting we passed to COLLUMPTON and WELLINGTON, for we had +appointed a meeting five miles off, where we had a large one at a +butcher’s house, and a blessed meeting it was. The people were directed +to their Teacher, the Grace of God, which would bring them salvation, +and many were settled under its teaching. The Lord’s presence was +amongst us, and we were refreshed in him, in whom we laboured and +travailed; and the meeting was quiet. There had been very great +persecution in that country and town a little before, insomuch that some +Friends questioned the peaceableness of our meeting; but the Lord’s +power chained all, and his glory shone over all. Friends told us how +they had broken up their meetings by warrants from the justices, and how +by their warrants they were required to carry Friends before the +justices; and Friends bid them “carry them then.” The officers told +Friends, “they must go:” but Friends said, nay; that was not according +to their warrants, which required them to carry them. Then they were +forced to hire carts, and waggons, and horses, and to lift Friends into +their waggons and carts, to carry them before a justice. When they came +to a justice’s house, sometimes he happened to be from home, and if he +were a moderate man, he would get out of the way, and then they were +obliged to carry them before another, so that they were many days +carting and carrying friends up and down from place to place. And when +afterwards the officers came to lay their charges for this upon the +town, the town’s-people would not pay it, but made them bear it +themselves; which broke the neck of their persecution there for that +time. The like was done in several other places, till the officers had +shamed and tired themselves, and then they were glad to give over. + +At one place they warned Friends to come to the steeple-house. Friends +met to consider of it, and finding freedom to go to the steeple-house, +they met together there. Accordingly when they came thither, they sat +down to wait upon the Lord in his power and Spirit, and minded the Lord +Jesus Christ, their Teacher and Saviour; but did not mind the priest. +When the officers saw that, they came to them to put them out of the +steeple-house again; but the Friends told them, it was not time for them +to break up their meeting yet. A while after, when the priest had done, +they came to the Friends again, and would have had them go home to +dinner; but the Friends told them, they did not choose to go to dinner, +they were feeding upon the bread of life. So there they sat, waiting +upon the Lord, and enjoying his power and presence, till they found +freedom in themselves to depart. Thus the priest’s people were offended, +because they could not get them to the steeple-house: and when there, +they were offended, because they could not get them out again. + +From the meeting near Collumpton we went to TAUNTON, where we had a +large meeting. The next day we came to a general meeting in +Somersetshire, which was very large; and the Lord’s everlasting word of +life and truth was largely declared. The people were refreshed thereby, +and settled upon Christ, their Rock and Foundation, and brought to sit +under his teaching; the meeting was peaceable. But about the second hour +of the night there came a company of men who knocked at the door, and +bid us open it, or they would break it open; for they wanted a man that +they came to search the house for. I heard the noise, and got up, and at +the window saw a man at the door with his sword by his side. When they +had let him in, he came into the chamber where I was, and looked on me, +and said, “You are not the man I look for:” and went his way. + +We came thence to STREET, and to William Beaton’s, at PUDDIMORE, where +we had a very large general meeting, wherein the Lord’s everlasting +truth was declared, the people refreshed, and all quiet. Thence we went +to John Dander’s, where we had another large and very precious meeting; +and then passed on to BRISTOL, where we had good service for the Lord, +and all quiet. Here we met with Margaret Fell and her daughters again. +After some time we went to SLAUGHTERFORD in WILTSHIRE, where was a very +large meeting in a great barn. Good service we had there: for the truth, +as it is in Jesus, was published amongst them, and many were gathered by +it into the name of the Lord. + +After this I passed into GLOUCESTERSHIRE and HEREFORDSHIRE, having large +meetings in each. In HEREFORD I had a meeting in the inn. When I was +gone, the magistrates, hearing there had been a meeting, came to search +the inn for me, and were vexed that they had missed me. But the Lord so +ordered it, that I escaped their hands; and Friends were established +upon Christ, their Foundation, the Rock of Ages. + +Then I went into RADNORSHIRE, in WALES, and had several precious +meetings there. The Lord’s name and standard was set up, and many were +gathered to it, and settled under the teaching of Christ Jesus, their +Saviour, who bought them. + +After I was clear of Wales, I came to a market-town between England and +Wales, where there was a great fair that day; and several Friends being +at the fair, we went to an inn, and they came to us. After we had had a +fine opportunity with Friends, we parted from them, and went on our way. +The officers of the town took notice, it seems, of our being there, and +of Friends gathering to us. They began also to meet together to consult +among themselves how to ensnare us, though it was the fair time; but +before they could do anything we were gone on our journey, and so +escaped them. + +Thence we came into SHROPSHIRE, where we had a large and precious +meeting. After many meetings in those parts we came into WARWICKSHIRE, +and visited Friends there, and so into DERBYSHIRE and STAFFORDSHIRE, +visiting Friends’ meetings as we went. At WHITEHAUGH we had a large, +blessed meeting, and quiet; after which we rode about twenty miles that +night to Captain Lingard’s. We heard afterwards that when we were gone, +the officers came to seize us, and were much disturbed that they missed +us; but the Lord disappointed them, and Friends were joyful in the Lord +that we escaped them. + +At Captain Lingard’s we had a blessed meeting, the Lord’s presence being +wonderfully amongst us. After this we passed through the PEAK-COUNTRY in +DERBYSHIRE, and went to SYNDERHILL-GREEN,[2] where we had a large +meeting. Here John Whitehead[3] and several other Friends came to me. +Then I passed through the country, visiting Friends, till I come to the +farther end of HOLDERNESS, and so passed by SCARBRO’, WHITBY, and +MALTON, to YORK, having many meetings in the way; and the Lord’s +everlasting power was over all. + +We went from York to BOROUGHBRIDGE, where I had a glorious meeting. +Thence we passed into Durham to one Richmond’s, where there was a +general meeting; and the Lord’s power was over all, though people were +grown exceedingly rude about this time. After the meeting we went to +Henry Draper’s, where we stayed all night. Next morning a Friend came to +me, as I was passing away, and told me, “if the priests and justices +(for many priests were made justices in that country at that time) could +find me, they would destroy me.” + +Being clear of Durham, I went over STAINMOOR into YORKSHIRE, and to +SEDBERGH, where having visited Friends, I went into WESTMORLAND, +visiting Friends there also. Thence I passed into LANCASHIRE and came to +SWARTHMORE. Here I stayed but a little while before I went over the +Sands to ARNSIDE, where I had a general meeting. After it was ended, +there came some men to break it up; but understanding before they +arrived that the meeting was over, they turned back. I went to Robert +Widders’s, and thence to UNDERBARROW, where I had a glorious meeting, +and the Lord’s power was over all. Thence I passed to GRAYRIGG, and +having visited Friends there, I went to Ann Audland’s, where they would +have had me to stay their meeting next day; but I felt a stop in my +spirit. It was upon me to go to John Blakelin’s in SEDBERGH, and to be +next day at the meeting there; which is large, and a precious people +there is. We had a very good meeting next day at Sedbergh; but the +constables went to the meeting at Ann Audland’s, to look for me. Thus by +the good hand and disposing Providence of the Lord, I escaped their +snare. + +I went from John Blakelin’s with Leonard Fell to STRICKLAND HEAD, where +on First-day we had a very precious meeting on the common. That night we +stayed amongst Friends there, and next day passed into NORTHUMBERLAND. +After the justices had heard of this meeting at Strickland-Head, they +made search for me; but by the good hand of the Lord, I escaped them +again, though there were some very wicked justices. We went to Hugh +Hutchinson’s house in NORTHUMBERLAND, a Friend in the ministry, whence +we visited Friends thereabouts, and then went to DERWENTWATER, where we +had a very glorious meeting. There came an ancient woman to me, and told +me her husband remembered his love to me; she said, I might call him to +mind by this token, that I used to call him “the Tall White Old Man.” +She said, he was six score and two years old, and that he would have +come to the meeting, but his horses were all employed upon some urgent +occasion. I heard he lived some years after. + +When I had visited Friends in those parts, and they were settled upon +Christ, their Foundation, I passed through NORTHUMBERLAND, and came to +old Thomas Bewley’s in CUMBERLAND. Friends came about me, and asked, +“would I come there to go into prison?” For there was great persecution +in that country at that time; yet I had a general meeting at Thomas +Bewley’s, which was large and precious, and the Lord’s power was over +all. + +One Musgrave was at that time deputy-governor of Carlisle. Passing along +the country, I came to a man’s house that had been convinced, whose name +was Fletcher; and he told me, “if Musgrave knew I was there, he would be +sure to send me to prison, he was such a severe man.” But I stayed not +there, only calling on the way to see this man; and then I went to +William Pearson’s, near WIGTON, where the meeting was, which was very +large and precious. Some Friends were then prisoners at Carlisle, whom I +visited by a letter, which Leonard Fell carried. From William Pearson’s +I visited Friends, till I came to PARDSHAW-CRAG, where we had a general +meeting, which was large; all was quiet and peaceable, and the glorious, +powerful presence of the everlasting God was with us. + +So eager were the magistrates about this time to stir up persecution in +those parts, that some offered five shillings, and some a noble a day, +to any that could apprehend the speakers amongst the Quakers; but it +being now the time of the quarter Sessions in that county, the men who +were so hired were gone to the sessions to get their wages, and so all +our meetings were at that time quiet. + +From Pardshaw-Crag we went into WESTMORLAND, calling on the way upon +Hugh Tickell[4], near KESWICK, and upon Thomas Laythes, where Friends +came to visit us; and we had a fine opportunity to be refreshed +together. We went that night to Francis Benson’s, in Westmorland, near +Justice Fleming’s house. This Justice Fleming was at that time in a +great rage against Friends, and me in particular; insomuch that in the +open sessions at Kendal just before, he had bid five pounds to any man +that should take me, as Francis Benson told me. And it seems, as I went +to this Friend’s house, I met one man coming from the sessions that had +this five pounds offered him to take me, and he knew me; for as I passed +by him, he said to his companion, that is George Fox; yet he had not +power to touch me, for the Lord’s power preserved me over them all. The +justices being so eager to have me, and I being so often near them, and +yet they missing me, tormented them the more. + +I went thence to James Taylor’s at CARTMEL, where I stayed First-day, +and had a precious meeting; and after it I came over the Sands to +SWARTHMORE. + +When I came there, they told me, Colonel Kirby had sent his lieutenant +thither to take me, and that he had searched trunks and chests for me. +That night as I was in bed, I was moved of the Lord to go next day to +KIRBY-HALL, which was Colonel Kirby’s house, about five miles off, to +speak with him, and I did so. When I came thither, I found the Flemings, +and several others of the gentry (so called) of the country, come to +take their leave of Colonel Kirby, he being about to go up to London to +the parliament. I was shown into the parlour amongst them; but Colonel +Kirby was not then within, being gone out; so they said little to me, +nor I much to them. But presently he came in, and I told him, that +understanding he was desirous to see me, “I came to visit him, to know +what he had to say to me, and whether he had anything against me.” He +said, before all the company, “As he was a gentleman, he had nothing +against me. But,” said he, “Mistress Fell must not keep great meetings +at her house, for they meet contrary to the act.” I told him, “that act +did not take hold on us, but on such as met to plot and contrive, and to +raise insurrections against the king, whereas we were no such people; +for he knew that they that met at Margaret Fell’s house were his +neighbours, and a peaceable people.” After many words had passed, he +shook me by the hand, and said again, “he had nothing against me;” and +others of them said, I was a deserving man. So we parted, and I returned +to SWARTHMORE. + +Shortly after, when Colonel Kirby was gone to London, there was a +private meeting of the justices and deputy-lieutenants at Holker-Hall, +where Justice Preston lived; and there they granted a warrant to +apprehend me. I heard over-night both of their meeting and of the +warrant, and so could have escaped out of their reach if I would; for I +had not appointed any meeting at that time, and I had cleared myself of +the north, and the Lord’s power was over all. But I considered, there +being a noise of a plot in the north, if I should go away, they might +fall upon Friends; but if I gave up myself to be taken, it might stop +them, and the Friends should escape the better. So I gave up to be +taken, and prepared myself against they came. + +Next day an officer came with sword and pistols to take me. I told him, +“I knew his errand before, and had given up myself to be taken; for if I +would have escaped their imprisonment, I could have gone forty miles off +before he came; but I was an innocent man, and so cared not what they +could do to me.” He asked me “How I heard of it, seeing the order was +made privately in a parlour.” I said it was no matter, it was sufficient +that I heard of it. I asked him to let me see his order; whereupon he +laid his hand on his sword, and said, “I must go with him before the +lieutenants, to answer such questions as they should propose to me.” I +told him it was but civil and reasonable for him to let me see his +order; but he would not. Then said I, I am ready. So I went along with +them, and Margaret Fell accompanied us to HOLKER-HALL. + +When we came thither, there was one Rawlinson, a justice, and one called +Sir George Middleton, and many more that I did not know, besides old +Justice Preston who lived there. They brought Thomas Atkinson, a Friend +of Cartmel, as a witness against me, for some words which he had told to +one Knipe, who had informed them; which words were, “that I had written +against the plotters, and had knocked them down.” These words they could +not make much of, for I told them I had heard of a plot, and had written +against it. Old Preston asked me, whether I had a hand in that script? I +asked him what he meant? He said, in the Battledore. I answered, Yes. +Then he asked me, whether I understood languages. I said, sufficient for +myself; and that I knew no law that was transgressed by it. I told them +also, that “to understand outward languages, was no matter of salvation; +for the many tongues began but at the confusion of Babel; and if I did +understand anything of them, I judged and knocked them down again for +any matter of salvation that was in them.” Thereupon he turned away, and +said, “George Fox knocks down all the languages. Come,” said he, “we +will examine you of higher matters.” + +Then said George Middleton, “You deny God, and the church, and the +faith.” I replied, “Nay, I own God, and the true church, and the true +faith. But what church dost thou own?” said I (for I understood he was a +Papist.) Then he turned again and said, “You are a rebel and a traitor.” +I asked him to whom he spoke, or whom did he call rebel: he was so full +of envy that for a while he could not speak, but at last he said, “he +spoke it to me.” With that I struck my hand on the table, and told him, +“I had suffered more than twenty such as he, or than any that was there; +for I had been cast into Derby dungeon for six months together, and had +suffered much because I would not take up arms against this king before +Worcester fight. I had been sent up prisoner out of my own country by +Colonel Hacker to Oliver Cromwell, as a plotter to bring in King Charles +in the year 1654; and I had nothing but love and goodwill to the king, +and desired the eternal good and welfare of him and all his subjects.” +“Did you ever hear the like,” said Middleton. “Nay,” said I, “ye may +hear it again if ye will. For ye talk of the king, a company of you, but +where were ye in Oliver’s days, and what did ye do then for him? But I +have more love to the king for his eternal good and welfare than any of +you have.” + +Then they asked me, “whether I had heard of the plot?” and I said, “yes, +I had heard of it.” They asked me how I had heard of it, and whom I knew +in it? I told them, I had heard of it through the high-sheriff of +Yorkshire, who had told Dr. Hodgson that there was a plot in the north; +that was the way I heard of it; but I had never heard of any such thing +in the south, nor till I came into the north. And as for knowing any in +the plot, I was as a child in that, for I knew none of them. Then said +they, “why would you write against it, if you did not know some that +were in it.” I said, “my reason was because you are so forward to mash +the innocent and guilty together, therefore I wrote against it to clear +the truth from such things, and to stop all forward, foolish spirits +from running into such things. I sent copies of it into Westmorland, +Cumberland, Durham, and Yorkshire, and to you here. I sent another copy +of it to the King and his council, and it is likely it may be in print +by this time.” One of them said, “O, this man hath great power!” I said, +“yes, I had power to write against plotters.” Then said one of them, +“you are against the laws of the land.” I answered, “Nay, for I and my +Friends direct all people to the Spirit of God in them, to mortify the +deeds of the flesh. This brings them into well-doing, and from that +which the magistrate’s sword is against, which eases the magistrates, +who are for the punishment of evil-doers. So people being turned to the +Spirit of God, which brings them to mortify the deeds of the flesh,—this +brings them from under the occasion of the magistrate’s sword; and this +must needs be one with magistracy, and one with the law, which was added +because of transgression, and is for the praise of them that do well. In +this we establish the law, are an ease to the magistrates, and are not +against, but stand for, all good government.” + +Then George Middleton cried, “Bring the book and put the oaths of +allegiance and supremacy to him.” Now he himself being a Papist, I asked +him, “whether he had taken the oath of supremacy, who was a swearer? As +for us, we could not swear at all, because Christ and the apostle had +forbidden it.” Some of them would not have had the oath put to me, but +have set me at liberty. But the rest would not agree to that; for this +was their last snare, and they had no other way to get me into prison, +all other things had been cleared to them. This was like the Papist’s +sacrament of the altar, by which they ensnared the martyrs. So they +tendered me the oath, which I could not take; whereupon they were about +to make my mittimus to send me to Lancaster jail; but considering of it, +they only engaged me to appear at the sessions, and so for that time +dismissed me. I went back with Margaret Fell to Swarthmore; and soon +after Colonel West came to see me, who was at that time a justice of +peace. He told us, “he acquainted some of the rest of the justices, that +he would come over to see me and Margaret Fell; but it may be,” said he, +“some of you will take offence at it.” I asked him, “What he thought +they would do with me at the sessions;” and he said, “they would tender +the oath to me again.” + +Whilst I was at Swarthmore, William Kirby came into Swarthmore meeting, +and brought the constables with him. I was sitting with Friends in the +meeting, and he said to me, “How now, Mr. Fox! you have a fine company +here.” “Yes,” said I, “we meet to wait upon the Lord.” So he began to +take the names of Friends, and them that did not readily tell him their +names, he committed to the constables’ hands, and sent some to prison. +The constables were unwilling to take them without a warrant, whereupon +he threatened to set them by the heels; but one of the constables told +him, “he could keep them in his presence, but after he was gone, he +could not keep them without a warrant.” + +The sessions coming on, I went to LANCASTER, and appeared according to +my engagement. There was upon the bench Justice Fleming, who had bid +five pounds in Westmorland to any man that would apprehend me; for he +was a justice both in Westmorland and Lancashire. There were also +Justice Spencer, Colonel West, and old Justice Rawlinson the lawyer, who +gave the charge, and was very sharp against truth and Friends; but the +Lord’s power stopped them. The session was large, and the concourse of +people great; and way being made for me, I came up to the bar and stood +there with my hat on, they looking earnestly upon me, and I upon them +for a pretty space. Proclamation being made for all to keep silence upon +pain of imprisonment, and all being quiet, I said twice, “Peace be among +you.” The chairman asked, “If I knew where I was;” I said, “yes, I do, +but it may be,” said I, “my hat offends you; that is a low thing, that +is not the honour that I give to magistrates; for the true honour is +from above; which I have received, and I hope it is not the hat which ye +look upon to be the honour.” The chairman said, “they looked for the hat +too,” and asked, “wherein I showed my respect to magistrates, if I did +not put off my hat?” I replied, “In coming when they called me.” Then +they bid one, “take off my hat.” After which it was some time before +they spoke to me, and I felt the power of the Lord to arise. + +After some pause, old Justice Rawlinson, the chairman, asked me, “if I +knew of the plot?” I told him, “I had heard of it in Yorkshire, by a +Friend, that had it from the high-sheriff.” Then they asked me, “whether +I had declared it to the magistrates.” I said, “I had sent papers abroad +against plots and plotters, and also to you, as soon as I came into the +country, to take all jealousies out of your minds concerning me and my +friends; for it was and is our principle to declare against such +things.“ They asked me then, “if I knew not of an act against meetings.” +I said, “I knew there was an act that took hold of such as met to the +terrifying of the king’s subjects, and were enemies to the king, and +held dangerous principles; but I hoped, they did not look upon us to be +such men, for our meetings were not to terrify the king’s subjects, +neither are we enemies to him or any man.” Then they tendered me the +oaths of allegiance and supremacy. I told them “I could not take any +oath at all, because Christ and his apostle had forbidden it; and they +had had sufficient experience of swearers, first one way, then another; +but I had never taken any oath in my life.” Then Rawlinson the lawyer +asked me, “whether I held it was unlawful to swear?” This question he +put on purpose to ensnare me; for by an act that was made, such were +liable to banishment or a great fine that should say, it was “unlawful +to swear.” But I seeing the snare, avoided it, and told him, “that in +the time of the law amongst the Jews, before Christ came, the law +commanded them to swear; but Christ, who doth fulfill the law in his +gospel time, commands ‘not to swear at all;’ and the apostle James +forbids swearing, even to them that were Jews, and had the law of God.” +After much discourse they called for the jailer and committed me to +prison. + +I had about me the paper which I had written as a testimony against +plots, which I desired they would read, or suffer to be read, in open +court; but they would not. So being committed for refusing to swear, “I +bid them and all the people take notice, that I suffered for the +doctrine of Christ, and for my obedience to his command.” Afterwards I +understood the justices said, they had private instructions from Colonel +Kirby to prosecute me, notwithstanding his fair carriage and seeming +kindness to me before, when he declared before many of them “that he had +nothing against me.” Several other Friends were committed to prison, +some for meeting to worship God, and some for not swearing; so that the +prison was very full. Many of them being poor men, that had nothing to +maintain their families by but their labour, which now they were taken +from, several of their wives went to the justices who had committed +their husbands, and told them, “if they kept their husbands in jail for +nothing but the truth of Christ, and for good conscience’ sake, they +would bring their children to them to be maintained.” A mighty power of +the Lord rose in Friends, and gave them great boldness, so that they +spoke much to the justices. Friends also that were prisoners wrote to +the justices, laying the weight of their sufferings upon them, and +showing them both their injustice and want of compassion towards their +poor neighbours, whom they knew to be honest, conscientious, peaceable +people, that in tenderness of conscience could not take any oath; yet +they sent them to prison for refusing to take the oath of allegiance. +Several who were imprisoned on that account were known to be men that +had served the king in his wars, and had hazarded their lives in the +field in his cause, and had suffered great hardships, with the loss of +much blood for him, and had always stood faithful to him from first till +last, and had never received any pay for their service. To be thus +requited for all their faithful services and sufferings, and that by +them that pretended to be the king’s friends, was hard, unkind, and +ungrateful dealing. At length the justices being continually attended +with complaints of grievances, released some of the Friends, but kept +divers of them still in prison. + +Amongst those that were then in prison, there were four Friends for +tithes, who had been sent at the suit of the Countess of Derby, and had +lain near two years and a half. One of these, Oliver Atherton, a man of +a weakly constitution, was, through his long and hard imprisonment in a +cold, raw, unwholesome place, brought so low and weak in his body, that +there appeared no hope of his life, unless he might be removed. +Wherefore a letter was written on his behalf to the Countess, and sent +by his son, Godfrey Atherton, wherein were laid before her “the reasons +why he and the rest could not pay tithes; because, if they did, they +should deny Christ come in the flesh, who by his coming had put an end +to tithes, and to the priesthood to which they had been given, and to +the commandment by which they had been paid under the law. His weak +condition of body was also laid before her, and the apparent likelihood +of his death if she continued to hold him there; that she might be moved +to pity and compassion, and also warned not to draw the guilt of his +innocent blood upon herself.” When his son went to her with his father’s +letter, a servant of her’s abused him, plucked off his cap, and threw it +away, and put him out of the gate. Nevertheless the letter was delivered +into her own hand, but she shut out all pity and tenderness, and +continued him in prison till death. When his son returned to his father +in prison, and told him, as he lay on his dying bed, that the Countess +denied his liberty, he only said, “She hath been the cause of shedding +much blood, but this will be the heaviest blood that ever she spilt;” +and soon after he died. Friends having his body delivered to them to +bury, as they carried it from the prison to Ormskirk, the parish wherein +he had lived, they stuck up papers upon the crosses at Garstang, +Preston, and other towns, through which they passed, with this +inscription:—“_This is Oliver Atherton, of Ormskirk parish, persecuted +to death by the Countess of Derby for good conscience’ sake towards God +and Christ, because he could not give her tithes_,” &c., setting forth +at large the reasons of his refusing to pay tithes, the length of his +imprisonment, the hardships he had undergone, her hard-heartedness +towards him, and the manner of his death. + +After his death, Richard Cubban, another of her prisoners for tithes, +wrote a large letter to her, on behalf of himself and his +fellow-prisoners at her suit, laying their innocency before her; and +“that it was not out of wilfulness, stubbornness, or covetousness, that +they refused to pay her tithes, but purely in good conscience towards +God and Christ; and letting her know that, if she should be suffered to +keep them there till every one died, as she had done their +fellow-sufferer Oliver Atherton, they could not yield to pay her. And +therefore desired her to consider their case in a Christian spirit, and +not bring their blood upon herself also.” But she would not show any +pity or compassion towards them, who had now suffered hard imprisonment +about two years and a half under her. Instead thereof she sent to +Garstang, and threatened to complain to the king and council, and bring +them into trouble, for suffering the paper concerning Oliver Atherton’s +death, to be stuck upon their cross. The rage that she expressed made +the people take the more notice of it, and some of them said, “the +Quakers had given her a bone to pick.” But she, that regarded not the +life of an innocent sufferer for Christ, lived not long after herself; +for that day three weeks that Oliver Atherton’s body was carried through +Ormskirk to be buried, she died; and her body was carried that day seven +weeks through the same town to her burying-place. Thus the Lord pursued +the hard-hearted persecutor. + +I was kept till the assize; and Judge Turner and Judge Twisden coming +that circuit, I was brought before Judge Twisden on the 14th day of the +month called March, in the year 1663. When I was set to the bar, I said, +“Peace be amongst you all.” The judge looked upon me, and said, “What! +do you come into the court with your hat on?” Upon which, the jailer +taking it off, I said, “The hat is not the honour that comes from God.” +Then said the judge to me, “Will you take the oath of allegiance, George +Fox?” I said, “I never took any oath in my life, nor any covenant or +engagement.” “Well,” said he, “will you swear or not?” I answered, “I am +a Christian, and Christ commands me ‘not to swear,’ and so does the +apostle James, and whether I should obey God or man, do thou judge.” “I +ask you again,” said he, “whether you will swear or not?” I answered +again, “I am neither Turk, Jew, nor heathen, but a Christian, and should +show forth Christianity.” And I asked him, “if he did not know that +Christians in the primitive times, under the ten persecutions, and some +also of the martyrs in Queen Mary’s days, refused swearing, because +Christ and the apostle had forbidden it?” I told him also, “they had had +experience enough, how many men had first sworn for the king and then +against him. But as for me, I had never taken an oath in my life; and my +allegiance did not lie in swearing, but in truth and faithfulness; for I +honour all men, much more the king. But Christ, who is the great +Prophet, and King of kings, who is the Saviour of the world, and the +great Judge of all the earth, saith, ‘I must not swear.’ Now, whether +must I obey Christ or thee? For it is in tenderness of conscience, and +in obedience to the commands of Christ, that I do not swear; and we have +the word of a king for tender consciences.” Then I asked the judge, “if +he owned the king?” “Yes,” said he, “I do own the king.” “Why then,” +said I, “dost thou not observe his declaration from Breda, and his +promises made since he came into England, ‘that no man should be called +in question for matters of religion, so long as he lived peaceably?’ If +thou ownest the king, why dost thou call me into question, and put me +upon taking an oath, which is a matter of religion, seeing neither thou +nor any else can charge me with unpeaceable living?” + +Upon this he was moved, and looking angrily at me, said, “Sirrah, will +you swear?” I told him, “I was none of his sirrahs, I was a Christian; +and for him, an old man and a judge, to sit there and give nick-names to +prisoners, it did not become either his gray hairs or his office.” +“Well,” said he, “I am a Christian too.” “Then do Christian works,” said +I. “Sirrah!” said he, “thou thinkest to frighten me with thy words.” +Then catching himself, and looking aside, he said, “Hark! I am using the +word [sirrah] again;” and so checked himself. I said, “I spoke to thee +in love; for that language did not become thee, a judge. Thou oughtest +to instruct a prisoner in the law, if he were ignorant and out of the +way.” “And I speak in love to thee too,” said he. “But,” said I, “love +gives no nick-names.” Then he roused himself up, and said, “I will not +be afraid of thee, George Fox; thou speakest so loud, thy voice drowns +mine and the court’s; I must call for three or four criers to drown thy +voice: thou hast good lungs.” “I am a prisoner here,” said I, “for the +Lord Jesus Christ’s sake; for his sake do I suffer, for him do I stand +this day; and if my voice were five times louder, I should lift it up, +and sound it for Christ’s sake, for whose cause I stand this day before +your judgment-seat, in obedience to Christ, who commands not to swear; +before whose judgment-seat you must all be brought and must give an +account.” “Well,” said the judge, “George Fox, say, whether thou wilt +take the oath, yea or nay?” I replied, “I say, as I said before, whether +ought I to obey God or man, judge thou? If I could take any oath at all, +I should take this; for I do not deny some oaths only, or on some +occasions, but all oaths, according to Christ’s doctrine, who hath +commanded his followers not to swear at all. Now if thou or any of you, +or your ministers or priests here, will prove that ever Christ or his +apostles, after they had forbidden all swearing, commanded Christians to +swear, then I will swear.” I saw several priests there, but not one of +them offered to speak. “Then,” said the judge, “I am a servant to the +king, and the king sent me not to dispute with you, but to put the laws +in execution; therefore tender him the oath of allegiance.” “If thou +love the king,” said I, “why dost thou break his word, and not keep his +declarations and speeches, wherein he promised liberty to tender +consciences? I am a man of a tender conscience, and, in obedience to +Christ’s command, I cannot swear.” “Then you will not swear,” said the +judge; “take him away, jailer.” I said, “It is for Christ’s sake that I +cannot swear, and for obedience to his command I suffer, and so the Lord +forgive you all.” So the jailer took me away; but I felt the mighty +power of the Lord was over them all. + +The sixteenth day of the same month I was brought before Judge Twisden +again: he was somewhat offended at my hat; but it being the last morning +of the assize before he was to leave town, and not many people there, he +made the less of it. He asked me, “whether I would traverse, stand mute, +or submit.” But he spoke so fast that it was hard to know what he said. +However, I told him, “I desired I might have liberty to traverse the +indictment, and try it.” Then said he, “Take him away, I will have +nothing to do with him, take him away.” I said, “Well, live in the fear +of God, and do justice.” “Why,” said he, “have not I done you justice?” +I replied, “That which thou hast done has been against the command of +Christ.” So I was taken to the jail again, and kept prisoner till the +next assizes. + +Some time before this assize, Margaret Fell was sent prisoner to +Lancaster jail by Fleming, Kirby, and Preston, justices; and at the +assize the oath was tendered to her also, and she was again committed to +prison, to lie till the next assize. + +Now Justice Fleming being one of the fiercest and most violent justices +in persecuting Friends, and sending his honest neighbours to prison for +religion’s sake, and many Friends at this time being in Lancaster jail +committed by him, and some having died in prison, we that were then +prisoners had it upon us to write to him, as follows:— + + “O JUSTICE FLEMING! + + “Mercy, compassion, love, and kindness adorn and grace men and + magistrates. O! dost thou not hear the cry of the widows, and the cry + of the fatherless, who were made so through persecution! Were they not + driven, like sheep, from constable to constable, as though they had + been the greatest transgressors or malefactors in the land? Which + grieved and tendered the hearts of many sober people, to see how their + innocent neighbours and countrymen, who were of a peaceable carriage, + and honest in their lives and conversations amongst men, were used and + served! One more is dead whom thou sent to prison, having left five + children, both fatherless and motherless. How canst thou do otherwise + than take care of these fatherless infants, and also of the other’s + wife and family? Is it not thy place? Consider Job (c. xxix). He was a + father to the poor, he delivered the poor that cried, and the + fatherless that had none to help. He broke the jaws of the wicked, and + plucked the spoil out of his teeth. But oh! measure thy life and his, + and take heed of the day of God’s eternal judgment, which will come, + and the sentence and decree from Christ, when every man must give an + account, and receive a reward according to his deeds. Then it will be + said, ‘O, where are the months that are past!’ + + “Again, Justice Fleming, consider, when John Stubbs was before thee, + having a wife and four small children, and little to live on, but what + they honestly got by their own diligence, as soon as he appeared thou + criedst out, ‘Put the oath to that man.’ And when he confessed that he + was but a poor man, thou hadst no regard; but cast away pity, not + hearing what he would say. And now he is kept in prison, because he + could not swear, and break the command of Christ and the apostle; it + is to be hoped thou wilt take care for his family, that his children + do not starve; and see that they do not want bread. Can this be + allegiance to the king, to do that which Christ and his apostle say is + evil, and brings into condemnation? Would not you have cast Christ and + the apostle into prison, who commanded ‘not to swear,’ if they had + been in your days? + + “Consider also thy poor neighbour, William Wilson,[5] who was known to + all the parish and neighbours to be an industrious man, and careful to + maintain his wife and children; yet had little, but what he had got + with his hands in diligence and travels to supply himself. How should + his wife maintain her children, when thou hast cast her husband into + prison, and thereby made him incapable of working for them? Therefore + it may be expected, thou wilt have a care of his wife and children, + and see they do not want; for how should they live, having no other + way to be sustained, but by the little that he got? Surely the noise + of this is in the very markets, the death of thy two neighbours; and + the cry of the widows and fatherless is heard. All those fatherless + and widows are made so for righteousness’ sake. For might not John + Stubbs and William Wilson have had their liberty still, if they would + have sworn, though they had been such as go after mountebanks and + stage-plays, or run a hunting? + + “O! consider, for the Lord’s mind is otherwise; he is tender. And the + king hath declared his mind to be, that there should be no cruelty + inflicted upon his peaceable subjects. Besides, several poor, honest + people were fined, who had need to have something given them; and it + had been more honourable to have given them something, than to fine + them and send them to prison; some of whom live upon the charity of + other people. What honour or grace can it be to thee, to cast thy poor + neighbours into prison who are peaceable, seeing thou knowest these + people cannot do that which thou requirest of them, if it were to save + their lives, or all that they have? Because in tenderness they cannot + take any oath, thou makest that a snare to them. What, thinkest thou, + do the people say concerning this? ‘We know,’ say they, ‘the Quakers’ + principle, that keep to Yea and Nay; but we see others swear and + forswear.’ For many of you have sworn first one way and then another. + So we leave it to the Spirit of God in thy conscience, Justice + Fleming, who wast so eager for the taking of George Fox, and so + offended with them that had not taken him, and now hast fallen upon + thy poor neighbours. But, oh! where is thy pity for their poor, + fatherless children, and motherless infants? O, take heed of Herod’s + hard-heartedness, and casting away all pity! Esau did so, not Jacob. + + “Here is also Thomas Walters, of Bolton, cast into prison, and the + oath imposed on him through thee; and for denying to swear at all, in + obedience to Christ’s command, he is continued in prison; having five + small children, and his wife near confinement. Surely thou shouldst + take care for them also, and see that his wife and small children do + not want; who are as fatherless, and she as a widow, through thee. + Dost thou not hear in thy ears the cry of the fatherless, and the cry + of the widows, and the blood of the innocent speak, who through thee + have been persecuted to prison, and are now dead? O! heavy sentence at + the day of judgment! How wilt thou answer, when thou and thy works + come to be judged,—when thou shalt be brought before the judgment-seat + of the Almighty, who in thy prosperity hast made widows and fatherless + for righteousness’ sake, and for tenderness of conscience towards God? + The Lord knows and sees it! O man! consider in thy life-time, how thou + hast stained thyself with the blood of the innocent! When thou hadst + power, and might have done good amongst thy peaceable neighbours, and + would not, but used thy power not to a good intent, but contrary to + the Lord’s mind and to the king’s. The king’s favour, his mercy, and + clemency to sober people, and to tender consciences, have been + manifested by declarations and proclamations, which thou hast abused + and slighted by persecuting his peaceable subjects. For at London, and + in other parts, the Quakers’ meetings are peaceable; and if thou look + but as far as Yorkshire, where the plot hath been, Friends’ innocency + hath cleared itself in the hearts of sober justices; and for you here + to fall upon your peaceable neighbours and people, and to be rigorous + and violent against them that are tender, godly, and righteous, it is + no honour to you. How many drunkards and swearers, fighters, and such + as are subject to vice, have you caused to be brought before your + courts? It were more honourable for you to look after such; for the + law was not made for the righteous, but for sinners and transgressors. + Therefore, consider, and be humbled for these things; for the Lord may + do to thee as thou hast done to others; and thou dost not know how + soon there may be a cry in thy own family, as the cry is amongst thy + neighbours, of the fatherless and widows that are made so through + thee. But the Quakers can and do say, ‘the Lord forgive thee, and lay + not these things to thy charge, if it be his will.’”[6] + +Besides this, which went in the name of many, I sent him also a line +subscribed by myself only, and directed:— + + “_To Daniel Fleming._ + + “FRIEND, + + “Thou hast imprisoned the servants of the Lord, without the breach of + any law; therefore take heed what thou doest, for in the light of the + Lord God thou art seen, lest the hand of the Lord be turned against + thee!” + + G. F. + +It was not long after this ere Fleming’s wife died, and left him +thirteen or fourteen motherless children. + +When I was prisoner at Lancaster, there was prisoner also one Major +Wiggan, a Baptist preacher. He boasted much beforehand what he would say +at the assize, if the oath should be put to him; and that he would +refuse to swear. But when the assize came, and the oath was tendered +him, he desired time to consider of it; and that being granted him till +the next assize, he got leave to go to London before the assize came +again, and stayed there till the plague broke forth, and there both he +and his wife were cut off. He was a very wicked man, and the judgments +of God came upon him; for he had published a book against Friends, full +of lies and blasphemies; the occasion of which was this. Whilst he was +in Lancaster castle he challenged Friends to a dispute. Whereupon I got +leave of the jailer to go up to them; and entering into discourse with +him, he affirmed, “that some men never had the Spirit of God, and that +the true light, which enlighteneth every man that cometh into the world, +is natural.” For proof of his first assertion he instanced Balaam, +affirming, “that Balaam had not the Spirit of God.” I affirmed and +proved, “that Balaam had the Spirit of God, and that wicked men have the +Spirit of God; else how could they quench it, and vex it, and grieve it, +and resist the Holy Ghost, like the stiff-necked Jews?” To his second +assertion I answered, “that the true light, which enlighteneth every man +that cometh into the world, was the life in the Word, and that was +divine and eternal, and not natural; and he might as well say that the +Word was natural, as that the life in the Word was natural. And wicked +men were enlightened by this light, else how could they hate it? Now it +is expressly said, that they did hate it; and the reason given why they +hated it was, because ‘their deeds were evil;’ and they would not come +to it, because it reproved them; and that must needs be in them, that +reproved them. Besides, that light could not be the Scriptures of the +New Testament, for it was testified of before any part of the New +Testament was written; so it must be the divine light, which is the life +in Christ, the Word, before the Scriptures were. And the grace of God, +which brought salvation, had appeared unto all men, and taught the +saints; but they that turned it into wantonness, and walked despitefully +against the Spirit of Grace, were the wicked. Again, the Spirit of +Truth, the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which leads the disciples of +Christ into all truth, the same should reprove the world of sin, of +righteousness, of judgment, and of their unbelief. So the wicked world +had it to reprove them; and the true disciples and learners of Christ, +that believed in the light as Christ commands, had it to lead them. But +the world that did not believe in the light, though they were lighted; +but hated the light which they should have believed in, and loved the +darkness rather than it,—this world had a righteousness and a judgment, +which the Holy Ghost reproved them for, as well as for their unbelief.” +Having proved that the good and the bad were enlightened, that the grace +of God had appeared unto all, and that all had the Spirit of God, else +they could not vex and grieve it, I told Major Wiggan, the least babe +there might see him; and presently one Richard Cubban stood up, and +proved him an antichrist and a deceiver by Scripture. Then the jailer +had me away to my prison again. Afterwards Wiggan wrote a book of this +dispute, and put in abundance of abominable lies; but it was soon +answered in print, and himself not long after was cut off, as aforesaid. + +This Wiggan was poor, and while he was a prisoner at Lancaster, he sent +into the country, and got money gathered for relief of the poor people +of God in prison; and many people gave freely, thinking it had been for +us, when indeed it was for himself. But when we heard of it, we laid it +upon him, and wrote also into the country, that Friends might let the +people know the truth of the matter, that it was not our manner to have +collections made for us; and that those collections were only for Wiggan +and another, a drunken preacher of his society. + +After this it came upon me to write to the judges, and other +magistrates, concerning their “giving evil words and nick-names to such +as were brought before them;” which was after this manner:— + +“_To all you that be Judges, or other officers whatsoever, in the whole + world, who profess yourselves to be Christians._ + + “FRIENDS, + + “Herein and by reading the Scriptures, ye may see both your own words + and behaviour, and the words and practice of both Jews and Heathens, + and of the King of Kings, the great Lawgiver and Judge of the whole + world. First, for the words and carriage of the Jews, when such as + were worthy of death were brought before the rulers amongst them. When + Achan had taken the Babylonish garment, and the two hundred shekels of + silver, and the wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, and Joshua, who + was then judge of Israel, had by lot found him out, he did not say + unto him, Sirrah,[7] nor, you rascal, knave, rogue, as some, that are + called Christian magistrates, are too apt to do. But Joshua said unto + Achan, ‘My son’ (mark his clean language, his savoury expression and + gracious words), ‘My son,’ said he, ‘give, I pray thee, glory to the + Lord God of Israel, and make confession unto him, and tell me now what + thou hast done; hide it not from me.’ Then Achan confessed, that he + had sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and thus and thus he had + done. Then Joshua the judge said, ‘Why hast thou troubled Israel? The + Lord shall trouble thee this day.’ And they stoned him and his with + stones, and burnt his goods with fire. But there was no unsavoury word + given to him that we read of, though he was worthy of death. Josh. + vii. + + “So when the man that gathered sticks upon the Sabbath-day was taken + and brought before Moses, the judge of Israel, and put in ward until + the mind of the Lord was known concerning him, we read not of any + reviling language given him, but the Lord said to Moses, and Moses to + the people, ‘The man shall surely be put to death.’ Numb. xv. 35. + + “Likewise in the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, where Moses + called them to trial, he did not sirrah them or miscall them, but said + to Korah and the rest, ‘Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi,’ Numb. xvi. + 8. And when he gave the sentence against them, he said, ‘If these men + die the common death of all men,’ &c. He did not say, If these rascals + or knaves, as many that profess themselves Christians now do. + + “When Elihu spoke to Job, who was a judge, and to his friends, and + said, ‘Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me + give flattering titles unto man, for I know not to give flattering + titles: in so doing my Maker would soon take me away,’ Job xxxii. Job + did not say, ‘Sirrah, hold thy tongue,’ nor give him any unsavoury + expression. Then for the words of David and Solomon, and other kings + and officers, see in the books of the Kings and Chronicles the savoury + language that they gave to them that were brought before them; nay, + though Shimei cursed David the king, yet neither did David then, or + afterwards, nor Solomon, when he caused him to be put to death, give + him any reproachful language, or so much as call him sirrah; 2 Sam. + xvi. and 1 Kings ii. + + “Read the prophecies of Isaiah and Micah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the + rest of the prophets, who prophesied to several people, and against + rulers, kings, and magistrates; yet where can it be found, that they + had any bad language given them, as sirrah, or the like, by any ruler + either of the Jews or heathens? Nay, though Jeremiah was cast into + prison, and into the dungeon, yet there was no such word as sirrah, or + knave given to him. Jer. xxxvii. + + “Then for the words and carriage of the heathens: when Abraham was + brought before Abimelech, who was a king, he gave Abraham no unsavoury + expressions, Gen. xx. And when Isaac came before Abimelech, he gave + him no taunting language either, Gen. xxvi. When Joseph was cast into + prison, and that in Egypt, we do not read that he had any railing + language given him, Gen. xxxix. Neither did Pharaoh, when Moses and + Aaron appeared before him, give them bad language, as sirrah, knave, + or the like. + + “When Nebuchadnezzar sentenced the three children to the fiery + furnace, there was no such language given them as sirrah, knave, + rascal; but he called them by the names they were known by, Dan. iii. + And when Daniel was brought before Darius, and sentenced to be cast + into the lions’ den, he had no such names given him, as many give now, + who call those rulers heathens, but themselves Christians. + + “If ye look into the New Testament, in the parable of the wedding + supper, the king, that came to view his guests, did not say unto him + that was found without a wedding-garment, ‘Sirrah, how camest thou in + hither?’ but, ‘Friend, how camest thou in hither?’ &c., though he was + one that was to be bound hand and foot, and cast into outer darkness, + Matt. xxii. Nay, when Judas had betrayed his master Christ Jesus, the + Lord of life, and had sold him to the priests, Christ did not call him + sirrah, when he came to apprehend him, but friend: Matt. xxvi. 50. + Stephen in his examination, sentence, and death, had no such + reproachful word given him as sirrah, or knave, Acts vi. and vii. When + the apostles Peter and John were brought before the high priest and + rulers of the Jews, and commanded not to preach in the name of Jesus, + Acts iv., they were not called sirrah, or knaves, nor had they any + such ill names given them. And when Paul and Silas were cast into + prison by the magistrates, there was no such word given them in their + examination, nor in their sentence, Acts xvi. They called them men, + not rogues, sirrahs, or knaves. And when the magistrates had done + contrary to law, they feared. So ye may see how short of this example + many are, that call themselves Christian rulers, who are not afraid to + cast innocent people into prison, and give them ill names besides, + below both Jews and Heathens. + + “When the uproar was at Ephesus about Diana’s shrine, Demetrius, who + bore great sway among the craftsmen, did not call Paul sirrah, but + Paul, Acts xix. And when Paul was brought prisoner before the + high-priest Ananias, and the council of the Jews, and told them he had + lived in all good conscience towards God until that day, though they, + who professed the Scriptures but lived out of the life of them, could + not bear to hear of living in a good conscience, as professors of the + Scriptures now, that live not in the life, cannot bear to hear of + living in a good conscience now-a-days: but Ananias caused Paul to be + smitten on the mouth; yet he did not call him knave or sirrah, Acts + xxiii. The apostate Jews indeed, who, though they professed Scripture, + were out of the life thereof, and had rejected Christ, in accusing + Paul before the Roman magistrates, did once call him a ‘pestilent + fellow,’ Acts xxiv., as the accusing professors who live out of the + life will sometimes call us now. But Felix gave Paul no such language; + neither did Festus nor King Agrippa, in all their examinations of him, + give him any such words as sirrah, rascal, knave, or the like, but + heard him patiently. So now Christians may see through all the + Scriptures, that when any persons were brought before rulers, kings, + or magistrates, whether Jews or Heathens, they did not use to call + them evil names, as sirrah, rascal, knave, and the like; they had no + such fouled-mouthed language in their courts, nor did they use to say + to them, ‘Sirrah, put off your hat.’ Now, ye that profess + Christianity, and say the Scripture is your rule, may see, that more + corrupt words proceed out of your mouths, than either out of the Jews + or Heathens, if ye will try your practice by the Scriptures. And doth + not the apostle tell you, that no corrupt communication should proceed + out of your mouths, and that your words should be gracious? Now I + query, where and whence ye, that call yourselves Christians, have got + all these bad words and names, seeing neither God, nor Christ, nor the + prophets, nor the judges, nor kings, nor rulers, ever gave any such + names, so far as appears by Scripture, either amongst Heathens, Jews, + or Christians?” + + G.F. + +Before the next assizes, there was a quarter-sessions held at Lancaster +by the justices; to which though we were not brought, I put Friends upon +drawing up an account of their sufferings, and laying them before the +justices in their open sessions. For Friends had suffered deeply by +fines and distresses, the bailiffs and officers, making great havock and +spoil of their goods, but no redress was afforded. + +And because some evil-minded magistrates would tell us sometimes of the +late plot in the North, we gave forth the following paper to stop their +mouths, and to clear truth and Friends therefrom. + +_A Testimony from the people of God, whom the world calls Quakers, to + all magistrates and officers, of what sort soever, from the highest to + the lowest._ + + “We are peaceable, and seek the peace, good, and welfare of all, as in + our lives and peaceable conduct is manifested; and we desire the + eternal good and welfare of all, and their souls’ everlasting peace. + We are become heirs of the blessing before the curse was, and of the + power of God before the devil was, and before the fall of man. We are + heirs of the gospel of peace, which is the power of God; and we are + heirs of Christ, who have inherited him and his everlasting kingdom, + and do possess the power of an endless life. Knowing this our portion + and inheritance, this is to remove all jealousies out of your minds, + and out of the minds of all people concerning us, that all plots and + conspiracies, plotters and conspirators against the king, and all + aiders and assisters thereunto, we always did and do utterly deny to + be of us, or to be of the fellowship of the gospel of Christ’s + kingdom, or his servants. For Christ said, ‘his kingdom was not of + this world; if it were his servants would fight.’ And therefore he bid + Peter ‘put up his sword, for,’ said he, ‘he that taketh the sword, + shall perish with the sword.’ Here is the faith and patience of the + saints, to bear and suffer all things, knowing that vengeance is the + Lord’s, and he will repay it to them that hurt his people, and wrong + the innocent. Therefore we cannot avenge, but suffer for his name’s + sake. We know that the Lord will judge the world in righteousness, + according to their deeds, and that, when every one shall give an + account to him of the ‘deeds done in the body,’ then will the Lord + give every man according to his works, whether they be good or evil. + Christ said, he came not to ‘destroy men’s lives;’ and when his + disciples would have had ‘fire to come down from heaven,’ to consume + them that did not receive him, he told them, ‘they knew not what + spirit they were of,’ that would have men’s lives destroyed, and + therefore he rebuked them and told them, ‘that he came not to destroy + men’s lives, but to save them.’ We are of Christ’s mind, who is the + great Prophet, whom all ought to hear in all things, who saith to his, + ‘if they strike thee on one cheek, turn the other; and render to no + one evil for evil.’ This doctrine of his we have learned, and not only + confess him in words, but follow his doctrine; therefore we suffer all + manner of reproaches, scandals, slanders, spoiling of goods, + buffetings, whippings, stripes, and imprisonments, for these many + years; and can say, ‘the Lord forgive them that have thus served us, + and lay not these things to their charge.’ And we know that the Jews’ + outward sword, by which they cut down the Heathen outwardly, was a + type of the inward sword of the Spirit, which cuts down the inward + Heathen, the raging nature in people. The blood of bulls, lambs, rams, + and other offerings, and that priesthood which offered them, together + with other things in the law, were types of Christ, the one offering, + and of his blood, who is the everlasting priest and covenant, our life + and way to God, the great prophet and shepherd, the head of his + church, and the great bishop of our souls, whom we witness come; and + he doth oversee and keep his flock. For in Adam, in the fall, we know + the striving, quarrelling, unpeaceable spirits are in the enmity one + with another, and not in peace; but in Christ Jesus, the second Adam, + that never fell, is peace, rest and life. The doctrine of Christ, who + never sinned, is, to ‘love one another;’ and they who are in this + doctrine, hurt no man; in which we are, in Christ, who is our life. + + “Therefore it is well for you to distinguish between the precious and + the vile, between them that fear God and serve him, and them that do + not; and to make a difference between the innocent and the guilty, + between him that is holy and pure, and the ungodly and profane; for + they that do not so, bring troubles, burthens, and sorrows upon + themselves. This we write in love to your souls, that ye may consider + these things; for we cannot say that they who hate enemies and one + another, are of God, or in Christ’s doctrine, but are opposers of it. + And such as wrestle with flesh and blood, with carnal weapons, are + gone into the flesh, out of the Spirit. They are not in our fellowship + in the Spirit, in which is the bond of peace; neither are they of us, + nor have we unity with them in their fleshly state, and with their + carnal weapons. For our unity and fellowship stand in the gospel, + which is the power of God, before the devil was, the liar, and the + murderer, the man-slayer, and the envious. Christ’s mind and his + doctrine being to save men’s lives, we, who are of Christ’s mind, are + out of, and above these things. And our desire is, that in the fear of + the Lord, ye may all live, and receive God’s wisdom, by which all + things were created, that by it all may be ordered to his glory. + + “This is from them that love all your souls, and seek your eternal + good.” + +Being now a prisoner in Lancaster Castle, a deep sense came upon me of a +day of sore trial and exercise that was come and coming upon all who had +been in high profession of religion; and I was moved to give forth the +following paper as a warning to such:— + + “Now is the day that every one’s faith and love to God and Christ will + be tried; they who are redeemed out of the earth, and they who are in + the earth, will be manifested; and who is the master they serve, and + whether they will run to the mountains to cover them. Now will it + appear who are the stony ground, who are the thorny ground, and who + are the highway ground, in whom the fowls of the air take away the + seed, and the thorns and cares of the world choke, and the heat of + persecution scorches and burns up your green blade; for the day trieth + all things. Therefore let not such as forsake truth, for saving the + earth, say that your brother priest only ‘serveth not the Lord Jesus + Christ, but his own belly, and mindeth earthly things,’ for such + themselves also do the same, and hug and embrace self, and not the + Lord. Now it will be made manifest, who is every one’s God, Christ, + and Saviour, and their love will be manifest, whether it be of the + world, or of God; for if it be the love of the world, it is enmity, + and the enmity will manifest itself what it is; and the day will try + every spirit and his fruits. Therefore, my dear friends, in the + everlasting Seed of God live, that is over all the house of Adam and + his works in the fall; and so dwelling in the Seed, Christ, that never + fell, in him you all have virtue, life, and peace, and through him ye + will overcome all that is in the fall.” + + G.F. + +I wrote also another epistle to Friends, to warn them to keep out of the +spirit, that wrought in John Perrot and his company against the truth:— + + “DEAR FRIENDS, + + “Dwell in the love of God, and in his righteousness; that will + preserve you above all changeable spirits, that dwell not in the + truth, but in quarrels. Avoid such, and keep your habitations in the + truth. Dwell in the truth, and in the Word of God, by which ye are + reconciled to him. Keep your meetings in the name of Jesus Christ, who + never fell; then ye will see over all the gatherings of Adam’s sons + and daughters, you being met in the life over them all, in which are + your unity, peace, and fellowship with God, and one with another, in + the life, in which ye may enjoy God’s presence among you. So remember + me to all Friends in the everlasting Seed of God. The fellowship of + all those that are got into fellowship in outward things, will corrupt + and wither away. Therefore live in the gospel, the power of God, which + was before the devil was. This fellowship in the gospel, the power of + God, is a mystery to all the fellowships of the world. So look over + all outward sufferings, and look at the Lord, and the Lamb, who is the + First and the Last, the Amen; in whom farewell.” + + G.F. + +In the sixth month, the assizes were held again at Lancaster, and the +same judges, Twisden and Turner, came that circuit again; but Judge +Turner then sat on the crown bench, and so I was brought before him. +Before I was called to the bar, I was put among the murderers and felons +for about two hours, the people, the justices, and the judge, also +gazing upon me. After they had tried several others, they called me to +the bar, and empannelled a jury. Then the judge asked the justices, +“whether they had tendered me the oath at the sessions.” They said, +“they had.” Then he bid, “give them the book, that they might swear they +had tendered me the oath according to the indictment.” Some of the +justices refused to be sworn; but the judge said, he would have it done, +to take away all occasion of exception. When the jury were sworn, and +the justices had sworn that “they had tendered me the oath according to +the indictment,” the judge asked me, “whether I had not refused the oath +at the last assizes?” I said, “I never took an oath in my life, and +Christ, the Saviour and Judge of the world, said, ‘Swear not at all.’” +The judge seemed not to take notice of my answer, but asked me, “whether +or not I had refused to take the oath at the last assizes?” I said, “the +words that I then spoke to them were, that if they could prove, either +judge, justices, priest, or teacher, that after Christ and the apostle +had forbidden swearing, they commanded that Christians should swear, I +would swear.” The judge said he was not at that time to dispute, whether +it was lawful to swear, but to inquire whether I had refused to take the +oath or not, I told him, “those things mentioned in the oath, as +plotting against the king, and owning the Pope’s, or any other foreign +power, I utterly deny.” “Well,” said he, “you say well in that, but did +you deny to take the oath? what say you?” “What wouldst thou have me to +say?” said I; “for I have told thee before what I did say.” Then he +asked me, “if I would have these men to swear, that I had taken the +oath?” I asked him, “If he would have those men to swear, that I had +refused the oath?” at which the court burst out into laughter. I was +grieved to see so much lightness in a court, where such solemn matters +are handled, and thereupon asked them, “if this court was a play-house? +where is gravity and sobriety? for this behaviour doth not become you.” + +Then the clerk read the indictment, and I told the judge, “I had +something to speak to it;” for I had informed myself of the errors that +were in it. He told me, “he would hear afterwards any reasons that I +could allege, why he should not give judgment.” Then I spoke to the +jury, and told them, “that they could not bring me in guilty according +to that indictment, for the indictment was wrong laid, and had many +gross errors in it.” The judge said, “I must not speak to the jury, but +he would speak to them,” and he told them I had denied to take the oath +at the last assizes; and, said he, “I can tender the oath to any man +now, and premunire him for not taking it;” and he said, they must bring +me in guilty, seeing I refused to take the oath. Then said I, “What do +ye do with a form? ye may throw away your form then.” And I told the +jury, “it lay upon their consciences, as they would answer it to the +Lord God, before his judgment-seat.” Then the judge spoke again to the +jury, and I called to him to “do me justice.” The jury brought me in +guilty. Whereupon I told them, that “both the justices and they had +foresworn themselves, and therefore they had small cause to laugh, as +they did a little before.” O! the envy, rage, and malice that appeared +against me, and the lightness; but the Lord confounded them, and they +were wonderfully stopped. So they set me aside, and called up Margaret +Fell, who had much good service among them; and then the court broke up +near the second hour. + +In the afternoon we were brought again to have sentence passed upon us. +Margaret Fell desired, that sentence might be deferred till the next +morning. I desired nothing but law and justice at his hands, for thieves +had mercy; only I requested the judge to send some one to see my prison, +which was so bad, they would put no creature they had in it; and I told +him, that Colonel Kirby, who was then on the bench, said, “I should be +locked up, and no flesh alive should come to me.” The judge shook his +head, and said, “when the sentence was given, he would leave me to the +favour of the jailer.” Most of the gentry of the country were gathered +together, expecting to hear the sentence; and the noise among the people +was, “that I should be transported.” But they were all crossed at that +time; for the sentence being deferred till next morning, I was sent to +prison again. Upon my complaining of the badness of my prison, some of +the justices, with Colonel Kirby, went up to see it; but when they came, +they durst hardly go in, the floor was so bad and dangerous, and the +place so open to wind and rain. Some that came up said, “sure it was a +jakes-house.” When Colonel Kirby saw it, and heard what others said of +it, he excused the matter as well as he could, saying, “I should be +removed ere long to some more convenient place.” + +Next day, towards eleven, we were called again to hear the sentence; and +Margaret Fell being called first to the bar, had counsel to plead, who +found many errors in her indictment; whereupon, after the judge had +acknowledged them, she was set by. Then the judge asked, “what they +could say to mine?” I was not willing to let any man plead for me, but +to speak to it myself; and indeed, though Margaret had some that pleaded +for her, yet she spoke as much herself as she would. But before I came +to the bar, I was moved in my spirit to pray, that God would confound +their wickedness and envy, set his truth over all, and exalt his Seed. +The Lord heard and answered, and did confound them in their proceedings +against me; and though they had most envy against me, yet the most gross +errors were found in my indictment. + +Now, I having put by others from pleading for me, the judge asked me, +“what I had to say, why he should not pass sentence upon me?” I told +him, “I was no lawyer, but I had much to say, if he would have patience +to hear.” At that he laughed, and others laughed also, and said, “Come, +what have you to say? he can say nothing.” “Yes,” said I, “I have much +to say, have but the patience to hear me.” Then I asked him, “whether +the oath was to be tendered to the king’s subjects, or to the subjects +of foreign princes?” He said, “to the subjects of this realm.” “Then,” +said I, “look at the indictment, and ye may see that ye have left out +the word, subject: so not having named me in the indictment as a +subject, ye cannot premunire me for not taking the oath.” Then they +looked over the statute and the indictment, and saw that it was as I +said; and the judge confessed it was an error. + +I told him, “I had something else to stop his judgment;” and I desired +him to look what day the indictment said the oath was tendered to me at +the sessions there. They looked, and said, “it was the eleventh day of +January.” “What day of the week were the sessions held on?” said I. “On +a Tuesday,” said they. “Then,” said I, “look at your almanacs, and see +whether there were any sessions held at Lancaster on the eleventh day of +January, so called?” So they looked, and found that the eleventh was the +day called Monday, and that the sessions were on the day called Tuesday, +which was the twelfth day of that month. “Look now,” said I, “ye have +indicted me for refusing the oath in the quarter sessions held at +Lancaster on the eleventh day of January last, and the justices have +sworn that they tendered me the oath in open sessions here that day, and +the jury upon their oaths have found me guilty thereupon; and yet ye see +there were no sessions held in Lancaster that day.” Then the judge, to +cover the matter, asked, “whether the sessions did not begin on the +eleventh?” But some in the court answered, “no; the sessions held but +one day, and that was the twelfth.” Then the judge said, “this was a +great mistake, and an error.” Some of the justices were in a great rage +at this, and were ready to quit the bench; they stamped and said, “who +hath done this? somebody hath done it on purpose;” and a great heat was +amongst them. “Then,” said I, “are not the justices here, that have +sworn to this indictment, forsworn men in the face of the country? But +this is not all,” said I, “I have more yet to offer why sentence should +not be given against me.” + +Then I asked, “in what year of the king the last assize here was holden, +which was in the month called March last?” The judge said, “it was in +the sixteenth year of the king.” “But,” said I, “the indictment says it +was in the fifteenth year.” They looked, and found it so. This also was +acknowledged to be another error. Then they were all in a fret again, +and could not tell what to say; for the judge had sworn the officers of +the court, that the oath was tendered to me at the assize mentioned in +the indictment. “Now,” said I, “is not the court here forsworn also, who +have sworn that the oath was tendered to me at the assize holden here in +the fifteenth year of the king, when it was in his sixteenth year, and +so they have sworn a year false?” The judge bid them look whether +Margaret Fell’s indictment was so or not. They looked, and found it was +not so. + +I told the judge, “I had more yet to offer to stop sentence;” and asked +him, “whether all the oath ought to be put into the indictment or not?” +“Yes,” said he, “it ought to be all put in.” “Then,” said I, “compare +the indictment with the oath, and there thou mayest see these words, +viz. [or by any authority derived, or pretended to be derived from him, +or his see] left out of the indictment, which is a principal part of the +oath, and in another place the words [heirs and successors] are left +out.” The judge acknowledged these also to be great errors. “But,” said +I, “I have something further to allege.” “Nay,” said the judge, “I have +enough, you need say no more.” “If,” said I, “thou hast enough, I desire +nothing but law and justice at thy hands, for I don’t look for mercy.” +“You must have justice,” said he, “and you shall have law.” Then I +asked, “Am I at liberty and free from all that hath ever been done +against me in this matter?” “Yes,” said the judge, “you are free from +all that hath been done against you. But then,” starting up in a rage, +he said, “I can put the oath to any man here, and I will tender you the +oath again.” I told him, “he had examples enough yesterday of swearing +and false-swearing, both in the justices and the jury; for I saw before +mine eyes, that both justices and jury had forsworn themselves.” The +judge asked me, “if I would take the oath?” “I bid him do me justice for +my false imprisonment all this while; for what had I been imprisoned so +long for? and I told him I ought to be set at liberty.” “You are at +liberty,” said he, “but I will put the oath to you again.” Then I turned +me about and said, “All people, take notice, this is a snare, for I +ought to be set free from the jailer and from this court.” But the judge +cried, “Give him the book;” and the sheriff and the justices cried, +“Give him the book.” Then the power of darkness rose up in them, like a +mountain, and a clerk lifted up a book to me. I stood still and said, +“If it be a Bible, give it me into my hand.” “Yes, yes,” said the judge +and justices, “give it him into his hand.” So I took it and looked into +it, and said, “I see it is a Bible, I am glad of it.” + +Now he had caused the jury to be called, and they stood by; for after +they had brought in their former verdict, he would not dismiss them, +though they desired it; but told them, “he could not dismiss them yet, +for he should have business for them, and therefore they must attend and +be ready when they were called.” When he said so, I felt his intent, +that if I was freed, he would come on again. So I looked him in the +face, and the witness of God started up in him, and made him blush when +he looked at me again, for he saw that I saw him. Nevertheless, +hardening himself, he caused the oath to be read to me, the jury +standing by; and when it was read, he asked me, “whether I would take +the oath or not?” Then said I, “Ye have given me a book here to kiss and +to swear on, and this book which ye have given me to kiss, says, ‘Kiss +the Son;’ and the Son says in this book, ‘Swear not at all;’ and so says +also the apostle James. Now, I say as the book says, and yet ye imprison +me; how chance ye do not imprison the book for saying so? How comes it +that the book is at liberty amongst you, which bids me not swear, and +yet ye imprison me for doing as the book bids me? Why don’t ye imprison +the book?” As I was speaking this to them, and held up the Bible open in +my hand, to show them the place in the book, where Christ forbids +swearing, they plucked the book out of my hand again; and the judge +said, “Nay, but we will imprison George Fox.” Yet this got abroad over +all the country as a by-word, “that they gave me a book to swear on, +that commanded me ‘not to swear at all;’ and that the Bible was at +liberty, and I in prison for doing as the Bible said.” + +Now when the judge still urged me to swear, I told him, “I never took +oath, covenant, or engagement in my life, but my yea or nay was more +binding to me than an oath was to many others; for had they not had +experience how little men regarded an oath; and how they had sworn one +way and then another; and how the justices and court had forsworn +themselves now?” I told him, ‘I was a man of a tender conscience, and if +they had any sense of a tender conscience, they would consider, that it +was in obedience to Christ’s command that I could not swear. “But,” said +I, “if any of you can convince me, that after Christ and the apostle had +commanded not to swear, they altered that command and commanded +Christians to swear; then ye shall see I will swear.” There being many +priests by, I said, “if ye cannot do it, let your priests stand up and +do it.” But not one of the priests made any answer. “O,” said the judge, +“all the world cannot convince you.” “No,” said I, “how is it like the +world should convince me; for ‘the whole world lies in wickedness;’ but +bring out your spiritual men, as ye call them, to convince me.” Then +both the sheriff and the judge said, “the angel swore in the +Revelations.” I replied, “when God bringeth in his first-begotten Son +into the world, he saith, ‘Let all the angels of God worship him;’ and +he saith, ‘swear not at all.’” “Nay,” said the judge, “I will not +dispute.” Then I spoke to the jury, telling them, “it was for Christ’s +sake that I could not swear, and therefore I warned them not to act +contrary to that of God in their consciences, for before his +judgment-seat they must all be brought.” And I told them, “that as for +plots and persecution for religion and Popery, I do deny them in my +heart; for I am a Christian, and shall show forth Christianity amongst +you this day. It is for Christ’s doctrine I stand.” More words I had +both with the judge and jury before the jailer took me away. + +In the afternoon I was brought up again, and put among the thieves some +time, where I stood with my hat on till the jailer took it off. Then the +jury having found this new indictment against me “for not taking the +oath,” I was called to the bar; and the judge asked me, “what I would +say for myself:” I bid them read the indictment, for I would not answer +to that which I did not hear. The clerk read it, and as he read the +judge said, “take heed it be not false again;” but he read it in such a +manner that I could hardly understand what he read. When he had done, +the judge asked me, “what I said to the indictment?” I told him, “at +once hearing so large a writing read, and at such a distance that I +could not distinctly hear all the parts of it, I could not well tell +what to say to it; but if he would let me have a copy, and give me time +to consider it, I would answer it.” This put them to a little stand; but +after a while the judge asked me “what time I would have?” I said, “till +the next assize.” “But,” said he, “what plea will you now make? are you +guilty or not guilty?” I said, “I am not guilty at all of denying +swearing obstinately and wilfully; and as for those things mentioned in +the oath, as jesuitical plots and foreign powers, I utterly deny them in +my heart; and if I could take any oath, I should take that; but I never +took any oath in my life.” The judge said, “I said well; but,” said he, +“the king is sworn, the parliament is sworn, I am sworn, the justices +are sworn, and the law is preserved by oaths.” I told him, “they had had +sufficient experience of men’s swearing, and he had seen how the +justices and jury had sworn wrongly the other day; and if he had read in +the _Book of Martyrs_ how many of the martyrs had refused to swear, both +within the time of the ten persecutions and in Bishop Bonner’s days, he +might see, that to deny swearing in obedience to Christ’s command was no +new thing.” He said, “he wished the laws were otherwise.” I said, “Our +Yea is yea, and our Nay is nay; and if we transgress our yea and our +nay, let us suffer as they do, or should do, that swear falsely.” This, +I told him, we had offered to the king; and the king said, “it was +reasonable.” After some further discourse, they committed me to prison +again, there to lie till the next assize; and Colonel Kirby gave order +to the jailer, “to keep me close, and suffer no flesh alive to come at +me, for I was not fit,” he said, “to be discoursed with by men.” + +Then I was put into a tower, where the smoke of the other prisoners came +up so thick, that it stood as dew upon the walls, and sometimes it was +so thick that I could hardly see the candle when it burned; and I being +locked under three locks, the under-jailer, when the smoke was great, +would hardly be persuaded to come up to unlock one of the uppermost +doors, for fear of the smoke, so that I was almost smothered. Besides, +it rained in upon my bed, and many times, when I went to stop out the +rain in the cold winter season, my shirt was wet through with the rain +that came in upon me, while I was labouring to stop it out. And the +place being high and open to the wind, sometimes as fast as I stopped +it, the wind blew it out again. In this manner did I lie, all that long +cold winter, till the next assize; in which time I was so starved with +cold and rain, that my body was greatly swelled, and my limbs much +benumbed. + +The assize began on the 16th day of the month called March, 1664-5. The +same Judges, Twisden and Turner, coming that circuit again, Judge +Twisden sat this time on the crown-bench, and before him I was brought. +I had informed myself of the errors in this indictment also. For though +at the assize before, Judge Turner had said to the officers in court, +“Pray see that all the oath be in the indictment, and that the word, +subject, be in, and that the day of the month and the year of the king +be put in right; for it is a shame that so many errors should be seen +and found in the face of the country;” yet there were many errors, and +those great ones, in this indictment, as well as in the former. Surely +the hand of the Lord was in it, to confound their mischievous work +against me, and to blind them therein; insomuch, that although after the +indictment was drawn at the former assize, the judge examined it himself +and tried it with the clerks, yet the word, subject, was left out of +this indictment also, the day of the month was put in wrong, and several +material words of the oath were left out; yet they went on confidently +against me, thinking all was safe and well. + +When I was set to the bar, and the jury called over to be sworn, the +clerk asked me, first, “whether I had any objection to make against any +of the jury?” I told him, “I knew none of them.” Then, having sworn the +jury, they swore three of the officers of the court to prove “that the +oath was tendered to me at the last assizes, according to the +indictment.” “Come, come,” said the judge, “it was not done in a +corner.” Then he asked me, “what I had said to it, or whether I had +taken the oath at the last assize?” I told him, what I had said, viz., +“that the book they gave me to swear on, says, ‘swear not at all;’” and +I repeated more of what I had formerly said to them, as it now came to +my remembrance. Whereupon the judge said, “I will not dispute with you, +but in point of law.” “Then,” said I, “I have something to speak to the +jury concerning the indictment.” He told me, I must not speak to the +jury, but if I had anything to say, I must speak to him. Then I asked +him, “whether the oath was to be tendered to the king’s subjects only, +or to the subjects of foreign princes?” He replied, “to the subjects of +this realm; for I will speak nothing to you,” said he, “but in point of +law.” “Then,” said I, “look in the indictment, and thou mayest see that +the word, subject, is left out of this indictment also. And therefore +seeing the oath is not to be tendered to any but the subjects of this +realm, and ye have not put me in as a subject, the court is to take no +notice of this indictment.” I had no sooner spoken than the judge cried, +“Take him away, jailer, take him away.” So I was presently hurried away. +The jailer and people looked when I should be called for again; but I +was never brought to the court any more, though I had many other great +errors to assign in the indictment. + +After I was gone, the judge asked the jury, “if they were agreed?” They +said, “yes,” and found for the king against me as I was told. But I was +never called to hear sentence given, nor was any given against me, that +I could hear of. I understood that when they had looked more narrowly +into the indictment, they saw it was not good: and the judge having +sworn the officers of the court, that the oath was tendered me at the +assize before, such a day, according as was set in the indictment, and +that being the wrong day, I should have proved the officers of the court +forsworn men again, if the judge would have suffered me to plead to the +indictment; which was thought to be the reason why he hurried me away so +soon. The judge had passed sentence of premunire upon Margaret Fell, +before I was brought in; and it seems, when I was hurried away, they +recorded me as a premunired person, though I was never brought to hear +the sentence or knew of it; which was very illegal. For they ought not +only to have had me present to hear the sentence given, but also to have +asked me first, “what I could say why sentence should not be given +against me?” But they knew I had so much to say, that they could not +give sentence, if they heard it. + +While I was prisoner in Lancaster castle, there was a great noise and +talk of the Turk’s overspreading Christendom, and great fears entered +many. But one day as I was walking in my prison chamber, “I saw the +Lord’s power turn against him, and that he was turning back again.” And +I declared to some what the Lord had let me see, when there were such +fears of his over-running Christendom; and within a month after the news +came, that they had given him a defeat. + +Another time, as I was walking in my chamber, with my eye to the Lord, +“I saw the angel of the Lord with a glittering drawn sword stretched +southward, as though the court had been all on fire.” Not long after the +wars broke out with Holland, the sickness broke forth, and afterwards +the fire of London; so the Lord’s sword was drawn indeed. + +By reason of my long and close imprisonment in so bad a place, I was +become very weak in body; but the Lord’s power was over all, supported +me through all, and enabled me to do service for him, and for his truth +and people, as the place would admit. For while I was in Lancaster +prison, I answered several books, as the _Mass_, the _Common-Prayer_, +the _Directory_, and the _Church Faith_; which are the four chief +religions that are got up since the apostles’ days. And there being +several Friends in prison at Lancaster and other prisons for not paying +tithes, I was moved to give forth the following lines:— + + _Concerning Tithes._ + + “In the time of the law, they that did not bring their tithes into the + store-house, robbed God; then there was not meat in their house; + therefore the Lord commanded ‘to bring them into his house, that there + might be meat in the store-house, which was to fill the fatherless, + stranger, and widow.’ But these priests, who are counterfeits, who + take people’s tithes now by a law, are from the beast; and if any will + not pay them, they imprison them, or make them pay treble. These rob + the poor, rob the fatherless; and the stranger and the widow are not + filled; so their cry is gone up to heaven against these. Many are made + almost beggars by these oppressing priests, their cattle and corn + being taken away, and they cast into prison. Others are sued at law by + them, and have treble damage taken from them; yet such priests are + cried up to be ministers of the gospel. Though, when the unchangeable + priest was come, the priesthood that was changeable, was denied, as we + now deny these. But if any be moved now to cry against them, they are + stocked, beaten, or imprisoned. Many are now in prison at Lancaster, + and in other places, by a national law; the like whereof was never + done by the law of God, which was delivered to Moses. For we do not + read, that under Moses’s law any suffered imprisonment, or spoiling of + their goods for not paying tithes, or had to pay treble damage. + Surely, surely, the cry for vengeance will be heard, which arises from + the oppressed souls that lie under the altar. There are many prisoners + at Kendal, because they cannot pay tithes, as Captain Ward, Thomas + Robertson,[8] and the widow Garland, who has many small children; + these suffer because they cannot pay tithes. Others are in Kendal + prison, who were moved of the Lord to speak to the priests, one to go + in sackcloth, and with ashes upon her head. Others have been moved to + go in sackcloth, as a lamentation for the miserable estate of this + nation, seeing so much crying up of the preaching of the gospel, and + yet so much strife, debate, and oaths, and dissension among people. + But where the gospel is received indeed, strife and contention are + ended, and oppression is taken off. + + O! the land mourns, because of the oppression of those called + ministers! And though the cry of the oppressed hath not entered into + the ears of the magistrates; yet is the cry of the poor, oppressed + people of God, entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, who now + will be avenged of all his adversaries. You unjust lawgivers, and + unjust judges, to that in all your consciences I speak, to be cleared, + when ye are judged by the just Judge of heaven and earth; whose terror + is gone forth against all the ungodly, and all the oppressors of God’s + people whatsoever, whether ye will hear or forbear.” + + G.F. + +After the assize, Colonel Kirby and some other justices were very uneasy +with my being at Lancaster; for I had galled them sore at my trials +there, and they laboured much to get me removed to some remote place. +Colonel Kirby threatened I should be sent far enough, and sometimes +said, I should be sent beyond sea. About six weeks after the assizes, +they got an order from the king and council to remove me from Lancaster; +and with it they brought a letter from the Earl of Anglesea, wherein was +written, “that if those things were found true against me, which I was +charged withal, I deserved no clemency or mercy:” yet the greatest +matter they had against me was, because I could not disobey the command +of Christ, and swear. + +When they had prepared for my removal, the under-sheriff and the +head-sheriff’s man, with some bailiffs, came and fetched me out of the +castle, when I was so weak with lying in that cold, wet, and smoky +prison, that I could hardly go or stand. They had me into the jailer’s +house, where were William Kirby, a justice, and several others, and they +called for wine to give me. I told them, “I would have none of their +wine.” Then they cried, “Bring out the horses.” I desired them first to +show me their order, or a copy of it, if they intended to remove me; but +they would show me none but their swords. I told them, “there was no +sentence passed upon me, nor was I premunired, that I knew of; and +therefore I was not made the king’s prisoner, but was the sheriff’s; for +they and all the country knew, that I was not fully heard at the last +assize, nor suffered to show the errors that were in the indictment, +which were sufficient to quash it, though they had kept me from one +assize to another, to the end they might try me. But they all knew, +there was no sentence of premunire passed upon me; and therefore not +being the king’s prisoner, but the sheriff’s, I desired to see their +order.” Instead of showing me their order, they haled me out, and lifted +me upon one of the sheriff’s horses. When I was on horseback in the +street, the town’s-people being gathered to gaze upon me, I told the +officers, I had received neither Christianity, civility, nor humanity, +from them. They hurried me away about fourteen miles to BENTHAM, though +I was so very weak, I was hardly able to sit on horseback; and my +clothes smelt so of smoke, that they were loathsome to myself. The +wicked jailer, one Hunter, a young fellow, would come behind, and give +the horse a lash with his whip, and make him skip, and leap; so that I +being weak, had difficulty to sit him; and then he would come and look +me in the face, and say, “How do you, Mr. Fox?” I told him, “it was not +civil in him to do so.” The Lord cut him off soon after. + +When we were come to Bentham, there met us many troopers, and a marshal; +and many of the gentry of the country were come in, and abundance of +people to stare at me. I being very weak and weary, desired them to let +me lie down on a bed, which the soldiers permitted me; for they that +brought me thither, gave their order to the marshal, and he set a guard +of his soldiers upon me. When they had stayed a while, they pressed +horses, and raised the bailiff of the hundred, and the constables, and +others, and had me to GIGGLESWICK that night; but exceedingly weak I +was. There they raised the constables with their clog-shoes, who sat +drinking all the night in the room by me, so that I could not get much +rest. Next day we came to a market-town, where several Friends called to +see me; and Robert Widders and divers Friends came to me on the road. +The next night I asked the soldiers, “whither they intended to carry me, +and whither I was to be sent?” Some of them said, “beyond sea;” others +said, “to Tynemouth Castle.” A great fear there was amongst them, lest +some one should rescue me out of their hands; but that fear was +needless. + +Next night we came to YORK, where the marshal put me into a great +chamber, where most part of two troops came to see me. One of these +troopers, an envious man, hearing that I must be premunired, asked me, +“what estate I had, and whether it was copyhold or free land?” I took no +notice of his question, but was moved to declare the word of life to the +soldiers, and many of them were very loving. At night the Lord +Frecheville (so called), who commanded these horse, came to me, and was +very civil and loving. I gave him an account of my imprisonment, and +declared many things to him relating to truth. They kept me at York two +days, and then the marshal and four or five soldiers were sent to convey +me to SCARBRO’ CASTLE. Indeed these were very civil men, and carried +themselves civilly and lovingly to me. On the way we baited at MALTON, +and they permitted Friends to come and visit me. When we were come to +SCARBRO’, they had me to an inn, and gave notice to the governor, who +sent six soldiers to be my guard that night. Next day they conducted me +into the castle, put me into a room, and set a sentry on me. Being very +weak and subject to fainting, they let me go out sometimes into the air +with the sentry. They soon removed me out of this room, and put me into +an open one, where the rain came in; and smoked exceedingly, which was +very offensive to me. + +One day the governor, Sir J. Crossland, came to see me, and brought with +him Sir Francis Cobb. I desired the governor to go into my room, and see +what a place I had. I had got a little fire made in it, and it was so +filled with smoke, that when they were in it, they could hardly find +their way out again; and he being a Papist, I told him, that was his +Purgatory which they had put me into. I was forced to lay out about +fifty shillings to stop out the rain, and keep the room from smoking so +much. When I had been at that charge, and made it somewhat tolerable, +they removed me into a worse room, where I had neither chimney nor +fire-hearth. This being to the sea-side and lying much open, the wind +drove in the rain forcibly, so that the water came over my bed, and ran +about the room, that I was fain to skim it up with a platter. And when +my clothes were wet, I had no fire to dry them; so that my body was +benumbed with cold, and my fingers swelled, that one was grown as big as +two. Though I was at some charge in this room also, I could not keep out +the wind and rain. Besides they would suffer few Friends to come to me, +and many times not any, no, not so much as to bring me a little food; +but I was forced for the first quarter to hire one, not a Friend, to +bring me necessaries. Sometimes the soldiers would take it from her, and +she would scuffle with them for it. Afterwards I hired a soldier to +fetch me water and bread, and something to make a fire of, when I was in +a room where a fire could be made. Commonly a threepenny loaf served me +three weeks, and sometimes longer, and most of my drink was water with +wormwood steeped or bruised in it. One time when the weather was very +sharp, and I had taken great cold, I got a little elecampane beer, and I +heard one of the soldiers say to the other, that they would play me a +trick, for they would send for me up to the deputy-governor, and in the +meantime drink my strong beer out; and so they did. When I came back, +one of the soldiers came to me in a jeer, and asked me for some strong +beer. I told him they had played their pretty trick; and so I took no +further notice of it. + +But inasmuch as they kept me so very strait, not giving liberty for +Friends to come to me, I spoke to the keepers of the castle to this +effect: “I did not know till I was removed from Lancaster castle, and +brought prisoner to this castle of Scarbro’, that I was convicted of a +premunire; for the judge did not give sentence upon me at the assizes in +open court. But seeing I am now a prisoner here, if I may not have my +liberty, let my friends and acquaintance have their liberty to come and +visit me, as Paul’s friends had among the Romans, who were not +Christians but Heathens. For Paul’s friends had their liberty; all that +would, might come to him, and he had his liberty to preach to them in +his hired house; but I cannot have liberty to go into the town, nor for +my friends to come to me here. So you that go under the name of +Christians, are worse in this respect than those heathens were.” + +But though they would not let Friends come to me, they would often bring +others, either to gaze upon me, or to contend with me. One time a great +company of Papists came to discourse with me; they affirmed, “the Pope +was infallible, and had stood infallible ever since Peter’s time.” But I +showed them the contrary by history; for one of the bishops of Rome, +(Marcellinus by name,) denied the faith and sacrificed to idols; +therefore he was not infallible. I told them, if they were in the +infallible spirit, they need not have jails, swords, and staves, racks +and tortures, fires and faggots, whips and gallows, to hold up their +religion by, and to destroy men’s lives about it; for if they were in +the infallible spirit they would preserve men’s lives, and use none but +spiritual weapons about religion. I told them also what one that had +been of their society told me. A woman who lived in Kent, had not only +been a Papist herself, but had brought over several to that religion; +but coming to be convinced of God’s truth, and turned by it to Christ +her Saviour, she exhorted the Papists to the same. One of them, a +tailor, being at work at her house, while she opened to him the +falseness of the Popish religion, and endeavoured to draw him from it to +the truth, drew his knife, and got between her and the door; but she +spoke boldly to him, and bid him put up his knife, for she knew his +principle. I asked the woman, “what she thought he would have done with +his knife?” She said, “he would have stabbed her.” “Stabbed thee,” said +I, “what would he have stabbed thee for? thy religion.” “Yes,” said she, +“it is the principle of the Papists, if any turn from their religion, to +kill them if they can.” This story I told those Papists, and that I had +it from a person that had been one of them, but had forsaken their +principles and discovered their practices. They did not deny this to be +their principle; but said, “What! would I declare this abroad?” I told +them, “yes, such things ought to be declared abroad; that it might be +known how contrary their religion was to true Christianity.” Whereupon +they went away in a great rage. + +Another Papist came to discourse with me, who said all the patriarchs +were in hell, from the creation till Christ came, and that when Christ +suffered he went into hell, and the Devil said to him “What comest thou +hither for, to break open our strongholds?” And Christ said, “to fetch +them all out.” So he said, “Christ was three nights and three days in +hell, to bring them out.” I told him that was false, for Christ said to +the thief, “This day thou shalt be with me in paradise.” And Enoch and +Elijah were translated into heaven. And Abraham was in heaven, for the +Scripture saith, Lazarus was in his bosom; and Moses and Elias were with +Christ upon the Mount before he suffered. These instances stopped the +Papist’s mouth, and put him to a stand. + +Another time came Dr. Witty, who was esteemed a great doctor of physic, +with Lord Falconbridge; with these came also the governor of Tynemouth +castle, and several knights. Being called to them, Witty undertook to +discourse with me, and asked me, “what I was in prison for?” I told him, +“because I would not disobey the command of Christ, and swear.” He said, +“I ought to swear my allegiance to the king.” He being a great +Presbyterian, I asked him, “whether he had not sworn against the King, +and House of Lords, and taken the Scotch covenant? and had he not since +sworn to the king? and what then was his swearing good for? But my +allegiance,” I told him, “did not consist in swearing, but in truth and +faithfulness.” After some further discourse, I was sent away to my +prison again. And afterwards this Dr. Witty boasted in the town amongst +his patients, that he had conquered me. When I heard of his boasting, I +told the governor, “it was a small boast in him to say he had conquered +a bondman.” I desired to bid him visit me again, when he came to the +castle. + +He came again a while after, with sixteen or seventeen great persons; +and ran himself worse on ground than before. For he affirmed before them +all, “that Christ hath not enlightened every man that cometh into the +world; and that the grace of God, that bringeth salvation, hath not +appeared unto all men; and that Christ died not for all men.” I asked +him, “what sort of men those were whom Christ had not enlightened? and +to whom his grace had not appeared? and for whom he had not died?” He +said, “Christ did not die for adulterers, and idolaters, and wicked +men.” I asked him, “whether adulterers and wicked men were not sinners?” +He said, “Yes.” “And did not Christ die for sinners?” said I. “Did he +not come to call sinners to repentance?” “Yes,” said he. “Then,” said I, +“thou hast stopped thy own mouth.” So I proved that the grace of God had +appeared unto all men, though some turned it into wantonness, and walked +despitefully against it; and that Christ had enlightened all men, though +some hated the light. Several of the people that were present, confessed +it was true; but he went away in a great rage, and came no more to me. + +Another time the governor brought a priest, but his mouth was soon +stopped. Not long after he brought two or three parliament-men, who +asked me, “whether I owned ministers and bishops?” I told them, “yes, +such as Christ sent, such as had freely received, and would freely give, +such as were qualified, and were in the same power and Spirit that they +were in in the apostles’ days. But such bishops and teachers as theirs +were, that would go no farther than a great benefice, I did not own; for +they were not like the apostles. Christ saith to his ministers, ‘Go ye +into all nations, and preach the gospel;’ but ye parliament-men, who +keep your priests and bishops in such great fat benefices, have spoiled +them all. For do ye think they will go into all nations to preach; or +any farther than they have a great fat benefice? Judge yourselves +whether they will or not.” + +There came another time the widow of old Lord Fairfax, and with her a +great company; one of whom was a priest. I was moved to declare the +truth to them, and the priest asked me, “Why we said, Thou and Thee to +people? for he counted us but fools and idiots for speaking so.” I asked +him, “Whether they that translated the Scriptures, and that made the +grammar and accidence, were fools and idiots, seeing they translated the +Scriptures so, and made the grammar so, Thou to one, and You to more +than one, and left it so to us. If they were fools and idiots, why had +not he, and such as he, that looked upon themselves as wise men, and +that could not bear Thou and Thee to a singular, altered the grammar, +accidence, and Bible, and put the plural instead of the singular. But if +they were wise men that had so translated the Bible, and had made the +grammar and accidence so, I wished him to consider whether they were not +fools and idiots themselves, that did not speak as their grammars and +Bibles taught them; but were offended with us, and called us fools and +idiots for speaking so?” Thus the priest’s mouth was stopped, and many +of the company acknowledged the truth, and were pretty loving and +tender. Some of them would have given me money, but I would not receive +it. + +After this came Dr. Cradock, with three priests more, and the governor +and his lady (so called) and another that was called a lady, and a great +company with them. Dr. Cradock asked me, “what I was in prison for?” I +told him, “for obeying the command of Christ and the apostle, in not +swearing. But if he, being both a doctor and a justice of peace, could +convince me, that after Christ and the apostle had forbidden swearing, +they commanded Christians to swear, then I would swear. Here was the +Bible,” I told him, “he might, if he could, show me any such command.” +He said, “It is written, ‘ye shall swear in truth and righteousness.’” +“Ay,” said I, “It was written so in Jeremiah’s time; but that was many +ages before Christ commanded, ‘not to swear at all;’ but where is it +written so, since Christ forbade all swearing? I could bring as many +instances for swearing out of the Old Testament as thou, and it may be +more; but of what force are they to prove swearing lawful in the New +Testament, since Christ and the apostle had forbade it? Besides,” said +I, “in that text, where it is written, ye shall swear, what ye was this? +Was it ye Gentiles, or ye Jews?” To this he would not answer. But one of +the priests that were with him answered, “it was to the Jews that this +was spoken.” Then Dr. Cradock confessed it was so. “Very well,” said I, +“but where did God ever give a command to the Gentiles to swear? For +thou knowest that we are Gentiles by nature.” “Indeed,” said he, “in the +gospel-times everything was to be established out of the mouths of two +or three witnesses; but there was to be no swearing then.” “Why then,” +said I, “dost thou force oaths upon Christians, contrary to thy own +knowledge, in the gospel-times. And why dost thou excommunicate my +friends?” (for he had excommunicated abundance, both in Yorkshire and +Lancashire). He said, “for not coming to church.” “Why,” said I, “Ye +left us above twenty years ago, when we were but young lads and lasses, +to the Presbyterians, Independents and Baptists, many of whom made spoil +of our goods and persecuted us, because we would not follow them. Now we +being but young, knew little then of your principles; and if ye had +intended to keep the old men that did know them, to you, and your +principles alive, that we might have known them, ye should either not +have fled from us as ye did, or ye should have sent us your epistles, +collects, homilies, and evening-songs, for Paul wrote epistles to the +saints, though he was in prison. But they and we might have turned Turks +or Jews for any collects, homilies, or epistles, we had from you all +this while. And now thou hast excommunicated us, both young and old, and +so have others of you done: that is, ye have put us out of your church, +before ye have got us into it, and before ye have brought us to know +your principles. Is not this madness in you, to put us out before we +were brought in? Indeed, if ye had brought us into your church, and when +we had been in, if we had done some bad thing, that had been something +like a ground for excommunication or putting out again. But,” said I, +“what dost thou call the church?” “Why,” said he, “that which you call +the steeple-house.” Then I asked him, “whether Christ shed his blood for +the steeple-house; and purchased and sanctified the steeple-house with +his blood? And seeing the church is Christ’s bride and wife, and that he +is the head of the church, dost thou think the steeple-house is Christ’s +wife and bride, and that he is the head of that old house, or his +people?” “No,” said he, “Christ is the head of the people, and they are +the church.” “Then,” said I, “but you have given the title, church, +which belongs to the people, to an old house, and you have taught people +to believe so.” + +I asked him also, “why he persecuted Friends for not paying tithes? And +whether God ever gave a command to the Gentiles, that they should pay +tithes? And whether Christ had not ended tithes, when he ended the +Levitical priesthood that took tithes? And whether Christ when he sent +forth his disciples to preach, had not commanded them to preach freely, +as he had given them freely? And whether all ministers of Christ, are +not bound to observe this command of Christ?” He said, “he would not +dispute that;” neither did I find he was willing to stay on that +subject, for he presently turned to another matter, and said, “you +marry, but I know not how.” I replied, “it may be so; but why dost thou +not come and see?” Then he threatened that he would use his power +against us as he had done. “I bid him take heed, for he was an old man.” +I asked him also, “where he read from Genesis to the Revelations, that +ever any priest did marry any?” And I wished him to show me some +instance thereof, if he would have us come to them to be married; “for” +said I, “thou hast excommunicated one of my friends, two years after he +was dead, about his marriage. And why dost thou not excommunicate Isaac, +and Jacob, and Boaz, and Ruth? Why dost thou not use thy power against +these; for we do not read that they were ever married by the priests; +but they took one another in the assemblies of the righteous, in the +presence of God and his people; and so do we. So that we have all the +holy men and women, that the Scripture speaks of in this practice, on +our side.” Much discourse we had, but when he found he could get no +advantage over me, he went away with his company. + +With such people I was much exercised while I was there; for most that +came to the castle would desire to speak with me, and great disputes I +had with them. But, as to Friends, I was as a man buried alive: for +though many came far to see me, yet few were suffered to come to me: and +when any Friend came into the castle about business, if he looked +towards me they would rage at him. At last the governor came under some +trouble himself; for he having sent out a privateer to sea, they took +some ships that were not enemies’ ships, but their friends’; whereupon +he was brought into trouble; after which he grew somewhat more friendly +to me. For before I had a marshal set over me, on purpose to get money +out of me, but I was not free to give him a farthing; and when they +found they could get nothing from me, he was taken away again. The +officers often threatened that I should be hanged over the wall. Nay, +the deputy-governor told me once that the king, knowing I had a great +interest in the people, had sent me thither, that if there should be any +stirring in the nation, they should hang me over the wall to keep the +people down. There being, a while after, a marriage at a Papist’s house, +upon which occasion a great many of them were met together, they talked +much then of hanging me. But I told them, “if that was what they +desired, and it was permitted them, I was ready; for I never feared +death nor sufferings in my life, but I was known to be an innocent, +peaceable man, free from all stirrings and plottings, and one that +sought the good of all men.” Afterwards, the governor growing kinder, I +spoke to him when he was going to London to the Parliament, and desired +him to speak to Esquire Marsh, Sir Francis Cobb (so called), and some +others; and let them know how long I had lain in prison, and for what; +and he did so. When he came down again, he told me, that Esquire +Marsh[9] said he would go a hundred miles barefoot for my liberty, he +knew me so well; and several others, he said, spoke well of me. From +which time the governor was very loving to me. + +There were, amongst the prisoners, two very bad men, that often sat +drinking with the officers and soldiers; and because I would not sit and +drink with them too, it made them the worse against me. One time when +these two prisoners were drunk, one of them (whose name was William +Wilkinson, a Presbyterian who had been a captain), came to me and +challenged me to fight with him. Seeing what condition he was in, I got +out of his way; and, next morning, when he was more sober, showed him, +“how unmanly it was in him to challenge a man to fight, whose principle, +he knew, it was not to strike; but if he was stricken on one ear to turn +the other. I told him, if he had a mind to fight, he should have +challenged some of the soldiers, that could have answered him in his own +way. But however, seeing he had challenged me, I was now come to answer +him with my hands in my pockets; and (reaching my head towards him) +‘here,’ said I, ‘here is my hair, here are my cheeks, here is my back.’” +With that he skipped away from me, and went into another room; at which +the soldiers fell a laughing; and one of the officers said, “you are a +happy man, that can bear such things.” Thus he was conquered without a +blow. After a while he took the oath, gave bond, and got out of prison; +and not long after the Lord cut him off. + +There were great imprisonments in this, and the former year, while I was +prisoner at Lancaster and Scarbro’. At London many Friends were crowded +into Newgate, and other prisons, where the sickness was; and many died +in prison.[10] Many also were banished, and several sent on shipboard by +the king’s order. Some masters of ships would not carry them, but set +them on shore again; yet some were sent to Barbadoes, to Jamaica, and to +Nevis, and the Lord blessed them there. One master of a ship was very +wicked and cruel to Friends that were put on board his vessel; for he +kept them down under decks, though the sickness was amongst them; so +that many died of it. But the Lord visited him for his wickedness; for +he lost most of his seamen by the plague, and lay several months crossed +with contrary winds, though other ships went out and made their voyages. +At last he came before Plymouth, and there the governor and magistrates +would not suffer him, or any of his men, to land, though he wanted many +necessaries for his voyage; but Thomas Lower, Arthur Cotton, John Light, +and other Friends, went to the ship’s side and carried necessaries for +the Friends that were prisoners on board. The master being thus crossed +and vexed, cursed them that put upon him this freight, and said, “he +hoped he should not go far before he was taken.” And the vessel was but +just out of sight of Plymouth before she was taken by a Dutch +man-of-war, and carried into Holland. When they came there, the States +sent the banished Friends back to England, with a passport, and a +certificate, “that they had not made an escape, but were sent back by +them.” In time the Lord’s power wrought over this storm, and many of our +persecutors were confounded and put to shame.[11] + +After I had lain prisoner above a year in Scarbro’ Castle, I sent a +letter to the king, in which I gave him “an account of my imprisonment, +and the bad usage I had received in prison; and also that I was +informed, no man could deliver me but he.” After this, John Whitehead +being at London, and being acquainted with Esquire Marsh, went to visit +him, and spoke to him about me; and he undertook, if John Whitehead +would get the state of my case drawn up, to deliver it to the master of +requests, Sir John Birkenhead, and endeavour to get a release for me. So +John Whitehead and Ellis Hookes[12] drew up an account of my +imprisonment and sufferings, and carried it to Marsh; and he went with +it to the master of requests, who procured an order from the king for my +release. The substance of the order was, “that the king being certainly +informed, that I was a man principled against plotting and fighting, and +had been ready at all times to discover plots, rather than to make any, +&c., therefore his royal pleasure was, that I should be discharged from +my imprisonment,” &c. As soon as this order was obtained, John Whitehead +came to Scarbro’ with it, and delivered it to the governor; who, upon +receipt thereof, gathered the officers together, and without requiring +bonds or sureties for my peaceable living, being satisfied that I was a +man of a peaceable life, he discharged me freely, and gave me the +following passport:— + + “Permit the bearer hereof, George Fox, late a prisoner here, and now + discharged by His Majesty’s order, quietly to pass about his lawful + occasions, without any molestation. Given under my hand at Scarbro’ + Castle, this first day of September, 1666.” + + JORDAN CROSLANDS, + Governor of Scarbro’ Castle. + +After I was released, I would have made the governor a present for +the civility and kindness he had of late showed me; but he would not +receive anything; saying, “whatever good he could do for me and my +friends he would do it, and never do them any hurt.” And afterwards, +if at any time the mayor of the town sent to him for soldiers to +break up Friends’ meetings, if he sent any down he would privately +give them a charge “not to meddle.” He continued loving to his dying +day. The officers also and the soldiers were mightily changed, and +became very respectful to me, and when they had occasion to speak of +me, they would say, “he is as stiff as a tree, and as pure as a +bell; for we could never bow him.” + +The very next day after my release, the fire broke out in London, +and the report of it came quickly down into the country.[13] Then I +saw the Lord God was true and just in his word, which he had showed +me before in Lancaster jail, when I saw the angel of the Lord with a +glittering sword drawn southward, as before expressed. The people of +London were forewarned of this fire; yet few laid it to heart, or +believed it; but rather grew more wicked, and higher in pride. For a +Friend was moved to come out of Huntingdonshire a little before the +fire, to scatter his money, and turn his horse loose on the streets, +to untie the knees of his breeches, let his stockings fall down, and +to unbutton his doublet, and tell the people, “so should they run up +and down, scattering their money and their goods, half undressed, +like mad people, as he was a sign to them;” and so they did, when +the city was burning. + +Thus hath the Lord exercised his prophets and servants by his power, +showed them signs of his judgments, and sent them to forewarn the +people; but, instead of repenting, they have beaten and cruelly +entreated some, and some they have imprisoned, both in the former +power’s days and since. But the Lord is just, and happy are they +that obey his word. Some have been moved to go naked in their +streets, in the other power’s days, and since, as signs of their +nakedness; and have declared amongst them “that God would strip them +of their hypocritical professions, and make them as bare and naked +as they were.” But instead of considering it, they have many times +whipped, or otherwise abused them, and sometimes imprisoned them. +Others have been moved to go in sackcloth, and to denounce the woes +and vengeance of God against the pride and haughtiness of the +people; but few regarded it. And in the other power’s days, the +wicked, envious, and professing priests, put up several petitions +both to Oliver and Richard, called protectors, and to the +parliaments, judges, and justices, against us, full of lies, +vilifying words and slanders; but we got copies of them, and, +through the Lord’s assistance, answered them all, and cleared the +Lord’s truth and ourselves of them. But O! the body of darkness that +rose against the truth in them that made lies their refuge. But the +Lord swept them away; and in and with his power, truth, light, and +life, hedged his lambs about, and preserved them as on eagles’ +wings. Therefore we all had, and have great encouragement to trust +the Lord, who, we saw by his power and Spirit, overturned and +brought to naught all the confederacies and counsels that were +hatched in darkness against his truth and people; and by the same +truth gave his people dominion, that therein they might serve him. + +Indeed I could not but take notice, how the hand of the Lord turned +against those persecutors, who had been the cause of my +imprisonment, or had been abusive or cruel to me in it. The officer +that fetched me to Holker-Hall wasted his estate, and soon after +fled into Ireland. And most of the justices that were upon the bench +at the sessions when I was sent to prison, died in a while after; as +old Thomas Preston, Rawlinson, Porter, and Matthew West, of Borwick. +And Justice Fleming’s wife died, and left him thirteen or fourteen +motherless children, who had imprisoned two Friends to death, and +thereby made several children fatherless. Colonel Kirby never +prospered after. The chief constable, Richard Dodgson, died soon +after, and Mount, the petty constable, and the wife of the other +petty constable John Ashburnham, who railed at me in her house, died +soon after. William Knipe, the witness they brought against me, died +soon after also. Hunter, the jailer of Lancaster, who was very +wicked to me while I was his prisoner, was cut off in his young +days: and the under-sheriff that carried me from Lancaster prison +towards Scarbro’, lived not long after. And Joblin, the jailer of +Durham, who was prisoner with me in Scarbro’ castle, and had often +incensed the governor and soldiers against me, though he got out of +prison, yet the Lord cut him off in his wickedness soon after. When +I came into that country again, most of those that dwelt in +Lancashire were dead, and others ruined in their estates; so that, +though I did not seek revenge upon them, for their actings against +me contrary to the law, yet the Lord had executed his judgments upon +many of them. + +----- + +Footnote 1: + + Thomas Salthouse of Lancashire (but afterwards resided in the South of + England,) was born about 1630, and convinced when George Fox first + came to Swarthmore. He became an eminent minister of the gospel, for + which he suffered much. In 1655 he, and Miles Halhead, being pressed + in spirit to visit the Friends imprisoned at Plymouth, they were taken + up on suspicion of having a hand in an insurrection which broke out a + little before; and though the high Sheriff confessed he did not + believe them concerned in it, he caused them to be kept close + prisoners at Exeter for fourteen days, and then sent them from officer + to officer towards home. In going towards Bridgewater, the officer who + conducted them fell down, and lay grovelling on the ground in the + sight of many people, and was able to go no further. So they returned + to the justice to tell him what had befallen the officer, and to know + what further he would do with them. But he declined to interfere with + them again; set them at liberty, and desired the Lord to be with them. + + For further particulars of Thomas Salthouse, the reader is referred to + Whiting’s _Memoirs_, p. 452-460. Whiting concludes his account by + saying, “He was a pleasant man in conversation, which rendered him + acceptable to many others as well as Friends, had a large capacity, + and an excellent gift in the ministry. He wrote some notable books, + and excellent epistles to Friends, though never collected as they + deserve. He died at his own house Cornwall in 1690, about sixty years + of age, in peace with the Lord; and is no doubt at rest with him from + all his labours and sufferings, and his works follow him.” + +Footnote 2: + + Near Handsworth-Woodhouse. + +Footnote 3: + + John Whitehead was a very eminent Minister amongst the early Friends, + valiant for the truth, and a great sufferer for it. His life and + writings have been published, to which the reader is referred. He + wrote a very beautiful and encouraging epistle to Friends, dated + Aylesbury prison, 12th month, 1660, which is inserted in _Letters, + &c., of Early Friends_, 382-387. William Penn, in his preface to + _Whitehead’s Works_, says, “He was among the most eminent for his + sound mind and capacity, great zeal and boldness, and as great + humility, patience, and labour in word, doctrine, and charity.” + +Footnote 4: + + Hugh Tickell was born in Cumberland, about the year 1610, being + convinced by George Fox when he first visited Cumberland in 1653, he + gave up his house for meetings, and entertained the Lord’s messengers. + He became a faithful and eminent minister, travelling up and down in + the service of the Gospel, suffering much for it, both in the spoiling + of his goods and in imprisonments. In 1664 he was cast into Carlisle + jail, with four other Friends, by priest Marshall of Crosthwaite, and + though he kept him in prison three years, yet he took tithe of his + land. But afterwards this priest fell down stairs and broke his skull, + upon which he died. Hugh Tickell was again imprisoned in Carlisle + jail, when about sixty-eight years old, by Richard Lowry, another + priest of Crosthwaite, because he could not pay him tithes, who kept + him prisoner about nine months, part of it in a cold winter, and in a + damp nasty place not fit for men to lie in. This priest Lowry was + suddenly stricken, and had the use of one side of his tongue, and his + understanding much taken from him, and so continued a long time—a + remarkable judgment. + + Hugh Tickell patiently bore all his sufferings, and willingly endured + them for the testimony of Jesus and a good conscience. But in his last + imprisonment he contracted a distemper of body, which, increasing upon + him after he came home, he grew weak, but continued in great patience; + and being sensible his end drew nigh, set his house in order, and, + taking leave of friends and neighbours, he sweetly departed in great + peace in 1680, being above seventy years of age. + +Footnote 5: + + Of the William Wilson here alluded to, the following particulars have + been gathered:—He was a man of an innocent life, and though he had + little outward learning, God was pleased to teach him himself, and + called him to bear a testimony to his name, which he did faithfully, + not only in many parts of England, but in Germany and Scotland, which + he visited several times. He was of a lowly and meek spirit, upright + and just among his neighbours, which caused them often to submit their + differences to his arbitration, in which he was careful to find out + the real truth, and would never countenance deceit. In this service he + was successful, seldom missing his desired end, viz., to restore + peace. He was faithful in his testimony for the truth, and a sufferer + for the same in prison at Kendal, in 1666, and several times + afterwards, as well as by distress on his goods. Besides which he + suffered cruel mockings, stoning, blows, and wounds, both from priests + and people, particularly at Eskdale, where he exhorted the people “to + mind that of God in their consciences, and turn to that holy light and + law which he had put into their inward parts, that by the same they + might come to know the will of God, and do it.” Because of these and + like words, one Parker, a priest, beat and wounded him, and with one + of his crutches broke his head, causing the blood to run down his + shoulders. The priest being lame, and not able as he would to effect + his cruel purpose, caused his horse to be brought, on which he + mounted, and in the sight of the people broke his staff in three + pieces upon William Wilson’s bare head, which made them cry out + against such merciless behaviour. Before the priest got home, he was + overtaken with sickness, and never came more to the steeple-house. + During the time of his sickness he was very loathsome, and so died. + + A few weeks after, William Wilson went to the same place at Eskdale, + and for speaking to the people, one Fogo, a priest, took him by the + hair of the head, pulled him to the ground, and drew him out. In rage + and cruelty he also abused his brother Michael Wilson; but a few + months after, this same Fogo, riding over some sands, accompanied by + several people, fell into a quicksand, and was immediately smothered. + + William Wilson left behind him a widow and two daughters, to whom he + was a true husband and a tender father, instructing his children “to + keep in the fear of the Lord, and to walk in the way of truth, which + he walked in himself;” often saying to them, “it would be the best + portion that they could enjoy.” His last illness was short. Having + recently returned from a long journey, wherein his body was much spent + and weak, he said, “I have not served the Lord unfruitfully; I have no + trouble upon me; and I am very sensible that all is well with me.” + Again he said, “He was content, whatsoever way the Lord pleased; he + felt as a dove, harmless; and as a lamb, innocent.” A few hours before + he died, at which time he walked several times over the room, he said, + as he had often before, “My peace far exceeds my pain;” and standing + upon his feet before two Friends, he said, “O that every one would + mind the Lord, that they might keep life.” He then sat down and drew + breath no more. + + He died at his own house at Langdale, the 10th of the 5th month, 1682. + +Footnote 6: + + We cannot be surprised at the hard language sometimes used by the + early Friends in protesting against the unchristian conduct of their + persecutors. The rapacity of their enemies in the early periods of the + Society carried their plunder to so great an excess, as not only to + involve many in total ruin, but subjected them to long and cruel + imprisonments, which, in many cases of particular hardship, terminated + in death. It has already been stated that at one time there were 4,500 + Quakers in prison in England and Wales at one time. In 1662, twenty + died in different prisons in London, and seven more after their + liberation, from ill treatment. In 1664, twenty-five died, and in + 1665, fifty-two more. The number which perished in this way, + throughout the whole kingdom, amounted to 369. But for fuller + particulars of the cruelties practised against the early Quakers, the + reader is referred to the two closely printed folio volumes, entitled + _Besse’s Sufferings_. + +Footnote 7: + + The word Sirrah must not be confounded with Sir. It was no doubt + made use of strictly in the sense of the only meaning Walker gives + to it in his _Dictionary_, viz., “A compellation of reproach and + insult.” + +Footnote 8: + + Of Thomas Robertson not much is known, but he appears to have been a + faithful labourer in his day. Ambrose Rigge, in the _Account of his + Life_, states. “A fellow-labourer was prepared for me, which was + Thomas Robertson of Westmorland; who was made willing to leave his + dear wife and tender babes, to go with me into the Lord’s harvest.” In + _Letters, &c., of Early Friends_, p. 226, is a letter from Thomas + Robertson to Margaret Fell, under date 1655. + +Footnote 9: + + The person whom George Fox here and elsewhere styles Esquire Marsh, + was a gentleman attached to the court of Charles II. He always + remained attached to George Fox, and ever retained a most friendly + interest for the Society in general. From his station at court and + office as a magistrate, he had frequent opportunities of interposing + his authority to protect the early Friends from the unjust oppression + of their persecutors. + +Footnote 10: + + The sickness here alluded to was the “Plague,” which visited London in + 1665. The state of the city during this dreadful visitation seems to + have been most deplorable. The following striking description is from + _Ellis’s Original Letters in the British Museum_. The letter is one + addressed to Dr. Sancroft from J. Tillison, dated Sept. 14, 1665:— + + “The desolation of the city is very great. That heart is either of + steel or stone, that will not lament this sad visitation, and will not + bleed for those unutterable woes! What eye would not weep to see so + many habitations uninhabited—the poor sick not visited—the hungry not + fed—the grave not satisfied! Death stares us continually in the face + in every infected person that passes by us, in every coffin which is + daily and hourly carried along the streets. The custom was in the + beginning to bury the dead in the night only; but now both night and + day will hardly be time enough to do it. The Quakers (as we are + informed) have buried, in their piece of ground, a thousand for some + weeks together past.” + + George Whitehead relates the satisfaction and comfort many innocent + Friends expressed on their deathbeds, both in Newgate and other + noisome places during the plague. Death was truly gain to these: “it + being through death,” says Whitehead, “that the Lord had appointed the + final deliverance of many from the cruelties and rod of the + oppressors, and from the miseries and evil to come.”—“Whilst the + plague was raging in the city,” he adds, “our persecutors took + fifty-five of our Friends (men and women) out of Newgate, where the + distemper also prevailed, and forced them on board a ship for + banishment, which lay for some time in the river. They were so crowded + on board, and the distemper breaking out amongst them, most of them + were infected, and twenty-seven of them soon died. I visited them, and + had a meeting with them on board, and the Lord my God preserved me, + both from the distemper and also from banishment, wherein I did humbly + confess his power and special providence to his own praise and glory.” + +Footnote 11: + + See extraordinary occurrences in an attempt to banish a number of + Friends recorded in a note in _Letters, &c., of Early Friends_, p. + 142-145. + +Footnote 12: + + Ellis Hookes was employed in London as a recording clerk to the + Society of Friends. It was he who commenced the _Record of + Sufferings_ (mentioned to George Fox in a letter bearing date + 1660, inserted in _Letters, &c., of Early Friends_, p. 86, 87), + which were written out into large folio volumes, still preserved + among the Society’s records in London. These are continued down to + the present day in forty or more of these large volumes. The clear + and excellent writing of Ellis Hookes extends over a large portion + of the first of these bulky folios. To the narratives of + sufferings and persecutions, were added accounts of what were + regarded as judgments upon persecutors; which were, doubtless in + that day, ordered to be recorded, under a sense of the fear of + God, and in testimony unto his overruling power. + + Ellis Hookes died in 1681. In the London _Register of Burials_, he + is described “of Horslydown in Southwark, scrivenor;” and “died + the 12th of the 9th month, 1681, of a consumption (having been + clerk to Friends in London about twenty-four years)—he was buried + in Checker Alley.” + +Footnote 13: + + The great fire of London occurred towards the latter end of 1666. + The narratives given in the Diaries of Evelyn and Pepys, who were + eye-witnesses of it, are sad indeed. Evelyn writes—“Sept. 3. The + fire continued all this night (if I may call that night, which was + light as day for ten miles about), after a dreadful manner—when + conspiring with a fierce eastern wind, in a very dry season. I + went on foot to the Bankside in Southwark, and saw the whole south + part of the city burning from Cheapside to the Thames, and all + along Cornhill, Tower Street, Gracious Street, and so along to + Bainard’s Castle, and was now taking hold of St. Paul’s Church. + The conflagration was so universal, and the people so astonished, + that from the beginning (I know not by what despondency or fate) + they hardly stirred to quench it; so that there was nothing heard + or seen but crying out and lamentation, and running about like + distracted creatures. O! the miserable and calamitous spectacle! + such as happily the world had not seen the like since the + foundation of it, nor to be outdone till the universal + conflagration. All the sky was of a fiery aspect, like the top of + a burning oven, the light [being] seen above forty miles round + about for many nights. The poor inhabitants were dispersed about + St. George’s Fields and Moorfields, as far as Highgate, and + several miles in circle—some under tents, some under miserable + huts and hovels, many without a rag or necessary utensils, bed or + board; who, from delicateness, riches, or easy accommodations in + stately and well-furnished houses, were now reduced to extremest + misery and poverty,” &c., vol. i. p. 372-374. + + + + + CHAPTER II. + +1666-1669.—George Fox visits a man above one hundred years old, who + had been convinced—refutes a slander that Friends love none but + themselves—has a meeting at Captain Taylor’s [at Brighouse], + where a neighbouring knight threatens again to imprison + him—comes to London, and finds the city in ruins as he had seen + it in a vision some years before—is moved to recommend the + setting up of monthly meetings to take care of God’s glory, and + to admonish and exhort such as walk disorderly—travels through + the nation for this purpose—meets with opposition in + Huntingdonshire and Bedfordshire—when at Shrewsbury it was + rumoured that “the great Quaker of England was come to town”—the + hypocrisy of the Presbyterians detected—they and the + Independents persecute when in power, but flinch in time of + persecution by other powers—George Fox recommends certain + regulations to be observed relative to Friends’ marriages—he + also recommends the establishment of a school at Waltham for + boys, and one at Shacklewell for girls—the meetings for + discipline are the means of a great reformation among the + people—George Fox discovers a cheat, writes a prophetic warning + to Friends—monthly meetings settled throughout the nation—the + order and good results thereof—George Fox disputes with a + Papist—confers with Esquire Marsh (Justice), and shows him how + to distinguish between Friends and other dissenters who refused + the oath—Justice Marsh is afterwards very serviceable to Friends + in screening them from suffering, and recommends the king to + grant liberty of conscience—fourteen monthly meetings are + settled in Yorkshire—Isaac Lindley to George Fox—when at + Scarbro’ the governor presses George Fox to accept his + hospitality—large and precious meetings. + + +Being now freed from my imprisonment in Scarbro’ castle, I went +about three miles to a large general meeting at a Friend’s house, +that had been a chief constable; and all was quiet and well. On the +fourth day after, I returned to Scarbro’, and had a meeting in the +town at Peter Hodgson’s house. To this came one called a lady, and +several other great persons, also a young man, son to the bailiff of +the town, who had been convinced, while I was there in prison. That +lady (so called) came to me, and said, “I spoke against the +ministers.” I told her, “such as the prophets and Christ declared +against formerly, I declared against now.” + +From hence I went to WHITBY; and, having visited Friends there, +passed to BURLINGTON, where I had another meeting. Thence to ORAM, +where I had another meeting: and thence to Marmaduke Storr’s, and +had a large meeting at a constable’s house, on whom the Lord had +wrought a great miracle. + +Next day, two Friends being to take each other in marriage, there +was a very great meeting, which I attended. I was moved to open to +the people the state of our marriages, declaring how the people of +God took one another in the assemblies of the elders, and that it +was God who joined man and woman together before the fall. And +though men had taken upon them to join in the fall, yet in the +restoration it was God’s joining, that was the right and honourable +marriage: but never any priest did marry any, that we read of in the +Scriptures, from Genesis to the Revelations. Then I showed them the +duty of man and wife, how they should serve God, being heirs of life +and grace together. + +I passed thence to Grace Barwick’s, where I had a general meeting, +which was very large. I came next to Richard Shipton’s, where I had +another meeting; and so to a priest’s house, whose wife was +convinced, and himself grown very loving, and glad to see me. This +was that priest, who, in the year 1651, threatened, “if ever he met +me again, he would have my life, or I should have his;” and said, +“he would lose his head, if I were not knocked down in a month.” But +now he was partly convinced, and become very kind. I went from his +house towards the sea, where several Friends came to visit me; and +amongst others, Philip Scafe, who had formerly been a priest, but, +having received the truth, was now become a preacher of Christ +freely, and continued so. + +Passing on, I called to see an ancient man, who was convinced of +truth, and was above a hundred years old. Then I came to a Friend’s +house, where I had a great meeting, and quiet. I had a great meeting +near MALTON; and another large one near HULL; from which I went to +HOWDEN-DYKE. As we went into the town, the watchmen questioned me +and those that were with me; but not having any warrant to stay us, +we passed by them, who in a rage threatened they would search us +out. I went to the house of one called the Lady Montague, where I +lodged that night; and several friends came to visit me. Next +morning, being up early, I walked into the orchard, and saw a man +about sunrise go into the house in a great cloak. He stayed not +long; but came soon out again, and went away, not seeing me. I felt +something strike at my life; and went into the house, where I found +the maid-servant affrighted and trembling. She told me, “that man +had a naked rapier under his cloak.” By which I perceived he came +with an intent to do mischief, but the Lord prevented him. + +I then visited Friends till I came to YORK, where we had a large +meeting. After which I went to visit Justice Robinson, an ancient +justice of the peace, who had been very loving to me and Friends +from the beginning. There was a priest with him, who told me, “it +was said of us, that we loved none but ourselves.” I told him, “we +loved all mankind, as they were God’s creation, and as they were +children of Adam and Eve by generation; and we loved the brotherhood +in the Holy Ghost.” This stopped him. After some other discourse, we +parted friendly, and passed away. + +About this time I wrote a book, entitled _Fear God, and Honour the +King_; in which I showed, “that none could rightly fear God, and +honour the King, but they that departed from sin and evil.” This +book affected the soldiers much, and most people. + +Having visited Friends at YORK, we passed to a market town, where we +had a meeting at George Watkinson’s, formerly a justice. A glorious, +blessed meeting it was, and very large, and the Seed of life was set +over all. We should have been troubled to get into this town, had +not Providence made way for us; for the watchmen stood ready to stop +us. But a man riding just before us, the watchmen questioned him +first; and perceiving he was a justice of peace, they let him pass; +and we riding close after him, by that means escaped. + +From this place we passed to Thomas Taylor’s, formerly a captain, +where we had a precious meeting. Hard by Thomas Taylor’s lived a +knight, who was much displeased when he heard I was likely to be +released out of prison; and threatened that, “if the king set me at +liberty, he would send me to prison again the next day.” But though +I had this meeting so near him, yet the Lord’s power stopped him +from meddling, and the meeting was quiet. Colonel Kirby also, who +had been the chief means of my imprisonment at Lancaster and +Scarbro’ castles, when he heard I was set at liberty, got another +order for taking me up; and said, “he would ride his horse forty +miles to take me, and would give forty pounds to have me taken.” A +while after I came so near as to have a meeting within two miles of +him; he was then struck with the gout, and kept his bed, so that it +was thought he would have died. + +From Thomas Taylor’s I visited Friends till I came to +SYNDERHILL-GREEN, where I had a large and general meeting. The +priest of the place, hearing of it, sent the constable to the +justices for a warrant, and they rode their horses so hard, that +they almost spoiled them; but the notice they had being short, and +the way long, the meeting was ended before they came. I did not hear +of them till I was going out of the house, after meeting was over, +and then a Friend came and told me, “they were searching another +house for me, the one I was then going to.” As I went along the +fields to it, I met the constables, wardens, and the justice’s +clerk. I passed through them, they looked at me, and went to the +house they had been searching. Thus they lost their design; for the +Lord’s power bound them, and preserved me over them; and Friends +parted, and all escaped them. The officers went away as they came; +for the Lord had frustrated their design; praised be his name for +ever. + +After this I went to DERBYSHIRE, where I had a large meeting. Some +Friends were apprehensive of the constables coming; for they had +great persecution in those parts; but our meeting was quiet. A +justice of peace in that county had taken away much of Friends’ +goods; whereupon Ellen Fretwell had made her appeal to the sessions; +and the rest of the justices granted her her goods again, and spoke +to the persecuting justice, that he should not do so any more. She +was moved to speak and warn him; whereupon he bid her, “come and sit +down on the bench.” “Ay,” said she, “if I may persuade you to do +justice to the country, I will sit down with you.” “No,” said he, +“then you shall not; get out of the court.” As she was going out, +she was moved of the Lord to turn again, and say, “she should be +there, when he should not.” After the sessions were ended, he went +home, and drove away her brother’s oxen, for going to meetings. Then +Susan Frith, a Friend of Chesterfield, was moved of the Lord to tell +him, that “if he continued in persecuting the innocent, the Lord +would execute his plagues upon him.” Soon after which he fell +distracted, and died in that state. This relation I had from Ellen +Fretwell herself. + +I travelled into NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, and had a large meeting at SKEGBY; +from thence I went to MANSFIELD, where also I had a meeting; thence +to another town, where there was a fair, at which I met with many +Friends. Then passing through the forest in a very thundering and +rainy day, I came to NOTTINGHAM. So great was the tempest many trees +were torn up by the roots, and some people killed; but the Lord +preserved us. On First-day following I had a large meeting in +Nottingham, very quiet; Friends were come to sit under their +teacher, the Grace of God, which brought them salvation, and were +established upon the rock and foundation, Christ Jesus. After the +meeting I went to visit the Friend who had been sheriff about the +year 1649, whose prisoner I then was. + +From Nottingham I passed into LEICESTERSHIRE and came to SILEBY, +where we had a large, blessed meeting. After which I went to +LEICESTER to visit the prisoners there, and then to John Penford’s, +where we had a general meeting, large and precious. From thence I +passed, visiting Friends and my relations, till I came to WARWICK, +where having visited the prisoners, I passed to BADDESLEY, and had a +precious meeting there. Then I travelled through NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, +BEDFORDSHIRE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, and OXFORDSHIRE, visiting Friends in +each county. In Oxfordshire the devil had laid a snare for me, but +the Lord broke it; his power came over all, his blessed truth +spread, and Friends were increased therein. + +Thus after I had passed through many counties, visiting Friends, and +had many large and precious meetings amongst them, I came to LONDON. +But I was weak with lying almost three years in cruel and hard +imprisonments; my joints and my body were so stiff and benumbed, +that I could hardly get on my horse or bend my joints; nor could I +well bear to be near the fire or to eat warm meat, I had been kept +so long from it. Being come to London, I walked a little among the +ruins, and took good notice of them. I saw the city lying, according +as the word of the Lord came to me concerning it several years +before. + +After I had been a time in London, and visited Friends’ meetings +through the city, I went into the country again, and had large +meetings at KINGSTON, READING, and in WILTSHIRE, till I came to +BRISTOL, where also I had many large meetings. Thomas Lower came +thither out of Cornwall to meet me: and Friends were there from +several parts of the nation, it being then the fair time. After I +was clear of Bristol, I left that city and went to Nathaniel +Crisp’s; and so through the country to LONDON again, having large +meetings in the way, and all quiet, blessed be the Lord. Thus, +though I was very weak, yet I travelled up and down in the service +of the Lord, who enabled me to go through it. + +About this time some, that had run out from truth and clashed +against Friends, were reached unto by the power of the Lord, which +came wonderfully over, and made them condemn and tear their papers +of controversies to pieces. Several meetings we had with them, and +the Lord’s everlasting power was over all, and set judgment on the +head of that which had run out. In these meetings, which lasted +whole days, several who had run out with John Perrot and others, +came in again, and condemned that spirit which led them to keep on +their hats, when Friends prayed, and when they themselves prayed. +Some of them said, “that Friends were more righteous than they,” and +that, “if Friends had not stood, they had been gone, and had fallen +into perdition.” Thus the Lord’s power was wonderfully manifested, +and came over all. + +Then I was moved of the Lord to recommend the setting up of five +monthly meetings of men and women in the city of London (besides the +women’s meetings and the quarterly meetings,) to take care of God’s +glory, and to admonish and exhort such as walked disorderly or +carelessly, and not according to truth. For whereas Friends had had +only quarterly meetings, now truth was spread, and Friends were +grown more numerous, I was moved to recommend the setting up of +monthly meetings throughout the nation.[14] And the Lord opened to +me what I must do, and how the men’s and women’s monthly and +quarterly meetings should be ordered and established in this and in +other nations; and that I should write to those where I did not +come, to do the same. After things were well settled at London, and +the Lord’s truth, power, seed, and life reigned and shone over all +in the city, I went into ESSEX. After the monthly meetings were +settled in that county, I went into SUFFOLK and NORFOLK, Thomas Dry +being with me. When we had visited Friends in those parts, and the +monthly meetings were settled, we went into HUNTINGDONSHIRE, where +we had very large and blessed gatherings; and though we met with +some opposition, the Lord’s power came over all, and the monthly +meetings were established there also. When we came into +BEDFORDSHIRE, we had great opposition; but the Lord’s power came +over it all. Afterwards we went into NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, where we had +many precious gatherings, and the monthly meetings were settled +there. Then passing into LINCOLNSHIRE we had a meeting of some men +Friends of all the meetings in the county, at his house who had +formerly been sheriff of Lincoln, and all was quiet. After this we +passed over Trent into NOTTINGHAMSHIRE again, the ex-sheriff of +Lincoln being with me, where we had some of all the meetings in that +county together. Our meeting was glorious and peaceable; and many +precious meetings we had in that county. + +At that time William Smith was very weak and sick, and the +constables and others had seized all his goods, to the very bed he +lay upon, for truth’s sake. These officers threatened to break up +our meeting; but the Lord’s power chained them, so that they had not +power to meddle with us, blessed be his name. After it, I went to +visit William Smith, and there were constables and others watching +his corn and beasts, that none of them might be removed.[15] + +Thence we passed to LEICESTERSHIRE and WARWICKSHIRE, where we had +many blessed meetings. The order of the gospel was set up, and the +men’s monthly meetings established in all those counties. Then we +went into DERBYSHIRE, where we had several large and blessed +meetings. In many places we were threatened by the officers, but, +through the power of the Lord we escaped their hands. Leaving things +well settled in Derbyshire, we travelled over the Peak hills, which +were very cold (for it was then frost and snow), and came into +STAFFORDSHIRE. At Thomas Hammersley’s we had a general men’s +meeting; where things were well settled in the gospel order, and the +monthly meetings established also. But I was so exceedingly weak, I +was hardly able to get on or off my horse’s back; but my spirit +being earnestly engaged in the work the Lord had concerned me in, +and sent me forth about, I travelled on therein, notwithstanding the +weakness of my body, having confidence in the Lord, that he would +carry me through, as he did, by his power. + +We came into CHESHIRE, where we had several blessed gatherings, and +a general men’s meeting, wherein all the monthly meetings for that +county were settled, according to the gospel order, in and by the +power of God. After the meeting I passed away. But when the justices +heard of it, they were very much troubled, that they had not come +and broken it up, and taken me; but the Lord prevented them. After I +had cleared myself there in the Lord’s service, I passed into +LANCASHIRE, to William Barnes’s, near WARRINGTON, where met some of +most of the meetings in that county; and there all the monthly +meetings were established in gospel order. From thence I sent papers +into WESTMORLAND by Leonard Fell and Robert Widders, and also into +DURHAM, CLEVELAND, NORTHUMBERLAND, CUMBERLAND, and SCOTLAND, to +exhort Friends to settle the monthly meetings in the Lord’s power in +those places; which they did. So the Lord’s power came over all, and +the heirs of it came to inherit it. For the authority of our +meetings, is the power of God, the gospel, which brings life and +immortality to light; that all may see over the devil that hath +darkened them, and that all the heirs of the gospel may walk +according to the gospel, and glorify God with their bodies, souls, +and spirits, which are the Lord’s; for the order of the glorious +gospel is not of man, nor by man. To this meeting in Lancashire, +Margaret Fell, being a prisoner, got liberty to come, and went with +me to Jane Milner’s in CHESHIRE, where we parted. I passed into +SHROPSHIRE, and from thence into WALES, and had a large general +men’s meeting at Charles Lloyd’s, where some opposers came in, but +the Lord’s power brought them down. + +Having gone through DENBIGHSHIRE and MONTGOMERYSHIRE we passed into +MERIONETHSHIRE, where we had several blessed meetings; and then went +to the sea-side, where we had a precious meeting. And Friends in +these parts, being established on Christ, their foundation, and the +monthly meetings settled in the power of God, we left Wales and +returned into Shropshire, where the Friends of the country gathering +together, the monthly meetings were established there also. Then +coming into WORCESTERSHIRE, after many meetings amongst Friends in +that county, we had a general men’s meeting at Henry Gibb’s house, +at PASHUR, where also the monthly meetings were settled in gospel +order. + +The sessions were held that day in the town, and some Friends were +concerned lest they should send officers to break up our meeting; +but the Lord’s power restrained them, so that it was quiet; through +which power we had dominion. I had several meetings amongst Friends +in that county till I came to WORCESTER; and it being the fair time, +we had a precious meeting there. There was then in Worcester one +Major Wild, a persecuting man; and after I was gone out of town, +some of his soldiers inquired after me; but having left Friends +there settled in good order, we passed to DROITWICH, and thence to +SHREWSBURY, where also we had a very precious meeting. The mayor +hearing that I was in town, got the rest of the officers together, +to consult what to do against me; for they said, “the great Quaker +of England was come to town.” But when they were come together, the +Lord confounded their counsels, so that, when some were for +imprisoning me, others opposed it; and so being divided among +themselves, I escaped their hands. + +We went also into RADNORSHIRE, where we had many precious +gatherings, and the monthly meetings were settled in the Lord’s +power. As we came out of that county, staying a little at a +market-town, a justice’s clerk and other rude fellows combined +together to do us mischief on the road. They followed us out of +town, and soon overtook us; but there being many market-people on +the way, they were somewhat hindered from doing what they intended. +Yet observing two of our company ride at some distance behind, they +set upon them; and one of them drew his sword, and cut one of those +two Friends, whose name was Richard Moor, Surgeon, of Shrewsbury. +Meanwhile another of these rude fellows came galloping after me and +the other Friend that was with me; and having to pass over a narrow +bridge, in his eagerness to get before us he rode into the brook, +and plunged his horse into a deep hole in the water. I saw the +design, and stopped, desiring Friends to be patient, and give them +no occasion. By this time Richard Moor came up to us, with the other +Friend that was with him, who knew the men and their names. Then we +rode on, and a little further met another man on foot much in +liquor, with a naked sword in his hand. And not far beyond him we +met two men and women, one of whom had his thumb cut off by the +drunken man; for he, being in drink, attempted rudeness to one of +the women; and this man withstanding him, and rescuing her, he drew +his sword and cut off his thumb. Now this drunken man had a horse, +which being loose, followed him some way behind. I rode after it, +and having caught it, brought it to the man that had his thumb cut +off; and bid him take the horse to the next justice of peace, by +which means they might find out, and pursue the man that had wounded +him. + +On this occasion I wrote to the justices, and to the judge of the +assize which was then at hand; and employed some Friends to carry it +to the justices first. The justice to whom the clerk belonged, +rebuked his clerk and the others also, for abusing us on the +highway; so that they were glad to come and entreat Friends not to +appear against them at the assize; which, on their submission and +acknowledgment of their fault, was granted. This was of good service +in the country, for it stopped many rude people, who before had been +forward to abuse Friends. + +We passed into HEREFORDSHIRE, where we had several blessed +gatherings; and we had a general men’s meeting also, where all the +monthly meetings were settled. There was about this time a +proclamation against meetings; and as we came through Herefordshire, +we were told of a great meeting there of the Presbyterians, who had +engaged themselves to stand and give up all, rather than forsake +their meetings. When they heard of this proclamation, the people +came, but the priest was gone, and they were then at a loss. Then +they met in Leominster privately, and provided bread, cheese, and +drink in readiness, that if the officers should come, they might put +up their Bibles and fall to eating. The bailiff found them out, and +came in among them, and said, “their bread and cheese should not +cover them, he would have their speakers.” They cried, “what then +would become of their wives and children?” But he took their +speakers and kept them awhile. This the bailiff told Peter Young, +and said, “they were the veriest hypocrites that ever made a +profession of religion.” + +The like contrivance they had in other places. For there was one +Pocock at London, that married Abigail Darcy, who was called a lady; +and she being convinced of truth, I went to his house to see her. +This Pocock had been one of the triers of the priests; and, being a +high Presbyterian, and envious against us, he used to call our +Friends house-creepers. He being present, she said to me, “I have +something to speak to thee against my husband.” “Nay,” said I, “thou +must not speak against thy husband.” “Yes,” said she, “but I must in +this case. Last First-day,” said she, “he and his priests and +people, the Presbyterians, met; they had candles and tobacco-pipes, +bread, cheese, and cold meat on the table; and they agreed +beforehand, that if the officers should come in upon them, then they +would leave their preaching and praying, and fall to their cold +meat.” “O,” said I to him, “is not this a shame to you, who +persecuted and imprisoned us, and spoiled our goods, because we +would not join you in your religion, and called us house-creepers, +that now ye do not stand to your own religion yourselves? Did ye +ever find our meetings stuffed with bread and cheese and +tobacco-pipes? Or did you ever read in the Scriptures of any such +practice among the saints?” “Why,” said the old man, “We must be as +wise as serpents.” I replied, “this is the serpent’s wisdom indeed. +But who would have thought that you Presbyterians and Independents, +who persecuted and imprisoned others, spoiled their goods, and +whipped such as would not follow your religion, should now flinch +yourselves, and not dare to stand to your own religion, but cover it +with tobacco-pipes, flagons of drink, cold meat, and bread and +cheese!” But this, and such-like deceitful practices, I understood +afterwards, were too common amongst them in times of persecution. + +After we had travelled through Herefordshire, and meetings were well +settled there, we passed into MONMOUTHSHIRE, where I had several +blessed meetings; and at Walter Jenkins’s, who had been a justice of +the peace, we had a large gathering, where some were convinced; this +meeting was quiet. But to one before this, came the bailiff of the +hundred, almost drunk, pretending he was to take up the speakers. +There was a mighty power of God in the meeting, so that, although he +raged, the power of the Lord limited him, that he could not break it +up. When it was over, I stayed awhile, and he stayed also. After +some time I spoke to him, and so passed quietly away. At night some +rude people came, and shot off a musket against the house, but did +not hurt anybody. Thus the Lord’s power came over all, and chained +down the unruly spirits, so that we escaped them. We came to Ross +that night, and had a meeting at James Merrick’s. + +After this we came into GLOUCESTERSHIRE and had a general men’s +meeting at Nathaniel Crisp’s house, where all the monthly meetings +were settled in the Lord’s everlasting power; and the heirs of +salvation were exhorted to take their possessions in the gospel, the +power of God, which was and is the authority of their meetings. Many +blessed gatherings we had up and down in that county, before we came +to BRISTOL. And after several powerful meetings there, the men’s and +women’s meetings were settled there also. + +As I was in bed at Bristol, the word of the Lord came to me, that I +must go back to London. Next morning Alexander Parker and several +others came to me: I asked them, “what they felt?” They in like +manner asked me, “what was upon me?” I told them, “I felt I must +return to London.” They said, “the same was upon them.” So we gave +up to return to London; for whatever way the Lord moved and led us, +thither we went in his power. Leaving Bristol, we passed into +WILTSHIRE, and established the men’s monthly meetings in the Lord’s +power there; and visited Friends till we came to LONDON. + +After we had visited Friends in the city, I was moved to exhort them +to bring all their marriages to the men’s and women’s meetings, that +they might lay them before the faithful; that care might be taken to +prevent those disorders that had been committed by some. For many +had married contrary to their relations’ minds; and some young, raw +people that came amongst us, had mixed with the world. Widows had +married without making provision for their children by their former +husbands, before their second marriage. Yet I had given forth a +paper concerning marriages about the year 1653, when truth was but +little spread over the nation; advising Friends who might be +concerned in that case, “that they might lay it before the faithful +in time, before anything was concluded, and afterwards publish it in +the end of a meeting, or in a market, as they were moved thereto. +And when all things were found clear, they being free from all +others and their relations satisfied, they might appoint a meeting +on purpose for the taking of each other, in the presence of at least +twelve faithful witnesses.” Yet these directions not being observed, +and truth being now more spread over the nation, it was therefore +ordered, by the same power and Spirit of God, “that marriages should +be laid before the men’s monthly and quarterly meetings, or as the +meetings were then established; that Friends might see that the +relations of those that proceeded to marriage, were satisfied; that +the parties were clear from all others; and that widows had made +provision for their first husband’s children, before they married +again; and what else was needful to be inquired into; that all +things might be kept clean and pure, and be done in righteousness to +the glory of God.” Afterwards it was ordered, in the same wisdom of +God, “that if either of the parties, that intended to marry, came +out of another nation, county, or monthly meeting, they should bring +a certificate from the monthly meeting to which they belonged; for +the satisfaction of the monthly meeting before which they came to +lay their intentions of marriage.”[16] + +These things, with many other services for God, being set in order, +and settled in the churches in the city, I passed out of London, in +the leadings of the Lord’s power into HERTFORDSHIRE. After I had +visited Friends, and the men’s monthly meetings were settled there, +I had a great meeting at BALDOCK, of many sorts of people. Then +returning towards London by WALTHAM, I advised the setting up of a +school there for teaching boys; and also a girls’ school at +SHACKLEWELL, for instructing them in whatsoever things were civil +and useful in the creation.[17] + +After I had had several precious meetings in the country, I came to +LONDON again, where I stayed a while in the work and service of the +Lord; and then went into BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, where I had many precious +meetings. At John Brown’s, of WESTON near Aylesbury, some of the men +Friends of each meeting being gathered together, the men’s monthly +meetings for that county were established, in the order of the +gospel, the power of God; and the power of the Lord confirmed it in +all that felt it, and they came thereby to see and feel, that the +power of God was the authority of their meetings. Then after the +monthly meetings were settled there in the order of the gospel, and +upon the foundation of Christ Jesus, I went to Nathaniel Ball’s, at +NORTH NEWTON near BANBURY, in Oxfordshire, who was a Friend in the +ministry. And there being a general meeting, where some from all the +meetings were present, the monthly meetings for that county, were +then settled in the power of God; and Friends were very glad of +them; for they came into their services in the church, to take care +for God’s glory. After this meeting, we passed into GLOUCESTERSHIRE, +visiting Friends, till we came into MONMOUTHSHIRE, to Richard +Hambery’s; where meeting with some from all the meetings of that +county, the monthly meetings were settled there also in the Lord’s +power, that all might take care of God’s glory, and admonish and +exhort such as did not walk as became the gospel. And indeed these +meetings made a great reformation amongst people, insomuch that the +justices took notice of their usefulness. + +Richard Hambery and his wife accompanied us a day’s journey visiting +Friends, till we came to a widow’s house, where we stayed that +night. Thence we passed over the hills next day, visiting Friends +and declaring truth to the people, till we came to another widow’s, +where we had a meeting. She could not speak English, yet she praised +the Lord for sending us to visit them. + +We travelled till we came to SWANSEA, where on the First-day we had +a large and precious meeting, the Lord’s presence being eminently +amongst us. On a week day afterwards we had a general meeting beyond +Swansea, of men Friends from Swansea, Tenby, Haverfordwest, and +other places; and there the monthly meetings were settled in gospel +order, and received by Friends in the power of the Lord; and the +Lord’s truth was over all. + +From hence we endeavoured to go by water into Cornwall, and returned +through Swansea to MUMBLES, thinking to get passage there, but the +captain deceived us; for though he had promised to carry us, yet +when we came he would not. We went to another place where there was +a passage-boat, into which we got our horses; but some rude men in +the boat (though called gentlemen) threatened to pistol the master, +if he took us in, who, being afraid of them, turned our horses out +again; which put us out of hopes of getting over that way. Wherefore +turning back into the country, we stayed up all night, and about two +in the morning took horse, and travelled till we came near CARDIFF, +where we stayed one night. The next day we came to NEWPORT; and it +being market-day there, several Friends came to us with whom we sat +a while; and after a refreshing season together we parted from them, +and went on our way. + +Beyond this market-town we overtook a man, who lingered on the way, +as if he stayed for somebody; but when we came up to him, he rode +along with us, and asked us many questions. At length meeting with +two others, who seemed to be pages to some great persons, he made +acquaintance with them, and I heard him tell them he would stop us, +and take us up. We rode on; being in our way; and when he came to +us, and would have stopped us, I told him, “none ought to stop us on +the king’s highway, for it was as free for us as for them;” and I +was moved to exhort him to fear the Lord. Then he galloped away +before us; and I perceived his intent was to stop us at SHIPTON in +Wales, which was a garrison town, through which we were to pass. +When we were come to Shipton, John-ap-John being with me, we walked +down the hill into the town leading our horses. It being the +market-day there, several Friends met us, and would have had us to +an inn. But we were not to go into any inn; so we walked directly +through the town over the bridge, and then we were out of the limits +of that town. Thus the Lord’s everlasting arm and power preserved +us, and carried us on in his work and service. + +The next First-day we had a large meeting in the FOREST OF DEAN; and +all was quiet. Next day we passed over the water to OLVESTON; where, +after we had visited Friends, we came again to William Yeoman’s +house, at IRB’S COURT in Somersetshire. From thence we went to a +meeting at PORTISHEAD, whither several Friends from Bristol came to +us. After this we went further up into the country, and had several +large meetings; and the Lord’s living presence was with us, +supporting and refreshing us in our labour and travel in his +service. + +We came to a place near MINEHEAD, where we had a general meeting of +the men Friends in Somersetshire. There came also a cheat, whom some +friendly people would have had me to take along with me. I saw he +was a cheat; and therefore bid them bring him to me, and see whether +he could look me in the face. Some were ready to think I was too +hard towards him, because I would not let him go along with me; but +when they brought him to me, he was not able to look me in the face, +but looked hither and thither; for he was indeed a cheat, and had +cheated a priest by pretending to be a minister; he had got the +priest’s suit and went away with it. + +After the meeting we passed to MINEHEAD, where we tarried. In the +night I had an exercise upon me, from a sense of a dark spirit, +working and striving to get up to disturb the church of Christ. Next +morning I was moved to write a few lines to Friends as a warning +thereof, as follows:— + + “DEAR FRIENDS, + + “Live in the power of the Lord God, in his Seed that is set over + all, and is over all trials that you may have with the dark + spirit, which would be owned in its actings, and thrust itself + amongst you; which is not come as yet: but in the power of the + Lord God, and his Seed, keep over it, and bring it to + condemnation. For I felt a kind of dark spirit thrusting itself up + towards you, and heaving up last night; but you may keep it down + with the power of God, that the witness may arise to condemn its + actings, so far as it hath spread its dark works, before it have + any admittance. So no more, but my love in the Seed of God, which + changeth not.” + + G.F. + + Minehead in Somersetshire, 22nd of 4th Month, 1668. + +Next day several Friends of Minehead accompanied us as far as +BARNSTAPLE and APPLEDORE in DEVONSHIRE, where we had a meeting. +Barnstaple had been a bloody, persecuting town. There were two men +Friends of that place, who had been a great while at sea; and coming +home to visit their relations, one of them having a wife and +children, the mayor of the town sent for them, under pretence to +converse with them; and he put the oaths of allegiance and supremacy +to them. Because they could not swear, he sent them to Exeter jail, +where Judge Archer premunired them, and kept them till one of them +died in prison. When I heard of this, I was moved to write a letter +to Judge Archer, and another to the mayor of Barnstaple, laying +their wicked and unchristian actions upon their heads, and letting +them know, “that the blood of that man would be required at their +hands.” + +After a precious meeting at Appledore among some faithful Friends +there, we passed to STRATTON, and stayed at an inn all night. Next +day we rode to Humphrey Lower’s, where we had a very precious +meeting; and next day to TRURO; visiting Friends till we came to the +LAND’S-END. Then coming up by the south part of that county, we +visited Friends till we came to TREGANGEEVES, where at Loveday +Hambley’s we had a general meeting for all the county; in which the +monthly meetings were settled in the Lord’s power, and in the +blessed order of the gospel; that all who were faithful might +admonish and exhort such as walked not according to the gospel; that +so the house of God might be kept clean, and righteousness might run +down, and all unrighteousness be swept away. Several that had run +out, were brought to condemn what they had done amiss; and through +repentance came in again. + +Being clear of the county of CORNWALL, we came into DEVONSHIRE, and +had a meeting amongst Friends at PLYMOUTH. Whence passing to Richard +Brown’s, we came to the widow Phillips’s, where we had some men +Friends from all the meetings together; and there the men’s monthly +meetings were settled in the heavenly order of the gospel, the power +of God; which answered the witness of God in all. There was a great +noise of a troop of horse coming to disturb our meeting; but the +Lord’s power prevented it, and preserved us in peace and safety. + +After things were well settled, and the meeting over, we came to +KINGSBRIDGE, and visited Friends there. Then leaving Friends in +those parts well settled in the power of God, we passed to TOPSHAM, +and MEMBURY, visiting Friends, and having many meetings in the way, +till we came to ILCHESTER in SOMERSETSHIRE. Here we had a general +men’s meeting, and therein settled the men’s monthly meetings for +that county in the Lord’s everlasting power; and Friends being +refreshed and comforted in the Lord’s power, and established upon +Christ, their rock and foundation, we passed to PUDDIMORE; where, at +William Beaton’s, we had a blessed meeting, and all was quiet; +though the constables had threatened before. + +When we had visited most of the meetings in Somersetshire, we passed +into DORSETSHIRE to George Harris’s house, where we had a large +men’s meeting. There all the men’s monthly meetings for that county +were settled in the glorious order of the gospel, that all in the +power of God might “seek that which was lost, and bring again that +which was driven away; cherish the good, and reprove the evil.” + +Then we came to SOUTHAMPTON, where we had a large meeting on +First-day. Thence we went to Captain Reeves’s, where the general +men’s meeting for Hampshire was appointed; to which some of all the +county came, and a blessed time we had. There the men’s monthly +meetings for that county were settled in the order of the gospel, +which had brought life and immortality to light in them. But there +came a rude company of Ranters, who had opposed and disturbed our +meetings much. One of the women had lain with a man, who declared it +at the market-cross, and gloried in his wickedness. A company of +these lewd people lived together at a house hard by the place where +our meeting was. I went to it, and told them of their wickedness. +The man of the house said, “Why! did I make so strange of that?” +Another of them said, “It was to stumble me.” I told them, “their +wickedness should not stumble me, for I was above it.” And I was +moved of the Lord to tell them, “that the plagues and judgments of +God would overtake them, and come upon them.” Afterwards they went +up and down the country, till at last they were cast into Winchester +jail, where the man that had lain with the woman stabbed the jailer, +but not mortally. And after they were let out of jail, this fellow +that had stabbed the jailer hung himself; the woman had like to have +cut a child’s throat, as we were informed. These people had formerly +lived about London; and when the city was fired, they prophesied, +“that all the rest of London should be burnt within fourteen days,” +and hastened out of town. Though they were Ranters, great opposers +of Friends, and disturbers of our meetings, yet in the country where +they came, some people that did not know them, would be apt to say +they were Quakers. Wherefore I was moved of the Lord to write a +paper, to be dispersed among the magistrates and people of +Hampshire, to clear Friends and truth of these lewd people and their +wicked actions. + +After the men’s monthly meetings in those parts were settled, and +the Lord’s blessed power was over all, we went to a town where we +had a meeting with Friends. Thence we came to Farnham, where we met +many Friends, it being the market-day. We had many precious meetings +up and down that country. Friends in those parts had formerly been +plundered, and their goods much spoiled, both for tithes, and for +going to meetings; but the Lord’s power at this time preserved both +them and us from falling into the persecutor’s hands. + +We passed thence, and had a general men’s meeting at a Friend’s +house in SURREY, who had been plundered so extremely, that he had +scarcely a cow, horse, or swine left. The constables threatened to +come and break up our meeting, but the Lord restrained them. At this +meeting the men’s monthly meetings were settled in the authority of +the heavenly power. After we had visited Friends in that county, and +had many large and precious gatherings, we passed to a Friend’s +house in SUSSEX, where the general meeting for the men Friends of +that county was appointed to be held; and thither came several +Friends from London to visit us. We had a blessed meeting; and the +men’s monthly meetings for that county were then settled in the +Lord’s eternal power. There were at that time great threatenings of +disturbance; but the meeting was quiet. We had several large +meetings in that county, though Friends were then in great +sufferings there, and many in prison. I was sent for to visit a +Friend that was sick, and went to see those that were prisoners. +There was danger of my being apprehended; but I went in the faith of +God’s power, and thereby the Lord preserved me in safety. + +Having visited Friends through the country, we passed into Kent, +where, after we had been at several meetings, we had a general +meeting for the men Friends of that county. There also the men’s +monthly meetings for that county were settled in the power of God, +and established in the order of the gospel, for all the heirs of it +to enter into their services, and care in the church for the glory +of God. Friends rejoiced in the order of the gospel, and were glad +of the settlement thereof, which is not of man nor by man. After +this I visited Friends in their meetings in KENT; and when I had +cleared myself of the Lord’s service in that county, I came up to +LONDON. + +Thus were the men’s monthly meetings settled through the nation; for +I had been in Berkshire before, where most of the ancient Friends of +that county were in prison; and when I had informed them of the +service of these monthly meetings, they were settled amongst them +also. The quarterly meetings were generally settled before. I wrote +also into Ireland by faithful Friends, and into Scotland, Holland, +Barbadoes, and several parts of America, advising Friends to settle +their men’s monthly meetings in those countries. For they had their +general quarterly meetings before; but now that truth was increased +amongst them, they should settle those men’s monthly meetings in the +power and Spirit of God, that first convinced them. + +Since these meetings have been settled, and all the faithful in the +power of God, who are heirs of the gospel, have met together in the +power of God, which is the authority of them, to perform service to +the Lord therein, many mouths have been opened in thanksgivings and +praise, and many have blessed the Lord God, that ever he sent me +forth in this service; yea, with tears have many praised the Lord. +For now all coming to have a concern and care for God’s honour and +glory, that his name be not blasphemed, which they profess; and to +see that all who profess the truth, walk in the truth, in +righteousness, and in holiness, which becomes the house of God, and +that all order their conversation aright, that they may see the +salvation of God; all having this care upon them for God’s glory, +and being exercised in his holy Power and Spirit, in the order of +the heavenly life and gospel of Jesus, they may all see and know, +possess and partake of, the government of Christ, of the increase of +which there is to be no end. Thus the Lord’s everlasting renown and +praise are set up in every one’s heart that is faithful; so that we +can say, the gospel order established amongst us, is not of man, nor +by man, but of and by Jesus Christ, in and through the Holy Ghost. +This order of the gospel, which is not of man, nor by man, but from +Christ, the heavenly man, is above all the orders of men in the +fall, whether Jews, Gentiles, or apostatized Christians, and will +remain when they are gone. For the power of God, which is the +everlasting gospel, was before the devil was, and will be and remain +for ever. + +And as the everlasting gospel was preached in the apostles’ days to +all nations, that all nations might come into the order of it, +through the divine power, which brings life and immortality to +light, that they who are heirs of it, might inherit the power and +authority of it; so now, since all nations have drunk the whore’s +cup, and all the world hath worshipped the beast (but they whose +names are written in the book of life from the foundation of the +world, who have worshipped God in Spirit and in truth, as Christ +commanded), the everlasting gospel is to be, and is, preached again, +as John the divine foresaw it should, to all nations, kindreds, +tongues, and people. This everlasting gospel torments the whore, and +makes her and the beast to rage, even the beast that hath power over +the tongues, which are called the original, to order them, by which +they make divines, as they call them. But all that receive the +gospel, the power of God, which brings life and immortality to +light, come to see over the beast, devil, whore, and false prophet, +that darkened them and all their worships and orders, and come to be +heirs of the gospel, the power of God, which was before the beast, +whore, false prophet, and devil were, and will be, when they are all +gone and cast into the lake of fire. And they that are heirs of this +power and of this gospel, inherit the power which is the authority +of this order, and of our meetings. These come to possess the joyful +order of the joyful gospel, the comfortable order of the comfortable +gospel, the glorious order of the glorious gospel, and the +everlasting order of the everlasting gospel, the power of God, which +will last for ever, and will out-last all the orders of the devil, +and that which is of men or by men. These shall see the government +of Christ, who hath all power in heaven and earth given to him; and +of the increase of his glorious, righteous, holy, just government, +there is no end; but his government and his order will remain; for +he who is the author of it, is the first and the last, the beginning +and ending, the foundation of God, which over all stands sure, +Christ Jesus, the Amen. + +Being returned to LONDON, I stayed some time there, visiting +Friends’ meetings in and about the city. While I was in London, I +went one day to visit Esquire Marsh, who had showed much kindness +both to me and to Friends; I happened to go when he was at dinner. +He no sooner heard my name, than he sent for me up, and would have +had me sit down with him to dinner; but I had not freedom to do so. +Several great persons were at dinner with him; and he said to one of +them who was a great Papist, “Here is a Quaker, whom you have not +seen before.” The Papist asked me, “whether I owned the christening +of children?” I told him, “there was no Scripture for any such +practice.” “What,” said he, “not for christening children?” I said, +“nay.” I told him, “the one baptism by the one Spirit into one body +we owned; but to throw a little water on a child’s face, and say +that was baptizing and christening it, there was no Scripture for +that.” Then he asked me, “whether I owned the Catholic faith,” I +said, “yes,” but added, that “neither the Pope nor the Papists were +in that Catholic faith; for the true faith works by love, and +purifies the heart, and if they were in that faith that gives +victory, by which they might have access to God, they would not tell +the people of a purgatory after they were dead.” So I undertook to +prove that “neither Pope nor Papists that held a purgatory +hereafter, were in the true faith; for the true, precious, divine +faith, which Christ is the author of, gives victory over the devil +and sin, that had separated man and woman from God. And if they, the +Papists, were in the true faith, they would never use racks, +prisons, and fines, to persecute and force others to their religion, +that were not of their faith. This was not the practice of the +apostles and primitive Christians, who witnessed and enjoyed the +true faith of Christ; but it was the practice of the faithless Jews +and Heathens so to do. + +“But,” said I, “seeing thou art a great and leading man among the +Papists, and hast been taught and bred up under the Pope, and seeing +thou sayest, ‘there is no salvation but in your church,’ I desire to +know of thee, what it is that doth bring salvation in your church?” +He answered, “a good life.” “And nothing else?” said I. “Yes,” he +said, “good works.” “And is this it that brings salvation in your +church, a good life and good works? Is this your doctrine and +principle?” said I. “Yes,” said he. “Then,” said I, “neither thou, +nor the Pope, nor any of the Papists know what it is that brings +salvation.” Then he asked me, what brought salvation in our church? +I told him, “that which brought salvation to the church in the +apostles’ days, the same brought salvation to us, and not another; +namely, ‘the Grace of God,’ which, the Scripture says, brings +salvation, and hath appeared to all men, which taught the saints +then, and teaches us now. This Grace which brings salvation, teaches +to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, +righteously, and godly. So it is not the good works nor the good +life that brings salvation, but the Grace.” “What!” said the Papist, +“doth this Grace that brings salvation, appear unto all men?” “Yes,” +said I. “Then,” said he, “I deny that.” I replied, “all that deny +that, are sect-makers, and are not in the universal faith, grace, +and truth, which the apostles were in.” + +Then he spoke to me about the mother church. I told him, “the +several sects in Christendom had accused us, and said, ‘we forsook +our mother-church.’ The Papists charged us with forsaking their +church, saying, ‘Rome was the only mother-church.’ The Episcopalians +taxed us with forsaking the old Protestant religion, alleging, +‘theirs was the reformed mother-church.’ The Presbyterians and +Independents blamed us for leaving them, each of them pretending, +‘theirs was the right reformed church.’” But, I said “if we could +own any outward city or place to be the mother-church, we should own +Jerusalem, where the gospel was first preached by Christ himself and +his apostles, where Christ suffered, where the great conversion to +Christianity by Peter was, where were the types, figures, and +shadows, which Christ ended, and where Christ commanded his +disciples to ‘wait until they were endued with power from on high.’ +If any outward place deserved to be called the mother, that was the +place where the first great conversion to Christianity was. But the +apostle saith, Gal. iv. 25-27, ‘Jerusalem, which now is, is in +bondage with her children; but Jerusalem which is above, is free, +which is the mother of us all.’ For it is written, ‘Rejoice, thou +barren, that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest +not; for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an +husband.’ The apostle does not say, outward Jerusalem was the +mother, though the first and great conversion to Christianity was +there. And there is less reason for the title [mother] to be given +to Rome, or to any other outward place or city, by the children of +Jerusalem, that is above and free; neither are they Jerusalem’s +children, that is above and free, who give the title of mother +either to outward Jerusalem, to Rome, or to any other place or sect +of people. And though this title [mother] hath been given to places +and sects amongst and by the degenerate Christians, yet still we +say, as the apostle said of old, ‘Jerusalem that is above, is the +mother of us all.’ And we can own no other, neither outward +Jerusalem nor Rome, nor any sect of people for our mother, but +Jerusalem which is above, which is free, the mother of all that are +born again, and are become true believers in the light, grafted in +Christ, the heavenly Vine. For all who are born again of the +immortal Seed, by the Word of God, which lives and abides for ever, +feed upon the milk of the Word, the breasts of life, and grow by it +in life, and cannot acknowledge any other to be their mother but +Jerusalem which is above.” “O,” said Esquire Marsh to the Papist, +“You do not know this man, if he would but come to church now and +then, he would be a brave man.” + +After some other discourse, I went aside with Justice Marsh into +another room, to speak with him concerning Friends; for he was a +justice of peace for Middlesex, and being a courtier, the other +justices put much of the management of affairs upon him. He told me +“he was in a strait how to act between us and some other Dissenters. +For,” said he, “you cannot swear, and the Independents, Baptists, +and Fifth-monarchy people say also they cannot swear; therefore,” +said he, “how shall I know how to distinguish betwixt you and them, +seeing they and you all say it is for conscience’ sake that you +cannot swear?” I answered “I will show thee how to distinguish. +They, or most of them, thou speakest of, can and do swear in some +cases, but we cannot swear in any case. If a man should steal their +cows and horses, and thou shouldst ask them whether they would swear +they were theirs; many of them would readily do it. But if thou try +our Friends, they cannot swear for their own goods. Therefore, when +thou puttest the oath of allegiance to any of them, ask them, +‘whether they can swear in any other case, as for their cow or +horse;’ which, if they be really of us, they cannot do, though they +can bear witness to the truth.” Hereupon I gave him a relation of a +trial in Berkshire, which was thus: A thief stole two beasts from a +Friend of ours, the thief was taken and cast into prison, and the +Friend appeared against him at the assizes. But somebody having +informed the judge, that the prosecutor was a Quaker, and could not +swear, the judge, before he heard what the Friend could say, said, +“Is he a Quaker? and will he not swear? Then tender him the oaths of +allegiance and supremacy.” So he cast the Friend into prison, and +premunired him, and set the thief at liberty that had stolen his +goods. Justice Marsh, said, “that judge was a wicked man.” “But,” +said I, “if we could swear in any case, we would take the oath of +allegiance to the king, who is to preserve the laws that are to +support every man in his estate. Whereas others, that can swear in +some cases to preserve a part of their estates, if they be robbed, +will not take this oath to the king, who is to preserve them in +their whole estates and bodies also. So that thou mayest easily +distinguish, and put a difference between us and those people.” +Justice Marsh was afterwards very serviceable to Friends in this and +other cases; for he kept several, both Friends and others, from +being premunired. When Friends were brought before him in time of +persecution, he set many of them at liberty; and when he could not +avoid sending to prison, he sent some for a few hours, or for a +night. At length he went to the king, and told him, “he had sent +some of us to prison contrary to his conscience, and he could not do +so any more.” Wherefore he removed his family from Limehouse, where +he lived, and took lodgings near St. James’s Park. He told the king +that “if he would be pleased to give liberty of conscience, that +would quiet and settle all; for then none could have any pretence to +be uneasy.” And indeed he was a very serviceable man to truth and +Friends in his day. + +We had great service at London this year; the Lord’s truth came over +all, and many that had gone out from truth came in again, confessing +and condemning their outgoings. After I had stayed some time in +London, I visited Friends in SURREY and SUSSEX, and in other places +that way, and afterwards travelled northward, having Leonard Fell +with me. We visited Friends till we came to WARWICK, where many were +in prison; and we had a meeting in the town. I passed thence to +BIRMINGHAM and BADDESLEY. At Baddesley I had a large meeting; after +which I came to NOTTINGHAM, where on First-day we had a precious +meeting, but not without danger of being apprehended, the constables +having threatened to take up Friends. + +I passed thence, visiting Friends, till I came to BALBY, and so to +YORK, to the quarterly meeting; and a blessed time we had. Friends +in Yorkshire had seven monthly meetings before; and they were so +sensible of the service of them, that they desired to have seven +more added to them, for truth was much spread in that county. So +they were established; and now they have fourteen monthly meetings +in that county.[18] + +It being the assizes at York, I met with Justice Hotham, a +well-wisher to Friends, who had been tender, and very kind to me +from the first. + +After I had finished my service for the Lord in York, I passed into +the country. As I went a great burthen fell upon me, but I did not +presently know the reason of it. I came to a meeting on First-day at +Richard Shipton’s, which was very large, but there being one the +same day at another place also, the priest of that place, being +misinformed that I was to be there, got a warrant, and made great +disturbance at that meeting; of which Isaac Lindley, who was there, +gave me an account in the following letter:— + + G.F. + + “When thou went from York, the First-day after thou wast at + Richard Shipton’s, that day I had appointed a meeting ten miles + from York, where there had not been one before. But the priest and + the constable got a warrant on the seventh day, and put thy name + only in the warrant, for they had heard that thou wast to be + there. They came with weapons and staves, and cried, ‘Where is Mr. + Fox?’ over and over; many Friends being there, they concluded thou + wast among them. But those raveners, being disappointed, plucked + me down and abused me, and beat some Friends, and then took me + before a magistrate, but he set me at liberty.” + + ISAAC LINDLEY. + +Then I visited Friends at WHITBY and SCARBRO’. When at Scarbro’, the +governor hearing I was come, sent to invite me to his house, saying, +“surely I would not be so unkind as not to come and see him and his +wife.” After the meeting I went up to visit him, and he received me +very courteously and lovingly. + +Having visited most of the meetings in Yorkshire, the WOLDS, and +HOLDERNESS, I came to Henry Jackson’s, where I had a great meeting. +Thence to Thomas Taylor’s, and so to John Moor’s at ELDRETH, where +we had a very large meeting; the Lord’s power and presence were +eminently amongst us. Not far from this place lay Colonel Kirby, +lame of the gout, who had threatened that “if ever I came near he +would send me to prison again; and had bid forty pounds to any man +that could take me;” as I was credibly informed. + +After this I came into STAFFORDSHIRE, and CHESHIRE, where we had +many large and precious meetings. I had a very large one at William +Barnes’s house, about two miles from WARRINGTON; and though Colonel +Kirby was out again, as violent in breaking up meetings as before, +and was then at Warrington, the Lord did not suffer him to come to +this meeting; and so we were preserved out of his hands. + +----- + +Footnote 14: + + For some very interesting particulars respecting the setting up of + Monthly and other disciplinary Meetings and their object, see + _Letters of Early Friends_, pp. 288-292. + +Footnote 15: + + The William Smith mentioned here was originally pastor of an + Independent congregation, living after the strictest manner of + that people. He was convinced about the year 1658, and became a + faithful labourer in the gospel. Many were turned to God by him, + for he proved himself a minister of Jesus Christ, in labours, in + travails, in watchings, necessities, and distresses, suffering + much loss of goods and long and tedious imprisonments. For not + paying tithes he was imprisoned twenty-one weeks among felons in + Nottingham jail; and another time had the value of £42 taken from + him, whilst he was in prison, for £7 demanded by the priest of + Elton. + + In the times of his frequent imprisonments, William Smith wrote + several books, which were printed together in a folio volume in + 1675, entitled _Balm from Gilead, &c._ When at liberty he + travelled abroad strengthening the brethren, and though often + visited by sickness, he was kept in patience and content, much of + the power and presence of God appearing in him many times when he + was in great weakness of body, to the admiration of beholders. + During his last sickness, one evening, many Friends being in the + room sitting in silence, he turned in his bed towards them, and + plentifully declared of the love of God, by which they were much + refreshed and tendered. He also testified of a large portion which + he had in life eternal. Then he spoke to Friends “to be mindful of + truth, and of their service therein, more than of their daily + food; and so committed them to the grace of God.” The day before + he died he called his children (six or seven), and tenderly + exhorted them “to keep in the fear of God, and to love the truth, + and God would be a father and portion to them.” + +Footnote 16: + + Some interesting documents, exhibiting the early care of the + Society with regard to marriages, may be referred to in _Letters, + &c., of Early Friends_, p. 259, 279, 283, &c. So early as 1659, at + a meeting of Friends from four counties, an _Epistle of Counsel + and Advice_ was issued on this, and other subjects; recommending + “that no marriage take place hastily or rashly; but in the fear of + the Lord, and in the presence of many witnesses, according to + Scripture example; that so no scandal or blemish may be laid upon + the truth, but that all may be brought to the light; that a record + in writing of the day, place, and year, be kept within the meeting + where a marriage occurs, of which one or both are members; under + which the witnesses may set their names.” + +Footnote 17: + + In the establishment of the schools at Waltham and at Shacklewell, + at the suggestion of George Fox, we have evidence of his desire + that a useful education should be imparted to youth. It is an + error to suppose the early Friends depreciated human learning, and + they must be exonerated from any such charge. They exhibited in + their own persons, the practicability of the union of knowledge + and virtue. While they were, many of them, eminent for their + learning, they were distinguished for the piety of their lives. + They were indeed the friends of both, but did not patronise the + one to the prejudice and expulsion of the other. They always + maintained (as Friends continue to do) that learning is not + necessary to make a gospel minister, and here it is that many have + mistaken their meaning. + + Barclay, in his celebrated _Apology_, nowhere condemns the + propriety, or usefulness of human learning, or denies it to be + promotive of the temporal comforts of man. He says the knowledge + of Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, or of Logic and Philosophy, of Ethics + or of Physics and Metaphysics, is not necessary. But mark his + meaning. Not necessary to make a minister of the gospel. But where + does he say that knowledge, which he himself possessed to such a + considerable extent, was not necessary; or that it did not + contribute to the innocent pleasures of life? What would have been + the character of his own book, or what would have been its + comparative value and usefulness, had he not been able to quote so + many authors to his purpose in their original texts, or to have + detected so many classical errors, introduced such apposite + history, or to have drawn up his propositions with so much logical + and mathematical clearness and precision; if he had not been among + the first literary characters of his day? + + William Penn was equally celebrated with Barclay as a scholar. His + works afford abundant proof of his erudition, and of the high + cultivation of his mind. Like the rest of his associates, he was + no advocate for learning as a qualification for a minister of the + gospel; but he was yet a friend to it, on the principle that it + enlarged the understanding, and that it added to the innocent + pleasures of the mind. He entreated his wife, in the beautiful + letter he left her before he embarked on his first voyage to + America, “not to be sparing of expense in procuring learning for + his children; for that by such parsimony, all was lost that was + saved.” And he recommended also, in the same letter, a + mathematical and philosophical education. + + Penn’s Secretary, James Logan, was also a patron of learning among + the early Friends. He was a correspondent of Sir Hans Sloane and + other literati of Europe, a contributor to Philosophical + Transactions, and bequeathed his library, of 3000 vols. on arts + and sciences in various languages, to the city of Philadelphia, + with an endowment to preserve it for public use. + + Thomas Ellwood, the companion of Milton, was so sensible of the + disadvantages arising from a want of knowledge, that he revived + his learning with great industry after he had become a Friend. “I + mentioned before,” says he in his Journal, “that when I was a boy + I made some progress in learning, and that I lost it all again + before I came to be a man. Nor was I rightly sensible of my loss + therein, till I came amongst Friends. But there I both saw my loss + and lamented it, and applied myself with the utmost diligence at + all leisure times to recover it. So false I found that charge to + be, which in those times was cast as a reproach on the Society, + that they despised and decried all human learning, because they + denied it to be essentially necessary to a gospel ministry, which + was one of the controversies of those times.” Ellwood’s friend, + Isaac Penington, assisted him in this matter, and through his + influence with Dr. Paget, procured him the means of improvement in + becoming a reader to Milton. + +Footnote 18: + + The fourteen monthly meetings mentioned above as settled in + Yorkshire so early as 1669, were York, Balby, Pontefract, + Brighouse, Knaresbro’, Settle, Malton, Thirsk, Richmond, Guisbro’, + Scarbro’, Kelk, Oustwick, and Elloughton. + + + + + CHAPTER III. + +1669-1671.—George Fox sails for Ireland in company with several + other Friends—he there sends a challenge to the Popish priests + to try their God, which is not accepted—he contrasts them with + Baal’s priests—the authorities of Cork threaten him, and issue + warrants for his apprehension—he rides publicly through the + city, and is seen by the mayor but not molested—writes to + Friends in the ministry there—discourses with professors on + election and reprobation—returns to England—a report is spread + that George Fox is turned Presbyterian, through a trick to + obtain a congregation for John Fox, the Presbyterian, which + however turns to the advantage of Friends—George Fox is married + to Margaret Fell at Bristol—writes to the quarterly meetings + about putting children apprentices—Margaret Fox is cast into + prison—two of her daughters go to the king, and obtain a promise + of their mother’s liberty—on the passing of the Conventicle + Act, George Fox writes a declaration against seditious + conventicles—writes to Friends to strengthen them in their + trials—is apprehended at a meeting at Gracechurch Street—taken + before the mayor, who discourses with him and sets him at + liberty—visits Friends in Reading jail—undergoes great travail + of spirit, loses his sight and hearing, and becomes as a + sign—persecution becoming hot, some meeting-houses are pulled + down, and Friends are much abused—George Fox endures great + mental conflict—the faithfulness of Friends is said by some + professors to have preserved the nation from debauchery—George + Fox writes an encouraging letter to Friends—as persecution + abates he recovers—writes a warning to the rulers of the + nation—recommends certain regulations respecting marriage—writes + a prayer. + + +Now was I moved of the Lord to go over into IRELAND to visit the +seed of God in that nation. There went with me Robert Lodge, James +Lancaster, Thomas Briggs, and John Stubbs. We waited near Liverpool +for shipping and wind. After waiting some days, we sent James +Lancaster to take passage, which he did, and brought word the ship +was ready, and would take us in at Black Rock. We went thither on +foot; and it being some distance, and the weather very hot, I was +much spent with walking. When we arrived, the ship was not there; so +we were obliged to go to the town, and take shipping. When we were +on board, I said to the rest of my company, “Come, ye will triumph +in the Lord, for we shall have fair wind and weather.” Many +passengers in the ship were sick, but not one of our company. The +captain and many of the passengers were very loving; and we being at +sea on the first day of the week, I was moved to declare truth among +them; whereupon the captain said to the passengers, “Here are things +that you never heard in your lives.” + +When we came before DUBLIN, we took boat and went ashore; and the +earth and air smelt, methought, of the corruption of the nation, so +that it yielded another smell to me than England did; which I +imputed to the Popish massacres that had been committed, and the +blood that had been spilt in it, from which a foulness ascended. We +passed through among the officers of the customs four times, yet +they did not search us; for they perceived what we were: some of +them were so envious they did not care to look at us. We did not +soon find Friends; but went to an inn, and sent out to inquire for +some; who when they came to us were exceedingly glad of our coming, +and received us with great joy. We stayed there the weekly meeting, +which was a large one, and the power and life of God appeared +greatly in it. Afterwards we passed to a province meeting, which +lasted two days, there being one about the poor, and another meeting +more general; in which a mighty power of the Lord appeared. Truth +was livingly declared, and Friends were much refreshed therein. + +Passing thence about four and twenty miles, we came to another +place, where we had a very good refreshing meeting, but after it, +some Papists that were there were angry, and raged very much. When I +heard of it, I sent for one of them, who was a schoolmaster; but he +would not come. Whereupon I sent a challenge to him, with all the +friars and monks, priests and Jesuits, to come forth, and “try their +God and their Christ, which they had made of bread and wine,” but no +answer could I get from them. Wherefore I told them, “they were +worse than the priests of Baal; for Baal’s priests tried their +wooden god, but these durst not try their god of bread and wine; and +Baal’s priests and people did not eat their god as these did, and +then make another.” + +We went to NEW GARDEN, where there was a great meeting. Thence we +travelled on among Friends, till we came to BANDON BRIDGE and the +LAND’S END, having many meetings as we went, in which the mighty +power of the Lord was manifested, Friends were well refreshed, and +many people were affected with the truth. At Bandon, the Mayor’s +wife being herself convinced, desired her husband to come to the +meeting; but he bid her, for her life, not to make known that I was +at a meeting there. + +He that was then Mayor of CORK was very envious against truth and +Friends, and had many Friends in prison; and knowing that I was in +the country, he had issued four warrants to take me; wherefore +Friends were desirous that I might not ride through Cork. But being +at Bandon, there appeared to me, in a vision, “a very ugly visaged +man, of a black and dark look: my spirit struck at him in the power +of God; and it seemed to me, that I rode over him with my horse, and +my horse set his foot on the side of his face.” When I came down in +the morning, I told a Friend that was with me, that the command of +the Lord was to me to ride through Cork; but bade him tell no man. +So we took horse, many Friends being with me; and when we came near +the town, they would have showed me a way on the backside of the +town; but I told them, my way was through the streets. Wherefore +taking one of them along with me, whose name was Paul Morrice, to +guide me through the town, I rode on; and as we rode through the +market-place, and by the mayor’s door, he seeing me ride by, said, +“there goes George Fox;” but he had not power to stop me. When we +had passed through the sentinels, and were come over the bridge, we +went to a Friend’s house and alighted. There the Friends told me +what a rage was in the town, and how many warrants were granted to +take me. While I was sitting there with Friends, I felt the evil +spirit at work in the town, stirring up mischief against me; and I +felt the power of the Lord strike at that evil spirit. By and by +some other Friends coming in, told me, that it was over the town, +and amongst the magistrates, that I was in the town. I said, “let +the devil do his worst.” After a while, and Friends were refreshed +one in another, and we travellers had refreshed ourselves, I called +for my horse, and having a Friend to guide me, we went on our way. +But great was the rage, that the mayor and others of Cork were in, +that they had missed me; and great pains they afterwards took to +take me, having their scouts abroad upon the roads, as I understood, +to observe which way I went. Afterwards there was scarcely a public +meeting I came to, but spies came to watch if I were there. And the +envious magistrates and priests sent informations one to another +concerning me, describing me by my hair, hat, clothes, and horse, so +that when I was near a hundred miles from Cork, they had an account +concerning me, and description of me, before I came amongst them. + +One very envious magistrate, who was both a priest and a justice, +got a warrant from the judge of the assize to apprehend me; which +warrant was to go over all his circuit, which reached near a hundred +miles. Yet the Lord disappointed all their counsels, and defeated +all their designs against me; by his good hand of Providence +preserved me out of all their snares, and gave us many sweet and +blessed opportunities to visit Friends, and spread truth through +that nation. For meetings were very large, Friends coming to them +far and near; and other people flocking in. The powerful presence of +the Lord was preciously felt with and amongst us; whereby many of +the world were reached, convinced, and gathered to the truth; the +Lord’s flock was increased, and Friends were greatly refreshed and +comforted in feeling the love of God. O, the brokenness that was +amongst them in the flowings of life! So that, in the power and +Spirit of the Lord, many together broke out into singing, even with +audible voices, making melody in their hearts. + +At which time I was moved to declare as follows:— + + _To Friends in the Ministry._ + + “Sound, sound abroad, ye faithful servants of the Lord, and + witnesses in his name, ye prophets of the Highest, and angels of + the Lord! Sound ye all abroad in the world, to the awakening and + raising of the dead, that they may be awakened, and raised up out + of the grave, to hear the voice that is living. For the dead have + long heard the dead, the blind have long wandered among the blind, + and the deaf amongst the deaf. Therefore sound, ye servants, + prophets, and angels of the Lord, ye trumpets of the Lord, that + you may awaken the dead, and them that are asleep in their graves + of sin, death and hell, sea and earth, and who lie in the tombs. + Sound abroad, ye trumpets, and raise up the dead, that they may + hear the voice of the Son of God, of the second Adam that never + fell; the voice of the Light, and of the Life; the voice of the + Power, and the voice of Truth; the voice of the Righteous, and of + the Just. Sound ye the trumpets, the melodious sound abroad, that + all the deaf ears may be opened to hear the pleasant sound of the + trumpet to judgment and life, to condemnation and light. + + “Sound your trumpets all abroad, ye angels of the Lord, sons and + daughters, prophets of the Highest, that all who are dead and + asleep in the graves—who have been long dreaming and slumbering, + may be awakened, and hear the voice of the Lamb;—that all who have + long heard the voice of the beast, may now hear the voice of the + Bridegroom and the voice of the Bride;—that they may now hear the + voice of the great Prophet and King—the Shepherd and Bishop of + their souls. Sound, sound it all abroad, ye trumpets, among the + dead in Adam; for Christ is come, the second Adam, that they might + have life, yea have it abundantly. Awaken the dead, awaken the + slumberers, the dreamers, them that are asleep, awaken them out of + their graves, out of their tombs, out of their sepulchres, out of + the seas! Sound abroad, ye trumpets that awaken the dead, that + they may all hear the sound of it in the graves, and they that + hear may live, and come to the Life, that is, the Son of God. He + is risen from the dead; the grave could not hold nor contain him, + neither could all the watchers of the earth, with all their + guards, keep him therein. Sound, ye trumpets of the Lord, to all + the seekers of the living among the dead, that he is risen from + the dead; to all the seekers of the living among the dead, and in + the graves that the watchers keep; he is not in the grave, he is + risen; there is that under the grave of the watchers of the + outward grave, which must be awakened and come to hear His voice, + who is risen from the dead, that they may come to live. Therefore + sound abroad, ye trumpets of the Lord, that the grave may give up + her dead, and hell and the sea give up their dead; that all may + come forth to judgment, to the judgment of the Lord before his + throne, and have their sentence and reward according to their + works.” + + G. F. + +To James Hutchinson’s in Ireland came many great persons, desiring +to discourse with me about election and reprobation. I told them, +“though they judged our principle foolish, it was too high for them, +they could not with their wisdom comprehend it; therefore I would +discourse with them according to their capacities. You say (said I), +that God hath ordained the greatest part of men for hell, and that +they were ordained so before the world began; for which your proof +is in Jude. You say Esau was reprobated, and the Egyptians, and the +stock of Ham. But Christ saith to his disciples, ‘Go, teach _all_ +nations,’ and ‘go into all nations and preach the gospel of life and +salvation.’ Now, if they were to go to _all_ nations, were they not +to go to Ham’s stock and Esau’s stock; did not Christ die for _all_? +then for the stock of Ham, of Esau, and the Egyptians. Doth not the +Scripture say, ‘God would have _all_ men to be saved?’ Mark, _all_ +men, then the stock of Esau and of Ham also. Doth not God say, +‘Egypt, my people?’ and that he would have an altar in Egypt? Isa. +xix. Were there not many Christians formerly in Egypt? And doth not +history say, that the Bishop of Alexandria would formerly have been +Pope? And had not God a church in Babylon? I confess, ‘the word came +to Jacob, and the statutes of Israel; the like was not to other +nations.’ For the law of God was given to Israel; but the gospel was +to be preached to _all_ nations, and is to be preached. The gospel +of peace and glad tidings is to all nations, ‘he that believes, is +saved; but he that doth not believe, is condemned already;’ so the +condemnation comes through unbelief. And whereas Jude speaks of +some, that were of old ordained (or written of before) to +condemnation, he doth not say, before the world began; but, ‘written +of old,’ which may be referred to Moses’s writings, who wrote of +those whom Jude mentions, namely, Cain, Korah, Balaam, and the +angels that kept not their first estate. And such Christians as +followed them in their way, and apostatized from the first state of +Christianity, were and are ordained for condemnation by the light +and truth, which they are gone from. And though the apostle speaks +of God’s loving Jacob and hating Esau; yet he tells the believers, +‘we all were by nature children of wrath as well as others.’ This +includes the stock of Jacob, of which the apostle himself and all +believing Jews were. Thus both Jews and Gentiles were _all_ +concluded under sin, and so under condemnation, that God might have +mercy upon all, through Jesus Christ. The election and choice stands +in Christ; and ‘he that believes, is saved; and he that believes +not, is condemned already.’ Jacob typifies the second birth, which +God loved; and both Jews and Gentiles must be born again, before +they can enter the kingdom of God. When you are born again, ye will +know election and reprobation; for the election stands in Christ, +the Seed, before the world began; but the reprobation lies in the +evil seed, since the world began.” After this manner, but somewhat +more largely, I discoursed with those great persons on this matter, +and they confessed they had never heard so much before. + +After I had travelled over Ireland, and had visited Friends in their +meetings, as well for business as for worship, and had answered +several papers and writings from monks, friars, and Protestant +priests (for they all were in a rage against us, and endeavoured to +stop the work of the Lord; and some Jesuits swore in the hearing of +some of us, that we came to spread our principles in that nation, +but we should not do it,) I returned to DUBLIN to take passage for +England. When I had stayed the First-day meeting there (which was +very large and precious,) a ship being ready and the wind serving, +we took our leave of Friends, parting in much tenderness and +brokenness, in the sense of the heavenly life and power, manifested +amongst us. So having put our horses and necessaries on board in the +morning, we went ourselves in the afternoon, many Friends +accompanying us to the ship; and divers, both Friends and friendly +people, came after us in boats when we were near a league at sea, +their love drawing them, though not without danger. A good, weighty, +and true people there is in that nation, sensible of the power of +the Lord God and tender of his truth; and very good order they have +in their meetings, for they stand up for righteousness and holiness, +which dams up the way of wickedness. A precious visitation they had, +and there is an excellent spirit in them, worthy to be visited. Many +things more I could write of that nation, and of my travels in it, +which would be large to mention particularly; but this I have +thought good to signify, that the righteous may rejoice in the +prosperity of truth. + +James Lancaster, Robert Lodge, and Thomas Briggs came back with me; +John Stubbs having further service there, stayed behind. We were two +nights at sea; in one of which a mighty storm arose, that put the +vessel in great danger. But I saw the power of God went over the +winds and storms; he had them in his hand, and his power bound them. +And the same power of the Lord God which carried us over, brought us +back again; and in his life gave us dominion over all the evil +spirits that opposed us there. + +We landed at LIVERPOOL, and went to Richard Johnson’s. Whence +departing the next day, we passed to William Barnes’s house, and +so to William Gandy’s, visiting Friends, and having many +precious meetings in LANCASHIRE and CHESHIRE. When we came into +GLOUCESTERSHIRE, we met with a report at NAILSWORTH, which was +spread about that country, “that George Fox was turned Presbyterian; +that they had prepared a pulpit for him, and set it in a yard, and +that there would be a thousand people there the next day to hear +him.” I thought it strange that such a report should be raised of +me; yet as we went further, from one Friend’s house to another, we +met with the same. We passed by the yard where the pulpit was, and +saw it, and went on to the place where Friends’ meeting was to be +next day, and there we stayed that night. Next day, being First-day, +we had a very large meeting, and the Lord’s power and presence were +amongst us. + +The occasion of this strange report (as I was informed) was this. +There was one John Fox, a Presbyterian priest, who used to go about +preaching; and some changing his name (as was reported) from John to +George, gave out that George Fox had changed his religion, and was +turned from a Quaker, to be a Presbyterian, and would preach at such +a place such a day. This begot so great a curiosity in the people, +that many went thither to hear this Quaker turned Presbyterian, who +would not have gone to hear John Fox himself. By this means, it was +reported, they had got together above a thousand people. But when +they came there, and perceived they had a trick put upon them, and +that he was a counterfeit George Fox, and understood that the real +George Fox was hard by, several hundreds of them came to our +meeting, and were sober and attentive. I directed them to the grace +of God in themselves, which would teach them, and bring them +salvation. When the meeting was over, some of the people said, “they +liked George Fox the Quaker’s preaching better than George Fox the +Presbyterian’s.” Thus, by my providential coming into those parts at +that time, was this false report discovered; and shame came over the +contrivers of it. + +Not long after, this John Fox was complained of in the House of +Commons, for “having a tumultuous meeting, in which treasonable +words were spoken;” which (according to the best information I could +get of it) was thus:—He had formerly been priest of Mansfield +[Manningford?] in Wiltshire; and being put out of that place, was +afterwards permitted by a Common-Prayer priest to preach sometimes +in his steeple-house. At length this Presbyterian priest, presuming +too far upon the parish priest’s former grant, began to be more bold +than welcome, and attempted to preach there, whether the parish +priest would or not. This caused a great bustle and contest in the +steeple-house between the two priests, and their hearers, on each +side; in which contest the Common-Prayer-Book was cut to pieces, and +some treasonable words were spoken by some of the followers of John +Fox. This was quickly put in the news: and some malicious +Presbyterians caused it to be worded as if it had proceeded from +George Fox, the Quaker, when I was above two hundred miles from the +place where this bustle happened. When I heard of it, I soon +procured certificates from some of the members of the House of +Commons, who knew this John Fox, and gave it under their hands, that +it was John Fox, who had formerly been parson at Mansfield in +Wiltshire, that was complained of to the House of Commons, to be the +chief ringleader in that unlawful assembly. + +And indeed this John Fox discovered himself to be an ill man; for +when some, who had been his followers, came to be convinced of +truth, and thereupon left him, he came to some of their houses to +talk with them about it, and they telling him, “he was in the steps +of the false prophets, preaching for hire and filthy lucre, like +them whom Christ cried woe against, and the apostles declared +against, such as served not the Lord Jesus Christ, but their own +bellies; and telling him also, Christ said, ‘freely ye have +received, freely give;’ and therefore he should not take money of +people for preaching, especially now times were so hard;” he +replied, “God bless preaching, for that brings in money, let times +go how they will. Fill my belly with good victuals; and then call me +false prophet, or what you will, and kick me about the house when ye +have done if ye will.” This relation I had from a man and his wife, +who had been formerly his hearers, and whom this John Fox, with +others, caused deeply to suffer. For he and some other Presbyterian +priests, using to resort to a widow-woman’s house, who had the +impropriation, and took the tithes of the parish, she told them, +there was a Quaker in that parish, that would not pay her tithes, +and asked what she should do with him. They advised her “to send +workmen to cut down and carry away his corn;” which she did, and +thereby impoverished the man. But to proceed— + +After this meeting in Gloucestershire was over, we travelled till we +came to BRISTOL; where I met with Margaret Fell, who was come to +visit her daughter Yeomans. I had seen from the Lord a considerable +time before, that I should take Margaret Fell to be my wife. And +when I first mentioned it to her, she felt the answer of Life from +God thereunto. But though the Lord had opened this thing to me, yet +I had not received a command from the Lord, for the accomplishing of +it then. Wherefore I let the thing rest, and went on in the work and +service of the Lord as before, according as he led me; travelling up +and down in this nation and through Ireland. But now being at +BRISTOL, and finding Margaret Fell there, it opened in me from the +Lord that the thing should be accomplished. After we had discoursed +the matter together, I told her, if “she also was satisfied with the +accomplishing of it now, she should first send for her children;” +which she did. When the rest of her daughters were come, I asked +both them and her sons in law, “if they had anything against it, or +for it;” and they all severally expressed their satisfaction +therein. Then I asked Margaret, “if she had fulfilled and performed +her husband’s will to her children.” She replied, “the children knew +that.” Whereupon I asked them, “whether, if their mother married, +they should not lose by it?” And I asked Margaret, “whether she had +done anything in lieu of it, which might answer it to the children?” +The children said, “she had answered it to them, and desired me to +speak no more of it.” I told them, “I was plain, and would have all +things done plainly; for I sought not any outward advantage to +myself.” So after I had thus acquainted the children with it, our +intention of marriage was laid before Friends, both privately and +publicly, to their full satisfaction, many of whom gave testimony +thereunto that it was of God. Afterwards, a meeting being appointed +for the accomplishing thereof, in the meeting-house at Broad-Mead in +Bristol, we took each other, the Lord joining us together in the +honourable marriage, in the everlasting covenant and immortal Seed +of life. In the sense whereof, living and weighty testimonies were +borne thereunto by Friends, in the movings of the heavenly power +which united us together. Then was a certificate relating both to +the proceedings and the marriage, openly read, and signed by the +relations, and by most of the ancient Friends of that city, besides +many others from divers parts of the nation.[19] + +We stayed about a week in Bristol, and then went together to +OLVESTON; where taking leave of each other in the Lord, we parted, +betaking ourselves to our several services, Margaret returning +homewards to the north, and I passing on in the work of the Lord, as +before. I travelled through WILTSHIRE, BERKSHIRE, OXFORDSHIRE, and +BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, and so to LONDON, visiting Friends; in all which +counties I had many large and precious meetings. + +Being in LONDON, it came upon me to write to Friends throughout the +nation, about “putting out poor children to trades.” Wherefore I +sent the following epistle to the quarterly meetings of Friends in +all counties:— + + “MY DEAR FRIENDS, + + “Let every quarterly meeting make inquiry through all the monthly + and other meetings, to know all Friends that are widows, or + others, that have children fit to put out to apprenticeships; so + that once a quarter you may set forth an apprentice from your + quarterly meeting; and so you may set forth four in a year in each + county, or more, if there be occasion. This apprentice, when out + of his time, may help his father or mother, and support the family + that is decayed; and in so doing, all may come to live + comfortably. This being done in your quarterly meetings, ye will + have knowledge through the county in the monthly and particular + meetings, of masters fit for them, and of such trades as their + parents or you desire, or the children are most inclinable to. + Thus being placed out with Friends, they may be trained up in + truth; and by this means in the wisdom of God, you may preserve + Friends’ children in the truth, and enable them to be a strength + and help to their families, and nursers and preservers of their + relations in their ancient days. Thus also things being ordered in + the wisdom of God, you will take off a continual maintenance, and + free yourselves from much cumber. For in the country, ye know, ye + may set forth an apprentice for a little to several trades, as + bricklayers, masons, carpenters, wheelwrights, plough-wrights, + tailors, tanners, curriers, blacksmiths, shoemakers, nailers, + butchers, weavers of linen and woollen, stuffs and serges, &c. And + you may do well to have a stock in your quarterly meetings for + that purpose. All that is given by any Friends at their decease + (except it be given to some particular use, person, or meeting,) + may be brought to the public stock for that purpose. This will be + a way for the preserving of many that are poor among you, and it + will be a way of making up poor families. In several counties it + is practised already. Some quarterly meetings set forth two + apprentices; and sometimes the children of others that are laid on + the parish. You may bind them for fewer or more years, according + to their capacities. In all these things the wisdom of God will + teach you, by which ye may come to help the children of poor + Friends, that they may come to support their families, and + preserve them in the fear of God. So no more, but my love in the + everlasting Seed, by which ye will have wisdom to order all things + to the glory of God.” + + G.F. + + London, 1st of 11th Month, 1669. + +I stayed not long in LONDON; but having visited Friends, and finding +things there quiet and well, the Lord’s power being over all, I +passed into ESSEX, and HERTFORDSHIRE, where I had many precious +meetings. Intending to go as far as LEICESTERSHIRE, I wrote a letter +to my wife, before I left London, to acquaint her therewith, that if +she found it convenient to her she might meet me there. From +Hertfordshire I turned into CAMBRIDGESHIRE, thence into +HUNTINGDONSHIRE, and so into LEICESTERSHIRE; where, instead of +meeting with my wife, I heard she was haled out of her house to +Lancaster prison again, by an order obtained from the king and +council, to fetch her back to prison upon the old premunire; though +she had been discharged from that imprisonment by their order the +year before. Wherefore, having visited Friends as far as +Leicestershire, I returned by DERBYSHIRE into WARWICKSHIRE, and so +to LONDON, having had many large and blessed meetings in the several +counties I passed through, and been sweetly refreshed amongst +Friends in my travels. + +As soon as I reached LONDON, I hastened Mary Lower and Sarah Fell +(two of my wife’s daughters) to the king, to acquaint him how their +mother was dealt with, and see if they could obtain a full discharge +for her, that she might enjoy her estate and liberty without +molestation. This was somewhat difficult, but by diligent +attendance, they at length obtained it; the king giving command to +Sir John Otway, to signify his pleasure therein by letter to the +sheriff, and others concerned therein in the country. Which letter +Sarah Fell going down with her brother and sister Rous, carried with +her to Lancaster; and by them I wrote to my wife as follows:— + + “MY DEAR HEART IN THE TRUTH AND LIFE, THAT CHANGETH NOT, + + “It was upon me that Mary Lower and Sarah should go to the king + concerning thy imprisonment, and to Kirby, that the power of the + Lord might appear over them all in thy deliverance. They went, and + then they thought to come down; but it was upon me to stay them a + little longer, that they might follow the business till it was + effected; which it now is, and is here sent. The late declaration + of mine hath been very serviceable, people being generally + satisfied with it. So no more, but my love in the holy Seed.” + + G.F. + +The declaration here mentioned, was a printed sheet, written upon +occasion of a new persecution stirred up. For by the time I was +returned out of Leicestershire to London, a fresh storm was risen, +occasioned (it was thought) by that tumultuous meeting in a +steeple-house in Wiltshire or Gloucestershire, mentioned a little +before (page 116); from which, it was said, some members of +parliament took advantage to get an act passed against seditious +conventicles;[20] which soon after came forth and was turned against +us, who of all people were free from sedition and tumult. Whereupon +I wrote a declaration, showing from the preamble and terms of the +act, that we were not such a people, nor our meetings such as were +described in that act. I wrote also another short paper on the +occasion of that act against meetings, opening our case to the +magistrates, as follows:— + + “O Friends, consider this act, which limits us to five. Is this + doing as ye would be done by? Would ye be so served yourselves? We + own Christ Jesus as well as you, his coming, death, and + resurrection; and if we be contrary-minded to you in some things, + is not this the apostle’s exhortation, ‘to wait till God hath + revealed it?’ Doth not he say, ‘what is not of faith, is sin’? + Seeing we have not faith in things, which ye would have us to do, + would it not be sin in us, if we should act contrary to our faith? + Why should any man have power over another man’s faith, seeing + Christ is the author of it? When the apostles preached in the name + of Jesus, and great multitudes heard them, and the rulers forbade + them to speak any more in that name, did not they bid them judge + whether it were better to obey God or man? Would not this act have + taken hold of the twelve apostles and seventy disciples; for they + met often together? If there had been a law made then, that not + above five should have met with Christ, would not that have been a + hindering of him from meeting with his disciples? Do ye think that + He, who is the wisdom of God, or his disciples, would have obeyed + it? If such a law had been made in the apostles’ days, that not + above five might meet together, who had been different-minded from + either the Jews or the Gentiles, do ye think the churches of + Christ at Corinth, Philippi, Ephesus, Thessalonica, or the rest of + the gathered churches, would have obeyed it? O therefore consider! + for we are Christians, and partake of the nature and life of + Christ. Strive not to limit the Holy One; for God’s power cannot + be limited, and is not to be quenched. Do unto all men as ye would + have them do unto you; for that is the law and the prophets.” + + “This is from those who wish you all well, and desire your + everlasting good and prosperity, called Quakers; who seek the + peace and good of all people, though they afflict us, and cause us + to suffer.” + + G. F. + +As I had endeavoured to soften the magistrates, and to take off the +sharpness of their edge in the execution of the act, so it was upon +me to write a few lines to Friends “to strengthen and encourage them +to stand fast in their testimony, and bear, with Christian patience +and content, the suffering that was coming upon them.” This I did in +the following epistle:— + + “My dear Friends, Keep in the faith of God above all outward + things, and in his power, that hath given you dominion over all. + The same power of God is still with you to deliver you as + formerly; for God and his power is the same; his Seed is over all, + and before all; and will be, when that which makes to suffer, is + gone. Be of good faith in that which changeth not; for whatsoever + any do against the truth, it will come upon themselves, and fall + as a millstone on their heads. If the Lord suffer you to be tried, + let all be given up; and look at the Lord and his power, which is + over the whole world, and will remain when the world is gone. In + the Lord’s power and truth rejoice over that which makes to + suffer, in the Seed, which was before it was; for the life, truth, + and power of God is over all. All keep in that; and if ye suffer + in that, it is to the Lord. + + “Friends, the Lord hath blessed you in outward things; and now the + Lord may try you, whether your minds be in outward things, or with + the Lord that gave you them? Therefore keep in the Seed, by which + all outward things were made, and which is over them all. What! + shall not I pray, and speak to God, with my face towards heavenly + Jerusalem, according to my wonted time? Let not any one’s Delilah + shave his head, lest he lose his strength; neither rest in its + lap, lest the Philistines be upon you. For your rest is in Christ + Jesus; therefore rest not in anything else.” + + G. F. + + London, 12th of 2nd Month, 1670. + +On the First-day after the act came in force, I went to the meeting +at GRACECHURCH-STREET, where I expected the storm was most likely to +begin. When I came there, I found the street full of people, and a +guard set to keep Friends out of their meeting-house. I went to the +other passage out of Lombard-street, where also I found a guard; but +the court was full of people, and a Friend was speaking amongst +them; but he did not speak long. When he had done, I stood up, and +was moved to say, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard +for thee to kick against that which pricks thee. Then I showed that +it is Saul’s nature, that persecutes still, and that they who +persecute Christ in his members now, where he is made manifest, kick +against that which pricks them. That it was the birth of the flesh +that persecuted the birth born of the Spirit; and that it was the +nature of dogs to tear and devour the sheep, but that we suffered as +sheep that bite not again; for we were a peaceable people, and loved +them that persecuted us.” After I had spoken a while to this effect, +the constable came with an informer and soldiers; and as they pulled +me down, I said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” The commander of the +soldiers put me among the soldiers, and bid them secure me, saying +to me, “You are the man I looked for.” They took also John Burnyeat +and another Friend, and led us away first to the Exchange, and +afterwards towards Moorfields. + +As we went along the streets the people were very moderate; some of +them laughed at the constable, and told him, “we would not run +away.” The informer went with us unknown, till falling into +discourse with one of the company, he said, “It would never be a +good world till all people came to the good old religion that was +two hundred years ago.” Whereupon I asked him, “Art thou a Papist? +What! a Papist informer; for two hundred years ago there was no +other religion but that of the Papists.” He saw he had ensnared +himself, and was vexed at it; for as he went along the streets, I +spoke often to him, and manifested what he was. When we were come to +the mayor’s house, and were in the court-yard, several of the people +that stood about, asked me, “how and for what I was taken?” I +desired them to ask the informer, and also know what his name was; +but he refused to tell his name. Whereupon one of the mayor’s +officers looking out at a window, told him, “he should tell his name +before he went away; for the lord mayor would know by what authority +he intruded himself with soldiers into the execution of those laws +which belonged to the civil magistrate to execute, and not to the +military.” After this, he was eager to be gone; and went to the +porter to be let out. One of the officers called to him, saying, +“Have you brought people here to inform against, and now will you go +away before my lord mayor comes?” Some called to the porter not to +let him out; whereupon he forcibly pulled open the door, and slipped +out. No sooner was he come into the street, than the people gave a +shout, that made the street ring again, crying out, “a Papist +informer! a Papist informer!” We desired the constable and soldiers +to go and rescue him out of the people’s hands, fearing lest they +should do him a mischief. They went, and brought him into the +mayor’s entry, where they stayed a while; but when he went out +again, the people received him with another shout. The soldiers were +fain to go and rescue him once more, and they led him into a house +in an alley, where they persuaded him to change his periwig, and so +he got away unknown. + +When the mayor came, we were brought into the room where he was, and +some of his officers would have taken off our hats, which he +perceiving, called to them, and bid them, “let us alone, and not +meddle with our hats; for,” said he, “they are not yet brought +before me in judicature.” So we stood by while he examined some +Presbyterian and Baptist teachers; with whom he was somewhat sharp, +and convicted them. After he had done with them, I was brought up to +the table where he sat; and then the officers took off my hat; and +the mayor said mildly to me, “Mr. Fox, you are an eminent man +amongst those of your profession; pray, will you be instrumental to +dissuade them from meeting in such great numbers? for, seeing Christ +hath promised that where two or three are met in his name, he will +be in the midst of them, and the king and parliament are graciously +pleased to allow of four to meet together to worship God; why will +not you be content to partake both of Christ’s promise to two or +three, and the king’s indulgence to four?” I answered to this +purpose: “Christ’s promise was not to discourage many from meeting +together in his name, but to encourage the few, that the fewest +might not forbear to meet, because of their fewness. But if Christ +hath promised to manifest his presence in the midst of so small an +assembly, where but two or three were gathered in his name, how much +more would his presence abound where two or three hundred are +gathered in his name? I wished him to consider, whether this act +would not have taken hold of Christ, with his twelve apostles and +seventy disciples, if it had been in their time, who used to meet +often together, and that with great numbers? However, I told him +this act did not concern us; for it was made against seditious +meetings, of such as met, under colour and pretence of religion, ‘to +contrive insurrections, as (the act says) late experience had +shown;’ but we had been sufficiently tried and proved, and always +found peaceable, and therefore he should do well to put a difference +between the innocent and the guilty.” He said, “the act was made +against meetings, and a worship not according to the liturgy.” I +told him, “according to” was not the very same thing: and I asked +him, “whether the liturgy was according to the Scriptures? and +whether we might not read Scriptures, and speak Scriptures?” He said +“Yes.” I told him, “this act took hold only of such, as met to plot +and contrive insurrections, as late experience had shown; but they +had never experienced that by us. Because thieves are sometimes on +the road, must not honest men travel? And because plotters and +contrivers have met to do mischief, must not an honest, peaceable +people meet to do good? If we had been a people that met to plot and +contrive insurrections, &c., we might have drawn ourselves into +fours; for four might do more mischief in plotting than if there +were four hundred, because four might speak out their minds more +freely one to another than four hundred could. Therefore, we being +innocent, and not the people this act concerns, we keep our meetings +as we used to do: and, I said, I believed that he knew in his +conscience we were innocent.” After some more discourse, he took our +names and the places where we lodged, and at length, as the informer +was gone, set us at liberty. + +Being set at liberty, the Friends with me asked me “whither I would +go?” I told them, “to Gracechurch Street meeting again, if it were +not over.” When we came there, the people were generally gone; only +some few stood at the gate. We went into Gerrard Roberts’s house; +and from thence I sent out to know how the other meetings in the +city were. I understood that at some of the meeting-places Friends +were kept out; at others they were taken, but set at liberty again a +few days after. A glorious time it was, for the Lord’s power came +over all, and his everlasting truth got renown. For as fast as some +that were speaking were taken down, others were moved of the Lord to +stand up and speak, to the admiration of the people; and the more, +because many Baptists and other sectaries left their public +meetings, and came to see how the Quakers would stand. As for the +informer aforesaid, he was so frightened, that there durst hardly +any informer appear publicly again in London for some time after. +But the mayor, whose name was Samuel Starling, though he carried +himself smoothly towards us, proved afterwards a very great +persecutor of our Friends, many of whom he cast into prison, as may +be seen in the trials of W. Penn, W. Mead, and others, at the Old +Bailey this year.[21] + +After some time the heat of persecution in London began to abate, +and meetings were quieter there. Being now clear of the city, I went +to visit Friends in the country; and attended several meetings in +MIDDLESEX, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, and OXFORDSHIRE, which were quiet, +though in some places there was much threatening. At READING most of +the Friends were in prison, and I went to visit them. When I had +been a while with them, the Friends that were prisoners gathered +together, and several other persons came in; so that I had a fine +opportunity amongst them, and “declared the Word of Life, +encouraging them in the truth; and they were refreshed in feeling +the presence and power of the Lord amongst them.” When the meeting +was ended, the jailer understanding that I was there, the Friends +were concerned how to get me out safe again; for they feared lest he +should stop me. But after I had stayed a while, and eaten with them, +I went down stairs, and the jailer being at the door, I put my hand +in my pocket, which he had such an eye to, hoping to get something +from me, that he asked me no question. So I gave him something, and +bade him “be kind and civil to my Friends in prison, whom I came to +visit;” and he let me pass out without interruption. But soon after +Isaac Penington coming to visit them, he stopped him, and caused him +to be made a prisoner.[22] + +Next morning I rode about fourteen miles to a meeting at BANGHURST +in HAMPSHIRE, Thomas Briggs being with me. When we came into the +parish, some sober people told us, that “the priest of the town was +an envious man, and threatened us.” We went on to the meeting, which +was large; and after some time Thomas Briggs stood up and spoke. It +seems the priest had got a warrant, and sent the constables and +other officers with it. They came to the house, stayed a while, and +then went away again, without coming into the meeting; so we in the +meeting did not know of their being there. After Thomas Briggs had +done speaking, I was moved of the Lord to stand up, and declare the +Word of Life to the people; and a precious meeting we had. When it +was ended and risen, I heard a great clatter in the yard; and when +we came out, the man of the house told us, “that the officers had +been in the house before, but did not come into the meeting, going +away without doing anything; and that now the priest in a great rage +had sent them again, and his own servant with them.” But the meeting +being ended before they came, they could do nothing. Thus the good +providence of the Lord preserved us from the wicked design of the +envious priest. + +Thence we went to a Friend’s house on the edge of BERKSHIRE, where +several Friends came to visit us. Afterwards we passed into SURREY, +and had many precious meetings, till we came to Stephen Smith’s, +near GUILDFORD, where great persecution had been, and very much +property taken away from Friends for their meetings; and under great +threatenings they were at that time; yet we had several blessed +meetings thereabouts, and the Lord’s power was over all, in and by +which we were preserved. + +We went into SUSSEX, by Richard Baxe’s, where we had a large, +precious, quiet meeting, though the constables had given out +threatenings before. I had many more meetings in that county; and +though there were some threatenings, they were peaceable; and +Friends were refreshed, and established upon the foundation of God, +that stands sure. When I had thoroughly visited SUSSEX, I went into +KENT, and had many glorious and precious meetings in several parts +of that county. I went to a meeting near DEAL, which was very large; +and returning from thence to CANTERBURY, visited Friends there. I +then passed into the ISLE OF SHEPPEY, where I stayed two or three +days; and thither came Alexander Parker, George Whitehead, and John +Rous to me. + +Next day, finding my service for the Lord finished there, we passed +towards ROCHESTER. On the way, as I was walking down a hill, a great +weight and oppression fell upon my spirit; I got on my horse again, +but the weight remained so that I was hardly able to ride. At length +we came to Rochester, but I was much spent, being so extremely laden +and burdened with the world’s spirits, that my life was oppressed +under them. I got with difficulty to GRAVESEND, and lay at an inn +there; but could hardly either eat or sleep. The next day John Rous +and Alexander Parker went for London; and John Stubbs being come to +me, we went over the ferry into ESSEX. We came to HORNCHURCH, where +was a meeting on First-day. After it I rode with great uneasiness to +STRATFORD, to a Friend’s house, whose name was Williams, and who had +formerly been a captain. Here I lay exceedingly weak, and at last +lost both hearing and sight. Several Friends came to me from London: +and I told them, that “I should be as a sign to such as would not +see, and such as would not hear the truth.” In this condition I +continued some time. Several came about me; and though I could not +see their persons, I felt and discerned their spirits, who were +honest-hearted, and who were not. Divers Friends who practised +physic, came to see me, and would have given me medicines, but I was +not to meddle with any; for I was sensible I had a travail to go +through; and therefore desired none but solid, weighty Friends might +be about me. Under great sufferings and travails, sorrows and +oppressions, I lay for several weeks, whereby I was brought so low +and weak in body, that few thought I could live. Some that were with +me went away, saying, “they would not see me die;” and it was +reported both in London and in the country, that I was deceased; but +I felt the Lord’s power inwardly supporting me. When they that were +about me had given me up to die, I spoke to them to get a coach to +carry me to Gerrard Roberts’s, about twelve miles off; for I found +it was my place to go thither. I had now recovered a little +glimmering sight, so that I could discern the people and fields as I +went, and that was all. When I came to Gerrard’s, he was very weak: +and I was moved to speak to him, and encourage him. + +After I had stayed about three weeks there, it was with me to go to +Enfield. Friends were afraid of my removing; but I told them I might +safely go. When I had taken my leave of Gerrard, and was come to +ENFIELD, I went first to visit Amor Stoddart, who lay very weak, and +almost speechless. I was moved to tell him, “he had been faithful as +a man, and faithful to God; and that the immortal seed of life was +his crown.” Many more words I was moved to speak to him, though I +was then so weak I was hardly able to stand; and within a few days +after, Amor died. I went to the widow Dry’s at Enfield, where I lay +all that winter, warring in spirit with the evil spirits of the +world, that warred against truth and Friends. For there were great +persecutions at this time; some meeting-houses were pulled down, and +many were broken up by soldiers. Sometimes a troop of horse, or a +company of foot came; and some broke their swords, carbines, +muskets, and pikes, with beating Friends; and many they wounded, so +that their blood lay in the streets. Amongst others that were active +in this cruel persecution at London, my old adversary Colonel Kirby +was one; who, with a company of foot, went to break up several +meetings; and he would often enquire for me at the meetings he broke +up. One time as he went over the water to Horsleydown, there +happening some scuffle between some of his soldiers and some of the +watermen, he bid his men “fire at them.” They did so, and killed +some. + +I was under great sufferings at this time, beyond what I have words +to declare. For I was brought into the deep, and saw all the +religions of the world, and people that lived in them, and the +priests that held them up, who were as a company of men-eaters, +eating up the people like bread, and gnawing the flesh from off +their bones. But as for true religion and worship, and ministers of +God, alack! I saw there were none amongst those of the world that +pretended to it. For they that pretended to be the church, were but +a company of men-eaters, men of cruel visages, and of long teeth; +and, though they had cried against the men-eaters in America, I saw +they were in the same nature. And as the great professing Jews did +“eat up God’s people like bread,” and the false prophets and priests +then preached peace to people, so long as they “put into their +mouths and fed them;” but if they fed them not, they prepared war +against them, “they ate their flesh off their bones, and chopped +them as for the caldron;” so these that profess themselves +Christians now (both priests and professors,) and are not in the +same power and Spirit that Christ and the holy prophets and apostles +were in, are in the same nature that the old professing Jews were +in, and are men-eaters as well as they. These stirred up persecution +and set the wicked informers to work; so that a Friend could hardly +speak a few words in a private family, before they sat down to eat +meat, but some were ready to inform against them. A particular +instance of which I have heard as follows:— + +At Droitwich, John Cartwright came to a Friend’s house, and being +moved of the Lord to speak a few words before he sat down to supper, +there came an informer, and stood hearkening under the window. When +he had heard the Friend speak, hoping to get some gain to himself, +he went and informed, and got a warrant to distrain his goods, under +pretence that there was a meeting at his house; whereas there were +none in the house at that time, but the Friend, the man of the +house, his wife, and their maid-servant. But this evil-minded man, +as he came back with his warrant in the night, fell off his horse, +and broke his neck. So there was a wretched end of a wicked +informer, who hoped to enrich himself by spoiling Friends; but the +Lord prevented him, and cut him off in his wickedness. + +Now, though it was a cruel, bloody, persecuting time, yet the Lord’s +power went over all, and his everlasting Seed prevailed; and Friends +were made to stand firm and faithful in the Lord’s power. Some sober +people of other professions would say, “if Friends did not stand, +the nation would run into debauchery.” + +Though by reason of my weakness, I could not travel amongst Friends +as I used to do, yet in the motion of life, I sent the following +lines as an encouraging testimony to them:— + + “MY DEAR FRIENDS, + + “The Seed is above all. In it walk: in which ye all have life. Be + not amazed at the weather; for always the just suffered by the + unjust, but the just had the dominion. All along ye may see, by + faith the mountains were subdued; and the rage of the wicked, and + his fiery darts, were quenched. Though the waves and storms are + high, yet your faith will keep you so as to swim above them; for + they are but for a time, and the truth is without time. Therefore + keep on the mountain of holiness, ye who are led to it by the + light where nothing shall hurt. Do not think that anything will + outlast the truth, which standeth sure; and is over that which is + out of the truth; for the good will overcome the evil; the light, + darkness; the life, death; virtue, vice; and righteousness, + unrighteousness. The false prophet cannot overcome the true; but + the true prophet, Christ, will overcome all the false. So be + faithful, and live in that which doth not think the time long.” + + G.F. + +After some time it pleased the Lord to allay the heat of this +violent persecution; and I felt in spirit an overcoming of the +spirits of those men-eaters, that had stirred it up, and carried it +on to that height of cruelty, though I was outwardly very weak. And +I plainly felt, and those Friends that were with me, and that came +to visit me, took notice, that as the persecution ceased, I came +from under the travails and sufferings, that had lain with such +weight upon me; so that towards the spring I began to recover, and +to walk up and down, beyond the expectation of many, who did not +think I could ever have gone abroad again. + +Whilst I was under this spiritual suffering, the state of the New +Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven, was opened to me; which +some carnal-minded people had looked upon to be like an outward city +dropped out of the elements. I saw the beauty and glory of it, the +length, the breadth, and the height thereof, all in complete +proportion. I saw, that all who are within the light of Christ, and +in his faith, which he is the author of; and in the Spirit, the Holy +Ghost, which Christ and the holy prophets and apostles were in; and +within the grace, and truth, and power of God, which are the walls +of the city;—such are within the city, are members of it, and have +right to eat of the tree of life, which yields her fruit every +month, and whose leaves are for the healing of the nations. But they +that are out of the grace, truth, light, Spirit, and power of God; +they who resist the Holy Ghost, quench, vex, and grieve the Spirit +of God; who hate the light, turn the grace of God into wantonness, +and do despite to the Spirit of Grace; they who have erred from the +faith, and made shipwreck of it and of a good conscience, who abuse +the power of God, and despise prophesying, revelation, and +inspiration;—these are the dogs and unbelievers that are without the +city. These make up the great city Babylon, confusion, and her cage, +the power of darkness; and the evil spirit of error surrounds and +covers them over. In this great city Babylon are the false prophets, +in the false power and false spirit; the beast, in the dragon’s +power, and the whore that is gone a whoring from the Spirit of God, +and from Christ her husband. But the Lord’s power is over all this +power of darkness, false prophets, and their worshippers, who are +for the lake which burns with fire. + +Many things more did I see concerning the heavenly city, the New +Jerusalem, which are hard to be uttered, and would be hard to be +received. But, in short, this holy city is within the light, and all +that are within the light, are within the city; the gates whereof +stand open all the day (for there is no night there,) and all may +come in. Christ’s blood being shed for every man, he tasted death +for every man, and enlighteneth every man that cometh into the +world; and his grace that brings salvation having appeared to all +men, there is no place or language where his voice may not be heard. +The Christians in the primitive times were called by Christ, “a city +set upon a hill;” they were also called “the light of the world,” +and “the salt of the earth;” but when Christians lose the light, and +salt, and power of God, then they came to be trodden under foot, +like unsavoury salt. Even as the Jews, who while they kept the law +of God, were preserved above all nations; but when they turned their +backs on God and his law, they were trodden under foot of other +nations. Adam and Eve, while they obeyed God, were kept in his image +and in the Paradise of God, in dominion over all the works of his +hands; but when they disobeyed God, they lost his image, the +righteousness and the holiness in which they were made; they lost +their dominion, were driven out of paradise; and so fell under the +dark power of Satan, and came under the chains of darkness. But the +promise of God was, “that the Seed of the woman, Christ Jesus, +should bruise the serpent’s head,”—should break his power and +authority, which had led into captivity, and had held man therein. +So Christ, who is the first and the last, sets man free, and is the +resurrection of the just and unjust, the judge of the quick and +dead; and they that are in him are invested with everlasting rest +and peace, out of all the labours, and travails, and miseries of +Adam in the fall. So he is sufficient and of ability to restore man +into the state he was in before he fell; and not into that state +only, but into that also that never fell, even to himself. + +I had also in this time a great exercise and travail of spirit upon +me, concerning the powers and rulers of these nations, from the +sense I had of the many tender visitations and faithful warnings, +that had been given them, and of their great abuse thereof, who had +refused to hear, and rejected the counsel of the Lord. And though I +knew Friends would be clear of their blood, yet I could not but +mourn over them, and gave forth these few lines following concerning +them:— + + “We have given them a visitation, have faithfully warned them, + have declared to them our innocency and uprightness, and that we + never did any hurt to the king, nor to any of his people. We have + nothing in our hearts but love and goodwill to him and his people, + and desire their eternal welfare. But if they will not hear, the + day of judgment and of sorrow, of torment, misery, and sudden + destruction, will come from the Lord upon them, that have been the + cause of the sufferings of many thousands of simple, innocent, + harmless people that have done them no hurt, nor have had any + ill-will towards him or them; but have desired their eternal good + for the eternal truth’s sake. Destruction will come upon them that + turn the sword backward. Therefore do not blind your eyes, the + Lord will bring swift destruction and misery upon you; surely he + will do it, and will relieve his innocent people; who have groaned + for deliverance from under your oppression, and have also groaned + for your deliverance out of wickedness. Blessed be the Lord God, + that he hath a people in this nation, that seek the good of all + men upon the face of the earth; for we have the mind of the Lord + Jesus Christ, that desires not the death of a sinner, but the + salvation and good of all. Blessed be the name of the Lord our God + for ever.” + + G. F. + +While I continued at Enfield, a sense came upon me of a hurt that +sometimes happened, by persons under the profession of truth coming +out of one country into another, to take a husband or wife amongst +Friends, where they were strangers, and it was not known whether +they were clear and orderly, or not. And it opened in me to +recommend the following method unto Friends for preventing such +inconveniences:— + + “All Friends that marry, whether they be men or women, if they + come out of another nation, island, or county, let them bring a + certificate from the men’s meeting of that county, nation, or + island from which they came, to the men’s meeting where they + propose their intention of marriage. For the men’s meeting being + made up of the faithful, this will stop all wrong spirits from + roving up and down. When any come with a certificate, or letter of + recommendation from one men’s meeting to another, one is refreshed + by another, and can set their hands and hearts to the thing. This + will prevent a great deal of trouble. And then what ye have to say + to them in the power of God, in admonishing and instructing them, + ye are left to the power and Spirit of God to do it, and to let + them know the duty of marriage, and what it is; that there may be + unity and concord in the Spirit, and power, and light, and wisdom + of God, throughout all the men’s meetings in the whole world, in + one, in the life. + + “Let copies of this be sent to every county, and nation, and + island where Friends are, that so all things may be kept holy, and + pure, and righteous, in unity and peace; and God over all may be + glorified among you, his lot, his people and inheritance, who are + his adopted sons and daughters, and heirs of his life. So no more, + but my love in that which changeth not.” + + G. F. + + 14th of 1st Month, 1670-1. + +When I had recovered, so that I could walk a little, I went from +Enfield to Gerrard Roberts’s again, and thence to the women’s school +at SHACKLEWELL, and so to the meeting at Gracechurch Street, LONDON; +where, though I was yet but weak, the Lord’s power upheld and +enabled me to declare his eternal Word of life. + +About this time I was moved to pray to the Lord as follows:— + + “O Lord God Almighty! Prosper truth, and preserve justice and + equity in the land! Bring down all injustice and iniquity, + oppression and falsehood, cruelty and unmercifulness in the land; + that mercy and righteousness may flourish! + + “O Lord God! Set up and establish verity, and preserve it in the + land! Bring down in the land all debauchery and vice, whoredoms + and fornication, and this raping spirit, which causeth people to + have no esteem of thee, O God! nor of their own souls or bodies; + nor of Christianity, modesty, or humanity. + + “O Lord! Put it in the magistrates’ hearts to bring down all this + ungodliness, violence, and cruelty, profaneness, cursing, and + swearing; and to put down all those lewd houses and play-houses, + which corrupt youth and people, and lead them from thy kingdom, + where no unclean thing can enter, neither shall come! Such works + lead people to hell! Lord! In mercy bring down all these things in + the nation, to stop thy wrath, O God! from coming on the land.” + + G. F. + + This Prayer was written at night, the 17th + of the 2nd Month, 1671. + +----- + +Footnote 19: + + The date of the marriage of George Fox and Margaret Fell, in the + Bristol Register of Friends, is 27th of 8th Month, 1669. + + Margaret Fell, it will be remembered, was the widow of Judge Fell + of Swarthmore Hall. It is remarkable with what high esteem and + Christian love this devoted woman appears to have been regarded by + our early and most eminent Friends. She seems to have been + generally acknowledged as a faithful nursing-mother of the flock; + and she often addressed them, when in bonds or otherwise, with + letters of consolation and encouragement. (See numerous letters to + and from her in _Barclay’s Letters, &c., of Early Friends_). It is + also probable she contributed largely from her means to the relief + of their outward necessities. Having faithfully fulfilled her + allotted labours, she died much beloved and lamented, at her own + house at Swarthmore, in 1702, being near the eighty-eighth year of + her age, and having survived George Fox about twelve years. + + Some remarkable expressions of assured happiness fell from her + lips during her last illness, if that could be called an illness, + which was the decay of nature. At one time, under the meltings of + heavenly love, she said, “Oh my sweet Lord! into thy holy bosom do + I commit myself freely; not desiring to live in this troublesome, + painful world—it is all nothing to me—for my Maker is my husband.” + A little before her departure she called her daughter Rachel to + her, saying, “Take me in thy arms”—after which she said, “I am in + peace!” + +Footnote 20: + + The “Conventicle Act” so called, first passed in 1664, was renewed + at the above time (1670), with increased rigour. The penalties + were £5, or three months to the house of correction, for the first + offence of attending a conventicle, if above sixteen years of age; + £10, or six months, for the second; _transportation_ for seven + years for the third, with sequestration of estate, or distraint + for the charges; and _five years’_ SLAVERY IN THE COLONIES, by + contract between the sheriff and a purchaser, on being sent + abroad, in defect of property to distrain upon; _or out of which + to pay_ £100 _as a liberating fine_. This fine to be repeated, + and £100 added as oft as he should offend afterwards, or + _transportation_, &c. (with _death_ for returning), and the + forfeiture of his _life-interest in his estate_. + + _Conventicles to be broken up by an armed force_, under the + direction of lieutenants of counties, sheriffs, &c. Even a _femme + covert_ could not escape; but must be redeemed by her husband, at + the price of £40; or go to prison, or be transported with him. Nor + could a _peer of the realm_: he must be fined £10 for the first + offence, £20 for the second, and for the third, be tried by his + peers. The fines to be levied by distress, by warrant of any two + justices, or a chief magistrate. + + The force of this Act was directed against the _Quakers_, by + inserting, in the latter part of it, three sections, which brought + _their refusal to take an oath_ under its full penalties; and they + suffered dreadfully through it! In the streets, or where they met + to assert their religious rights, they were dragooned; in court + they had oaths tendered, and were convicted under this Act upon + their refusal. + + “This Act,” says Besse, “was forthwith put into a rigorous + execution, and many hungry informers [for the sake of their + _third_ of the penalties] _made it their business_ to live upon + the spoil and ruin of conscientious people.” Friends were great + sufferers thereby, of the nature of which the reader may have some + idea by reference to “Sufferings under the Conventicle Act;” + _Select Miscellanies_, vol. iii., pp. 220-245. + +Footnote 21: + + The celebrated trial of Penn and Mead at the Old Bailey, above + alluded to, may be seen at full length in Clarkson’s _Life of + Penn_—“a trial which, for the good it has done to posterity, ought + to be engraved on tablets of the most durable marble.” It was + certainly one of those events which, in conjunction with others of + a similar sort, by showing the inadequacy of punishment for + religion to its supposed end, not only corrected and improved the + notions of succeeding ages in this respect, but, by so doing, + lessened the ravages of persecution, and the enmity between man + and man. Nor ought posterity to be less grateful for it as a + monument of the ferocity and corrupt usages of former times; for, + contrasting these with the notions and customs of our own age, we + see the improvement of our social and moral condition. Newgate is + no longer the receptacle of innocent individuals suffering for + conscience’ sake. In our courts of law we see an order, a decorum, + and an administration of justice, unknown at the period of this + memorable trial. Nor will the prospect be less grateful, if we + quit the present for a moment, and direct our eyes to the future. + We have the best reason to hope, on contemplating the signs of the + times, that the day is approaching when the Christian religion, + which is capable of cementing men in the strongest possible union, + and for the noblest purposes, will be restored to its primitive + purity, and made a blessing to all the dwellers upon the earth. + +Footnote 22: + + Isaac Penington has been mentioned before, but only cursorily, in + the whole of this Journal; not often meeting with George Fox. But + he was one of the most eminent, experienced, and beloved, of the + Early Friends. He was well descended as to his worldly parentage, + being the eldest son of Alderman Penington, who was two years + successively Mayor of London, and a noted member of the Long + Parliament. Born about the year 1617, he received a liberal + education, having, according to Penn, “all the advantages the + schools and universities of his own country could give, joined + with the conversation of some of the most learned and considerable + men of that time.” + + From childhood, Isaac Penington was religiously inclined, and, in + a paper written by himself, and found after his death amongst his + writings, we have such a living portrait of a deeply-exercised + mind, as demonstrates that godliness with him was indeed the “one + thing needful.” “In the sense of my lost estate,” he writes, “I + sought after the Lord; I read the Scriptures; I watched over mine + own heart; and whatever I read in the Scriptures, as the way of + God, to my understanding, I gave myself to the faithful practice + of.” He became fully convinced of the principles of Friends, and + joined that despised people—becoming a faithful sufferer for the + cause of Christ. + + “Early believers in the light of Truth + Dwelt not at ease in Zion. They endured + Conflicts and trials, and imprisonments. + Even the humble Penington, whose mind + Seemed purged and purified from dross + Of human nature—who appeared as meek + And harmless as an infant—was compelled + To dwell in loathsome prisons.” + + He was six times in jail, some of his imprisonments being long, + yet borne with great quietness and constancy of mind. His first + imprisonment was in Aylesbury jail in 1661 and 1662, being + committed there for worshipping God in his own house. He was kept + there seventeen weeks, great part of it in winter—in a cold and + very incommodious room without a chimney, from which usage he + contracted so severe an indisposition, that for several weeks + after he was unable to turn himself in his bed. + + In the sixty-third year of his age “he died as he lived, in the + faith that overcomes the world.” + + + + + CHAPTER IV. + +1671-1672.—His wife being still detained a prisoner, George Fox puts + two women Friends upon going to the king to procure her + discharge, which he granted under the broad seal, to clear her + person and estate after being a prisoner under premunire ten + years—he sails for the plantations in America with several other + Friends—chased by a Sallee man-of-war—the master in a strait + asks advice of George Fox, who seeks counsel of the Lord, and is + assured of their preservation—the event verifies the + prediction—they land at Barbadoes after a seven weeks’ passage—a + man in the island, who was greatly incensed against George Fox + without just cause, and who had threatened his life, died a few + days before his landing—is laid up for some weeks—writes to + Friends in England—exhorts Friends to care and watchfulness in + regard to marriages, keeping registers and records, providing + burial grounds, &c.—to deal mildly with their negroes, and, + after certain years of servitude, to set them free—writes a + further exhortation to Friends in England—visits the governor, + who is very kind—has many large meetings, and there is a great + convincement; Colonel Lyne testifies how much Friends exalt + Christ in all his offices beyond what he had ever heard—the + priests rage, and try in vain to stir up persecution—there is + much clamour and cavilling against Friends, and many slanders + and false reports are issued, which George Fox answers in a + paper addressed to the governor—the governor visits him—writes + to his wife—sails for Jamaica, where he has many meetings, and + many are convinced—Elizabeth Hooton dies there. + + +I mentioned before, that, upon the notice I received of my wife’s +being imprisoned again, I sent two of her daughters to the king, and +they procured his order to the sheriff of Lancashire, for her +discharge. But though I expected she would be set at liberty +thereby, this violent storm of persecution coming suddenly on, the +persecutors there found means to hold her still in prison. But now +the persecution a little ceasing, I was moved to speak to Martha +Fisher and another woman Friend, to go to the king about her +liberty. They went in faith, and in the Lord’s power, who gave them +favour with the king, so that he granted a discharge under the +broad-seal, to clear both her and her estate, after she had been ten +years a prisoner, and premunired; the like whereof was scarcely to +be heard of in England. I sent down the discharge forthwith by a +Friend; by whom also I wrote to her, informing her how to get it +delivered to the justices, and acquainting her that it was upon me +from the Lord to go beyond the seas to visit America; and therefore +desired her to hasten to London, as soon as she could conveniently, +after she had obtained her liberty, because the ship was then +fitting for the voyage. In the meantime I got to Kingston, and +stayed at John Rous’s till my wife came up, and then I began to +prepare for the voyage. But the Yearly Meeting being near at hand, I +stayed till that was over. Many Friends came up to it from all parts +of the nation, and a very large and precious meeting it was; for the +Lord’s power was over all, and his glorious everlastingly-renowned +Seed of life was exalted above all. + +After this meeting was over, and I had finished my services for the +Lord in England, the ship and the Friends that intended to go with +me being ready, I went to GRAVESEND on the 12th of 6th month, my +wife and several Friends accompanying me to the Downs. We went from +Wapping in a barge to the ship, which lay a little below Gravesend, +and there we found the Friends that were bound for the voyage with +me, who had gone down to the ship the night before. Their names were +Thomas Briggs, William Edmundson, John Rous, John Stubbs, Solomon +Eccles, James Lancaster, John Cartwright, Robert Widders, George +Pattison, John Hull, Elizabeth Hooton, and Elizabeth Miers. The +vessel was a yacht, called the _Industry_; the captain’s name Thomas +Forster, and the number of passengers about fifty. I lay that night +on board, but most of the Friends at Gravesend. + +Early next morning the passengers, and those Friends that intended +to accompany us to the Downs, being come on board, we took our leave +in great tenderness of those that came with us to Gravesend only, +and set sail about six in the morning for the DOWNS. Having a fair +wind, we out-sailed all the ships that were outward-bound, and got +thither by evening. Some of us went ashore that night, and lodged at +DEAL; where, we understood, an officer had orders from the governor +to take our names in writing; which he did next morning, though we +told him they had been taken at Gravesend. In the afternoon, the +wind serving, I took leave of my wife and other Friends, and went on +board. Before we could sail, there being two of the king’s frigates +riding in the DOWNS, the captain of one of them sent his +press-master on board us, who took three of our seamen. This would +certainly have delayed, if not wholly prevented, our voyage, had not +the captain of the other frigate, being informed of the leakiness of +our vessel, and the length of our voyage, in compassion and much +civility, spared us two of his own men. Before this was over, a +custom-house officer came on board to peruse packets and get fees; +so that we were kept from sailing till about sunset; during which +delay a very considerable number of merchantmen, outward-bound, were +got several leagues before us. Being clear, we set sail in the +evening, and next morning overtook part of that fleet about the +height of Dover. We soon reached the rest, and in a little time left +them all behind; for our yacht was counted a very swift sailer. But +she was very leaky, so that the seamen and some of the passengers +did, for the most part, pump day and night. One day they observed, +that in two hours’ time she sucked in sixteen inches of water in the +well. + +When we had been about three weeks at sea, one afternoon we spied a +vessel about four leagues astern of us. Our master said it was a +Sallee man-of-war, that seemed to give us chase. Our master said, +“Come, let us go to supper, and when it grows dark we shall lose +him.” This he spoke to please and pacify the passengers, some of +whom began to be very apprehensive of the danger. But Friends were +well satisfied in themselves, having faith in God, and no fear upon +their spirits. When the sun was gone down, I saw the ship out of my +cabin making towards us. When it grew dark, we altered our course to +miss her; but she altered also, and gained upon us. At night the +master and others came into my cabin, and asked me, “what they +should do?” I told them, “I was no mariner;” and I asked them, “what +they thought was best to do?” They said, “There were but two ways, +either to outrun him, or to tack about, and hold the same course we +were going before.” I told them, “if he were a thief, they might be +sure he would tack about too; and as for outrunning him, it was to +no purpose to talk of that, for they saw he sailed faster than we.” +They asked me again “what they should do? for,” they said, “if the +mariners had taken Paul’s counsel they had not come to the damage +they did.” I answered, “it was a trial of faith, and therefore the +Lord was to be waited on for counsel.” So retiring in spirit, the +Lord showed me, “that his life and power was placed between us and +the ship that pursued us.” I told this to the master and the rest, +and that our best way was to tack about and steer our right course. +I desired them also to put out all their candles, but the one they +steered by, and to speak to all the passengers to be still and +quiet. About eleven at night, the watch called and said, “they were +just upon us.” That disquieted some of the passengers; whereupon I +sat up in my cabin, and looking through the porthole, the moon being +not quite down, I saw them very near us. I was getting up to go out +of the cabin; but remembering the word of the Lord, “that his life +and power was placed between us and them,” I lay down again. The +master and some of the seamen came again and asked me, “if they +might not steer such a point?” I told them, “they might do as they +would.” By this time the moon was quite down, a fresh gale arose, +and the Lord hid us from them; and we sailed briskly on and saw them +no more. The next day, being the first day of the week, we had a +public meeting in the ship, as we usually had on that day throughout +the voyage, and the Lord’s presence was greatly among us. And I +desired the people “to mind the mercies of the Lord, who had +delivered them; for they might have been all in the Turks’ hands, by +that time had not the Lord’s hand saved them.” About a week after, +the master and some of the seamen endeavoured to persuade the +passengers, that it was not a Turkish pirate that chased us, but a +merchantman going to the Canaries. When I heard of it, I asked them, +“Why then did they speak so to me? why did they trouble the +passengers? and why did they tack about from him and alter their +course?” I told them “they should take heed of slighting the mercies +of God.” + +Afterwards, while we were at Barbadoes, there came in a merchant +from Sallee, and told the people, “that one of the Sallee men-of-war +saw a monstrous yacht at sea, the greatest that ever he saw, and had +her in chase, and was just upon her, but that there was a spirit in +her that he could not take.” This confirmed us in the belief that it +was a Sallee-man we saw make after us, and that it was the Lord that +delivered us out of his hands. + +I was not sea-sick during the voyage, as many of the Friends and +other passengers were; but the many hurts and bruises I had formerly +received, and the infirmities I had contracted in England by extreme +cold and hardships, that I had undergone in many long and sore +imprisonments, returned upon me at sea; so that I was very ill in my +stomach and full of violent pains in my bones and limbs. This was +after I had been at sea about a month. For about three weeks after I +came first to sea, I perspired abundantly, chiefly my head, and my +body broke out in pimples, and my legs and feet swelled extremely, +so that my stockings and slippers could not be drawn on without +difficulty and great pain. Suddenly the sweating ceased, so that +when I came into the hot climate, where others perspired most +freely, I could not perspire at all; but my flesh was hot, dry, and +burning; and that which broke out in pimples, struck in again to my +stomach and heart, so that I was very ill, and weak beyond +expression. Thus I continued during the rest of the voyage, which +was about a month; for we were above seven weeks at sea. + +On the third of the eighth month, early in the morning, we +discovered the Island of BARBADOES, but it was between nine and ten +at night ere we came to anchor in CARLISLE BAY. We got on shore as +soon as we could, and I, with some others, walked to a Friend’s +house, a merchant, whose name was Richard Forstall, above a quarter +of a mile from the bridge. But being very ill and weak, I was so +tired with that little walk, that I was in a manner spent by the +time I got thither. There I abode very ill for several days, and +though they several times gave me things to make me perspire, they +could not effect it. But what they gave me did rather parch and dry +up my body, and made me probably worse than otherwise I might have +been. Thus I continued about three weeks after I landed, having much +pain in my bones, joints, and whole body, so that I could hardly get +any rest; yet I was pretty cheerful, and my spirit kept above it +all. Neither did my illness take me off from the service of truth, +but both while I was at sea, and after I came to Barbadoes, before I +was able to travel about, I gave forth several papers (having a +Friend to write for me), some of which I sent by the first +conveyance for England to be printed. + +After I had rested three or four days at Richard Forstall’s, where +many Friends came to visit me, John Rous[23] having borrowed a coach +of Colonel Chamberlain, came to fetch me to his father, Thomas +Rous’s house.[23] But it was late ere we could get thither, and +little or no rest could I take that night. A few days after, Colonel +Chamberlain, who had so kindly lent his coach, paid me a visit, and +was very courteous towards me. + +Soon after I came into the island, I was informed of a remarkable +occurrence, wherein the justice of God did eminently appear. It was +thus:— + +There was a young man of Barbadoes, whose name was John Drakes, (a +person of some note in the world’s account, but a common swearer and +wicked man,) who, when in London, had a mind to marry a Friend’s +daughter, left by her mother very young, and with a considerable +portion, to the care and government of several Friends, whereof I +was one. He made application to me, that he might have my consent to +marry this young maid. I told him, “I was one of her overseers +appointed by her mother, who was a widow, to take care of her; that +if her mother had intended her for a match to any man of the world, +she would have disposed of her accordingly; but she committed her to +us, that she might be trained up in the fear of the Lord, and +therefore I should betray the trust reposed in me, if I should +consent that he who was out of the fear of God, should marry her; +which I would not do.” When he saw that he could not obtain his +desire, he returned to Barbadoes with great offence of mind against +me, but without just cause. Afterwards, when he heard I was coming +to Barbadoes, he swore desperately, and threatened, that “if he +could possibly procure it, he would have me burned to death when I +came there.” Which a Friend hearing, asked him, “what had I done to +him, that he was so violent against me?” He would not answer, but +said again, “I’ll have him burned.” Whereupon the Friend replied, +“Do not march on too furiously, lest thou come too soon to thy +journey’s end.” About ten days after, he was struck with a violent +burning fever, of which he died; and by which his body was so +scorched, that the people said, “it was as black as a coal.” Three +days before I landed, his body was laid in the dust. This was taken +notice of as a sad example. + +While I continued so weak, that I could not go abroad to meetings, +the other Friends that came over with me, bestirred themselves in +the Lord’s work. The day but one after we landed, they had a great +meeting at the bridge, and after that several others in different +parts of the island; which alarmed the people of all sorts, so that +many came to our meetings, and some of the chief rank. For they had +got my name, understanding I was come upon the island, and expected +to see me at those meetings, not knowing that I was unable to go +abroad. And indeed, my weakness continued the longer on me, by +reason that my spirit was much pressed down at first with the filth +and dirt and unrighteousness of the people, which lay as a heavy +weight and load upon me. But after I had been above a month upon the +island, my spirit became somewhat easier, and I began to recover in +some measure my health and strength, and to get abroad among +Friends. In the meantime, having opportunity to send to England, I +wrote to Friends there, to let them know how it was with me, as +follows:— + +“DEAR FRIENDS, + + “I have been very weak these seven weeks past, and not able to + write myself. My desire is to you and for you all, that ye may + live in the fear of God, and in love one unto another, and be + subject one to another in the fear of God. I have been weaker in + my body than ever I was in my life that I remember, yea, my pains + have been such as I cannot express; yet my heart and spirit is + strong. I have hardly perspired these seven weeks past, though I + am come into a very hot climate, where hardly any but are well + nigh continually perspiring; but as for me, my old bruises, colds, + numbness, and pains, struck inwardly, even to my very heart. So + that I have taken little rest, and the chief things that were + comfortable to my stomach, were a little water and powdered + ginger; but now I begin to drink a little beer as well as water, + and sometimes a little wine and water mixed. Great pains and + travails I have felt, and in measure am under; but it is well, my + life is over all. This island was to me as all on a fire ere I + came to it, but now it is somewhat quenched and abated. I came in + weakness amongst those that are strong, and have so continued; but + now I am got a little cheery, and over it. Many Friends, and some + considerable persons of the world, have been with me. I tired out + my body much when amongst you in England; it is the Lord’s power + that helps me; therefore I desire you all to prize the power of + the Lord and his truth. I was but weak in body when I left you, + after I had been in my great travail amongst you; but after that, + it struck all back again into my body, which was not well settled + after so sore travails in England. Then I was so tired at sea, + that I could not rest, and have had little or no stomach a long + time. Since I came into this island, my life hath been very much + burthened; but I hope, if the Lord give me strength to manage his + work, I shall work thoroughly, and bring things that have been out + of course, into better order. + + “So, dear Friends, live all in the peaceable truth, and in the + love of it, serving the Lord in newness of life; for glorious + things and precious truths have been manifested among you + plentifully, and to you the riches of the kingdom have been + handed. I have been almost a month in this island, but have not + been able to go abroad or ride out; only very lately I rode out + twice, a quarter of a mile at a time, which wearied me much. My + love in the truth is to you all.” + + G. F. + +Because I was not well able to travel, the Friends of the island +concluded to have their men’s and women’s meeting for the service of +the church at Thomas Rous’s, where I lay; by which means I was +present at each of their meetings, and had very good service for the +Lord in both. For they had need of information in many things, +divers disorders having crept in for want of care and watchfulness. +I exhorted them, more especially at the men’s meeting, “to be +watchful and careful with respect to marriages, to prevent Friends +marrying in near kindreds, and also to prevent over-hasty +proceedings towards second marriages, after the death of a former +husband or wife; advising that a decent regard might be had in such +cases to the memory of the deceased husband or wife. + +“As to Friends’ children marrying too young, as at thirteen or +fourteen years of age, I showed them the unfitness thereof, and the +inconveniences and hurts that attend such childish marriages. I +admonished them to purge the floor thoroughly, to sweep their houses +very clean, that nothing might remain that would defile, and to take +care that nothing be spoken, out of their meetings, to the +blemishing or defaming one of another. + +“Concerning the registering of marriages, births, and burials, I +advised them to keep exact records of each in distinct books for +that only use; and also to record in a book for that purpose, the +condemnations of such as went out from truth into disorderly +practices, and the repentance and restoration of such of them as +returned again. + +“I recommended to their care the providing of convenient +burying-places for Friends, which in some parts were yet wanting. +Some directions also I gave them concerning wills, and the ordering +of legacies left by Friends for public uses, and other things +relating to the affairs of the church. + +“Then as to their blacks or negroes, I desired them to endeavour to +train them up in the fear of God, those that were bought, and those +born in their families, that all might come to the knowledge of the +Lord; that so, with Joshua, every master of a family might say, ‘As +for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.’ I desired them also +that they would cause their overseers to deal mildly and gently with +their negroes, and not use cruelty towards them, as the manner of +some hath been and is; and that after certain years of servitude, +they would make them free.”[24] Many sweet and precious things were +opened in these meetings by the Spirit, and in the power of the +Lord, to the edifying, confirming, and building up of Friends, both +in the faith and holy order of the gospel. + +After these meetings, the vessel bound for England not being gone, I +was moved to write another epistle to Friends there, as follows:— + + “Dear Friends and brethren, to whom is my love in that which never + changeth, but remains in glory, which is over all, the top and + corner-stone. In this all have peace and life, as ye dwell in the + blessed Seed, wherein all is blessed, over that which brought the + curse; where all shortness and narrowness of spirit, brittleness + and peevishness are. Therefore keep the holy order of the gospel. + Keep in this blessed Seed, where all may be preserved in + temperance, patience, love, meekness, righteousness, holiness, and + peace, in which the Lord may be seen amongst you, and no ways + dishonoured, but glorified by you all. In all your meetings, in + cities, towns, and countries, let righteousness flow among you, + and the holy truth be uppermost; the pure Spirit your guide and + leader, and the holy wisdom from above your orderer, which is + gentle, and easy to be entreated. Keep in the religion that + preserves from the spots of the world, which is pure and undefiled + in God’s sight. Keep in the pure and holy worship, in which the + pure and holy God is worshipped, to wit, in the Spirit and in the + truth, which the devil is out of, who is the author of all + unholiness and of that which dishonours God. Be tender of God’s + glory, of his honour, and of his blessed and holy name, in which + ye are gathered. All who profess the truth, see that ye walk in + it, in righteousness, godliness, and holiness; for ‘holiness + becomes the house of God, the household of faith.’ And that which + becomes God’s house, God loves; for he loves righteousness—the + ornament which becomes his house, and all his family. Therefore + see that righteousness run down in all your assemblies, that it + flow, to drive away all unrighteousness. This preserves your peace + with God; for in righteousness, ye have all peace with the + righteous God of Peace, and one with another. + + “Everyone that bears the name of the Anointed, that high title of + being a Christian, named after the Heavenly Man, see that ye be in + the divine nature, made conformable unto his image, even the image + of the Heavenly Divine Man, who was before that image which Adam + and Eve got from Satan in the fall; so that in none of you that + fallen image may appear, or be seen; but his image, and you made + conformable unto him. Here translation is showed forth in life and + conversation, not in words only; yea, and conversion and + repentance, which is a change of the nature of the mind and of the + heart, of the spirit and affections, which have been below, and + come to be set above; and so receive the things that are from + above, and have your conversation in heaven, not that conversation + which is according to the power of the prince of the air, that now + rules in the disobedient. So be faithful; this is the word of the + Lord God unto you all. See that godliness and holiness, + righteousness and truth, virtue, and the fruits of the good + Spirit, flow over the bad and its fruits, that ye may answer that + which is of God in all; for your heavenly Father is glorified in + that ye bring forth much fruit. Therefore ye, who are plants of + his planting, and his trees of righteousness, see that every tree + be full of fruit. + + “Keep in true humility, and in the true love of God, which doth + edify his body; that the true nourishment from the head, the + refreshings, and springs, and rivers of water, and bread of life, + may be plenteously known and felt amongst you; that so praises may + ascend unto God. Be faithful to the Lord God, and just and true in + all your dealings and doings with men. Be not negligent in your + men’s meetings to admonish, to exhort, and reprove in the spirit + of love and of meekness; to seek that which is lost, and to bring + back again that which hath been driven away. So let all minds and + spirits, souls and hearts, be bended down under the yoke of Christ + Jesus, the power of God. + + “Much I could write, but am weak, and have been mostly so since I + left you. Burthens and travails I have been under, and have gone + through many ways; but it is well. The Lord Almighty knows my + work, which he hath sent me forth to do by his everlasting arm and + power; which is from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be his + holy name, which I am in, and in which my love is to you all.” + + G. F. + +After I was able to go about, and had been a little amongst Friends, +I went to visit the governor; Lewis Morice, Thomas Rous, and some +other Friends being with me. He received us very civilly, and +treated us very kindly, making us dine with him; and keeping us most +part of the day before he let us go away. + +The same week I went to BRIDGE-TOWN. There was to be a general +meeting of Friends that week; and the visit I had made to the +governor, and the kind reception I had with him, being generally +known to the officers, civil and military, many came to this meeting +from most parts of the island, and those not of the meanest rank; +several being judges or justices, colonels or captains; so that a +very great meeting we had, both of Friends and others. The Lord’s +blessed power was plentifully with us; and although I was somewhat +straightened for time, three other Friends having spoken before me, +yet the Lord opened things through me to the general and great +satisfaction of them that were present. Colonel Lewis Morice came to +this meeting, and with him a neighbour of his, a judge in the +country, whose name was Ralph Fretwell; who was very well satisfied, +and received the truth. + +Paul Gwin, a jangling Baptist, came into the meeting, and asked me, +“How I spelt Cain? and whether I had the same spirit as the apostles +had?” I told him, “Yes.” And he bade the judge take notice of it. I +told him, “He that had not a measure of the same Holy Ghost as the +apostles had, was possessed with an unclean spirit.” And then he +went his way. + +I went home with Lewis Morice that night, being about nine or ten +miles, going part of the way by boat, the rest on horseback. The +place where his plantation was, I thought to be in the finest air of +the island. The next day Thomas Briggs and William Edmundson came to +see me, intending to leave the island the day following, to go on +the Lord’s service to Antigua and Nevis. Lewis Morice went with +them; at Antigua they had several good meetings, to which there was +a great resort of people; and many were convinced. But when they +went to Nevis, the governor, an old persecutor, sent soldiers on +board the vessel, to stop them, and would not suffer them to land. +Wherefore, after Friends of the place had been on board the vessel +with them, and they had been sweetly refreshed together, feeling the +Lord’s power and presence amongst them, they returned to Antigua; +where having stayed a while longer, they came back again to +Bardadoes, Thomas Briggs being weak and ill. + +Of the other Friends that came over with me from England, James +Lancaster, John Cartwright, and George Pattison, were gone some time +before to Jamaica, and others to other places, so that few remained +in Barbadoes with me. We had many great and precious meetings, both +for worship and for the affairs of the church; to the former of +which many other people came. At one of these meetings Colonel Lyne, +a sober person, was so well satisfied with what I declared, that he +said, “Now I can gainsay such as I have heard speak evil of you; who +say, you do not own Christ, nor that he died; whereas I perceive you +exalt Christ in all his offices beyond what I have ever heard +before.”[25] This man, observing a person take in writing the heads +of what I delivered, desired to have a copy of it; and stayed +another day with us; so great a love was raised in him to the truth. +Indeed, a very great convincement there was in most parts of the +island; which made the priests and professors rage. + +Our meetings were very large, and free from disturbance from the +government, though the envious priests and some professors +endeavoured to stir up the magistrates against us. When they found +they could not prevail that way, some Baptists came to the meeting +at the town, which was full of people of several ranks and +qualities. A great company came with them; and they brought a +slanderous paper, written by John Pennyman, with which they made a +great noise. But the Lord gave me wisdom and utterance to answer +their cavils; so that the auditory generally received satisfaction, +and those quarrelsome professors lost ground. When they had wearied +themselves with clamour, they went away; but the people staying, the +meeting was continued; the things they cavilled about were further +opened and cleared; and the life and power of God came over all. But +the rage and envy in our adversaries did not cease; they endeavoured +to defame Friends with many false and scandalous reports, which they +spread abroad through the island. Whereupon we drew up a paper, to +go forth in the name of the people called Quakers, for the clearing +of truth and Friends from those false reports. It was directed +thus:— + + _“For the Governor of Barbadoes, with his Council and Assembly, + and all others in power, both civil and military, in this + Island; from the people called Quakers._ + + “Whereas many scandalous lies and slanders have been cast upon us, + to render us odious; as that ‘We deny God, and Christ Jesus, and + the Scriptures of truth,’ &c. This is to inform you, that all our + books and declarations, which for these many years have been + published to the world, clearly testify the contrary. Yet, for + your satisfaction, we now plainly and sincerely declare, ‘that we + do own and believe in God, the only wise, omnipotent, and + everlasting God, the Creator of all things both in heaven and in + earth, and the preserver of all that he hath made; who is God over + all, blessed for ever; to whom be all honour and glory, dominion, + praise, and thanksgiving, both now and for evermore!’ + + “And we own and believe in Jesus Christ, his beloved and only + begotten Son, in whom he is well pleased; who was conceived by the + Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary; in whom we have + redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins; who is + the express image of the Invisible God, the first-born of every + creature, by whom were all things created that are in heaven, and + that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, + or dominions, principalities, or powers, all things were created + by him. And we do own and believe that He was made a sacrifice for + sin, who knew no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth; that + he was crucified for us in the flesh, without the gates of + Jerusalem; and that he was buried, and rose again the third day by + the power of his Father, for our justification; and that he + ascended up into heaven, and now sitteth at the right hand of God. + This Jesus, who was the foundation of the holy prophets and + apostles, is our foundation; and we believe that there is no other + foundation to be laid than that which is laid, even Christ Jesus; + who tasted death for every man, shed his blood for all men, and is + the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for + the sins of the whole world; according as John the Baptist + testified of him, when he said, ‘Behold the Lamb of God, that + taketh away the sin of the world.’ John i. 29. We believe that he + alone is our Redeemer and Saviour, even the Captain of our + Salvation, who saves us from sin, as well as from hell, and the + wrath to come, and destroys the devil and his works; he is the + Seed of the woman, that bruises the serpent’s head, to wit, Christ + Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last. He is (as the + Scriptures of truth say of him,) our wisdom and righteousness, + justification and redemption; neither is there salvation in any + other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men + whereby we may be saved. It is he alone, who is the Shepherd and + Bishop of our souls; He is our Prophet, whom Moses long since + testified of, saying, ‘A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up + unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all + things, whatsoever he shall say unto you; and it shall come to + pass, that every soul that will not hear that prophet, shall be + destroyed from among the people.’ Acts iii. 22, 23. + + “He it is that is now come, and hath given us an understanding, + that we may know him that is true. He rules in our hearts by his + law of love and of life, and makes us free from the law of sin and + death. We have no life but by him; for he is the quickening + Spirit, the second Adam, the Lord from heaven; by whose blood we + are cleansed, and our consciences sprinkled from dead works to + serve the living God. He is our Mediator, that makes peace and + reconciliation between God offended and us offending, He being the + oath of God, the new covenant of light, life, grace, and peace; + the author and finisher of our faith. This Lord Jesus Christ, the + heavenly Man, the Emmanuel, God with us, we all own and believe + in; him whom the high-priest raged against, and said, he had + spoken blasphemy; whom the priests and the elders of the Jews took + counsel together against, and put to death; the same whom Judas + betrayed for thirty pieces of silver, which the priests gave him + as a reward for his treason, who also gave large money to the + soldiers to broach a horrible lie, namely, ‘that his disciples + came and stole him away by night, whilst they slept.’ After he was + risen from the dead, the history of the Acts of the Apostles sets + forth, how the chief priests and elders persecuted the disciples + of this Jesus, for preaching Christ and his resurrection. This, we + say, is that Lord Jesus Christ, whom we own to be our life and + salvation. + + “Concerning the Holy Scriptures, we do believe that they were + given forth by the Holy Spirit of God, through the holy men of + God, who (as the Scripture itself declares, 2 Pet. i. 21.) ‘spake + as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.’ We believe they are to be + read, believed, and fulfilled (He that fulfils them, is Christ;) + and they are ‘profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for + correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of + God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works,’ 2 + Tim. iii, 15, and are ‘able to make wise unto salvation, through + faith in Christ Jesus.’ We believe that the Holy Scriptures are + the words of God; for it is said, Ex. xx. 1, ‘God spake all these + words, saying,’ &c., meaning the ten commandments given forth upon + Mount Sinai. And in Rev. xxii. 18, saith John, ‘I testify to every + man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book: if any + man addeth unto these, and if any man shall take away from the + words of the book of this prophecy’ (not the word,) &c. So in Luke + i. 20, ‘Because thou believedst not my words.’ And in John v. 47; + xv. 7; xiv. 23; and xii. 47. So that we call the Holy Scriptures, + as Christ and the apostles called them, and holy men of God called + them, viz., the words of God. + + “Another slander which they have cast upon us is, ‘that we teach + the negroes to rebel;’ a thing we utterly abhor in our hearts; the + Lord knows it, who is the searcher of all hearts, and knows all + things, and can testify for us, that this is a most abominable + untruth. For that which we have spoken to them is, ‘to exhort and + admonish them to be sober, and to fear God; to love their masters + and mistresses, and to be faithful and diligent in their masters’ + service and business; and then their masters and overseers would + love them, and deal kindly and gently with them; also, that they + should not beat their wives, nor the wives their husbands, neither + should the men have many wives; that they should not steal, or be + drunk,—should not commit adultery, or fornication,—should not + curse, swear, lie, or give bad words to one another, or to any one + else: for there is something in them that tells them, they should + not practise these or any other evils. But if, notwithstanding, + they should do them, then we let them know there are but two ways, + the one that leads to heaven, where the righteous go; and the + other that leads to hell, where the wicked and debauched, + whoremongers and adulterers, murderers and liars go. To the one + the Lord will say, ‘Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the + kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;’ but to + the other he will say, ‘Depart, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, + prepared for the devil and his angels:’ so ‘the wicked go into + everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal.’ + Matt. xxv. + + “Consider, Friends, it is no transgression for a master of a + family to instruct his family himself, or for some others to do it + in his behalf; but rather it is a very great duty incumbent upon + them. Abraham and Joshua did so: of the first the Lord said, Gen. + xviii. 19, ‘I know that Abraham will command his children and his + household after him; and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to + do justice and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon Abraham the + things that he hath spoken of him.’ And the latter said, Josh. + xxiv. 15, ‘Choose ye this day whom ye will serve; but as for me + and my house, we will serve the Lord.’ We declare that we esteem + it a duty incumbent on us to pray with and for those in and + belonging to our families, and to teach, instruct, and admonish + them; this being a command of the Lord, disobedience whereunto + will provoke his displeasure; as may be seen, Jer. x. 25, ‘Pour + out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the + families that call not upon thy name.’ Now Negroes, Tawnies, + Indians, make up a very great part of the families in this island; + for whom an account will be required by him who comes to judge + both quick and dead, at the great day of judgment, when everyone + shall be ‘rewarded according to the deeds done in the body, + whether they be good or whether they be evil:’ at that day, we + say, of the resurrection both of the good and of the bad, of the + just and of the unjust, when ‘the Lord Jesus shall be revealed + from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking + vengeance on them that know not God, and obey not the gospel of + our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall be punished with everlasting + destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of + his power, when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and + admired in all them that believe in that day.’ 2 Thess. i. 8, &c. + See also 2 Pet. iii. 3, &c.” + +This wicked slander (of our endeavouring to make the negroes rebel) +our adversaries took occasion to raise, from our having had some +meetings with and amongst the negroes; for both I and other Friends +had several meetings with them in several plantations, wherein we +exhorted them to justice, sobriety, temperance, chastity, and piety, +and to be subject to their masters and governors; which was +altogether contrary to what our envious adversaries maliciously +suggested against us. + +As I had been to visit the governor as soon as I was well able, +after I came thither; and so when I was at Thomas Rous’s, the +governor came to see me, carrying himself very courteously. + +Having been three months or more in Barbadoes, and having visited +Friends, thoroughly settled meetings, and despatched the service for +which the Lord had brought me thither, I felt my spirit clear of +that island, and found drawings to Jamaica. When I had communicated +this to Friends, I acquainted the governor also, and divers of his +council, that I intended shortly to leave the island and go to +Jamaica. This I did, that as my coming thither was open and public, +so my departure also might be. Before I left the island, I wrote the +following letter to my wife; that she might understand both how it +was with me, and how I proceeded in my travels:— + + “MY DEAR HEART, + + “To whom is my love, and to all the children in the Seed of Life + that changeth not, but is over all; blessed be the Lord for ever. + I have undergone great sufferings in my body and spirit, beyond + words; but the God of heaven be praised, his truth is over all. I + am now well; and, if the Lord permit, within a few days I pass + from Barbadoes towards Jamaica; and I think to stay but little + there. I desire that ye may be all kept free in the Seed of Life, + out of all cumbrances. Friends are generally well. Remember me to + Friends that enquire after me. So no more, but my love in the Seed + and Life that changeth not.” + + G.F. + + Barbadoes, 6th of 11th Month, 1671. + +I set sail from Barbadoes to Jamaica on the 8th of the 11th month, +1671; Robert Widders, William Edmundson, Solomon Eccles, and +Elizabeth Hooton, going with me. Thomas Briggs and John Stubbs, +remained in Barbadoes; with whom were John Rous and William Bailey. +We had a quick and easy passage to JAMAICA, where we met with our +Friends James Lancaster, John Cartwright, and George Pattison again, +who had been labouring there in the service of truth; into which we +forthwith entered with them, travelling up and down through the +island, which is large; and a brave country it is, though the people +are, many of them, debauched and wicked. We had much service. There +was a great convincement, and many received the truth; some of whom +were people of account in the world. We had many meetings there, +which were large and very quiet. The people were civil to us, so +that not a mouth was opened against us. I was twice with the +governor, and some other magistrates, who all carried themselves +lovingly towards me. + +About a week after we landed in Jamaica, Elizabeth Hooton, a woman +of great age, who had travelled much in truth’s service, and +suffered much for it, departed this life. She was well the day +before she died; and departed in peace, like a lamb, bearing +testimony to truth at her departure. + +When we had been about seven weeks in Jamaica, had brought Friends +into pretty good order, and settled several meetings amongst them, +we left Solomon Eccles there; the rest of us embarked for Maryland, +leaving Friends and truth prosperous in Jamaica, the Lord’s power +being over all, and his blessed Seed reigning. + +Before I left Jamaica, I wrote another letter to my wife, as +follows:— + + “MY DEAR HEART, + + “To whom is my love, and to the children, in that which changeth + not, but is over all; and to all Friends in those parts. I have + been in Jamaica about five weeks. Friends here are generally well; + and there is a convincement: but things would be too large to + write of. Sufferings in every place attend me; but the blessed + Seed is over all: the great Lord be praised, who is Lord of sea + and land, and of all things therein. We intend to pass from hence + about the beginning of next month, towards Maryland if the Lord + please. Dwell all of you in the Seed of God; in his truth I rest + in love to you all.” + + G.F. + + Jamaica, 23rd of 12th Month, 1671. + +----- + +Footnote 23: + + Thomas Rous was a wealthy sugar-planter of Barbadoes. John Rous + was his son, and son-in-law to George Fox, having married his + wife’s eldest daughter. John Rous visited New England as a gospel + minister when a young man, and suffered whipping and imprisonment + there. After his release from Boston jail in 1658, except a visit + which he paid to the island of Nevis towards the close of that + year, we lose all trace of him until his marriage with Margaret, + eldest daughter of Judge Fell, at Swarthmore Hall, in 1662. After + his marriage he settled in London, in which, and in its vicinity, + he appears to have resided during the remainder of his life. But + few particulars respecting him are preserved, except a visit to + the county of Kent in 1670, accompanied by Alexander Parker and + George Whitehead; and to Barbadoes the following year with George + Fox, as related in this Journal. Besides this, and a visit to the + counties of York and Durham in 1689, we know nothing of his gospel + labours after he settled in England. In his will, dated from + Kingston in Surrey in 1692, he describes himself as a merchant, + and his property, which, it appears was considerable, lay chiefly + in Barbadoes. It is singular no record of his death has been + found, but as his will was proved in 1695, it probably took place + in that year. + +Footnote 24: + + The interest of Friends in behalf of the Negro may be dated from + the rise of the Society, at least from the time of their + acquaintance with them at the above date. In proportion as + intercourse was more frequently maintained with the distant + colonies, and the abominations of Slavery were more generally + known, Friends were more decided in their opposition to it. In + 1727 the whole Society, at their Yearly Meeting in London, passed + a general resolution: “That the importing of Negroes from their + native country is not a commendable or allowable practice, and is + therefore censured by this meeting.” At several subsequent + meetings, through a series of years, minutes were passed to the + same effect, but gradually increasing in strength. In 1758, the + practice was declared to be in direct violation of the gospel + rule, and Friends were warned carefully to avoid being in any way + concerned in reaping the unrighteous profits arising from so + iniquitous a practice. In 1761 all were disowned who persisted in + a practice so repugnant to Christianity, and so reproachful to a + Christian profession. + + Clarkson, in alluding to this subject, observes, “I must beg leave + to stop here for a moment, just to pay the Quakers a due tribute + of respect for the proper estimation in which they have uniformly + held these miserable outcasts of society. What a contrast does it + afford to the sentiments of many others concerning them! How have + we been compelled to prove, by a long chain of evidence, that + Negroes have the same feelings and capacities as ourselves! How + many, professing themselves enlightened, even now view them as of + a different species. But by the Friends we have seen them + uniformly represented, as persons ‘ransomed by one and the same + Saviour,’ ‘as visited by one and the same light for salvation,’ + and ‘as made equally for immortality as others.’ These practical + views of mankind, as they are highly honourable to the members of + this Society, so they afford a proof both of the reality and of + the consistency of their religion.” + + See Clarkson’s _History of the Abolition of the Slave Trade_, and + Copley’s _History of Slavery_. + +Footnote 25: + + The faith of the early Friends in the divinity and offices of our + Saviour being called in question by some, they boldly resented + such an inference. From a work published by Samuel Crisp, in 1704, + take the following extracts:— + + “Our faith is, and always has been in that Christ, the Son of God, + who, according to the flesh, was crucified without the gates of + Jerusalem: He is the object of our faith, to the merit of whose + death and passion, with the work of his Spirit in our hearts, we + trust only for life and salvation; with his stripes we are + healed.” + + “As to what he (a libeller) says of our forcing ourselves to speak + with a seeming reverence and respect of the outward Christ, his + death and sufferings, I would hope that he knows better in his own + conscience than thus to represent us. We bear a true reverence and + respect to Jesus Christ, his death and sufferings, and can never + be sufficiently thankful to him who was pleased to humble himself + to death, even the death of the cross; that all that believe in + him might, through the cross, be made heirs of life and + immortality.” + + For further elucidation of the soundness of the early Friends in + their belief as to the divinity and offices of Christ, see Evans’ + _Exposition of the Faith of the Society of Friends_, especially + John Banks’ “Testimony concerning his faith in Christ,” and an + “Essay drawn up by John Burnyeat and John Watson in 1688,” + contained in the above-mentioned work. + + + + + CHAPTER V. + +1672-1673.—-George Fox embarks for Maryland, where he arrives after + a seven weeks’ voyage, and having experienced some remarkable + deliverances—attends a General Meeting for Maryland, + which held four days—several meetings for discipline + established—has meetings with the Indian kings—travels towards + New England—attends the half-year’s meeting on Long + Island, which continued four days—has a meeting with some + opposers—visits Rhode Island, where the Yearly Meeting for New + England is held, which continued six days—attends a marriage + there, and has a meeting with some Ranters—also one with some + Indians on Shelter Island—one of his companions thrown from his + horse and lays apparently dead, but soon recovers in an + unexpected manner—they reach Maryland after nine days’ travel + overland between three and four hundred miles—visits a judge who + is ill, but recovers—attends the General Meeting for Maryland, + which held five days—sails for Virginia, and arrives in three + days, a distance of 200 miles—thence proceeds towards + Carolina—visits the Indians, and shows them that God made but + one woman for one man—returns to Virginia—sails for + Maryland—endures great extremes of heat and cold within a very + short period—speaks to a woman who had been many years in + trouble, and entreats the Lord for her, and she is thereupon + restored—attends the General Meeting for Maryland, to the + edification and comfort of Friends—sails for England, and + arrives safe, after a six weeks’ passage. + + +We went on board on the 8th of 1st Month, 1671-2; and having +contrary winds, were a full week sailing forwards and backwards, +before we could get out of sight of Jamaica. A difficult voyage this +proved, and dangerous, especially in passing through the Gulf of +Florida, where we met with many trials by winds and storms. But the +great God, who is Lord of the sea and land, and who rideth upon the +wings of the wind, did by his power preserve us through many and +great dangers, when by extreme stress of weather our vessel was many +times likely to be upset, and much of her tackling broken. And +indeed we were sensible that the Lord was a God at hand, and that +his ear was open to the supplications of his people. For when the +winds were so strong and boisterous, and the storms and tempests so +great, that the sailors knew not what to do, but let the ship go +which way she would; then did we pray unto the Lord, who graciously +heard us, calmed the winds and the seas, gave us seasonable weather, +and made us to rejoice in his salvation; blessed and praised be the +holy name of the Lord, whose power hath dominion over all, whom the +winds and the seas obey! + +We were between six and seven weeks in this passage from Jamaica to +MARYLAND. Some days before we came to land, after we had entered the +bay of PATUXENT RIVER, a great storm arose, which cast a boat upon +us for shelter, in which were several people of account in the +world. We took them in; but the boat was lost, with five hundred +pounds’ worth of goods in it, as they said. They continued on board +us several days, not having any means to get off; and we had a very +good meeting with them in the ship. But provisions grew short, for +they brought none in with them; and ours, by reason of the length of +our voyage, were well nigh spent when they came to us; so that with +their living with us too, we had now little or none left. Whereupon +George Pattison took a boat, and ventured his life to get to shore; +the hazard was so great, that all but Friends concluded he would be +cast away. Yet it pleased the Lord to bring him safe to land; and in +a short time after, the Friends of the place came to fetch us to +land also, in a seasonable time, for our provisions were quite +spent. + +We partook also of another great deliverance in this voyage, through +the good providence of the Lord, which we came to understand +afterwards. For when we were determined to come from Jamaica, we had +our choice of two vessels, that were both bound for the same coast. +One of these was a frigate, the other a yacht. The master of the +frigate, we thought, asked unreasonably for our passage; which made +us agree with the master of the yacht, who offered to carry us ten +shillings a-piece cheaper than the other. We went on board the +yacht, and the frigate came out together with us, intending to be +consorts during the voyage; and for several days we sailed together; +but what with calms and contrary winds, we were in a while +separated. After that, the frigate, losing her way, fell among the +Spaniards; by whom she was taken and plundered, and the master and +mate were made prisoners; afterwards, being retaken by the English, +she was sent home to her owners in Virginia. Which when we came to +understand, we saw and admired the providence of God, who preserved +us out of our enemies’ hands; and he that was covetous fell among +the covetous. + +Here we found John Burnyeat[26] intending shortly to sail for +England; but on our arrival he altered his purpose, and joined us in +the Lord’s service. He had appointed a general meeting for all the +Friends in the province of Maryland, that he might see them +together, and take his leave of them, before he departed out of the +country; and it was so ordered by the good providence of God, that +we landed just in time to reach that meeting; by which means we had +a very seasonable opportunity of taking the Friends of the province +together. A very large meeting this was, and held four days; to +which, besides Friends, came many other people, many of whom were of +considerable quality in the world’s account; for there were amongst +them five or six justices of the peace, a speaker of their +parliament or assembly, one of the council, and divers others of +note; who seemed well satisfied with the meeting. + +After the public meetings were over, the men’s and women’s meetings +began; wherein I opened to Friends the service thereof to their +great satisfaction. After this we went to a place called the CLIFFS, +where another general meeting was appointed. We went some part of +the way by land, the rest by water; and a storm arising, our boat +was run on ground, in danger to be beaten to pieces; and the water +came in upon us. I perspired much, having come very hot out of a +meeting before, and was now wet with the water beside; yet having +faith in the divine power, I was preserved from taking hurt; blessed +be the Lord. To this meeting also many people came, and received the +truth with reverence. We had also a men’s meeting and a women’s +meeting, at which most of the backsliders came in again; and several +of those meetings were established for taking care of the affairs of +the church. + +After these two general meetings, we parted company, dividing +ourselves unto several coasts, for the service of truth. James +Lancaster and John Cartwright went by sea for New England; William +Edmundson and three other Friends sailed for Virginia, where things +were much out of order; John Burnyeat, Robert Widders, George +Pattison, and I, with several Friends of the province, went over by +boat to the eastern shore, and had a meeting there on the First-day; +where many people received the truth with gladness, and Friends were +greatly refreshed. A very large and heavenly meeting it was; and +several persons of quality in that country were at it, two of whom +were justices of the peace. + +It was upon me from the Lord, to send to the Indian emperor and his +kings to come to that meeting. The emperor came and was at it; but +his kings, lying further off, could not reach in time; yet they came +after with their cockarooses. I had in the evening two good +opportunities with them; they heard the word of the Lord willingly, +and confessed to it. What I spoke to them, I desired them to speak +to their people; and let them know, that “God was raising up his +tabernacle of witness in their wilderness country, and was setting +up his standard and glorious ensign of righteousness.” They carried +themselves very courteously and lovingly, and inquired “where the +next meeting would be, and they would come to it;” yet they said, +“they had had a great debate with their council about their coming, +before they came now.” + +Next day we began our journey by land to New England; a tedious +journey through the woods and wilderness, over bogs and great +rivers. We took horse at the head of TREDHAVEN CREEK, and travelled +through the woods, till we came a little above the head of MILES +(now “St.” Michael’s) RIVER; by which we passed, and rode to the +head of WYE RIVER, and so to the head of CHESTER RIVER; where, +making a fire, we took up our lodging in the woods. Next morning we +travelled through the woods till we came to SASSAFRAS RIVER, which +we went over in canoes (or Indian boats,) causing our horses to swim +by. Then we rode to BOHEMIA RIVER; where in like manner swimming our +horses, we ourselves went over in canoes. We rested a little while +at a plantation by the way, but not long, for we had thirty miles to +ride that afternoon, if we would reach a town; which we were +desirous to do, and therefore rode hard for it. I with some others, +whose horses were strong, got to the town that night, exceedingly +tired, and wet to the skin; but George Pattison and Robert Widders +being weaker-horsed, were obliged to lie in the woods that night +also. The town we went to was a Dutch town, called NEWCASTLE, +whither Robert Widders and George Pattison came to us next morning. +We departed thence and got over the River Delaware, not without +great danger of some of our lives. + +When we were over, we were troubled to procure guides; who were hard +to get and very chargeable. Then had we that wilderness country to +pass through, since called WEST JERSEY, not then inhabited by +English; so that we have travelled a whole day together, without +seeing man or woman, house or dwelling-place. Sometimes we lay in +the woods by a fire, and sometimes in the Indians’ wigwams or +houses. We came one night to an Indian town, and lay at the king’s +house, who was a very worthy man. Both he and his wife received us +very lovingly, and his attendants (such as they were) were very +respectful to us. They laid us mats to lie on; but provision was +very short with them, having caught but little that day.[27] At +another Indian town where we stayed, the king came to us, and he +could speak some English. I spoke to him much, and also to his +people, and they were very loving to us. + +At length we came to MIDDLETOWN, an English plantation in EAST +JERSEY, where there were some Friends, but we could not stay to have +a meeting there at that time, being earnestly pressed in our +spirits, to get to the half-year’s meeting of Friends at Oyster-Bay +in Long Island, which was very near at hand. We went with a Friend, +Richard Hartshorn, (brother to Hugh Hartshorn, the upholsterer, in +London,) who received us gladly at his house, where we refreshed +ourselves, and then he carried us and our horses in his own boat +over a great water, which occupied most part of the day getting +over, and set us upon LONG ISLAND. We got that evening to Friends at +GRAVESEND, with whom we tarried that night, and next day got to +FLUSHING, and the day following reached OYSTER-BAY; several Friends +of Gravesend and Flushing accompanying us. + +The half-year’s meeting began next day, which was the first day of +the week, and lasted four days. The first and second days we had +public meetings for worship, to which people of all sorts came; on +the third day were the men’s and women’s meetings, wherein the +affairs of the church were taken care of. Here we met with some bad +spirits, who had run out from truth into prejudice, contention, and +opposition to the order of truth, and to Friends therein. These had +been very troublesome to Friends in their meetings there and +thereabouts formerly, and likely would have been so now; but I would +not suffer the service of our men’s and women’s meetings to be +interrupted and hindered by their cavils. I let them know, that “if +they had anything to object against the order of the truth which we +were in, we would give them a meeting another day on purpose.” And +indeed I laboured the more, and travelled the harder to get to this +meeting, where it was expected many of these contentious people +would be; because I understood they had reflected much upon me, when +I was far from them. + +The men’s and women’s meetings being over, on the fourth day we had +a meeting with these discontented people, to which as many of them +as chose came, and as many Friends as desired were present also; and +the Lord’s power broke forth gloriously to the confounding of the +gainsayers. Then some of those that had been chief in the +mischievous work of contention and opposition against the truth, +began to fawn upon me, and to cast the blame upon others; but the +deceitful spirit was judged down and condemned, and the glorious +truth of God was exalted and set over all; and they were all brought +down and bowed under. Which was of great service to truth, and to +the satisfaction and comfort of Friends; glory to the Lord for ever! + +After Friends were gone to their several habitations, we stayed some +days upon the island; had meetings in several parts thereof, and +good service for the Lord. When we were clear of the island, we +returned to Oyster-Bay, waiting for a wind to carry us to RHODE +ISLAND, which was computed to be about two hundred miles. As soon as +the wind served we set sail, and arrived there on the thirtieth day +of the third month; and were gladly received by Friends. We went to +Nicholas Easton’s house, who at that time was governor of the +island; where we rested, being very weary with travelling. On +First-day following we had a large meeting, to which the +deputy-governor and several justices came, who were mightily +affected with the truth. + +The week following, the Yearly Meeting for all the Friends of New +England and the other colonies adjacent, was held in this island; to +which, besides very many Friends who lived in those parts, came John +Stubbs from Barbadoes, and James Lancaster and John Cartwright from +another way. This meeting lasted six days, the first four days being +general public meetings for worship, to which abundance of other +people came; for they having no priest in the island, and so no +restriction to any particular way of worship; and both the governor +and deputy-governor, with several justices of the peace daily +frequenting the meetings; this so encouraged the people that they +flocked in from all parts of the island. Very good service we had +amongst them, and truth had a good reception. I have rarely observed +people, in the state wherein they stood, hear with more attention, +diligence, and affection, than generally they did, during the four +days together; which also was taken notice of by other Friends. + +After these public meetings were over, the men’s meeting began, +which was large, precious, and weighty; and the day following was +the women’s meeting, which also was large and very solemn. These two +meetings being for ordering the affairs of the church, many weighty +things were opened and communicated to them, by way of advice, +information, and instruction in the services relating thereunto; +that all might be kept clean, sweet, and savoury amongst them. In +these two meetings, several men’s and women’s meetings for other +parts, were agreed and settled, to take care of the poor, and other +affairs of the church; and to see, that all who profess truth, walk +according to the glorious gospel of God. When this great general +meeting in Rhode Island was ended, it was somewhat hard for friends +to part; for the glorious power of the Lord, which was over all, and +his blessed truth and life flowing amongst them, had so knit and +united them together, that they spent two days in taking leave one +of another, and of the Friends of the island; and then, being +mightily filled with the presence and power of the Lord, they went +away with joyful hearts to their various habitations, in the several +colonies where they lived.[28] + +When Friends had taken their leave one of another, we, who travelled +amongst them, dispersed ourselves into our several services, as the +Lord ordered us. John Burnyeat, John Cartwright, and George +Pattison, went into the eastern parts of New England, in company +with the Friends that came from thence, to visit the particular +meetings there; whom John Stubbs and James Lancaster intended to +follow a while after, in the same service; but they were not yet +clear of this island. Robert Widders and I stayed some time longer +also upon this island; finding service still here for the Lord, +through the great openness of the people, and the daily coming in of +fresh people from other colonies, for some time after the general +meeting; so that we had many large and serviceable meetings among +them. + +During this time a marriage took place amongst Friends in this +island; and we were present. It was at a Friend’s house, who had +formerly been governor of the island; three justices of the peace, +and many others not in profession with us, were there; and both they +and Friends said, they never saw so solemn an assembly on such an +occasion, so weighty a marriage and so comely an order. Thus truth +was set over all. This might serve for an example to others, for +there were some present from many other places. + +After this I had a great travail in spirit concerning the Ranters in +those parts, who had been rude at a meeting which I was not at. +Wherefore I appointed a meeting amongst them, believing the Lord +would give me power over them; which he did to his praise and glory: +blessed be his name for ever. There were at this meeting many +Friends, and other people; some of whom were justices of the peace, +and other officers, who were generally well affected. One of the +justices, who had been one twenty years, was convinced, and spoke +highly of the truth; and more highly of me, than is fit for me to +mention or take notice of. + +Then we had a meeting at PROVIDENCE, which was very large, +consisting of many sorts of people; I had a great travail upon my +spirit, that it might be preserved quiet, and that truth might be +brought over the people, might gain entrance, and have a place in +them; for they were generally above the priests, in high notions; +and some of them came on purpose to dispute. But the Lord, whom we +waited upon, was with us, and his power went over them all; and his +blessed Seed was exalted and set above all. The disputers were +silent, and the meeting was quiet, and ended well; praised be the +Lord! The people went away mightily satisfied, much desiring another +meeting. This place (called Providence) was about thirty miles from +Rhode Island; and we went to it by water. The governor of Rhode +Island, and many others, went with me thither; and we had the +meeting in a great barn, which was thronged with people, so that I +was exceedingly hot, and perspired much; but all was well; the +glorious power of the Lord shone over all; glory to the great God +for ever! + +After this we went to NARRAGANSET, about twenty miles from Rhode +Island; and the governor went with us. We had a meeting at a +justice’s house, where Friends had never had any before. It was very +large, for the country generally came in; and people came also from +Connecticut, and other parts round about, amongst whom were four +justices of the peace. Most of these people had never heard Friends +before; but they were mightily affected with the meeting, and a +great desire there is after the truth amongst them; so that our +meeting was of very good service, blessed be the Lord for ever! The +justice at whose house the meeting was, and another justice of that +country, invited me to come again; but I was then clear of those +parts, and going towards Shelter Island. But John Burnyeat and John +Cartwright, being come out of New England into Rhode Island, before +I was gone, I laid this place before them; and they felt drawings +thither, and went to visit them. At another place, I heard some of +the magistrates said among themselves, “If they had money enough, +they would hire me to be their minister.” This was, where they did +not well understand us, and our principles; but when I heard of it, +I said, “It was time for me to be gone; for if their eye was so much +to me, or any of us, they would not come to their own teacher.” For +this thing (hiring ministers) had spoiled many, by hindering them +from improving their own talents: whereas our labour is to bring all +men to their own teacher in themselves. + +I went from hence towards Shelter Island, having with me Robert +Widders, James Lancaster, George Pattison, and John Jay, a planter +of Barbadoes. We went in a sloop; and passing by POINT JUDITH and +BLOCK ISLAND, we came to FISHER’S ISLAND, where at night we went on +shore; but were not able to stay for the mosquitoes which abound +there, and are very troublesome. Wherefore we went into our sloop +again, put off from the shore, and cast anchor; and so lay in our +sloop that night. Next day we went into the SOUND, but finding our +sloop was not able to live in that water, we returned again, and +came to anchor before Fisher’s Island, where we lay in our sloop +that night also. There fell abundance of rain, and our sloop being +open, we were exceedingly wet. Next day we passed over the waters +called the TWO HORSE RACES, and then by GARDNER’S ISLAND; after +which we passed by GULL’S ISLAND, and so got at length to SHELTER +ISLAND; which, though it was but about twenty-seven leagues from +Rhode Island, yet through the difficulty of the passage we were +three days in reaching. + +The day after, being First-day, we had a meeting there. In the same +week, I had another among the Indians; at which were their king, his +council, about a hundred Indians more. They sat down like Friends, +and heard very attentively, while I spoke to them by an interpreter, +an Indian that could speak English well. After the meeting they +appeared very loving, and confessed that what was said to them was +truth. Next First-day we had a great meeting on the island, to which +came many people who had never heard Friends before. They were very +well satisfied with it, and would not go away when it was over, till +they had spoken with me; wherefore I went amongst them, and found +they were much taken with the truth; good desires were raised in +them, and great love. Blessed be the Lord, his name spreads, and +will be great among the nations, and dreadful among the heathen. + +While we were in Shelter Island, William Edmundson came to us, who +had been labouring in the work of the Lord in Virginia. From whence +he travelled through the desert-country, through difficulties and +many trials till he came to ROANOKE, where he met with a tender +people. After seven weeks’ service in those parts, sailing over to +Maryland, and so to New York, he came to Long Island, and so to +Shelter Island; where we met with him, and were very glad to hear +from him the good service he had had for the Lord, in the several +places where he had travelled since he parted from us. + +We stayed not long in Shelter Island, but entering our sloop again, +put to sea for Long Island. We had a very rough passage, for the +tide ran so strong for several hours, that I have not seen the like; +and being against us, we could hardly get forwards, though we had a +gale. We were upon the water all that day and the night following; +but found ourselves next day driven back near to Fisher’s Island. +For there was a great fog, and towards day it was very dark, so that +we could not see what way we made. Besides, it rained much in the +night, which in our open sloop made us very wet. Next day a great +storm arose, so that we were fain to go over the Sound, and got over +with much difficulty. When we left Fisher’s Island, we passed by +Falkner Island, and came to the Main, where we cast anchor till the +storm was over. Then we crossed the Sound, being all very wet; and +much difficulty we had to get to land, the wind being strong against +us. But blessed be the Lord God of heaven and earth, and of the seas +and waters, all was well. We got safe to OYSTER-BAY in Long Island, +on the seventh of sixth month, very early in the morning, which is +about two hundred miles from Rhode Island. At Oyster-bay we had a +very large meeting. The same day James Lancaster and Christopher +Holder[29] went over the Bay to Rye, on the continent, in Governor +Winthrop’s government, and had a meeting there. From Oyster-Bay we +passed about thirty miles to FLUSHING, where we had a very large +meeting; many hundreds of people being there, some of whom came +about thirty miles to it. A glorious and heavenly meeting it was +(praised be the Lord God!) and the people were much satisfied. +Meanwhile Christopher Holder and some other Friends went to a town +in Long Island, called Jamaica, and had a meeting there. We passed +from Flushing to GRAVESEND, about twenty miles, and there had three +precious meetings; to which many would have come from New York, but +the weather hindered them. + +Being clear of this place, we hired a sloop; and the wind serving, +set out for the New Country, now called JERSEY. Passing down the Bay +by Coney Island, Natton (now Governor’s) Island, and Staten Island, +we came to Richard Hartshorn’s, at MIDDLETOWN HARBOUR, about break +of day, the 27th of sixth Month. Next day we rode about thirty miles +into the country through the woods and over very bad bogs, one worse +than all the rest; the descent into which was so steep, that we were +fain to slide down with our horses, and then let them lie and +breathe, before they could go on. This place the people of the +country called Purgatory. We got at length to SHREWSBURY in EAST +JERSEY, and on First-day had a precious meeting there, to which +Friends and other people came from far; and the blessed presence of +the Lord was with us. The same week we had a men’s and women’s +meeting out of most parts of New Jersey. They are building a +meeting-place in the midst of them, and there is a monthly and +general meeting set up; which will be of great service in those +parts, in “keeping up the gospel order and government of Christ +Jesus (of the increase of which there is no end), that they who are +faithful may see that all who profess the holy truth live in the +pure religion, and walk as becometh the gospel.” + +While we were at Shrewsbury, an accident befell, which, for the +time, was a great exercise to us. John Jay, a Friend of Barbadoes, +who came with us from Rhode Island, and intended to accompany us +through the woods to Maryland, being to try a horse, got upon his +back; and the horse fell a-running, and cast him down upon his head, +and broke his neck, as the people said. They that were near him took +him up as dead, carried him a good way, and laid him on a tree. I +got to him as soon as I could; and feeling him, concluded he was +dead. As I stood by him, pitying him and his family I took hold of +his hair, and his head turned any way, his neck was so limber. +Whereupon I took his head in both my hands, and setting my knees +against the tree, I raised his head, and perceived there was nothing +out or broken that way. Then I put one hand under his chin, and the +other behind his head, and raised his head two or three times with +all my strength, and brought it in. I soon perceived his neck began +to grow stiff again, and then he began to rattle in the throat, and +quickly after to breathe. The people were amazed: but I bid them +have a good heart, be of good faith, and carry him into the house. +They did so, and set him by the fire. I bid them get him something +warm to drink, and put him to bed. After he had been in the house a +while he began to speak; but he did not know where he had been. The +next day we passed away (and he with us, pretty well) about sixteen +miles to a meeting at MIDDLETOWN, through woods and bogs, and over a +river; where we swam our horses, and got over ourselves upon a +hollow tree. Many hundred miles did he travel with us after this. To +this meeting came most of the people of the town. A glorious meeting +we had, and the Truth was over all; blessed be the great Lord God +for ever! + +After the meeting we went to MIDDLETOWN-HARBOUR, about five miles, +in order to take our long journey next morning, through the woods +towards Maryland; having hired Indians for our guides. I determined +to pass through the woods on the other side of Delaware-Bay, that we +might head the creeks and rivers as much as possible. On the 9th of +the 7th month we set forwards, and passed through many Indian towns, +and over some rivers and bogs; and when we had rode about forty +miles, we made a fire at night, and laid by it. As we came among the +Indians, we declared the day of the Lord to them. Next day we +travelled fifty miles, as we computed; and at night, finding an old +house, which the Indians had forced the people to leave, we made a +fire and stayed there, at the head of Delaware-Bay. Next day we swam +our horses over a river about a mile, at twice, first to an island +called UPPER TINICUM, and then to the mainland; having hired Indians +to help us over in their canoes. This day we could reach but about +thirty miles, and came at night to a Swede’s house, where we got a +little straw, and stayed that night. Next day, having hired another +guide, we travelled about forty miles through the woods, and made a +fire at night, by which we lay, and dried ourselves; for we were +often wet in our travels. The next day we passed over a desperate +river, which had in it many rocks and broad stones, very hazardous +to us and our horses. Thence we came to CHRISTIANA RIVER, where we +swam our horses, and went over ourselves in canoes; but the sides of +this river were so bad and miry, that some of the horses had like to +have been laid up. Thence we went to NEWCASTLE, heretofore called +NEW AMSTERDAM; and being very weary, and inquiring in the town where +we could buy some corn for our horses, the governor came and invited +me to his house; and afterwards desired me to lodge there, saying he +had a bed for me, and I should be welcome. So I stayed there, the +other Friends being taken care of also. This was on the seventh day +of the week; and he offering his house for a meeting, we had the +next day a pretty large one; for most of the town were at it. There +had never been a meeting here before, nor any within a great way of +it; but this was a very precious one, many of the people were +tender, and confessed to the truth; and some received it; blessed be +the Lord for ever! + +On the the 16th of the 7th month we set forward again, and +travelled, as near as we could compute, about fifty miles, through +woods and over bogs, heading BOHEMIA and SASSAFRAS RIVERS. At night +we made a fire in the woods, and lay there all night; and it being +rainy weather, we got under some thick trees for shelter, and +afterwards dried ourselves again by the fire. Next day we waded +through CHESTER RIVER, a very broad water, and after passing through +many bad bogs, lay that night also in the woods by a fire; not +having gone above thirty miles that day. The day following we +travelled hard; and though we had some troublesome bogs in our way, +we rode about fifty miles; and got safe that night, but very weary, +to Robert Harwood’s, at MILES (now “ST.” MICHAEL’S) RIVER in +MARYLAND. This was the eighteenth of the month; and though we were +very weary, and much dirtied with getting through the bogs in our +journey, yet hearing of a meeting next day, we went to it, and then +to John Edmundson’s; from whence we went three or four miles by +water to a meeting the First-day following. Here was a judge’s wife, +who had never been at any of our meetings before; who was reached, +and said after, “she had rather hear us once, than the priest a +thousand times.” Many others also were very well satisfied; for the +power of the Lord was eminently with us; blessed for ever be his +holy name! + +We passed thence about twenty-two miles, and had a meeting upon the +KENTISH shore, to which one of the judges came; and a good meeting +it was. Then, after another meeting hard by, at Henry Wilcock’s +house, where also we had good service for the Lord, we went by water +about twenty miles to a very large meeting, where were some hundreds +of people, four justices of the peace, the high-sheriff of Delaware, +an Indian emperor or governor, and two chiefs. With these Indians I +had a good opportunity the night before. I spoke to them by an +interpreter; they heard the truth attentively, and were very loving. +A blessed meeting this was, and of great service, both for +convincing and establishing in the truth them that were convinced of +it. Blessed be the Lord, who causeth his blessed truth to spread! + +After the meeting a woman came to me, whose husband was one of the +judges of that part of the country, and a member of the assembly, +and told me, “her husband was sick, not likely to live; and desired +me to go home with her to see him.” It was three miles to her house; +and being just come hot out of the meeting, it was hard for me then +to go; yet considering the service, I got a horse, went with her, +visited her husband, and spoke what the Lord gave me to him. The man +was much refreshed, and finally was raised up by the power of the +Lord; and he afterwards came to our meetings. + +I went back again to the Friends that night; and next day we +departed thence about twenty miles to TREDHAVEN-CREEK, to John +Edmundson’s again; whence, on the 3rd of the 8th month, we went to +the general meeting for all Maryland Friends. This held five days; +the first three, we had meetings for public worship, to which people +of all sorts came; the other two were spent in the men’s and women’s +meetings. To the public meetings came many Protestants of divers +sorts, and some Papists; amongst these were several magistrates and +their wives, and other persons of chief account in the country. +There were so many, besides Friends, that it was thought there were +sometimes a thousand people at one of these meetings. So that, +though they had not long before enlarged their meeting-place, and +made it as large again as it was before, it could not contain the +people. I went by boat every day four or five miles to it, and there +were so many boats at that time passing upon the river, that it was +almost like the Thames. The people said, “there were never so many +boats seen there together before.” And one of the justices said, “he +never saw so many people together in that country before.” It was a +very heavenly meeting, wherein the presence of the Lord was +gloriously manifested, and Friends were sweetly refreshed, the +people generally satisfied, and many convinced; for the blessed +power of the Lord was over all; everlasting praises to his holy name +for ever! After the public meetings were over, the men’s and women’s +meetings began, and were held the other two days; for I had +something to impart to them which concerned the glory of God, the +order of the gospel, and the government of Christ Jesus. When these +meetings were over, we took our leave of Friends in those parts, +whom we left well established in the truth. + +On the 10th of the 8th Month we went thence about thirty miles by +water, passing by CRANES ISLAND, SWAN ISLAND, and KENT ISLAND, in +very foul weather and much rain; whereby (our boat being open) we +were not only very much wet, but in great danger of being overset; +insomuch that some thought we could not escape being cast away, till +they saw us come to shore next morning. But blessed be God, we were +very well. Having got to a little house, dried our clothes by the +fire, and refreshed ourselves a little, we took to our boat again; +and put off from land, sometimes sailing and sometimes rowing; but +having very foul weather that day too, we could not get above twelve +miles forward. At night we got to land, and made a fire; some lay by +that, and some by a fire at a house a little way off. Next morning +we passed over the GREAT-BAY, and sailed about forty miles that day. +Making to shore at night, we lay there, some in the boat, and some +at an ale-house. Next morning, being First-day, we went six or seven +miles to a Friend’s house, who was a justice of the peace; where we +had a meeting: this was a little above the head of the Great-Bay. We +were almost four days on the water, weary with rowing, yet all was +very well: blessed and praised be the Lord. We went next day to +another Friend’s house, near the head of HATTON’S ISLAND, where we +had good service amongst Friends and others; as we had also the day +following at George Wilson’s,[30] a Friend that lived about three +miles further; where we had a very precious meeting, there being +great tenderness amongst the people. + +After this meeting we sailed about ten miles to James Frizby’s, a +justice of the peace, where, on the 16th, we had a very large +meeting, at which, besides Friends, were some hundreds of people it +was supposed; amongst whom were several justices, captains, and the +sheriff, with other persons of note. A blessed, heavenly meeting +this was; a powerful, thundering testimony for the truth was borne +therein; a great sense there was upon the people, and much +brokenness and tenderness amongst them. We stayed after meeting till +about eleven at night, that the tide turned for us; then taking +boat, we passed that night and next day about fifty miles, to +another Friend’s house. The two next days we made short journeys, +visiting Friends, and on the twentieth we had a great meeting at a +place called SEVERN, where there was a meeting-house, but not large +enough to hold the people. Divers chief magistrates were at it, and +many other considerable people, and it gave them generally great +satisfaction. + +Two days after, we had a meeting with some that walked disorderly, +and had good service. Then spending a day or two in visiting +Friends, we passed to the WESTERN-SHORE; and on the twenty-fifth had +a large and precious meeting at William Coale’s,[31] where the +speaker of their assembly, his wife, a justice, and several other +people of quality were present. Next day we had a meeting six or +seven miles further, at Abraham Birkhead’s, where many of the +magistrates and upper sort of people were, and the speaker of the +assembly for that country was convinced: a blessed meeting it was, +praised be the Lord! + +We travelled next day; and the day following, the 28th, had a large +and very precious meeting at Peter Sharp’s, on the CLIFFS, between +thirty and forty miles distant from the former. Many of the +magistrates and people of upper rank were at this meeting, and a +heavenly meeting it was. The wife of one of the governor’s council +was convinced, and her husband was very loving to Friends. A justice +from Virginia was convinced, and had a meeting afterwards at his +house. Some Papists were at this meeting, and one of them threatened +before he came, that he would dispute with me; but he was reached, +and could not oppose. Blessed be the Lord, the truth reached into +the hearts of people beyond words, and it is of a good savour +amongst them! After the meeting we went about eighteen miles, to +James Preston’s, a Friend that lived on Patuxent river; and thither +came to us an Indian king, with his brother, to whom I spoke, and +found they understood what I spoke of. Having finished our service +in Maryland, and intending for Virginia, we had a meeting at +PATUXENT on the 4th of the 9th month, to take our leave of Friends. +Many people of all sorts were at it, and a powerful meeting it was. + +On the 5th we set sail for VIRGINIA, and in three days came to a +place called NANCEMOND, about two hundred miles from Maryland. In +this voyage we met with foul weather, storms, and rain, and lay in +the woods by a fire in the night. At Nancemond lived a Friend, +called the widow Wright. Next day we had a great meeting there, of +Friends and others. There came to it Colonel Dewes, with several +other officers and magistrates, who were much taken with the truth +declared. After this we hastened towards Carolina; yet had several +meetings by the way, wherein we had good service for the Lord; one +about four miles from Nancemond Water, which was very precious; and +there was a men’s and women’s meeting settled, for taking care of +the affairs of the church. Another very good one also we had at +William Yarrow’s, at PAGAN CREEK, which was so large, that we were +fain to be abroad, the house not being large enough to contain the +people. A great openness there was, the sound of truth spread +abroad, and had a good savour in the hearts of people: the Lord have +the glory for ever! + +After this our way to Carolina grew worse, being much of it plashy, +and pretty full of great bogs and swamps; so that we were commonly +wet to the knees, and lay abroad at nights in the woods by a fire; +saving one night we got to a poor house, at SOMMERTOWN [now +SOMERTON,] and lay by the fire. The woman of the house had a sense +of God upon her. The report of our travel had reached thither, and +drawn some that lived beyond Sommertown, to that house, in +expectation to see and hear us (so acceptable was the sound of truth +in that wilderness country:) but they missed us. The next day, the +21st of the 9th Month, having travelled hard through the woods, and +over many bogs and swamps, we reached BONNER’S CREEK; and there we +lay that night by the fireside, the woman lending us a mat to lie +on. + +This was the first house we came to in CAROLINA; here we left our +horses, over-wearied with travel. From hence we went down the creek +in a canoe, to Macocomocock [now Chowan] River; and came to Hugh +Smith’s house, where the people came to see us (for there were no +Friends in that part of the country,) and many of them received us +gladly. Amongst others came Nathaniel Batts, who had been governor +of Roanoke; he went by the name of Captain Batts, and had been a +rude, desperate man. He asked me about a woman in Cumberland, who, +he said, he was told, had been healed by our prayers, and laying on +of our hands, after she had been long sick, and given over by the +physicians; and he desired to know the certainty of it. I told him +we did not glory in such things, but many such things had been done +by the power of Christ. + +Not far from hence we had a meeting among the people, and they were +taken with the truth: blessed be the Lord! Then passing down the +river ROANOKE in a canoe, we went down the bay CONEY-HOE, and came +to a captain’s house, who was very loving, and lent us his boat, for +we were much wet in the canoe, the water splashing in upon us. With +this boat we went to the governor’s house; but the water in some +places was so shallow that the boat being laden, could not swim; so +that we were fain to put off our shoes and stockings, and wade +through the water some distance. The governor, with his wife, +received us lovingly; but a doctor there would needs dispute with +us. And truly his opposing us was of good service, giving occasion +for the opening of many things to the people, concerning the light +and Spirit of God, which he denied to be in every one; and affirmed +that it was not in the Indians. Whereupon I called an Indian to us, +and asked him, “Whether or not, when he lied, or did wrong to any +one, there was not something in him that reproved him for it?” he +said, “There was such a thing in him, that did so reprove him; and +he was ashamed when he had done wrong, or spoken wrong.” So we +shamed the doctor before the governor and the people; insomuch that +the poor man ran out so far, that at length he would not own the +Scriptures. We tarried at the governor’s that night; and next +morning he very courteously walked with us himself about two miles +through the woods, to a place whither he had sent our boat about to +meet us. Taking leave of him, we entered our boat, and went that day +about thirty miles to Joseph Scott’s, one of the representatives of +the country. There we had a sound, precious meeting; the people were +tender, and much desired after meetings. Wherefore at a house about +four miles further, we had another meeting, to which the governor’s +secretary came, who was chief secretary of the province, and had +been formerly convinced. + +I went from this place among the Indians, and spoke unto them by an +interpreter; showing them, “that God made all things in six days, +and made but one woman for one man; and that God drowned the old +world, because of their wickedness. Afterwards I spoke to them +concerning Christ, showing them, that he died for all men, for their +sins, as well as for others; and had enlightened them as well as +others; and that if they did that which was evil, he would burn +them, but if they did well, they should not be burned.” There was +among them their young king; and others of their chief men, who +seemed to receive kindly what I said to them. + +Having visited the north part of Carolina, and made a little +entrance for truth upon the people there, we began to return towards +Virginia, having several meetings in our way, wherein we had very +good service for the Lord, the people being generally tender and +open; blessed be the Lord. We lay one night at the Secretary’s +house, to which we had much to do to get; for the water being +shallow, we could not bring our boat to shore; but the secretary’s +wife seeing our strait, came herself in a canoe (her husband being +from home) and brought us to land. Next morning our boat was sunk; +but we got her up, mended her, and went away in her that day about +twenty-four miles, the water being rough, and the winds high; but +the great power of God was seen, in carrying us safe in that rotten +boat. In our return we had a very precious meeting at Hugh Smith’s; +praised be the Lord for ever! The people were very tender, and very +good service we had amongst them. There was at this meeting an +Indian captain who was very loving, and acknowledged it to be truth +that was spoken. There was also one of the Indian priests, whom they +call a Pawaw, who sat soberly among the people. On the 9th of the +10th Month we got back to BONNER’S CREEK, where we had left our +horses; having spent about eighteen days in North Carolina. + +Our horses having rested, we set forward for VIRGINIA again, +travelling through the woods and bogs, as far as we could well reach +that day; and at night lay by a fire in the woods. Next day we had a +tedious journey, through bogs and swamps, and were exceedingly wet +and dirty all the day, but dried ourselves at night by a fire. We +got that night to SOMMERTOWN. When we came near the house, the woman +of the house seeing us, spoke to her son to fasten up their dogs +(for both in Virginia and Carolina they generally keep great dogs to +guard their houses, living lonely in the woods); but the son said, +“he need not, for the dogs did not use to meddle with these people.” +Whereupon, when we were come into the house, she told us, “we were +like the children of Israel, whom the dogs did not move their +tongues against.” Here we lay in our clothes by the fire, as we had +done many a night before. Next day, before we went away, we had a +meeting; for the people having heard of us, had a great desire to +hear us; and a very good meeting we had among them, where we never +had one before; praised be the Lord for ever! After the meeting we +hasted away. When we had rode about twenty miles, calling at a house +to inquire the way, the people desired us to tarry all night with +them, which we did. Next day we came among Friends, after we had +travelled about a hundred miles from Carolina into Virginia; in +which time we observed a great variety of climates, having passed in +a few days from a very cold, to a warm and spring-like country. But +the power of the Lord is the same in all, is over all, and doth +reach the good in all; praised be the Lord for ever! + +We spent about three weeks in travelling through Virginia, mostly +among Friends, having many large and precious meetings in several +parts of the country; as at the widow Wright’s, where a great many +magistrates, officers and other high people came. A most heavenly +meeting we had, wherein the power of the Lord was so great, that it +struck a dread upon the assembly and chained all down, and brought a +reverence upon the people’s minds. Among the officers was a major, +kinsman to the priest; he told me, “the priest threatened to come +and oppose us.” But the Lord’s power was too strong for him, and +stopped him; we were quiet and peaceable, and the people were +wonderfully affected with the testimony of truth; blessed be the +Lord for ever! Another very good meeting we had at CRICKATROUGH, at +which many considerable people were, many of whom had never heard a +Friend before; and they were greatly satisfied with the meeting, +praised be the Lord! We had also a very good and serviceable meeting +at John Porter’s, which consisted mostly of other people; in which +the power of the Lord was gloriously seen and felt, and it brought +the truth over all evil walkers and talkers; blessed be the Lord! +Divers other meetings we had, and many opportunities of doing +service for the Lord amongst the people where we came. The last week +we stayed, we spent some time and pains among Friends, sweeping away +that which was to be swept out, and working down a bad spirit that +was got up in some; blessed for ever be the name of the Lord! he it +is that gives victory over all. + +Having finished what service lay upon us in Virginia, on the 30th we +set sail in an open sloop for MARYLAND. But having a great storm, +and being much wet, we were glad to get to shore before night; and, +walking to a house at WILLOUGHBY POINT, we got lodging there that +night. The woman of the house was a widow, and a very tender person; +she had never received Friends before; but she received us very +kindly, and with tears in her eyes. We returned to our boat in the +morning, and hoisted up our sail, getting forward as fast as we +could; but towards evening a storm rising, we had much to do to get +to shore; and our boat being open the water splashed often in, and +sometimes over us, so that we were completely wet. Being got to +land, we made a fire in the woods, to warm and dry us, and there we +lay all night, the wolves howling about us. + +On the 1st of 11th month we sailed again, but the wind being against +us, we made but little way, and were fain to get to shore at POINT +COMFORT, where yet we found but small comfort; for the weather was +so cold, that though we made a good fire in the woods to lie by, our +water, that we had got for our use, was frozen near the fireside. We +made to sea again next day; but the wind being strong and against +us, we advanced but little, but were glad to get to land again, and +travel about to find some house, where we might buy some provisions, +for our store was spent. That night also we lay in the woods; and so +extremely cold was the weather, the wind blowing high, and the frost +and snow being great, that it was hard for some to abide it. + +On the 3rd, the wind setting pretty fair, we fetched it up by +sailing and rowing, and got that night to MILFORD-HAVEN, where we +lay at Richard Long’s, near Quince’s Island. Next day we passed by +Rappahannock River, where dwell much people; and Friends had a +meeting there-aways at a justice’s house, who had formerly been at a +meeting where I was. We passed over Potomac River also, the winds +being high, the water very rough, our sloop open, and the weather +extremely cold; and having a meeting there-aways also, some people +were convinced; and when we parted thence, some of our company went +amongst them. We steered our course for Patuxent River. I sat at the +helm most part of the day, and some of the night. About the first +hour in the morning we reached James Preston’s house on Patuxent +River, which is about two hundred miles from Nancemond in VIRGINIA. +We were very weary; yet the next day, being the first of the week, +we went to the meeting not far from thence. The same week we went to +an Indian King’s cabin, where several of the Indians were, with whom +we had a good opportunity to discourse; and they carried themselves +very lovingly. We went also that week to a general meeting; then +about eighteen miles further to John Geary’s, where we had a very +precious meeting; praised be the Lord God for ever! + +After this the cold grew so exceedingly sharp, the frost and snow so +extreme, beyond what was usual in that country, that we could hardly +endure it. Neither was it easy or safe to stir out; yet we got, with +some difficulty, six miles through the snow to John Mayor’s, where +we met with some Friends come from New England, whom we had left +there when we came away; and glad we were to see each other, after +so long and tedious travels. By these Friends we understood, that +William Edmundson, having been at Rhode Island and New England, was +returned to Ireland; that Solomon Eccles, coming from Jamaica and +landing at Boston in New England, was taken at a meeting there, and +banished to Barbadoes; that John Stubbs and another Friend were gone +into New Jersey, and several other Friends to Barbadoes, Jamaica, +and the Leeward Islands. It was matter of joy to us, to understand +that the work of the Lord went on and prospered, and that Friends +were unwearied and diligent in the service. + +On the 27th we had a very precious meeting in a tobacco-house; and +next day returned to James Preston’s, about eighteen miles distant. +When we came there, we found his house was burnt to the ground the +night before, through the carelessness of a servant; so we lay three +nights on the ground by the fire, the weather being very cold. We +made an observation, which was somewhat strange, but certainly true; +that one day in the midst of this cold weather, the wind turning +into the South, it grew so hot that we could hardly bear it; and the +next day and night, the wind changing back into the North, we could +hardly endure the cold. + +The 2nd of 12th month we had a glorious meeting at Patuxent; and +after it, went to John Geary’s again, where we waited for a boat to +carry us to the monthly meeting at the CLIFFS, and a living one it +was; praised be the Lord! This was on the 6th: another meeting we +had on the 9th, wherein the glory of the Lord shone over all; +blessed and magnified be his holy name for ever! + +On the 12th of the month we set forward in our boat; and, travelling +by night, ran aground in a creek near MANOKIN RIVER. There we were +fain to stay till morning, when the tide came and lifted her off. In +the meantime sitting in an open boat, and the weather being bitterly +cold, some of us had like to have lost the use of our hands, they +were so frozen and benumbed with cold. In the morning, when the tide +had set us afloat again, we got to land, and made a good fire, at +which we warmed ourselves well. Then returning to our boat, we +passed on about ten miles further to a Friend’s house; where next +day we had a very precious meeting, at which some of the chief of +the place were. I went after it to a Friend’s house, about four +miles off, at the head of ANAMESSIC RIVER, where, on the day +following, the judge of the country and the justice with him came to +me, and were very loving, and much satisfied with Friends’ order. +The next day we had a large meeting in the justice’s barn, for his +house could not hold the company. There were several of the great +folks of that country, and among the rest an opposer; but all was +preserved quiet and well; a precious meeting it was, and the people +were much affected with the truth; blessed be the Lord! We went next +day to see Captain Colburn, who was also a justice, and there we had +some service; then returning again, we had a very glorious meeting +at the same justice’s, where we met before; to which came many +people of account in the world, magistrates, officers, and others. +It was large, and the power of the Lord was much felt, so that the +people were generally well satisfied, and taken with the truth; and +there being several merchants and masters of ships from New England, +the truth was spread abroad; blessed be the Lord! + +A day or two after, we travelled about sixteen miles through the +woods and bogs, heading ANAMESSIC RIVER and AMOROCA RIVER, part of +which last, we went over in a canoe, and came to MANOKIN, to a +friendly woman’s house; where, on the 24th, we had a large meeting +in a barn. The Lord’s living presence was with us, and among the +people; blessed be his holy name for evermore! Friends had never had +a meeting in those parts before. After this we passed over the River +Wicomico, through many bad and watery swamps and marshy ways, and +came to James Jones’s, a Friend, and a justice of the peace; where +we had a large and very glorious meeting; praised be the Lord God. +Then passing over the water in a boat, we took horse and travelled +about twenty-four miles through woods and troublesome swamps, and +came to another justice’s house, where we had a very large meeting, +much people, and many of considerable account being present; and the +living presence of the Lord was amongst us, praised for ever be his +holy name! This was on the 3rd of the 1st month, 1672-3;[32] and on +the 5th we had another living and heavenly meeting, at which divers +of the justices, with their wives, and many other people, were; +amongst whom we had very good service for the Lord; blessed be his +holy name. At this meeting was a woman that lived at Anamessic, who +had been many years in trouble of mind, and sometimes would sit +moping near two months together, and hardly speak or mind anything. +When I heard of her, I was moved of the Lord to go to her, and tell +her, “that salvation was come to her house.” After I had spoken the +word of life to her, and entreated the Lord for her, she mended, +went up and down with us to meetings, and is since well, blessed be +the Lord! + +Being now clear of these parts, we left Anamessic on the 7th, and +passing by water about fifty miles, came to a friendly woman’s house +at HUNGER RIVER. We had very rough weather in our passage to this +place, and were in great danger, for the boat had nearly been turned +over; but through the good providence of God, we got safe thither; +praised be his name! At this place we had a meeting; and amongst the +people present, were two Papists, a man and a woman; he was very +tender, and she confessed to the truth. This meeting was not so +large as it would have been, if many, who had intended, could have +got to it; but the weather was so foul, and the water, by reason of +high winds, so rough, that it was not safe to pass over it. I had no +Friend now with me but Robert Widders, the rest having dispersed +themselves into several parts of the country in the service of +truth. + +As soon as the wind would permit, we passed hence about forty miles +by water, rowing most part of the way, and came to the head of +LITTLE CHOPTANK RIVER, to Dr. Winsmore’s, who was a justice, lately +convinced. Here we met with some Friends, with whom we stayed a +while; and then went on by land and water, and had a large meeting +out of doors, for the house we were at could not receive the people. +Divers of the magistrates and their wives were present, and a good +meeting it was; blessed be the Lord, who is making his name known in +that wilderness country! We returned thence to a Friend’s house, +named William Stephens, where we met the Friends that had been +travelling in other parts; and were much refreshed in the Lord +together, imparting to each other the good success we had had in the +Lord’s work, and the prosperity and spreading of truth in the places +where we travelled. John Cartwright and another Friend had been in +Virginia, where there were great desires in people after truth; and +being now returned, they stayed a little with us here, and then set +forward for Barbadoes. Before we left this place we had a very +glorious meeting, at which were very many people; amongst others, +the judge of that country, three justices, and the high-sheriff, +with their wives. Of the Indians was one called their emperor, an +Indian king and their speaker, who all sat very attentive, and +carried themselves very lovingly. An establishing, settling meeting +it was. This was on the 23rd of 1st month. + +On the 24th we went by water ten miles to the Indian town where this +emperor dwelt, whom I had acquainted before of my coming, and +desired him to get their kings and councils together. In the morning +the emperor came himself, and had me to the town; and they were +generally come together, and had their speaker and other officers +with them, and the old empress sat among them. They sat very grave +and sober, and were all very attentive, beyond many called +Christians. I had some with me that could interpret to them, and we +had a very good meeting with them, and of very great service it was; +for it gave them a good esteem for truth and Friends: blessed be the +Lord. + +After this we had many meetings in several parts of that country, +one at William Stephens’s, which was a general meeting once a month; +others at Tredhaven Creek, Wye, Reconow Creek, and at Thomas +Taylor’s in the Island of Kent. Most of these were large, there +being many people at them, divers of them of the most considerable +account. The Lord’s power and living presence were with us, and +plenteously manifested amongst the people; by which their hearts +were tendered and opened to receive the truth, which had a good +savour amongst them; blessed be the Lord God over all for ever. +Being clear of that side, we passed over the bay about fourteen +miles to a Friend’s house, where we met with several Friends. I sent +for Thomas Thurston thither, and had a meeting with him, to bring +the truth over his bad actions. + +Having travelled through most parts of that country and visited most +of the plantations, having sounded the alarm to all people where we +came, and proclaimed the day of God’s salvation amongst them, we +found our spirits began to be clear of these parts of the world, and +draw towards Old England again. Yet we were desirous, and felt +freedom from the Lord, to stay over the general meeting for the +province of Maryland (which drew nigh) that we might see Friends +generally together before we departed. Wherefore spending our time, +in the interim, in visiting Friends and friendly people, in +attending meetings about the Cliffs and Patuxent, and in writing +answers to cavilling objections, which some of the truth’s +adversaries had raised and spread abroad, to hinder people from +receiving the truth, we were not idle, but laboured in the work of +the Lord, until that general provincial meeting came on, which began +on the 17th of the 3rd month, and lasted four days. On the first of +these, the men and women had their meetings for business, wherein +the affairs of the church were taken care of, and many things +relating thereto were opened unto them, to their edification and +comfort. The other three days were spent in public meetings for the +worship of God, of which divers of considerable account of the +government, and many others, were present, who were generally +satisfied, and many of them reached; for it was a wonderful, +glorious meeting, and the mighty presence of the Lord was seen and +felt over all; blessed and praised be his holy name for ever, who +over all giveth dominion! + +After this meeting we took our leave of Friends, parting in great +tenderness, in the sense of the heavenly life and virtuous power of +the Lord, that was livingly felt amongst us; and went by water to +the place where we were to take shipping, many Friends accompanying +us thither and tarrying with us that night. Next day, the 21st of +the 3rd month, 1673, we set sail for England; the same day Richard +Covell came on board our ship, having had his own taken from him by +the Dutch. We had foul weather and contrary winds, which caused us +to cast anchor often, so that we were till the 31st ere we could get +past the capes of Virginia and come out into the main sea. But after +this we made good speed, and on the 28th of the 4th month cast +anchor at King’s Road, which is the harbour for BRISTOL. We had on +our passage very high winds and tempestuous weather, which made the +sea exceedingly rough, the waves rising like mountains; so that the +masters and sailors wondered at it, and said they never saw the like +before. But though the wind was strong, it set for the most part +with us, so that we sailed before it; and the great God who commands +the winds, who is Lord of heaven, of earth, and the seas, and whose +wonders are seen in the deep, steered our course and preserved us +from many imminent dangers. The same good hand of Providence that +went with us, and carried us safely over, watched over us in our +return, and brought us safely back again; thanksgiving and praises +be to his holy name for ever! Many sweet and precious meetings we +had on board the ship during this voyage (commonly two a week,) +wherein the blessed presence of the Lord did greatly refresh us, and +often break in upon and tender the company. + +----- + +Footnote 26: + + John Burnyeat, a fellow-labourer in the gospel with George Fox, + and who is several times named in this Journal, was born in + Cumberland about the year 1631. He was well educated, and + religiously inclined from his youth, and convinced by George Fox + when he first came into Cumberland in 1653. He became an unwearied + traveller in the gospel, both in this country and in America, + boldly proclaiming the glad tidings of salvation, for which he + fell in for his share of abuse and imprisonments. Once at Ripon, + when visiting twenty-four of his friends imprisoned there for the + testimony of Jesus, speaking a few words to them he was haled away + before the mayor, and several times knocked off his knees when at + prayer, being sent to prison to his friends, and kept there + fourteen weeks. + + He married and settled in Ireland, where his service mostly lay in + his latter days. In 1683 he was imprisoned in the Marshalsea in + Dublin two months for meeting and preaching. His wife died in + 1688; and he, having finished his course, and kept the faith, + departed in peace in 1690. His works, and testimonies concerning + him, with an account of his convincement, and journal of his + travels, were published in a 4to volume, to which the reader is + referred. See also _Piety Promoted_, vol. i. p. 179; and Whiting’s + _Memoirs_, p. 416-430. + +Footnote 27: + + The instances of heathen kindness and hospitality, experienced by + George Fox and others who have visited the Indians in a friendly + manner, contrast very favourably in comparison with the many acts + of bigoted intolerance and cruelty recorded in these volumes on + the part of those professedly civilized and Christian. + + Many incidents might be related in proof of Indian kindness when + unprovoked to opposite conduct. When the Quakers were under a + cruel persecution by the magistrates of Boston, in New England, + Nicholas Upshal, “a man of unblameable conversation,” and a church + member of their communion, showed the sufferers kindness, by + giving five shillings a week to the jailer to let those confined + in prison have the sustenance necessary for life—_the magistrates + having caused the jail window to be boarded up, that none might + communicate with, or help them_. He proceeded afterwards to reason + with the magistrates, and warn them not to be found fighting + against God, for which he was fined £20, imprisoned, and then + banished; though a weakly old man, and the season the depth of + winter. In his banishment in the wilderness, he met an Indian, + who, having understood how he had been dealt with, took compassion + on him, and very kindly told him, _if he would live with him he + would make him a warm house_; and further said, “What a God have + these English, who deal so with one another about their God!” + + See here the Red Indian’s kindly care + Though he the name of _savage_ bear. + Christian, more savage thou than he, + Blush for thy cruel deeds of infamy: + The Indian’s unasked cup of charity + Is larger than as mixed by thee. + The white man aged, through frost and snows, + A banish’d exile to his country goes, + Full many a welcome does he say, + To his warm house whate’er the day. + More Christian he who thus does prove + By practice kindred with a God of love. + More Christian he than they who thus pollute + Their faith, and for their God a brother persecute. + +Footnote 28: + + See Bowden’s _History of Friends in America_, vol. i., pp. + 280-284. + +Footnote 29: + + This is the only mention of Christopher Holder in these volumes. + He was a great sufferer in the New England persecution. In 1657 he + and another Friend being at Salem, went to the Puritan place of + worship there, and after the priest had concluded, Christopher + Holder addressing the assembly, was not allowed to proceed; one of + the commissioners with much fury “seizing him by the hair of his + head,” and violently thrusting a glove and handkerchief into his + mouth. These two Friends were subsequently sentenced, under “the + law against Quakers,” to receive thirty lashes. The brutal manner + in which this sentence was carried out, was in accordance with the + spirit that prompted the rulers to pass the cruel law. A + three-corded knotted whip was used on the occasion; and the + executioner, to make more sure of his blows, “measured his + ground,” and then “fetched his strokes with all his might.” Thirty + strokes thus inflicted, as will be readily imagined, left the + sufferers miserably torn and lacerated; and in this state they + were conveyed to their prison cell. Here, without any bedding, or + even straw to lie on, the inhuman jailer kept them for three days + without food or drink; and, in this dismal abode, often exposed to + damp and cold, were these faithful men confined for the space of + nine weeks. We may wonder that, under such aggravated cruelties + their lives were spared; but He, for whose holy cause they thus + suffered, was near to support and console them. His ancient + promise was fulfilled in their experience, and they rejoiced in + the comforting presence of his living power.—Bowden’s _History of + Friends in America_. + + Previous to this, Christopher Holder and his companion had been + banished from Rhode Island. The governor having hired an Indian to + convey them off the island, ordered the Friends to pay for the + passage themselves. But not being willing to facilitate their own + banishment, and not feeling that it was their Divine Master’s will + for them to leave the island, they declined to go, or to pay the + Indian who was hired to take them. The governor directed the + constable forcibly to obtain the requisite sum from the strangers, + and gave peremptory orders to the natives to take them away in + their canoes. The Algonquins, however, not being in any great + haste to execute the bidding of the governor, contrary to the will + of the Friends, and at a time too when the weather was stormy, + entertained them for three days with marked kindness and + hospitality. A change in the weather then taking place, and the + banished ones feeling that it was no longer required of them to + stay on the island, the Indians, at their own request, prepared to + take them across. Before leaving the island the Friends offered to + remunerate the natives for their kindness, but these poor people, + from the generous impulses of their hearts, acting more in unison + with the spirit of Christianity than those who were wont to be + their teachers, declined to receive any reward. “You are + strangers,” they replied, “and Jehovah hath taught us to love + strangers.” Such simple and feeling language from the lips of + North American Indians, was a striking rebuke to the bigotry and + intolerance which marked the conduct of their highly professing + teachers.—Bowden’s _History of Friends in America_. + +Footnote 30: + + This George Wilson, at whose house George Fox was entertained, is + not mentioned elsewhere in the Journal. He was originally from + Great Britain, and a great sufferer for the truth during the New + England persecution. In 1661, it appears he was amongst + twenty-seven other Friends in prison in Boston, who were liberated + that year by an order from the home government. But these faithful + messengers of the Lord, who were thus unexpectedly released from + bondage, were concerned, almost immediately on leaving the jail, + to preach to the inhabitants those truths for which they had + suffered. The magistrates, already at their wits’-end, in + fruitlessly endeavouring to arrest the spread of Quaker + principles, being impatient at this fresh manifestation of + devotedness, ordered a guard of soldiers to drive all the Friends + out of their territory into the wilderness; an order which was + speedily executed. George Wilson was among those who were thus + forcibly expelled; but, undismayed by the new law for the + application of the whip, they returned at once to their homes. + There they were quickly apprehended, and sentenced to undergo a + flogging through three towns, and to be put out of the limits of + the colony. The executioner, desirous of lending his ingenuity to + increase the severity of the sentence, provided himself with a + singularly constructed whip, or as it is called, a “cruel + instrument,” with which he “miserably tore” the bodies of the + sufferers. Such was the new and barbarous character of the weapon + used on this occasion, that Friends endeavoured, though + unsuccessfully, to obtain it to send to England, as another proof + of the malignant cruelty which actuated the rulers of + Massachusetts towards the new Society. At the conclusion of this + whipping at Boston, George Wilson, in the midst of his + persecutors, knelt in solemn supplication to the Most High. + + Being on a gospel mission in Virginia, George Wilson became a + victim to the reigning intolerance, and was incarcerated in the + dungeon at James’ Town. The circumstances of his case evinced + great barbarity on the part of his persecutors. The place of his + imprisonment was an extremely loathsome one, without light or + ventilation. Here, after being cruelly scourged and heavily ironed + for a long period, he had to feel the heartlessness of a + persecuting and dominant hierarchy; until, at last, his flesh + actually rotted from his bones, and, within the cold damp walls of + the miserable dungeon of James’ Town, he laid down his life a + faithful martyr for the testimony of Jesus. + + The patience and resignation with which George Wilson bore his + aggravated sufferings, and his faithfulness unto death, form a + striking instance of the inflexible adherence to conscientious + conviction, which so remarkably characterized the early Friends. + Living near to Him who is the fountain and fulness of love, his + enemies also became the objects of his solicitude; and, whilst + lingering in the wretched dungeon, his heart was lifted up in + prayer for his persecutors. “For all their cruelty,” he writes, “I + can truly say, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they + do.”—Bowden’s _History of Friends in America_. + +Footnote 31: + + William Coale, a Friend of Maryland, was convinced about the year + 1657. He was a man of an innocent and tender spirit; and a living + and weighty minister of the gospel of Christ. He visited Friends + in Virginia with George Wilson, and was very serviceable, some + being turned to the Lord through his ministry, and many + established in the truth. He suffered cruel imprisonment for the + gospel, which injured him so much that he never recovered it. In + the time of his last illness he was cheerful, freely given up to + die, saying, “The living presence of the Lord is with me;” with + many more words of the great satisfaction he had from the Lord + concerning his peace; adding, “I bless the Lord, I have finished + my course, and I have nothing to do but to wait on the Lord and + die.” He departed very peaceably and quietly about the year 1678. + +Footnote 32: + + The difference implied here and elsewhere in the date is between + the old style and the new. The above may be read either, the 3d of + the 11th month, 1672; or the 3rd of the 1st month, 1673. It would + appear that an alteration in the mode of reckoning did not take + place generally till made by Act of Parliament in 1752, when the + Friends also adopted a change in the mode of reckoning the months, + which is explained at large in the _Book of Discipline_, p. 73. + ED.: 1833. + + + + + CHAPTER VI. + +1673-1675.—George Fox writes to his wife from Bristol—has a glorious + powerful meeting there, in which he declares of three estates + and three teachers—at Slaughterford meets with much opposition + to the settlement of women’s meetings—the chief opposer struck + by the Lord’s power, condemns his error—at Armscott is arrested + by Justice Parker, and sent to Worcester jail with Thomas + Lower—writes to his wife—he and T. Lower write to Lord Windsor + and other magistrates, with a statement of their case—they are + examined at the sessions, but George Fox is ensnared with the + oath, and re-committed for refusing to take it—Thomas Lower is + discharged, and afterwards visits Justice Parker, and gives the + priest of the parish (who instigated their imprisonment) a + severe rebuke in his presence, though unknown—George Fox + disputes with Dr. Crowder on swearing—he is removed to London by + Habeas Corpus—but ultimately remanded to Worcester—is examined + at the assizes by Judge Turner, but the case is referred to the + sessions—disputes with a priest on perfection—brought up at the + sessions and re-committed, but has liberty till the next + sessions—is again removed by Habeas Corpus, and tenders in court + a declaration instead of the oath—attends the Yearly Meeting in + London—appears again at the sessions of Worcester, and points + out the flaws in his indictment—yet he is brought in guilty and + premunired—writes to the king respecting the principle of + Friends—is seized with illness, and his life almost despaired + of—Justice Parker writes to the jailer to relax the rigour of + his imprisonment—his wife intercedes with the king for his + release, which he is willing to grant by a pardon—this George + Fox could not accept, as it implied guilt—he is once more + removed by Habeas Corpus—the under-sheriff quarrels with him for + calling their ministers priests—he is brought before the judges, + and Counsellor Corbet starts a new plea, that the Court cannot + imprison on a premunire—the indictment is quashed for error, and + he is freed by proclamation after nearly fourteen months’ + imprisonment—he writes many papers and pamphlets in Worcester + jail. + + +When we came into Bristol Harbour, there lay a man-of-war, and the +press-master[33] came on board us to press our men. We had a meeting +at that time in the ship with the seamen before we went to shore, +and the press-master sat down with us and stayed the meeting, and +was very well satisfied with it. I spoke to him to leave two of the +men he had pressed in our ship (for he had pressed four), one of +whom was a lame man; and he said, “at my request, he would.” + +We went on shore that afternoon, and got to SHIREHAMPTON, where we +obtained horses, and rode to BRISTOL that night, where Friends +received us with great joy. In the evening I wrote a letter to my +wife, to give her notice of my landing; as follows:— + + “DEAR HEART, + + “This day we came into Bristol near night, from the sea; glory to + the Lord God over all for ever, who was our convoy, and steered + our course! the God of the whole earth, of the seas and winds, who + made the clouds his chariot, beyond all words, blessed be his name + for ever! He is over all in his great power and wisdom, Amen. + Robert Widders and James Lancaster[34] are with me, and we are + well; glory to the Lord for ever, who hath carried us through many + perils, perils by water, and in storms, perils by pirates and + robbers, perils in the wilderness and amongst false professors! + praises to him whose glory is over all for ever, Amen! Therefore + mind the fresh life, and live all to God in it. I intend (if the + Lord will) to stay a while this away; it may be till the fair. So + no more, but my love to all Friends.” + + G.F. + + Bristol, 28th of 4th Month, 1673. + +Between this and the fair, my wife came out of the North to Bristol +to me, and her son-in-law Thomas Lower with two of her daughters[35] +came with her. Her other son-in-law John Rous, W. Penn and his wife, +and Gerrard Roberts, came from London, and many Friends from several +parts of the nation, to the fair; and glorious, powerful meetings we +had at that time, for the Lord’s infinite power and life was over +all. In the fresh openings whereof, I was moved to declare of “Three +estates, and three teachers,” viz.: “God was the first teacher of +man and woman in Paradise; and as long as they kept to and under his +teaching, they kept in the image of God, in his likeness, in +righteousness and holiness, and in dominion over all that he had +made; in the blessed state, in the paradise of God. But when they +hearkened to the serpent’s false teaching (who was out of truth,) +disobeyed God and obeyed the serpent, in feeding upon that which God +forbade them, they lost the image of God, the righteousness and +holiness, came under the power of Satan, and were turned out of +Paradise, out of the blessed into the cursed state. Then the promise +of God was, ‘that the Seed of the woman should bruise the serpent’s +head,’ break his power that man and woman were under, and destroy +his works. So here were three states and three teachers.” + +God was the first teacher in Paradise; and whilst man kept under his +teaching, he was happy. The serpent was the second teacher; and when +man followed his teaching, he fell into misery, into the fall from +the image of God, from righteousness and holiness, and from the +power that he had over all that God had made; and came under the +serpent, whom he had power over before. Christ Jesus was the third +teacher; of whom God saith, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am +well pleased, hear ye him;’ and who himself saith, ‘Learn of me.’ +This is the true gospel-teacher, who bruises the head of the +serpent, the false teacher, and the head of all false teachers, and +of all false religions, false ways, false worships, and false +churches. Now Christ, who said, ‘Learn of _me_,’ and of whom the +Father said, ‘Hear ye _him_,’ said, ‘I am the Way to God, I am the +Truth, I am the Life, and the true Light.’ So as man and woman come +again to God, and are renewed up into his image, righteousness, and +holiness by Christ, thereby they come into the Paradise of God, the +state which man was in before he fell; and into a higher state than +that, to sit down in Christ that never fell. Therefore the Son of +God is to be heard in all things, who is the Saviour and Redeemer; +who laid down his life, and bought his sheep with his precious +blood. + +We can challenge all the world. Who hath anything to say against our +way? our Saviour? our Redeemer? our Prophet, whom God hath raised up +that we may hear, and whom we must hear in all things? Who hath +anything against our Shepherd, Christ Jesus, who leads and feeds us, +and we know his heavenly voice? Who hath anything against our +Bishop, in whose mouth was never guile found, who doth oversee us in +his pasture of life, that we do not go astray from God, and out of +his fold? Who hath anything against our Priest, Christ Jesus, made +higher than the heavens, who gives us freely, and commands us to +give freely? Who hath anything to say against our Leader and +Counsellor, Christ Jesus, who never sinned; but is holy, harmless, +and separate from sinners? God hath commanded us to hear Him; and He +saith, ‘Learn of me;’ and if we should disobey God’s and Christ’s +command, we should be like our father Adam and mother Eve, who +disobeyed God’s command, and hearkened to the serpent’s teaching. + +Man commands, and would force us to hear the hirelings, who plead +for sin and the body of death to the grave; which doctrine savours +of the devil’s teaching, not of Christ’s; but we resolve to hear the +Son, as both he and the Father command, and in hearing the Son we +hear the Father also, as the Scripture testifies. For the author to +the Hebrews says, ‘God, who at sundry times, and in divers manners, +spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these +last days spoken unto us by his Son;’ mark that, God hath spoken +unto us (his apostles, disciples, church), by his Son. And whereas +some have objected, that although Christ did speak both to his +disciples and to the Jews, in the days of his flesh, yet since his +resurrection and ascension he doth not speak now:—the answer is, +that ‘as God did then speak by his Son in the days of his flesh, so +the Son, Christ Jesus, doth now speak by his Spirit.’ Wherefore John +saith in the Revelations, ‘He that hath an ear let him hear, what +the Spirit saith to the churches,’ Rev. ii. And Christ is said to +‘speak from heaven,’ Heb. xii. 25. ‘See that ye refuse not him that +speaketh; for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on +earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from Him that +speaketh from heaven.’ They that resisted Moses’ law, who spake on +earth, died for it without mercy, which was a natural death; but +they that refuse Him that speaks from heaven, neglect and slight +their own salvation, and so die a spiritual death through unbelief +and hardness of heart. Therefore was the exhortation given of old, +‘To-day, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in +the provocation,’ &c. Heb. iii. 15, &c. So that they who neglect or +refuse to hear the voice of Christ, now speaking from heaven in this +his gospel-day, harden their hearts. + +“Let all therefore mark well these three estates and teachers; the +God of Truth was the first teacher, while man was in Paradise and in +innocency. The serpent was the second teacher, the false teacher, +who by his false teaching came to be the god of the world, which +lies in wickedness. Christ Jesus, that bruises the serpent’s head, +is the third teacher, who saith, ‘Learn of me,’ and of whom God +saith, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear ye +him;’ and of whom the testimony of the saints of old was, ‘God hath +in these last days spoken unto us by his Son.’ Thus they that come +to be renewed up again into the divine, heavenly image, in which man +was at first made, will know the same God, that was the first +teacher of Adam and Eve in Paradise, to speak to them now by his +Son, who changes not; glory be to his name for ever!” + +Many deep and precious things were opened in those meetings by the +Eternal Spirit, which searcheth and revealeth the deep things of +God. + +After I had finished my service for the Lord in that city, I +departed thence into GLOUCESTERSHIRE, where we had many large and +precious meetings; and the Lord’s everlasting power flowed over all. +From Gloucestershire I passed into WILTSHIRE, where also we had many +blessed meetings. + +At SLAUGHTERFORD, in Wiltshire, we had a very good meeting, though +we met there with much opposition from some who had set themselves +against WOMEN’S MEETINGS; which I was moved of the Lord to recommend +to Friends, for the benefit and advantage of the Church of Christ. +“That faithful women, who were called to the belief of the truth, +being made partakers of the same precious faith, and heirs of the +same everlasting gospel of life and salvation that men are, might in +like manner come into the possession and practice of the gospel +order, and therein be meet-helps unto the men in the restoration, in +the service of truth, in the affairs of the church, as they are +outwardly in civil, or temporal things. That so all the family of +God, women as well as men, might know, possess, perform, and +discharge their offices and services in the house of God, whereby +the poor might be better taken care of, the younger instructed, +informed, and taught in the way of God; the loose and disorderly +reproved and admonished in the fear of the Lord; the clearness of +persons proposing marriage more closely and strictly inquired into +in the wisdom of God; and all the members of the spiritual body, the +church, might watch over and be helpful to each other in love.” But +after these opposers had run into much contention and wrangling, the +power of the Lord struck down one of the chief of them, so that his +spirit sunk, and he came to be sensible of the evil he had done in +opposing God’s heavenly power, and confessed his error before +Friends; and afterwards gave forth a paper of condemnation, wherein +he declared, “that he did wilfully oppose (although I often warned +him to take heed,) until the fire of the Lord did burn within him; +and he saw the angel of the Lord with his sword drawn in his hand, +ready to cut him off,” &c. + +Notwithstanding the opposition at the meeting at Slaughterford, yet +a very good and serviceable one it was; for occasion was thereby +administered to answer their objections and cavils, and to open the +services of women in and for the church. At this the women’s +meetings, for that county, were established in the blessed power of +God. + +After this I went to MARLBOROUGH and had a meeting there, to which +some of the magistrates came, and were civil and moderate. Then +passing to Bartholomew Maylin’s, I had a very precious meeting +there; and then went a little beyond OARE, where we had a blessed +meeting, and very large, as we had also soon after upon the border +of HAMPSHIRE. Then turning into OXFORDSHIRE, we visited Friends +there; and then went to READING, where we had a large meeting. +Thence passing into BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, we had many precious meetings +in that county. After which we visited Friends till we came to +KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES, where my wife and her daughter Rachel met me. +I made no long stay at Kingston, but went to LONDON, where I found +the Baptists and Socinians, with some old apostates, grown very +rude, having printed many books against us; so that I had a great +travail in the Lord’s power, before I could get clear of that city. +But blessed be the Lord, his power came over them, and all their +lying, wicked, scandalous books were answered. + +I made a short journey into some parts of ESSEX and MIDDLESEX, +visiting Friends at their meetings, and their children at their +schools, and returned soon to LONDON. After some service there among +Friends, I went to KINGSTON, and thence to Stephen Smith’s in +SURREY, where was a very large meeting, many hundreds of people +attending it. I stayed in those parts till I had cleared myself of +the service the Lord had given me to do there, and then returned by +KINGSTON to LONDON, whither I felt my spirit drawn; having heard +that many Friends were taken before the magistrates, and divers +imprisoned in London and other towns, for opening their shop-windows +on holidays and fast-days (as they were called,) and for bearing +testimony against all such observations of days. Which Friends could +not but do, knowing that the true Christians did not observe the +Jews’ holidays in the apostles’ times, neither could we observe the +Heathens’ and Papists’ holidays (so called) which have been set up +amongst those called Christians, since the apostles’ days. For we +were redeemed out of days by Christ Jesus, and brought into the day +which hath sprung from on high, and are come into Him who is Lord of +the Jewish Sabbath, and the substance of the Jews’ signs. + +After I had stayed some time in London, labouring for some relief +and ease to Friends in this case, I took leave of Friends there, and +went into the country with my wife, and her daughter Rachel, to +HENDON, in MIDDLESEX, and thence to William Penn’s at RICKMANSWORTH, +in HERTFORDSHIRE, whither Thomas Lower (who married another of my +wife’s daughters) came next day to accompany us in our journey +northward. After we had visited Friends thereabouts, we passed to a +Friend’s house near AYLESBURY, and thence to Bray Doily’s at +ADDERBURY, in OXFORDSHIRE, where, on First-day, we had a large and +precious meeting. Truth being well spread, and Friends in those +parts much increased in number, two or three new meetings were then +set up. + +At night, as I was sitting at supper, I felt I was taken; yet I said +nothing then to any one of it. But getting out next morning, we +travelled into WORCESTERSHIRE, and went to John Halford’s, at +ARMSCOTT, where we had a very large and precious meeting in his +barn, the Lord’s powerful presence being eminently with and amongst +us. After the meeting, Friends being most of them gone, as I was +sitting in the parlour, discoursing with some Friends, Henry Parker, +a justice, came to the house, and with him one Rowland Hains, a +priest of HUNNINGTON, in WARWICKSHIRE. This justice heard of the +meeting by means of a woman Friend, who being nurse to a child of +his, asked leave of her mistress to go to the meeting to see me; and +she, speaking of it to her husband, he and the priest plotted +together to come and break it up and apprehend me. But from their +sitting long at dinner, it being the day on which his child was +sprinkled, they did not come till the meeting was over, and Friends +mostly gone. But though there was no meeting when they came, yet I +being in the house, who was the person they aimed at, Henry Parker +took me, and Thomas Lower for company with me; and though he had +nothing to lay to our charge, sent us both to Worcester jail, by a +strange sort of mittimus; a copy of which here follows:— + + “_To the constables of Tredington, in the said county of + Worcester, and to all constables and tithing-men of the + several townships and villages within the said parish of + Tredington, and to the keeper of the jail for the county of + Worcester._ + + “Complaint being made to me, being one of His Majesty’s justices + of the peace for the said county of Worcester, that within the + said parish of Tredington in the same county, there has of late + been several meetings of divers persons, to the number of four + hundred persons and upwards at a time, upon pretence of exercise + of religion, otherwise than what is established by the laws of + England. And many of the said persons, some of them were teachers, + and came from the North, and others from the remote parts of the + kingdom; which tends to the prejudice of the reformed and + established religion, and may prove prejudicial to the public + peace. And it appearing to me that there was, this present day, + such a meeting as aforesaid, to the number of two hundred or + thereabouts, at Armscott, in the said parish of Tredington, and + that George Fox of London, and Thomas Lower of the parish of + Creed, in the county of Cornwall, were present at the said + meeting, and the said George Fox was teacher or speaker of the + said meeting; and no satisfactory account of their settlement or + place of habitation appearing to me, and forasmuch as the said + George Fox and Thomas Lower refused to give sureties to appear at + the next sessions of the peace to be holden for the said county, + to answer the breach of the common laws of England, and what other + matters should be objected against them; these are, therefore, in + His Majesty’s name, to will and require you, or either of you, + forthwith to convey the bodies of the said George Fox and Thomas + Lower to the county jail of Worcester aforesaid, and there safely + to be kept, until they shall be from thence delivered by due + course of law; for which this shall be your sufficient warrant in + that behalf. Dated the 17th day of December, in the 25th year of + His Majesty’s reign over England, &c.” + + HENRY PARKER. + +Being thus made prisoners, without any probable appearance of being +released before the quarter sessions at soonest, we got some Friends +to accompany my wife and her daughter into the North, and we were +conveyed to WORCESTER jail. From whence, by that time I thought my +wife could be got home, I wrote her the following letter:— + + “DEAR HEART, + + “Thou seemedst to be a little grieved when I was speaking of + prisons, and when I was taken; be content with the will of the + Lord God. For when I was at John Rous’s at Kingston, I had a sight + of my being taken prisoner, and when I was at Bray Doily’s in + Oxfordshire, as I sat at supper, I saw I was taken; and I saw I + had a suffering to undergo. But the Lord’s power is over all; + blessed be his holy name for ever!” + + G. F. + +When we had been some time in the jail, we thought fit to lay our +case before the Lord Windsor, who was lord-lieutenant of +Worcestershire, and before the deputy-lieutenants and other +magistrates: which we did by the following letter:— + + “These are to inform you, the lord-lieutenant (so called,) and the + deputy-lieutenants, and the justices of the county of + Worcestershire, how unchristianly and inhumanly we have been dealt + withal by Henry Parker, a justice (so called,) in our journey + towards the North. We coming to our Friend, John Halford’s house, + on the 17th of the 10th month, 1673, and some Friends bringing us + on the way, and others coming to visit us there, towards night + there came the aforesaid justice, and a priest, called Rowland + Hains, of Hunnington, in Warwickshire, and demanded our names and + places of abode. And though we were not in any meeting, but were + discoursing together when they came in, yet he made a mittimus to + send us to Worcester jail. + + “Now, whereas he says in his mittimus, ‘that complaint had been + made to him of several by-past meetings of many hundreds at a + time,’ we know nothing of that, nor do we think that concerns us. + And whereas he says further, ‘that no satisfactory account of our + settlement, or place of habitation appeared unto him.’ This he + contradicts in his own mittimus, mentioning therein the places of + our abode and habitation, the account of which we satisfactorily + and fully gave him. And one of us (Thomas Lower) told him, that he + was going down with his mother-in-law (who is George Fox’s wife,) + and with his sister, to fetch up his own wife and child out of the + North into his own country. And the other of us (George Fox) told + him, that he was bringing forward his wife on her journey towards + the North (who had been at London, to visit one of her daughters + that had lately lain in.) And having received a message from his + mother, an ancient woman in Leicestershire, that she earnestly + desired to see him before she died, he intended, as soon as he had + brought his wife on her journey as far as Cossall, in + Warwickshire, to turn into Leicestershire, to visit his mother and + relations there, and then to return to London again. But by his + interrupting us on our journey, taking the husband from his wife, + and the son from his mother and sister, and stopping him from + visiting his wife and child so remote, we were forced to get + strangers, or whom we could, to help them on their journey, to our + great damage and their hinderance. We asked the priest, ‘whether + this was his gospel, and their way of entertaining strangers?’ And + we desired the justice to consider, ‘whether this was doing as he + would be done by?’ But he said, ‘he had said it, and he would do + it.’ And whereas he says, ‘we refused to give sureties;’ he asked + only George Fox for sureties; who replied, ‘he was an innocent + man, and knew no law he had broken;’ but he did not ask Thomas + Lower for any, as if it had been crime and cause enough for his + commitment, that he came out of Cornwall. If we were at a meeting, + as he says in his mittimus, he might have proceeded otherwise than + by sending us to jail, to answer the breach of the common laws; + though he showed us no breach of any; as may be seen in the + mittimus. We thought fit to lay before you the substance of his + proceedings against us, hoping there will more moderation and + justice appear in you towards us, that we may prosecute our + intended journey.” + + GEORGE FOX. + THOMAS LOWER. + +But no enlargement did we receive by our application to the Lord +Windsor (so called.) And although Thomas Lower received several +letters from his brother, Dr. Lower, who was one of the king’s +physicians, concerning his liberty, and one, by his procurement, +from Henry Savile, who was of the king’s bed-chamber, to his +brother, called the Lord Windsor, to the same effect; yet seeing it +related only to his enlargement, not mine, so great was his love and +regard to me that he would not seek his own liberty singly, but kept +the letter by him unsent. So we were continued prisoners till the +next general quarter sessions; at which time divers Friends from +several places being in the town, spoke to the justices concerning +us, who answered fair and said we should be discharged. For many of +the justices seemed to dislike the severity of Parker’s proceedings +against us, and declared an averseness to ensnare us by the tender +of the oaths. Some Friends also had spoken with Lord Windsor, who +likewise answered them fair, so that it was the general discourse +that we should be discharged. We heard also that Dr. Lower had +procured a letter from Colonel Sands at London, to some of the +justices in favour of us. Some of the justices also spoke to some +Friends to acquaint us, that they would have us speak but little in +the court, lest we should provoke any of the bench; and they would +warrant we should be discharged. + +We were not called till the last day of the sessions, which was the +21st of the 11th month, 1673. When we came in, they were stricken +with paleness in their faces, and it was some time before anything +was spoken; insomuch that a butcher in the hall said, “What, are +they afraid? Dare not the justices speak to them?” At length, before +they spoke to us, Justice Parker made a long speech on the bench, +much to the same effect as was contained in the mittimus; often +mentioning the common laws, but not instancing any that we had +broken; adding, “that he thought it a milder course to send us two +to jail, than to put his neighbours to the loss of two hundred +pounds, which they must have suffered, had he put the law in +execution against conventicles.” But in this he was either very +ignorant or very deceitful, for there being no meeting when he came, +or any to inform, he had no evidence to convict us, or his +neighbours by. + +When Parker had ended his speech, the justices spoke to us, and +began with Thomas Lower, whom they examined as to the cause of his +coming into that country; of which he gave them a full and plain +account. Sometimes I put in a word while they were examining him, +and then they told me, “they were upon his examination, but that +when it came to my turn, I should have free liberty to speak, for +they would not hinder me; but I should have full time, and they +would not ensnare us.” When they had done with him, they asked me an +account of my travel, which I gave them, as is mentioned before, but +more largely. And whereas Justice Parker, to aggravate the case, had +made a great noise of “there being some from London, some from the +North, some from Cornwall, and some from Bristol, at the house where +I was taken;” I told them, that “this was in a manner all but one +family, for there was none from London, but myself; none from the +North, but my wife and her daughter; none from Cornwall, but my +son-in-law, Thomas Lower; nor any from Bristol, but one Friend, a +merchant there; who met us, as it were, providentially, to assist my +wife and her daughter in their journey homewards, when by our +imprisonment they were deprived of our company and help.” When I had +spoken, the chairman, whose name was Simpson, an old Presbyterian, +said, “Your relation or account, is very innocent.” + +Then he and Parker whispered a while together, and after that the +chairman stood up and said, “You, Mr. Fox, are a famous man, and all +this may be true which you have said; but, that we may be the better +satisfied, will you take the oaths of allegiance and supremacy?” I +told them, “they had said they would not ensnare us; but this was a +plain snare; for they knew we could not take any oath.” However, +they caused the oath to be read; and when they had done, I told +them, “I never took an oath in my life, but I had always been true +to the government; that I was cast into the dungeon at Derby, and +kept a prisoner six months there, because I would not take up arms +against King Charles at Worcester fight; and for going to meetings +was carried up out of Leicestershire, and brought before Oliver +Cromwell, as a plotter to bring in King Charles. And ye know,” said +I, “in your own consciences, that we, the people called Quakers, +cannot take an oath, or swear in any case, because Christ hath +forbidden it. But as to the matter or substance contained in the +oaths, this I can and do say, that I do own and acknowledge the king +of England to be the lawful heir and successor to the realm of +England; and do abhor all plots and plotters, and contrivances +against him; and I have nothing in my heart but love and good-will +to him and all men, and desire his and their prosperity; the Lord +knows it, before whom I stand, an innocent man. And as to the oath +of supremacy, I deny the Pope, and his power, and his religion, and +abhor it with my heart.” While I was speaking, they cried, “give him +the book;” and I said, “the book saith, ‘Swear not at all.’” Then +they cried, “take him away, jailer;” and I still speaking on, they +were urgent upon the jailer, crying, “take him away, we shall have a +meeting here; why do you not take him away? that fellow (meaning the +jailer) loves to hear him preach.” Then the jailer drew me away, and +as I was turning from them, I stretched out my arm and said, “the +Lord forgive you, who cast me into prison for obeying the doctrine +of Christ.” Thus they apparently broke their promise in the face of +the country; for they promised I should have free liberty to speak, +but now they would not give it me; and they promised they would not +ensnare us, yet now they tendered me the oaths on purpose to ensnare +me. + +After I was had away Thomas Lower was stayed behind in the court, +and they told him, “he was at liberty.” Then he would have reasoned +with them, asking them, “why I might not be set at liberty as well +as he, seeing we were both taken together, and our case was alike?” +But they told him, “they would not hear him,” saying, “you may be +gone about your business, for we have nothing more to say to you, +seeing you are discharged.” And this was all he could get from them. +Wherefore after the court was risen, he went to speak with them at +their chamber, desiring to know, “what cause they had to detain his +father, seeing they had discharged him;” and wishing them to +consider whether this was not partiality, and would be a blemish to +them. Whereupon Simpson threatened him, saying, “if you be not +content, we will tender you the oaths also, and send you to your +father.” To which he replied, “they might do that, if they thought +fit; but whether they sent him or not, he intended to go, and to +wait upon his father in prison, for that was now his business in +that country.” Then said Justice Parker to him, “Do you think Mr. +Lower, that I had not cause to send your father and you to prison, +when you had so great a meeting, that the parson of the parish +complained to me, that he has lost the greatest part of his +parishioners; so that when he comes among them, he has scarcely any +auditors left?” “I have heard,” replied Thomas Lower, “that the +priest of that parish comes so seldom to visit his flock (but once, +it may be, or twice in a year, to gather up his tithes,) that it was +but charity in my father to visit so forlorn and forsaken a flock; +and therefore thou hadst no cause to send my father to prison for +visiting them, or for teaching, instructing, and directing them to +Christ, their true teacher, who had so little comfort or benefit +from their pretended pastor, who comes amongst them only to seek for +his ‘gain from his quarter.’” Upon this the justice fell a laughing, +for it seems Dr. Crowder (who was the priest they spoke of) was then +in the room, sitting among them, though Thomas Lower did not know +him; and he had the wit to hold his tongue, and not undertake to +vindicate himself in a matter so notoriously known to be true. But +when Thomas Lower was come from them, the justices did so play upon +Dr. Crowder, that he was pitifully ashamed, and so nettled with it +that he threatened to sue Thomas Lower in the bishop’s court, upon +an action of defamation. Which when Thomas Lower heard, he sent him +word, that he would answer his suit, let him begin it when he would; +and would bring his whole parish in evidence against him. This +cooled the doctor. Yet some time after, he came to the prison, +pretending that he had a mind to dispute with me, and to talk with +Thomas Lower about that business; and he brought another with him, +he himself being then a prebendary at Worcester. + +When he came in, he asked me, “What I was in prison for?” “Dost thou +not know that?” said I. “Wast not thou upon the bench when Justice +Simpson and Parker tendered the oath to me? And hadst not thou a +hand in it?” Then he said, “It is lawful to swear; and Christ did +not forbid swearing before a magistrate; but swearing by the sun, +and the like.” I bid him prove that by the Scriptures, but he could +not. Then he brought that saying of Paul’s, “All things are lawful +unto me,” 1 Cor. vi. 12. “And if,” said he, “all things were lawful +unto him, then swearing was lawful unto him.” “By this argument,” +said I, “thou mayest also affirm, that drunkenness, adultery, and +all manner of sin and wickedness is lawful also, as well as +swearing.” “Why,” said Dr. Crowder, “do you hold that adultery is +unlawful?” “Yes,” said I, “that I do.” “Why then,” said he, “this +contradicts the saying of St. Paul.” Thereupon I called to the +prisoners and the jailer, to hear what doctrine Dr. Crowder had laid +down as orthodox, viz., “that drunkenness, swearing, adultery, and +such like things were lawful.” Then he said, “he would give it under +his hand;” and took a pen, but wrote another thing than that which +he had spoken. Then, turning to Thomas Lower, he asked him, “whether +he would answer what he had there written?” who undertook it. +Whereupon, when he had threatened Thomas Lower to sue him in the +bishop’s court, for speaking so abusively (as he called it) of him +before the justices, and Thomas had bid him begin when he pleased, +for he would answer him, and bring his parishioners in evidence +against him, he went away in a great fret, grumbling to himself as +he went. A few days after Thomas Lower sent him an answer to the +paper he had written and left with him; which answer a Friend of +Worcester carried to him; and he read it and said, “he would reply +to it;” but never did, though he often sent him word he would do it. + +Soon after the sessions, the term coming on, an habeas corpus was +sent down to Worcester for the sheriff to bring me up to the King’s +Bench bar. Whereupon, the under-sheriff, having made Thomas Lower +his deputy to convey me to London, we set out the 29th of the 11th +Month, 1673, and came to LONDON the 2nd of the 12th; the ways being +very deep, and the waters out. Next day, notice being given that I +was brought up, the sheriff was ordered to bring me into court. I +went accordingly, and appeared before Judge Wild; and both he and +the lawyers were pretty fair, so that I had time to speak, to clear +my innocency, and show my wrong imprisonment. After the return of +the writ was entered, I was ordered to be brought into court again +next day, the order of court being as follows:— + + “WORCESTER. } Thursday, next after the morrow of the + The King } Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, + against } in the 26th Year of King Charles the + George Fox. } Second. + + “The defendant being brought here into court, upon a writ of + ‘habeas corpus ad subjiciend’, &c., under the custody of the + sheriff of the county aforesaid; it is ordered, That the Return + unto the habeas corpus be filed, and the defendant is committed + unto the marshal of this court, to be safely kept until, &c. + + “By motion of Mr. G. STROUDE. + “By the court.” + +In the morning, I walked in the hall, till the sheriff came to me +(for he trusted me to go whither I would,) and it being early, we +went into the court of the King’s Bench, and sat there among the +lawyers almost an hour till the judges came in. When they came in, +the sheriff took off my hat; and after a while I was called. The +Lord’s presence was with me, and his power I felt was over all. I +stood and heard the king’s attorney, whose name was Jones, who +indeed spoke notably on my behalf, as did also another counsellor +after him; and the judges, who were three, were all very moderate, +not casting any reflecting words at me. I stood still in the power +and Spirit of the Lord, seeing how he was at work. When they had +done, I applied to the chief justice to speak; and he said, I might. +Then I related the cause of our journey, the manner of our being +taken and committed, and the time of our imprisonment until the +sessions; with a brief account of our trial there, and what I had +offered to the justices then, as a declaration that I could make or +sign, instead of the oaths of allegiance and supremacy. When I had +done, the chief justice said, “I was to be turned over to the King’s +Bench, and the sheriff of Worcester to be discharged of me.” He said +also “they would consider further of it; and if they found any error +in the record, or in the justice’s proceedings, I should be set at +liberty.” So a tipstaff was called to take me into custody, and he +delivered me to the keeper of the King’s Bench, who let me go to a +Friend’s house, where I lodged, and appointed to meet me at Edward +Mann’s, in Bishopsgate Street, next day. + +But after this, Justice Parker, or some other of my adversaries +moved the court that I might be sent back to Worcester. Whereupon +another day was appointed for another hearing, and they had four +counsellors that pleaded against me. George Stroude, a counsellor, +pleaded for me, and was pleading before I was brought into court; +but they bore him down, and prevailed with the judges to give +judgment, that “I should be sent down to Worcester sessions.” Only +they told me, I might put in bail to appear at the sessions, and to +be of good behaviour in the meantime. I told them, “I never was of +ill behaviour in my life; and that they, the four judges, might as +well put the oath to me there, as send me to Worcester to be +ensnared by the justices, in their putting the oath to me, and then +premuniring me, who never took an oath in my life.” But I told them, +“if I broke my Yea and Nay, I was content to suffer the same penalty +that they should who break their oaths.” This alteration of the +judge’s minds in my case, proceeded, as was thought, from some false +informations, that my adversary, Justice Parker, had given against +me; for between the times of my former appearance and this, he had +spread abroad a very false and malicious story, viz., “that there +were many substantial men with me, out of several parts of the +nation, when he took me; and that we had a design or plot in hand; +and that Thomas Lower stayed with me in prison, long after he was +set at liberty, to carry on our design.” This was spoken in the +parliament house, insomuch, that if I had not been brought up to +London when I was, I should have been stopped at Worcester, and +Thomas would have been recommitted with me. But although these lies +were easily disproved, and laid open to Parker’s shame, yet would +not the judges alter their last sentence, but remanded me to +Worcester jail; only this favour was granted, that I might go my own +way, and at my own leisure; provided I would be without fail there +by the assize, which was to begin the 2nd of the 2nd month +following. + +I stayed in and about London till toward the latter end of the 1st +month, 1674, and then went down leisurely (for I was not able to +bear hasty and hard travelling,) and came into WORCESTER on the last +day of the 1st month, 1674, being the day before the judges came to +town. On the 2nd of the 2nd month, I was brought from the jail to an +inn near the hall, that I might be in readiness if I should be +called. But not being called that day, the jailer came to me at +night, and told me, “I might go home” (meaning to the jail.) +Whereupon Gerrard Roberts of London being with me, he and I walked +down together to the jail without any keeper. Next day being brought +up again, they set a little boy of about eleven years old, to be my +keeper. I came to understand that Justice Parker and the clerk of +the peace had given order that I should not be put into the +calendar, that so I might not be brought before the judge; wherefore +I got the judge’s son to move in court that “I might be called;” and +thereupon I was called, and brought up to the bar before Judge +Turner, my old adversary, who had tendered me the oaths and +premunired me once before at Lancaster. + +After silence made, he asked me, “what I desired?” I answered, “My +liberty, according to justice.” He said, “I lay upon the oath;” and +asked, “if I would take it.” I desired he would hear the manner of +my being taken and committed, and he being silent, I gave him an +account thereof at large, as is before set down, letting him also +know that “since my imprisonment I had understood that my mother, +who was an ancient, tender woman, and had desired to see me before +she died, hearing that I was stopped and imprisoned in my journey, +so that I was not likely to come to see her, was so struck by it, +that she died soon after: which was a very hard thing to me.” When I +had done speaking, he again asked me “to take the oaths;” I told him +I could not take any oath for conscience’ sake, and that I believed +he and they all knew in their consciences, that it was for +conscience’ sake I could not swear at all. I declared amongst them +what I could say, and what I could sign, in owning the king’s right +to the government, and in denying the Pope and his pretended powers, +and all plotters, plots, and conspiracies against the government. +Some thought the judge had a mind to set me at liberty, for he saw +they had nothing justly against me; but Parker, who committed me, +endeavoured to incense him against me, telling him, “that I was a +ringleader; that many of the nation followed me, and he knew not +what it might come to;” with many more envious words, which some +that stood near took notice of: who also observed that the judge +gave him no answer to it. However, the judge, willing to ease +himself, referred me and my case to the sessions again, bidding the +justices make an end of it there, and not trouble the assizes any +more with me. So I was continued prisoner chiefly (as it seemed) +through the means of Justice Parker, who, in this case, was as false +as envious; for he had promised Richard Cannon, of London, who had +acquaintance with him, that he would endeavour to have me set at +liberty; yet he was the worst enemy I had in court, as some of the +court observed and reported. Other justices were very loving, and +promised that I should have the liberty of the town, to lodge at a +Friend’s house till the sessions; which accordingly I had, and the +people were very civil and respectful to me. + +Between this time and the sessions, I had some service for the Lord, +with several people that came to visit me. At one time three +nonconformist priests and two lawyers came to discourse with me; and +one of the priests undertook to prove, “that the Scriptures are the +only rule of life.” Whereupon, after I had plunged him about his +proof, I had a fit opportunity to open unto them “the right and +proper use, service, and excellency of the Scriptures; and also to +show, that the Spirit of God, which was given to everyone to profit +withal—the grace of God, which bringeth salvation, and which hath +appeared unto all men, and teacheth them that obey it to deny +ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and +godly in this present world; that this, I say, is the most fit, +proper, and universal rule, which God hath given to all mankind to +rule, direct, govern, and order their lives by.” + +Another time came a Common-Prayer priest, and some people with him. +He asked me, “if I was grown up to perfection?” I told him, “what I +was, I was by the grace of God.” He replied, “it was a modest and +civil answer.” Then he urged the words of John, “If we say that we +have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” And +he asked, “what did I say to that?” I said, with the same apostle, +“If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word +is not in us;” who came to destroy sin, and to take away sin. So +there is a time for people to see that they have sinned, and there +is a time for them to see that they have sin; and there is a time +for them to confess their sin, and to forsake it, and to know “the +blood of Christ to cleanse from all sin.” Then the priest was asked, +“whether Adam was not perfect before he fell? and whether all God’s +works were not perfect?” The priest said, “there might be a +perfection, as Adam had, and a falling from it.” But I told him, +“there is a perfection in Christ, above Adam, and beyond falling; +and that it was the work of the ministers of Christ, to present +every man perfect in Christ; and for the perfecting of whom they had +their gifts from Christ; therefore, they that denied perfection, +denied the work of the ministry, and the gifts which Christ gave for +the perfecting of the saints.” The priest said, “we must always be +striving.” But I told him, “it was a sad and comfortless sort of +striving, to strive with a belief that we should never overcome.” I +told him also, “that Paul, who cried out of the body of death, did +also ‘thank God, who gave him the victory, through our Lord Jesus +Christ.’ So there was a time of crying out for want of victory, and +a time of praising God for the victory. And Paul said, ‘there is no +condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.’” The priest said, +“Job was not perfect.” I told him, “God said, Job was a perfect man, +and that he did shun evil: and the Devil was forced to confess that +‘God had set a hedge about him,’ which was not an outward hedge, but +the invisible heavenly power.” The priest said, “Job said, ‘He +chargeth his angels with folly, and the heavens are not clean in his +sight.’” I told him, “that was his mistake; for it was not Job who +said so, but Eliphaz, who contended against Job.” “Well but,” said +the priest, “what say you to that Scripture, ‘The justest man that +is, sinneth seven times a day.’” “Why truly,” said I, “I say, there +is no such Scripture;” and with that the priest’s mouth was stopped. +Many other services I had with several sorts of people between the +assizes and the sessions. + +The next quarter sessions began the 29th of the 2nd month, and I was +called before the justices. The chairman’s name was —— Street, who +was a judge in the Welsh circuit; and he misrepresented me and my +case to the country, telling them, “that we had a meeting at +Tredington, from all parts of the nation, to the terrifying of the +king’s subjects, for which we had been committed to prison: that for +the trial of my fidelity the oaths were put to me; and having had +time to consider of it, he asked me, ‘if I would now take the +oaths?’” I desired liberty to speak for myself; and having obtained +that, began first to clear myself from those falsehoods he had +charged on me and Friends, declaring “that we had not any such +meeting from all parts of the nation, as he had represented it; but +that (except the Friend from whose house we came, and who came with +us to guide us thither, and one Friend of Bristol, who came +accidentally, or rather providentially, to assist my wife homewards +after we were taken) they that were with me were part of my own +family, being my wife, her daughter, and her son-in-law. And we did +not meet in any way that would occasion terror to any of the king’s +subjects, for we met peaceably and quietly, without arms; and I did +not believe there could any one be produced that could truly say he +was terrified with our meeting. Besides, I told them, we were but in +our journey, the occasion whereof I now related as before. Then as +to the oaths, I showed why I could not take them (seeing Christ hath +forbidden all swearing), and what I could say or sign in lieu of +them, as I had done before.” Yet they caused the oaths to be read to +me again, and afterwards read an indictment also, which they had +drawn up in readiness, having a jury ready also. + +When the indictment was read, the judge asked me, “if I was guilty?” +I said, “Nay, for it was a great bundle of lies, which I showed and +proved to the judge in several particulars, which I instanced; +asking him, if he did not know in his conscience that they were +lies?” He said, “it was their form.” I said, “it was not a true +form.” He asked me again, “whether I was guilty?” I told him “nay, I +was not guilty of the matter, nor of the form; for I was against the +Pope and Popery, and did acknowledge and should set my hand to +that.” Then the judge told the jury what they should say, and what +they should do, and what they should write on the backside of the +indictment; and as he said, they did. But before they gave in their +verdict, I told them, “that it was for Christ’s sake, and in +obedience to his and the apostle’s command, that I could not swear; +and therefore, said I, take heed what ye do, for before his +judgment-seat ye shall all be brought.” The judge said, “this is +canting.” I said, “If to confess our Lord and Saviour, and to obey +his command, be called ‘canting’ by a judge of a court, it is to +little purpose for me to say more among you: yet ye shall see that I +am a Christian, and shall show forth Christianity, and my innocency +shall be manifest.” So the jailer led me out of the court; and the +people were generally tender, as if they had been in a meeting. Soon +after I was brought in again, and the jury found the bill against +me, which I traversed; and then I was asked to put in bail till the +next sessions, and the jailer’s son offered to be bound for me. But +I stopped him, and warned Friends not to meddle; for I told them, +“there was a snare in that:” yet I told the justices, that I could +promise to appear, if the Lord gave health and strength, and I were +at liberty. Some of the justices were loving, and would have +hindered the rest from indicting me, or putting the oath to me; but +Justice Street, who was the chairman, said, “he must go according to +law.” So I was sent to prison again; yet within two hours after, +through the moderation of some of the justices, I had liberty given +me to go at large till next quarter-sessions. These moderate +justices, it was said, desired Justice Parker to write to the king +for my liberty, or for a Noli prosequi, because they were satisfied +I was not such a dangerous person as I had been represented. This, +it was said, he promised them to do; but he did it not. + +After I had got a copy of the indictment, I went to LONDON, visiting +Friends as I went. When I came there, some that were earnest to get +me out of the hands of those envious justices, that sought to +premunire me at Worcester, would needs be tampering again, to bring +me before the judges of the King’s Bench: whereupon I was brought +again by a habeas corpus before them. I tendered them a paper, in +which was contained what I could say instead of the oaths of +allegiance and supremacy, as follows:— + + “This I do in the truth, and in the presence of God declare, that + King Charles the Second is lawful king of this realm, and of all + other his dominions; that he was brought in, and set up king over + this realm by the power of God: and I have nothing but love and + goodwill to him and all his subjects, and desire his prosperity + and eternal good. I do utterly abhor and deny the Pope’s power and + supremacy, and all his superstitions and idolatrous inventions: + and do affirm, that he hath no power to absolve sin. I do abhor + and detest his murdering of princes or other people, by plots or + contrivances. And likewise I do deny all plots and contrivances, + and plotters and contrivers against the king and his subjects; + knowing them to be the works of darkness, the fruits of an evil + spirit, against the peace of the kingdom, and not from the Spirit + of God, the fruit of which is love. I dare not take an oath, + because it is forbidden by Christ and the apostle; but if I break + my Yea or Nay, let me suffer the same penalty as they that break + their oaths.” + + GEORGE FOX. + +But the business being so far proceeded in at Worcester, they would +not meddle in it, but left me to appear again before the justices, +at the next general quarter-sessions at Worcester. + +Meanwhile the YEARLY MEETING of Friends came on, at which (through +the liberty granted me till the sessions) I was present, and +exceedingly glorious the meetings were beyond expression; blessed be +the Lord. + +After the Yearly Meeting I set forward for Worcester, the sessions +drawing on, which were held in the 5th month. When I was called to +the bar, and the indictment read, some scruple arising among the +jury concerning it, the judge of the court, Justice Street, caused +the oaths to be read and tendered to me again. I told him, “I came +now to try the traverse of my indictment, and that his tendering me +the oaths anew, was a new snare.” I desired him to answer me a +question or two; and asked him, “whether the oaths were to be +tendered to the king’s subjects, or to the subjects of foreign +princes?” He said, “to the subjects of this realm.” “Then,” said I, +“you have not named me a subject in the indictment, and therefore +have not brought me within the statute.” The judge cried, “Read the +oath to him:” I said, “I require justice.” Again I asked him, +“Whether the sessions ought not to have been held for the king and +the body of the county?” He said, “Yes.” “Then,” said I, “you have +there left the king out of the indictment; how then can you proceed +upon this indictment to a trial between the king and me, seeing the +king is left out?” He said, “the king was in before.” But I told +him, “the king’s name being left out, here was a great error in the +indictment, and sufficient, as I was informed, to quash it. +Besides,” I told him, “that I was committed by the name of George +Fox, of London; but now I was indicted by the name of George Fox, of +Tredington, in the county of Worcester: and I wished the jury to +consider, how they could find me guilty upon that indictment, seeing +I was not of the place the indictment mentioned?” The judge did not +deny that there were errors in the indictment; but said, “I might +take my remedy in the proper place.” I answered, “Ye know we are a +people that suffer all things, and bear all things; and therefore ye +thus use us, because we cannot revenge ourselves; but we leave our +cause to the Lord.” The judge said, “The oath has been tendered to +you several times, and we will have some satisfaction from you +concerning the oath.” I offered them the same declaration instead of +the oath, which I had offered to the judges above; but it would not +be accepted. + +Then I desired to know, seeing they put the oath anew to me, whether +the indictment was quashed or not? Instead of answering me, the +judge told the jury, “they might go out.” Some of the jury were not +satisfied; whereupon the judge told them, “they had heard a man +swear that the oath was tendered to me the last sessions:” and then +he told them what they should do. I told him, “he should leave the +jury to their own consciences.” However, the jury, being put on by +him, went forth, and soon came in again, and found me guilty. I +asked the jury “how they could satisfy themselves to find me guilty +upon that indictment, which was laid so false, and had so many +errors in it?” They could make but little answer; yet one, who +seemed to be the worst of them, would have taken me by the hand; but +I put him by, saying, “How now Judas, hast thou betrayed me, and +dost thou now come with a kiss?” So I bid him and them repent. Then +the judge began to tell me, “how favourable the court had been to +me.” I asked him, “how he could say so? Was ever any man worse dealt +by than I had been in this case, who was stopped in my journey, when +travelling upon my lawful occasions, and imprisoned without cause; +and now had the oaths put to me only for a snare?” And I desired him +to “answer me in the presence of the Lord, in whose presence we all +were, whether this oath was not tendered me in envy?” He would not +answer that, but said, “Would you had never come here to trouble us +and the country.” I told him, “I came not thither of myself, but was +brought, being stopped in my journey. I did not trouble them, but +they had brought trouble upon themselves.” Then the judge told me, +“what a sad sentence he had to tell me.” I asked him, “whether what +he was going to speak was by way of passing sentence, or of +information? For,” I told him, “I had many things to say, and more +errors to assign in the indictment, besides those I had already +mentioned, to stop him from giving sentence against me upon that +indictment.” He said, “he was going to show me the danger of a +premunire, which was the loss of my liberty, and of all my goods and +chattels, and to endure imprisonment during life.” But he said, “he +did not deliver this as the sentence of the court upon me, but as an +admonition to me.” Then he bid the jailer take me away. I expected +to be called again to hear the sentence; but when I was gone, the +clerk of the peace (whose name was Twittey) asked him, as I was +informed, “whether that which he had spoken to me should stand for +sentence?” And he, consulting with some of the justices, told him, +“Yes, that was the sentence, and should stand.” This was done behind +my back, to save himself from shame in the face of the country. + +Many of the justices, and the generality of the people, were +moderate and civil; and John Ashley, a lawyer, was very friendly, +both the time before and now, speaking on my behalf, and pleading +the errors of the indictment for me; but Justice Street, who was the +judge of the court, would not regard, but overruled all. This +Justice Street said to some Friends in the morning before my trial, +“that if he had been upon the bench the first sessions, he would not +have tendered me the oath; but if I had been convicted of being at a +conventicle, he would have proceeded against me according to that +law; and that he was sorry that ever I came before him;” and yet he +maliciously tendered the oath to me in the court again, when I was +to have tried my traverse upon the indictment. But the Lord pleaded +my cause, and met with both him and Justice Simpson, who first +ensnared me with the oath at the first sessions; for Simpson’s son +was arraigned not long after, at the same bar, for murder. And +Street, who, as he came down from London, after the judges had +returned me back from the King’s Bench to Worcester, said, “Now I +was returned to them, I should lie in prison and rot,” had his +daughter, whom he so doted on that she was called his idol, brought +dead from London in a hearse, to the same inn where he spoke those +words, and brought to Worcester to be buried within a few days +after. People took notice of the hand of God, how sudden it was upon +him; but it rather hardened than tendered him, as his conduct +afterwards showed. + +After I was returned to prison, several came to see me; and amongst +others, the Earl of Salisbury’s son, who was very loving, and +troubled that they had dealt so wickedly by me. He stayed about two +hours with me, and took a copy of the errors in the indictment in +writing. + +The sessions being now over, and I fixed in prison by a premunire, +my wife came out of the North to be with me; and the assizes coming +on, in the sixth month, the state of my case being drawn up in +writing, she and Thomas Lower delivered it to Judge Wild. In it were +set forth the occasion of my journey; the manner of my being taken +and imprisoned; the proceedings of the several sessions against me; +and the errors in the indictment by which I was premunired. When the +judge had read it, he shook his head, and said, “we might try the +validity or invalidity of the errors, if we would;” and that was all +they could get from him. + +While I lay in prison, it came upon me to state our principle to the +king; not with particular relation to my own sufferings, but for his +better information concerning our principle, and us as a people. + +“TO THE KING. + + “The principle of the Quakers is the Spirit of Christ, who died + for us, and is risen for our justification; by which we know that + we are his. He dwelleth in us by his Spirit; and by the Spirit of + Christ we are led out of unrighteousness and ungodliness. It + brings us to deny all plottings and contrivings against the king, + or any man. The Spirit of Christ brings us to deny all manner of + ungodliness, as lying, theft, murder, adultery, fornication, and + all uncleanness, debauchery, malice, hatred, deceit, cozening, and + cheating whatsoever, and the devil and his works. The Spirit of + Christ brings us to seek the peace and good of all men, and to + live peaceably; and leads us from such evil works and actions as + the magistrates’ sword takes hold upon. Our desire and labour are, + that all, who profess themselves Christians, may walk in the + Spirit of Christ; that they, through the Spirit, may mortify the + deeds of the flesh, and by the sword of the Spirit cut down sin + and evil in themselves. Then the judges and other magistrates + would not have so much work in punishing sin in the kingdom; + neither then need kings or princes fear any of their subjects; if + they all walked in the Spirit of Christ; for the fruits of the + Spirit are love, righteousness, goodness, temperance, &c. + + “If all, that profess themselves Christians, walked in the Spirit + of Christ, and by it did mortify sin and evil, it would be a great + ease to the magistrates and rulers, and would free them from much + trouble; for it would lead all “to do unto others, as they would + have others to do unto them;” and so the royal law of liberty + would be fulfilled. For if all, that are called Christians, did + walk in the Spirit of Christ, by it to have the evil spirits and + its fruits mortified and cut down in them; then, not being led by + the evil spirit, but by the good Spirit of Christ, the fruits of + the good Spirit would appear in all. For as people are led by the + good Spirit of Christ, it leads them out of sin and evil, which + the magistrates’ sword takes hold of, and so would be an ease to + the magistrates. But as people err from this good Spirit of + Christ, and follow the evil spirit, which leads them into sin and + evil; that spirit brings the magistrate into much trouble, to + execute the law upon the sinners and transgressors of the good + Spirit. That Spirit which leads people from all manner of sin and + evil, is one with the magistrates’ power, and with the righteous + law; for the law being added because of transgression, that Spirit + that leads out of transgression, must needs be one with that law + that is against transgressors. So that Spirit which leads out of + transgression, is the good Spirit of Christ, and is one with the + magistrates in the higher power, and owns it and them; but that + spirit which leads into transgression, is the bad spirit, is + against the law, against the magistrates, and makes them much + troublesome work. + + “Now the manifestation of the good Spirit is given to every man to + profit withal; and no man can profit in the things of God, but by + the Spirit of God, which brings to deny all sin and evil. It is + said of Israel, Neh. ix., ‘The Lord gave them his good Spirit to + instruct them, yet they rebelled against it.’ But if all people + did mind this manifestation of the Spirit, which God hath given to + instruct them, it would lead them to forsake all manner of sin and + evil, enmity, hatred, malice, and all manner of unrighteousness + and ungodliness, and to mortify it. And then in the Spirit of + Christ they would have fellowship and unity, which is the bond of + peace; then would love and peace, which are the fruits of the good + Spirit, flow among all that are called Christians. + + “We are a people, who, in tenderness of conscience to the command + of Christ and his apostle, cannot swear; for we are commanded in + Matt. v. and James v. to keep to Yea and Nay, and ‘not to swear at + all; neither by heaven, nor by the earth, nor by any other oath, + lest we go into evil, and fall into condemnation.’ The words of + Christ are these, ‘Ye have heard that it hath been said by (or to) + them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt + perform unto the Lord thine oaths.’ These were true and solemn + oaths, which they who made, ought to have performed in old time; + but these Christ and his apostle forbid in the gospel times, as + well as false and vain oaths. If we could take any oath at all, we + could take the oath of allegiance, as knowing that King Charles + was by the power of God brought into England, and set up king of + England, &c., over the heads of our old persecutors; and as for + the Pope’s supremacy, we do utterly deny it. But Christ and the + apostle having commanded us not to swear, but to keep to Yea and + Nay, we dare not break their commands; and therefore many have put + the oaths to us, as a snare, that they might make a prey of us. + Our denying to swear is not in wilfulness, stubbornness, or + contempt, but only in obedience to the command of Christ and his + apostle, and we are content, if we break our Yea and Nay, to + suffer the same penalty that they should who break their oaths. We + desire, therefore, that the king would take this into + consideration, and also how long we have suffered in this case. + This is from one who desires the eternal good and prosperity of + the king, and of all his subjects in the Lord Jesus Christ.” + + G. F. + +About this time I had a fit of sickness, which brought me very low +and weak in my body; and I continued so a pretty while, insomuch +that some Friends began to doubt of my recovery. I seemed to myself +to be amongst the graves and dead corpses; yet the invisible power +did secretly support me, and conveyed refreshing strength into me, +even when I was so weak, that I was almost speechless. One night, as +I was lying awake upon my bed in the glory of the Lord, which was +over all, it was said unto me, “that the Lord had a great deal more +work for me to do for him, before he took me to himself.” + +Endeavours were used to get me released, at least for a time, till I +was grown stronger; but the way of effecting it proved difficult and +tedious; for the king was not willing to release me by any other way +than a pardon, being told he could not legally do it; and I was not +willing to be released by a pardon, which he would readily have +given me, because I did not look upon that way as agreeable with the +innocency of my cause. Edward Pitway, a Friend, having occasion to +speak with Justice Parker, upon some other business, desired him to +give order to the jailer, that, in regard of my weakness, I might +have liberty to go out of the jail into the city. Whereupon Justice +Parker wrote the following letter to the jailer, and sent it to the +Friend to deliver. + + “MR. HARRIS, + + “I have been much importuned by some friends to George Fox to + write to you. I am informed by them, that he is in a very weak + condition, and very much indisposed; what lawful favour you can do + for the benefit of the air for his health, pray show him. I + suppose, the next term they will make application to the king. + + “I am, Sir, your loving friend, + “HENRY PARKER.” + + Evesham, the 8th of October, 1674. + +After this, my wife went to London, and spoke to the king, laying +before him my long and unjust imprisonment, with the manner of my +being taken, and the justices’ proceedings against me, in tendering +me the oath as a snare, whereby they had premunired me; so that I +being now his prisoner, it was in his power, and at his pleasure, to +release me, which she desired. The king spoke kindly to her, and +referred her to the lord-keeper; to whom she went, but could not +obtain what she desired; for he said, “the king could not release me +otherwise than by a pardon;” and I was not free to receive a pardon, +knowing I had not done evil. If I would have been freed by a pardon, +I need not have lain so long, for the king was willing to give me +pardon long before, and told Thomas Moore, “that I need not scruple +being released by a pardon, for many a man, that was as innocent as +a child, had had a pardon granted him;” yet I could not consent to +have one. For I had rather have lain in prison all my days, than +have come out in any way dishonourable to truth; wherefore I chose +to have the validity of my indictment tried before the judges. And +thereupon, having first had the opinion of a counsellor upon it +(Thomas Corbet, of London, whom Richard Davies of Welchpool was well +acquainted with, and recommended to me), an habeas corpus was sent +down to Worcester to bring me up once more to the King’s Bench bar, +for the trial of the errors in my indictment. The under-sheriff set +forward with me the 4th of the 12th Month, there being with us in +the coach the clerk of the peace and some others. The clerk had been +my enemy all along, and now sought to ensnare me in discourse; but I +saw, and shunned him. He asked me, “what I would do with the errors +in the indictment?” I told him, “they should be tried, and every +action should crown itself.” He quarrelled with me for calling their +ministers priests. I asked him, “if the law did not call them so?” +Then he asked me, “What I thought of the church of England? were +there no Christians among them?” I said, “they are all called so, +and there are many tender people amongst them.” + +We came to LONDON on the 8th, and on the 11th I was brought before +the four judges at the King’s Bench, where Counsellor Corbet pleaded +my cause. He started a new plea; for he told the judges, “that they +could not imprison any man upon a premunire.” Whereupon Chief +Justice Hale, said, “Mr. Corbet, you should have come sooner, at the +beginning of the term, with this plea.” He answered, “we could not +get a copy of the return and the indictment.” The judge replied, +“you should have told us, and we would have forced them to make a +return sooner.” Then said Judge Wild, “Mr. Corbet, you go upon +general terms; and if it be as you say, we have committed many +errors at the Old Bailey, and in other courts.” Corbet was positive +that by law they could not imprison upon a premunire. The judge +said, “there is summons in the statute.” “Yes,” said Corbet, “but +summons is not imprisonment; for summons is in order to a trial.” +“Well,” said the judge, “we must have time to look in our books and +consult the statutes.” So the hearing was put off till the next day. + +The next day they chose rather to let this plea fall, and begin with +the errors of the indictment; and when they came to be opened, they +were so many and gross, that the judges were all of opinion that, +“the indictment was quashed and void, and that I ought to have my +liberty.” There were that day several great men, lords and others, +who had the oaths of allegiance and supremacy tendered to them in +open court, just before my trial came on; and some of my adversaries +moved the judges, that the oaths might be tendered again to me, +telling them, “I was a dangerous man to be at liberty.” But Judge +Hale said, “he had indeed heard some such reports, but he had also +heard many more good reports of me;” and so he and the rest of the +judges ordered me to be freed by proclamation. Thus after I had +suffered imprisonment a year and almost two months for nothing, I +was fairly set at liberty upon a trial of the errors in my +indictment, without receiving any pardon, or coming under any +obligation or engagement at all; and the Lord’s everlasting power +went over all, to his glory and praise. Counsellor Corbet, who +pleaded for me, obtained great fame by it, for many of the lawyers +came to him, and told him he had brought that to light which had not +been known before, as to the not imprisoning upon a premunire; and +after the trial a judge said to him, “You have attained a great deal +of honour by pleading George Fox’s cause so in court.” + +During the time of my imprisonment in Worcester, notwithstanding my +illness and want of health, and my being so often hurried to and fro +to London and back again, I wrote several books for the press; one +of which was called, _A Warning to England_. Another was, _To the +Jews, proving, by the Prophets, that the Messiah is come_. Another, +_Concerning Inspiration, Revelation, and Prophecy_. Another, +_Against all Vain Disputes_. Another, _For all Bishops and Ministers +to try themselves by the Scriptures_. Another, _To such as say, “We +love none but ourselves.”_ Another entitled, _Our Testimony +concerning Christ_. And another little book, _Concerning Swearing_; +being the first of those two that were given to the parliament. +Besides these, I wrote many papers and epistles to Friends to +encourage and strengthen them in their services for God, which some, +who had made profession of truth, but had given way to a seducing +spirit, and were departed from the unity and fellowship of the +gospel, in which Friends stand, endeavoured to discourage them from, +especially in their diligent and watchful care for the well-ordering +and managing of the affairs of the church of Christ. + +----- + +Footnote 33: + + An officer who had power to force men to serve as sailors and + soldiers in the navy; a procedure long since abolished. + +Footnote 34: + + This is nearly the last mention of James Lancaster, whose name + occurs so often in these volumes. Perhaps there was no one who + associated so much in gospel labours with George Fox as he; not + only accompanying him throughout his visit to the western + hemisphere, but was also with him during his visit to Scotland in + 1657, and to Ireland in 1669, and on these occasions it appears + that he frequently acted as his amanuensis. James Lancaster’s + residence was on the island of Walney, in Lancashire, and he was + convinced by George Fox during his visit to that county in 1652. + In the following year he came forth as a minister and in 1654, + went on a gospel mission to Scotland with Miles Halhead. In 1665, + he visited many of the midland counties of England. + +Footnote 35: + + When George Fox married the widow of Judge Fell, she had one son; + and seven daughters; viz., Margaret, who married John Rous; + Bridgett, married to John Draper; Isabel; Sarah, married to + William Mead; Mary, married to Thomas Lower; Susanna, married to + William Ingram; and Rachel, married to Daniel Abraham. + + + + + CHAPTER VII. + +1675-1677.—George Fox attends the Yearly Meeting, and afterwards + sets forward towards the North—attends the Quarterly Meeting at + Lancaster, and goes thence to Swarthmore—writes many books and + papers for the Truth—the titles of several named—writes to + Friends in Westmorland to keep in the power of God, and thereby + avoid strife—writes an epistle to the Yearly Meeting—makes a + collection and arrangement of his various papers and writings, + and of the names of divers Friends engaged in particular + service, or against the Truth—some meetings for discipline + established in the North in 1653—recites his labours and travels + for establishing meetings for discipline—a spirit of discord and + separation appears in the church—the separatists are rebuked and + reproved—the establishment of men’s and women’s meetings is much + opposed—a narrative of the spreading of Truth, and of the + opposition from the worldly powers—death of Priest Lampitt, a + persecutor—George Fox travels again towards the South—writes to + his wife from York—finds some slack in their testimony against + Tithes—writes an epistle to Friends on the subject—attends the + Yearly Meeting—with John Burnyeat, and other Friends, visits Wm. + Penn at his house at Worminghurst, in Sussex—sets things in + order for visiting Holland—precious meeting. + + +Being now at liberty, I visited Friends in LONDON; and having been +very weak, and not yet well recovered, I went to KINGSTON. I did not +stay long, but having visited Friends there, I returned to LONDON, +wrote a paper to the parliament, and sent several books to them. A +great book against Swearing had been delivered to them a little +before; the reasonableness whereof had so much influence upon many +of them, that it was thought they would have done something towards +our relief, if they had sat longer. I stayed in and near London till +the Yearly Meeting, to which Friends came from most parts of the +nation, and some from beyond the sea. A glorious meeting we had in +the everlasting power of God. + +This meeting being over, and the parliament also risen (who had done +nothing for or against Friends,) I was clear of my service for the +Lord at London. And having taken my leave of Friends there, and had +a glorious meeting with some of them at John Elson’s in the morning, +I set forward with my wife and her daughter Susan, by coach (for I +was not able to travel on horseback) towards the North; many Friends +accompanying us as far as HIGHGATE, and some to DUNSTABLE, where we +lodged that night. We visited Friends, and were visited by them, at +NEWPORT-PAGNEL, NORTHAMPTON, and COSSALL, where, amongst others, +came a woman, and brought her daughter, for me to see how well she +was; putting me in mind, “that when I was there before, she had +brought her to me, much troubled with the disease called the king’s +evil, and had then desired me to pray for her;” which I did, and she +grew well upon it, praised be the Lord! From Cossall we went on by +John Simcock’s and William Gandy’s, to WARRINGTON and PRESTON, and +so to LANCASTER. + +I had not been at Lancaster since I was carried prisoner from thence +by the under-sheriff and jailer, towards Scarbro’ Castle. I found +the town full of people; for it was both the fair time, and the +trained bands were met upon a general muster. Many Friends were also +in town from several parts of the county, because the Quarterly +Meeting was to be there the next day. I stayed two nights and a day +at Lancaster, and visited Friends both at their men’s and women’s +meetings, which were very full, large, and peaceable; for the Lord’s +power was over all, and none meddled with us. Here met us Thomas +Lower and his wife, Sarah Fell, James Lancaster, and Leonard Fell. +Next day after the meeting, being the 25th of the 4th Month, we went +over the Sands, with several other Friends, to SWARTHMORE. + +After I had been a while at Swarthmore, several Friends from divers +parts of the nation came to visit me, and some out of Scotland; by +whom I understood that four young students of Aberdeen were +convinced there this year, at a dispute held there by Robert +Barclay, and George Keith, with some of the scholars of that +university.[36] + +Among others Colonel Kirby paid me a visit, who had been one of my +great persecutors; but now, he said, he came to bid me welcome into +the country; and carried himself in appearance very lovingly. Yet +before I left Swarthmore, he sent for the constables of Ulverstone, +and ordered them to tell me, “that we must have no more meetings at +Swarthmore; for if we had, they were commanded by him to break them +up; and they were to come the next First-day.” That day we had a +very precious meeting, the Lord’s presence was wonderfully amongst +us, and the constables did not come to disturb us. The meetings have +been quiet since, and have increased. + +The illness I got in my imprisonment at Worcester had so much +weakened me, that it was long before I recovered my natural strength +again. For which reason, and as many things lay upon me to write, +both for public and private service, I did not stir much abroad +during the time that I now stayed in the North; but when Friends +were not with me, spent much time in writing for truth’s service. +While I was at Swarthmore, I gave several books to be printed. One, +_Concerning Swearing_. Another, showing, “that none are successors +to the Prophets and Apostles, but who succeed them in the same power +and Holy Ghost that they were in.” Another, “that Possession is +above Profession, and how the professors now do persecute Christ in +Spirit, as the professing Jews did persecute him outwardly in the +days of his flesh.” Also the eight following books, viz.:—_To the +Magistrates of Dontzic_; _Cain against Abel, or, an Answer to the +New Englandmen’s Laws_; _To Friends at Nevis, concerning +Watching_;[37] _A General Epistle to all Friends in America_; +_Concerning Cæsar’s due, and God’s due, &c._; _Concerning the +Ordering of Families_; _The Spiritual Man judgeth all things_; +_Concerning the Higher Power_. + +Besides these, I wrote several epistles to Friends, both in England, +and beyond the seas; and answers to divers papers concerning “the +running out of some, who had opposed the order of the gospel, and +had stirred up much strife and contention in Westmorland.” Wherefore +I was moved to write a few lines, particularly to Friends there. + + “THIS IS FOR FRIENDS IN WESTMORLAND. + + “All live in the power of God, in his Light and Spirit, which + first convinced you; that in it ye may keep in the ancient unity, + in humility, in the fear of the Lord, and his gentle and peaceable + wisdom, which is easy to be entreated; that in the same Power, + Light, and Spirit of God, ye may all be serviceable in your men’s + and women’s meetings, in the possession of the gospel-order; which + gospel, the power of God, hath brought life and immortality to + light; that in this ye may see over him that hath darkened you. In + this power, the glorious gospel, no apostates can come; for the + power of God was before apostates were, or the fall of man and + woman was, or the devil either, and will be when he is gone. + Therefore praise God in the eternal fellowship of the everlasting + gospel of Jesus Christ, which is not of man, nor by man. And + therefore, all Friends in Westmorland, keep in the power of God, + which will and must preserve and cover you, if ye be preserved. + Let your faith stand in the power of God, and not in the wisdom of + men’s words, lest ye fall. In God’s power ye have peace, life, and + unity; and for want of keeping in God’s power, and in his + righteousness and Holy Ghost, is all this strife come among you.” + + G. F. + +I also wrote the following general epistle to Friends at the Yearly +Meeting in London:— + + “MY DEAR FRIENDS AND BRETHREN, + + “Whom the Lord hath preserved by his eternal power to this day, + over and through many troubles, storms, tempests, and prisons. + Let, therefore, every one’s faith stand in the power of God, which + is over the Devil and was before him. So your faith standing in + the invisible power of God, stands in that which does not change; + and the faith, that Christ Jesus, the power of God, is the author + of, must stand in the power of God; so then it stands in that + which is over all, in which they are established. To this the + apostle brought the church, the true Christians; and so now the + faith of all true Christians, which Christ is the author of, must + stand in the power of God, in which the everlasting kingdom + stands. As every one’s faith stands in the power of God, it keeps + all in the power of godliness. + + “For as it was in the days of the apostles, when some were crying + up Paul and Apollos, and so forth, he judged them as carnal; and + exhorted and admonished them, that their faith should not stand in + men, nor in the words of man’s wisdom, but in the power of God. He + said ‘he would not know the speech of them, but the power amongst + them; for the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.’ So it + is to be now. Every one’s faith must stand in the power of God, + and not in men, nor in their speeches or good words. For we have + seen by experience, when any begin to cry up men, and their faith + stands in them, such men as would have people’s faith stand in + them, love popularity, and bring not people’s faith to stand in + the power of God. Such cannot exalt Christ; and when such fall, + they draw a great company after them. Therefore the apostle would + not know such after the flesh, but would know them that were in + the power and Spirit; and struck down every one’s faith that stood + in the words of man’s wisdom, that they might stand in the power + of God. So it must be now. They whose faith doth not stand in the + power of God, cannot exalt his kingdom that stands in power; + therefore every one’s faith must stand in the power of God. + + “The apostle denied popularity, when he judged the Corinthians, + for looking at Paul and Apollos, to be carnal; such are carnal + still. Therefore all should know one another in the Spirit, life, + and power, and look at Christ; this keeps all in humility. They, + whose faith stands in men, will make sects; as in the days of J. + N. and J. P. and others. The faith of such Christ is not the + author of; and if he hath been, they have erred from it, and made + shipwreck of it. All that are in the true faith, that stands in + the power of God, will judge them as carnal, and judge down that + carnal part in them, that cries up Paul or Apollos; that their + faith may stand in the power of God, and that they may exalt + Christ, the author of it. For every one’s eye ought to be to + Jesus; and every just man and woman may live by their faith, which + Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of. By this faith every + man and woman may see God, who is invisible; this faith gives the + victory, and by it he hath access to God. So every one’s faith and + hope standing in the power of God, all therein have unity, + victory, and access to God’s throne of grace; in which faith they + please God. By this faith they are saved;—by this faith they + obtain the good report, and subdue all the mountains that have + been betwixt them and God. + + “This power hath preserved Friends over their persecutors, over + the wrath of men, and above the spoilings of their goods, and + imprisonments; as seeing God who created all—who gives the + increase of all, and upholds all by his word and power. Therefore + let every one’s faith be in his power. In this no schism or sect + can come; for it is over them, before they were, and will be when + they are gone. But perfect unity is in the truth, in the Spirit, + that circumcises the body of death, that puts off the sins of the + flesh, and plunges it down with the Spirit. In the Spirit of God, + there is perfect fellowship; and Christ is the minister of this + circumcision and baptism. + + “This is upon me from the Lord, to write unto you, that every one + of you, whose faith Jesus is the author of, may stand in the power + of God. From the Lord I warn you, and all everywhere, of the same. + For if a star should fall, which has been a light, either the + earth or the sea does receive it; that is, the earthly mind, or + the foaming, raging people; though neither the seed, light, power, + nor truth ever fell, nor the faith itself, the gift of God; but + men going from it, become unsavoury. + + “Adam, whilst he kept in truth, and obeyed the command of God, was + happy; but when he disobeyed the Lord, he fell under the power of + Satan, and became unhappy, though he might talk after of his + experiences in Paradise; but he had lost his image, his power and + dominion, in which God had created him. + + “The Jews received the law of God, and as long as they kept the + law, which was just, holy, good, and perfect, it kept them good, + just, holy, and savoury; but when they turned their backs on the + Lord, and forsook his law, then they came under the power of + darkness, under the powers of the earth, and were trodden under as + unsavoury. + + “So the Christians were called ‘a city set on a hill, the light of + the world, and the salt of the earth;’ but when they forsook the + power of God, and their faith stood in words and men, and not in + the power, then their walls fell down, though the power in itself + stood; and they lost their hill, their saltness, and their + shining. And as Christendom now does confess, they are not in the + same power and spirit that the apostles were in; so not in the + same salt, nor upon the same hill. So they came to be trodden + under; and the beast, the whore, and the false prophet are + uppermost, the unsavoury. Their dead faith is in men, and in + words; therefore they are full of sects, and one against another. + + “And now the everlasting gospel, the power of God, is preached + again, which was before the devil was, that darkened man; and by + this power of God, life and immortality are brought to light + again. Therefore every one’s faith is to stand in this power, that + hath brought life and immortality to light in them, that so all + may come to be heirs of the power of God, the gospel. Herein all + have a right to the power of God, which is also the authority of + the men’s and women’s meetings, and of all the other meetings set + up thereby. + + “Now, as the gospel is preached again, if your faith does not + stand in the power, but in men, and in the wisdom of words, you + will grow carnal; and such are for judgment, who cry up Paul or + Apollos, and not Christ, the author of your faith. They who love + to be popular, would have people’s faith to stand in them; and + such do not preach Christ, but themselves. But such as preach + Christ and his gospel, would have every man and woman to be in the + possession of it, and every man and woman’s faith to stand in + Christ, the author of it, and in the power of God. And as their + faith stands in the power of God, nothing can get between them and + God; for if any should fall amongst us, as too many have done, + that [love of popularity] leads its followers either into the + waters, or into the earth. + + “If any should go from the spirit of prophecy, that did open to + them, and from the power, they may speak their experiences, which + the power opened to them formerly. So might Adam and Eve speak of + what they saw and enjoyed in Paradise; so might Cain and Balaam of + what they saw; and also the Jews, Korah and Dathan, who praised + God on the banks, saw the victory over Pharaoh, ate of the manna, + drank of the rock, came to Mount Sinai, and saw the glory of the + Lord. So also might the false apostles speak of their experiences, + and all those false Christians, that turned from the apostles and + Christ. And so may those do now, that err from the Spirit, that + are come out of Egypt (in spirit) and Sodom, and have known the + raging of the Sodomites, as Lot did the outward; and the pursuit + of the spiritual Egyptians, as the outward Jew did of the outward + Egyptians; yet if they do not walk in the Spirit of God, in the + light, and in the grace, which keeps their hearts established, and + their words seasoned, and also their faith in the power of God, in + which the kingdom stands; they may go forth like the false + Christians, like the Jews, like Adam and Eve, Cain, Korah, and + Balaam, and be wandering stars, trees without fruit, wells without + water, and clouds without rain; and so come to be unsavoury and + trodden down; as Adam who lost Paradise, and the Jews who lost the + Holy Land, not walking in the law, and keeping the command of God; + and as the Christians who lost the city, the hill, the salt, and + the light since the apostle’s days, and came to be unsavoury, and + to be trodden under foot of men. + + “Therefore, let every one’s faith stand in the Lord’s power, which + is over all; through which they may be built upon the Rock, the + Foundation of God, the Seed Christ Jesus. So all in Christ may be + always fresh and green; for he is the green tree that never + withers. All are fresh and green that are grafted into and abide + in him, bringing forth heavenly fresh fruits to the praise of God. + And though Adam and Eve fell from Paradise, the Jews fell from the + law of God, and many of the Christians fell from their prophecies, + and erred from the faith, the Spirit, and the grace; and the stars + have fallen, as was spoken in the Revelations: yet the Spirit, + grace, faith, and power of God remain. + + “Many such states have I seen within these twenty-eight years; + though there is a state that shall never fall, nor be deceived, in + the Elect before the world began. These are come to the end of the + prophecies, are in Him where they end, and renewed by Christ into + the image of God which man was in before he fell,—in that power + where he had dominion over all that God made: and not only so, but + they ‘attain to a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of + the fulness of Christ,’ who never fell. In him is the sitting down + in life eternal, where their feet stand sure and fast in the + gospel, his power. Here their bread is sure; and he that eats this + bread lives for ever. + + “And all Friends and brethren, that declare God’s eternal truth, + and word of life, live in it; be seasoned with grace, and salted + with the heavenly salt, that your lives and conversations may + preach wherever you come;—that there be no rawness, no quenching + of the Spirit, no despising of prophecy either in men or women. + For all must meet in the faith that Jesus is the author of, and in + the light that comes from Jesus, and be so grafted into the life, + that your knowledge may be there one of another, in Christ; and + that there may be none slothful, nor sitting down in earthly + things, minding them, like Demas of old; lest you clothe + yourselves with another clothing than you had at first; but all + keep chaste; for the chaste do follow the Lamb. + + “And Friends, that are settled in places, and are ministers, + possess, as if ye did not; be married, as if ye were not; and be + loose to the world in the Lord’s power; for God’s oil will be + above all visible things, which makes his lamps burn, and gives + light afar off. Let none strive nor covet to be rich in this + world, in these changeable things that will pass away; but let + your faith stand in the Lord God, who changes not, who created + all, and gives the increase of all. + + “Now Friends, concerning faithful men’s and women’s meetings, + which were set up in God’s counsel; whoever oppose them, and the + authority and tenure of them, oppose the power of God, which is + the authority of them. They are no ministers of the gospel, nor of + Christ, that oppose his power, which all are to possess. The + gospel is to be preached to all nations: as deceit is gone over + all nations, and all nations have drunk the whore’s cup, and she + hath them in her cage, her unclean power from the beast and + dragon, out of the power of God, and out of truth, and the Spirit + of God the apostles were in; the power of God must come over all + this again; and all the true ministers that preach the gospel, the + power of God, must bring people into the possession of it again. I + say, whosoever preaches the gospel of Christ and him to people or + nations, those people and nations receiving the gospel, receive + the power of God, that brings life and immortality to light in + them; they see over the devil that hath darkened them, and over + the beast, the whore, and her cage. So, by the power of God, life + and immortality are brought to light in them; then these men and + women, being heirs of this power, the gospel, are heirs of + authority and power over the devil, beast, whore, and dragon. + + “This is their possession and portion; and they are to labour in + their possession and portion, and do God Almighty’s business and + service in the possession of the power of God, the gospel, which + is a joyful, glorious, everlasting order. And here is the + authority of our men’s and women’s meetings, and other meetings in + the name of Jesus, the gospel of Christ, the power of God, which + is not of man, nor by man. In this are all to meet and to worship + God; by this are all to act; and in this all have fellowship, a + joyful fellowship, a joyful and comfortable assembly. This is the + day when, in the eternal light, all are to take their possession + of the gospel and its order, that power of God, which they are + heirs of. All faithful men and women in every country, city, and + nation, whose faith stands in the power of God, the gospel of + Christ, who have received, and are in the possession of, this + gospel, the power of God, have all right to the power in these + meetings; for they are heirs of the power, which is the authority + of the men’s and women’s meetings. + + “So here is God’s choice (and not man’s) by his power, of his + heirs; and they have all freedom in this gospel, the power of God, + to go to the meetings, the men to the men’s, and the women to the + women’s; for they are heirs of the power, which is not of man, nor + by man, but from heaven, received in the Holy Ghost; and they see + over enmity, and before it was, by the light, by the life, and + immortality, which are brought to light in them. + + “The devil, the author of enmity, cannot get into this authority, + power, order, nor fellowship of the gospel; nor into this life, + light, nor unity of the faith, which gives victory over him that + hath separated man from God. Into the unity of this faith the + serpent cannot come, nor into the worship of God in Spirit and + truth can the devil come, or any enmity. And they that are in + this, are in unity over him. Therefore, let every one’s faith + stand in the power of God, the glorious gospel; and let all walk + as becomes the gospel, and the order of it. As every one hath + received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, and let him be + their Lord and Orderer. For the preaching of the gospel of Christ + Jesus is to the intent that all may come to be heirs of the + gospel, and into the possession of it; and to be heirs of Christ + and of his government, of the increase of which there is no end; + who is over all in his righteousness, and over all in his light, + life, power, and dominion. Therefore know one another in his + power, his gospel, which is the authority of your meetings; know + one another in Christ Jesus, who is able to restore man out of the + state of the fall, into the image of God, into that power and + dominion that man had before he fell, and into Himself that never + fell, whence they shall go no more forth. Here is the rock and + foundation of God that stands sure. + + “And, Friends, be tender to the tender principle of God in all. + Shun vain disputes and janglings, both amongst yourselves and + others; for that many times is like a blustering wind that hurts + and bruises the tender buds and plants. For the world, though they + have the words, are out of the life; and the apostle’s disputing + with them was to bring them to the life. And those disputers, that + were amongst the Christians, about genealogies, circumcision, and + the law, meats, drinks, and days, came to be the worst sort of + disputers, whom the apostles judged; for such destroyed people + from the faith. Therefore the apostles exhorted the churches, that + every one’s faith should stand in the power of God, and to look at + Jesus, the author of it. There every graft stands in Christ, the + vine, quiet; where no blustering storms can hurt them; there is + safety. There all are of one mind, one faith, one soul, one + spirit, baptized into one body with the one Spirit, and made all + to drink into one Spirit, one church, one head, that is heavenly + and spiritual; one faith in this head, Christ, who is the author + of it, and hath the glory of it; one Lord to order all, who is the + baptizer into this one body. So Christ hath the glory of this + faith out of every man and woman; and God through him hath his + glory, the Creator of all in his power, the gospel that hath + brought life and immortality to light in them; and their faith + standing in it, they know the immortal God, serve and worship him, + in his Spirit and in his truth; by which they are made God’s free + men and women, free from him that is out of the truth. + + “Now, Friends, you that have long been labourers, and have known + the dealings of the Lord these twenty years (more or less,) as I + have often said to you, draw up what you can, of those passages + and sufferings which the Lord hath carried you through by his + power, and how by him ye have been supported from the first; that + the Lord may be exalted by his power now, and in ages to come, who + hath been the only support, defence, and stay, of his people all + along, over all to himself; to whom be all glory and praise for + ever and ever, Amen. He deserves it in his church throughout all + ages, from his living members, who return the praise to the living + God, who lives and reigns over all, blessed for ever; who is the + life, and strength, and health, and length of days of all his + people. Therefore let there be no boasting, but in the Lord, and + in his power and kingdom; this keeps all in humility. + + “And, Friends, in the Lord’s power and truth, what good you can do + for Friends in prison, or sufferers, by informing or helping them, + every one bend yourselves to the Lord’s power and spirit, to do + his will and his business; and in that all will have a + fellow-feeling of one another’s condition, in bonds, or in what + trials and tribulations soever; you will have a fellow-feeling one + of another, having one head, one Lord, and being one body in him. + For God’s heavenly flail hath brought out his seed, his heavenly + plough hath turned up the fallow ground, and his heavenly seed is + sown by the heavenly man, which brings forth fruits to the + heavenly sower, in some fifty, sixty, and a hundred fold in this + life; and such in the world without end will have life eternal. O, + therefore, all keep within; let your lights shine, and your lamps + burn, that you all may be wells full of the living water, and + trees full of the living fruit of God’s planting, whose fruit is + unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. + + “The Lord God of power preserve you all in his power. Let your + faith stand therein, that you may have unity in the faith, and in + the power; and by this faith and belief you may be all grafted + into Christ, the sure root, where the eternal Sun of Righteousness + shines, in the heavenly and eternal day, upon his plants and + grafts. This sun never goes down; and the heavenly springs of + life, and showers are known to water and nourish the grafts, and + plants, and buds, that they may always be kept fresh and green, + and never wither; bringing forth fresh and green, and living + fruit, which is offered up to the living God, who is glorified in + that you bear much fruit. The Lord God Almighty keep you, and + preserve you all in his power, light, and life, over death and + darkness; that therein you may spread his truth abroad, and be + valiant for it upon the earth, answering that of God in all; that + with it, the minds of people may be turned to him, so that with it + they may come to know the Lord Christ Jesus in the new covenant, + in which the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth as the + waters do the sea. His life must go over death, and his light must + go over darkness, and the power of God must go over the power of + Satan. + + “So, all ye that are in the light, life, and power, keep the + heavenly fellowship in the heavenly power, the heavenly unity in + the heavenly divine faith, and the unity of the Spirit, which is + the bond of the heavenly Prince of princes’ peace; who bruises the + head of the enemy, the adversary, and reconciles man to God, and + all things in heaven and in the earth: a blessed reconciliation! + Let every one’s faith stand in the power of God, which Jesus + Christ is the author of; that all may know their crown of life. + For all outward things without the substance, life, and power, + areas the husk without the kernel, and do not nourish the immortal + soul, nor the new-born babe; but that by which it is nourished, is + the milk of the Word, whereby it groweth in the heavenly life, + strength, and wisdom. The gospel is not of man, nor by man, but is + the power of God, and answers the truth in all; all the possessors + of it are to see that all walk according to it; which everlasting + order is ordained of God already, and all the possessors of him + possess their joy, their comfort, and salvation. My love unto you + all, with him that reigns and is over all, from everlasting to + everlasting. + + “Dwell in the love of God, which passeth knowledge, and edifieth + the living members of the body of Christ; which love of God you + come to be built up in, and in the holy faith. This love of God + will bring you to bear all things, endure all things, and hope all + things. From this love of God which you have in Christ Jesus, + nothing will be able to separate you; neither powers nor + principalities, heights nor depths, things present nor things to + come, prisons nor spoiling of goods, neither death nor life. The + love of God keeps above all that which would separate from God, + and makes you more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. Therefore in + this love of God dwell, that with the same love you may love one + another, and all the workmanship of God—that you may glorify God + with your bodies, souls, and spirits, which are the Lord’s. Amen.” + + G. F. + + “All Friends sit low in life, the Lord’s power. Keep your place in + it, till the Lord and Master of the feast bid you ‘sit higher;’ + lest you take the highest place, and be put down with shame. He + that hath an ear, let him hear.” + + G. F. + + “Friends, take heed of speaking the things of God in the words + that men’s wisdom hath taught; for those words will lift up the + foolish, that have erred from the Spirit of God; which words and + wisdom are for condemnation, and that which is lifted up by them, + and they that thereby speak the things of God in them. So that old + house, with its goods, must be thrown under the foot of the new + birth. + + “And, Friends, I desire that you may all keep the holy order, + which is in the gospel, the glorious order in the power of God, + which the devil is out of; which was before all his orders were, + and before the world made any. + + “This joyful order keeps all hearts pure to God, in everlasting + peace, unity, and order; feel it, and keep the order of it, both + men and women, and come to be heirs of the gospel, which brings + life and immortality to light; and to see over that power of + darkness, by Him who was before the power of death was. In this is + the holy order of love and peace. So keep in this, that keeps you + always pure; what men and women act in this, they act in that + which will stand when the world is gone. + + “There hath been some scruple about men’s and women’s meetings. + Men and women in the gospel are heirs of the power, which was + before the devil was; heirs of this, then enter into the + possession of it, and do the Lord’s business therein. Everyone + take the care of God’s honour, and keep all things in + righteousness, in holiness which becomes God’s house, and in that + which honours the Lord God. It eased me, when those meetings were + set up; for men and women, that are heirs of the gospel, have + right to the gospel order; and it belongs to them. Then take your + possessions, and practise in it; be not talkers only, but live and + walk in the gospel, the power of God, which is the authority of + your meetings.” + + G. F. + + Swarthmore, the 28th of the 2nd Month, 1676. + + [The above Epistle was read at the Yearly Meeting in London, the + 17th of the 3rd Month, 1676.] + +During this time I collected together as many as I could, of the +epistles I had written in former years to Friends. I made a +collection of the several papers that I had written to Oliver +Cromwell, and his son Richard, in the time of their protectorships; +and to the parliaments and magistrates that were in their times. I +collected also the papers I had written to King Charles II. since +his return, and to his council and parliaments, and the justices or +other magistrates under him. I made another collection of +certificates, which I had received from divers governors of places, +judges, justices, parliament-men, and others, for the clearing of me +from many slanders, which the envious priests and professors, both +here and beyond the seas, had cast upon me. This I did for the +truth’s sake, as knowing that their design in slandering me, was to +defame the truth published by me, and hinder the spreading thereof +amongst the people. Besides these, I made two books of collections; +one was, a list or catalogue of the names of those Friends who went +out of the North of England, when truth first broke forth there, to +proclaim the day of the Lord through this nation. The other was of +the names of those Friends that went first to preach the gospel in +other nations, countries, and places, in what years, and to what +parts they went. + +I made another collection, in two books; one of epistles and letters +from Friends and others, on several occasions, to me; the other of +letters of mine to Friends and others. + +I wrote also a book of the types and figures of Christ, with their +significations; and many other things, which will be of service to +truth and Friends in time to come. + +I took notice also of those who had run out from truth, drawn others +out after them, and turned against truth and Friends at several +times since the first breaking forth of truth in this latter age, +and what became of them; noting particularly the repentance and +return of such of them as came back to truth again. Some ran quite +out, and never returned, but were cut off in their gainsaying and +rebellion; for the word and power of God hath blasted and is +blasting them, and the holy seed hath ground, and is grinding them +to pieces. I have observed, that they who have been convinced, and +have not lived and walked in the truth, have been the worst enemies +to the truth, and done most hurt amongst Friends in the truth, and +to others. In these I have seen fulfilled what the Lord did long +since show me, “that such should be greater deceivers than all the +priests and professors.” For such as came as far as Cain, Balaam, +Korah, and Dathan, and could “preach Christ,” and say, “they had +preached in his name;” such as came to be apostles, and had tasted +of the power of Christ, and then turned from it, could yet speak +their old experiences, and have good words, like Korah and Balaam: +but not keeping in the life and truth, they deceived the hearts of +the simple. Such come to be of the devil, who abode not in the +truth; as Cain, and all the Jews, that abode not in the truth, were. +For though Cain did sacrifice to God, and did talk with God; and the +Jews could talk of Abraham, Moses, and the prophets, yet Christ told +them, “they were of their father, the devil.” In like manner, though +they who are called Christians, can talk of Christ, and use his and +his apostles’ and disciples’ words, yet not abiding in the truth, +and power, and Spirit, that the apostles were in, they are of the +devil, out of truth, and do his work. So are all those that have +been convinced of God’s eternal truth since it sprang up in this +nation, that have not abode in the light, and in the Spirit and +power of Christ Jesus; but have turned against the power, and have +opposed the work thereof; though they may retain their former +experiences, and be able to speak many good words, yet not living in +the life and power that gave them those experiences, they live in +the power of darkness, which is of the devil: and by the light and +truth both he and they are condemned; and must own their +condemnation if ever they come to truth again. For to resist the +heavenly power, and to oppose the workings and divine manifestations +thereof through any, is not a light matter. + +As I had been moved of the Lord to travel in his power round this +nation, and in other parts, to preach the everlasting gospel, and to +declare the Word of Life, which was in the beginning, through many +imprisonments, hardships, sufferings, and trials; so I was +afterwards moved to travel, in the same heavenly power, about the +nation again (and to write to such places where I came not) to +recommend to Friends the “setting up of the quarterly and monthly +meetings in all counties, for looking after the poor, taking care +for orderly proceedings in marriages; and other matters relating to +the church of Christ;” though some meetings for this end were +settled in the North of England, in the year 1653. + +After this also, truth still spreading further over the nation, and +Friends increasing in number, I was moved, by the same eternal +power, to recommend the setting up of women’s meetings also; that +all, both male and female, who had received the gospel, the Word of +eternal Life, might come into the order of the gospel, brought forth +by the power of God, and might act for God in the power, and therein +do business and service for him in his church. All the faithful must +labour in God’s vineyard, they being his hired servants, and he +having given them the earnest of his Spirit. For a master that hires +a servant, and gives him the earnest of his hire, expects he should +do his work, after he knows his will, in the outward creation; so +all God’s people, that are of the new creation, and have received +the earnest of his Spirit, ought to labour with, by, and in his +Spirit, power, and grace, and faith, in the light, in God’s +vineyard, that they may have their wages when they have done God’s +work and business in his day, which is eternal life. But none can +labour in his vineyard, and do his work and will, but as they walk +in the heavenly divine light, grace, and Spirit of Christ; which it +hath been, and is, my travail and labour in the Lord to turn all to. + +Some that professed truth, and had made a great show therein, being +gone from the simplicity of the gospel into jangling, division, and +a spirit of separation, endeavoured to discourage Friends +(especially the women), from their godly care and watchfulness in +the church over one another in the truth; opposing their meetings, +which, in the power of the Lord, were set up for that end and +service. Wherefore I was moved of the Lord to write the following +epistle, and send it among Friends, for the discovering of that +spirit, by which those opposers acted, its work and way, by which it +wrought, and to warn Friends of it, that they might not be betrayed +by it:— + + “All my dear Friends, Live in the seed of peace, Christ Jesus, in + whom ye have life. That spirit that comes amongst you to raise up + strife, is out of Christ; for it is the spirit that is not easy to + be entreated, not gentle, so not of the wisdom of God, which is + justified of her children. They that follow that spirit, are none + of Wisdom’s children. There is a spirit that hath made a + separation, and has been against men’s and women’s meetings; yet + those of this spirit have set up one of their own, to which they + have given power, and allow none to sit amongst them but such as + they give power to, looking upon others as usurpers of authority. + This spirit and its work is not of God, though it has made a + jumble amongst some; and the path it may travel in, is through the + earthly affections, amongst the unestablished, or apostates. But + all that are in the life, Spirit, and light, in the grace, truth, + and power of God, bar it out; and such as sit under their own + vine, Christ Jesus, and are grafted into him, have no need of + their exhortation or counsel; for the true believers are entered + into their rest. Therefore all keep in the gospel of peace; and + you that are heirs of the kingdom, keep in your possession of it. + + “Some of this spirit have said to me, ‘they see no service in + women’s meetings.’ My answer is, and hath been to such, if they be + blind and without sight, they should not oppose others; for none + impose anything upon them. God never received the blind for a + sacrifice, neither can his people. But Christ has enlightened all; + and to as many as receive him, he gives ‘power to become the sons + of God.’ Such as are heirs of his power, and of his gospel, which + brings life and immortality to light, can see over him that has + darkened them; and all such keep the order of the gospel, the + power of God, and their meetings therein, which preserves them in + life and immortality. These see the great service of men’s and + women’s meetings, in the order of the gospel, the power of God; + for they are meet-helps in this power, which is the authority of + their meetings. + + “Now I say to all of you, that are against women’s meetings or the + men’s, and say, ‘you see no service for the women’s meetings,’ and + oppose them, you are therein out of the power of God, and his + Spirit you live not in. For God saw a service for the assemblies + of the women in the time of the law, about those things that + appertained to his worship and service, and to the holy things of + his tabernacle; and so they in his Spirit see now their service in + the gospel; many things in these meetings being more proper for + the women than the men; and they in the power and wisdom of God + may inform the men of such things as are not proper for them; and + the men may inform the women of such things as are not proper for + them, as meet-helps to each other. For in the time of the law, the + women were to offer as well as the men; so in the time of the + gospel much more are they to offer their spiritual sacrifices; for + they are all called, both men and women, a royal priesthood; they + are of the household of faith; they are the living stones that + make up the spiritual building, which Christ is the head of; and + are to be encouraged in their labour in the gospel; for all things + that they do, both men and women, are to be done _in the power of + God_. All such as see no service for these women’s meetings, or + the men’s, but oppose them, and make strife amongst Friends, are + in the spirit of the world, that is against, and forbids our other + meetings;—are in the same spirit of the world, that hath been, and + is against women’s speaking in meetings, and say, ‘they must be + silent,’ &c., though the same apostle commands, ‘that men should + keep silence as well as the women,’ if there were not an + interpreter. Therefore, you may see that the spirit of the world + hath entered such opposers, though they come under another colour; + for they would not have us to meet at all. And these are against + the women’s meetings, and some of them against the men’s also, and + say, ‘they see no service for them;’ then they may hold their + tongues, and not oppose them that do see their service for God in + these meetings. + + “Therefore, all you that feel the power of God, and your service + for God in them, both men and women, keep your meetings in the + power of God, the authority of them, as they were settled in it; + then ye will be preserved both over this spirit that opposes them, + and over the spirit of the world that opposes your other meetings; + for it is all one in the ground, and would bring you into bondage. + Such are out of the peaceable gospel, who oppose its order; out of + the faith that works by love; out of the wisdom that is gentle, + easy, and peaceable, &c., and out of the kingdom that stands in + peace and joy. Therefore, keep over that spirit that sows discord + or dissension, and would draw you from your habitation and + possession in the order of the gospel; for it is the same spirit + that deceived Adam and Eve, by which they lost their habitation in + righteousness and holiness,, and their dominion; so that spirit + got over them; and so it would get over you. One while it will + tell you, ‘it sees no service for your meetings,’ and another time + will oppose you. But I say, this is the blind spirit, which is out + of the power of God, and which the power of God is over. + Therefore, keep in the power, that ye may stand up for your + liberty in Christ Jesus, males and females, heirs of him and of + his gospel, and his order. Stand up for your liberty in the + gospel, and in the faith, which Christ Jesus hath been the author + of; for if ye lose it, and let another spirit get over you, ye + will not so soon regain it. + + “I knew the devil would bestir himself in his instruments, when + men’s and women’s meetings came to be set up in the power, light, + and truth, and the heirs of the gospel, to take their possession + of it in every county and city, therein to walk, and to watch one + over another, to take care of God’s glory and honour, and his + precious truth; and to see that all walk in the truth, and as + becomes the gospel, and that nothing be lacking; and so to exhort + all whatsoever is decent, modest, virtuous, lovely, comely, + righteous, and of good report, to follow after; to admonish all + that are not faithful, and to rebuke all that do evil. I knew this + would give such a check to all loose speakers, talkers, and + walkers, that there would be an opposition against such meetings. + But never heed, truth will come over them all, and is over them + all, and faith must have the victory; for the gospel and its order + is everlasting; the Seed (Christ) is the beginning and the ending, + and will outlast all; the Amen, in whom ye have peace. I say all + that oppose the men’s and women’s meetings, or that marriages + should be laid before them, or the recording of condemnations of + sin and evil, or admonishing or exhorting such as walk not in the + truth, are of a loose spirit, and their spirits tend to looseness. + Let those take them that will; truth will not have them, nor any + of their sacrifice; for nothing is accepted of God, but what is + done in truth, and in his Spirit, which is peaceable. The + authority of our men’s and women’s meetings is the power of God; + and all the heirs of the gospel are heirs of that authority and + dignity; this is of God, and shall answer the witness of God in + all. The greatest opposers of this practice and work, are such as + have been convinced of God’s truth, but have not lived in it. Such + were the greatest troublers of the church in Moses’ day, and in + the days of the apostles; but mark their end, and read what became + of them all. And therefore, all keep your habitation in the truth, + and therein ye may see what has become of all the opposers of it + for twenty years past; they are all gone, and the truth lives and + reigns; the Seed is over all, and all are one in it, in rest, + peace, and life everlasting; and therein they sit down together in + the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, the Amen.” + + G. F. + + Swarthmore, the 5th of the 8th Month, 1676. + + _Narrative of the spreading of Truth, and of the opposition + thereto._ + + “The truth sprang up first to us, so as to be a people to the + Lord, in Leicestershire in 1644, in Warwickshire in 1645, in + Nottinghamshire in 1646, in Derbyshire in 1647, and the adjacent + counties in 1648, 1649, and 1650; in Yorkshire in 1651, in + Lancashire and Westmorland in 1652; in Cumberland, Durham, and + Northumberland in 1653; in London, and most of the other parts of + England, Scotland, and Ireland, in 1654. + + “In 1655 many went beyond sea, where truth also sprang up, and in + 1656 it broke forth in America and many other places. + + “In the authority of this divine truth, Friends stood all the + cruelties and sufferings that were inflicted upon them by the Long + Parliament; to the spoiling of goods, imprisonment, and death, and + over all reproaches, lies, and slanders; as well as those in + Oliver Cromwell’s time, and all the acts made by him and his + parliament; his son Richard after him, and the Committee of + Safety; and afterwards withstood and outlasted all the acts and + proclamations since 1660, that the king came in. + + “Friends never feared their acts, prisons, jails, houses of + correction, banishment, nor spoiling of goods, nay, nor the loss + of life itself; nor was there ever any persecution that came, but + we saw in the event it would be productive of good; nor were there + ever any prisons that I was in, or sufferings, but it was for the + bringing multitudes out of prison; though they who imprisoned the + truth, and quenched the Spirit in themselves, would imprison and + quench it without them; so that there was a time when so many were + in prison, that it became as a by-word, ‘truth is scarce anywhere + to be found but in jails.’ + + “And after the king came in, divers Friends suffered much, because + they would not drink his health, and say, ‘God bless the king’; so + that many Friends were in danger of their lives from rude persons, + who were ready to run them through with their swords for refusing + it, until the king gave forth a proclamation against drinking + healths; for we were and are against drinking any healths, and all + excess, both before his coming in and after; and we desire the + king’s good, and that the blessing of God might come upon him and + all his subjects, and all people on the face of the earth; but we + desired people not to drink the king’s health, but let him have + his health, and all people else; and to drink for their own health + and necessity only; for that way of drinking healths, and to + excess, was not for the king’s health, nor their own nor any + others’; which excess often brought forth quarrelling and + destroying one another; for they destroyed the creation and one + another; and this was not for the king’s wealth, nor health, nor + honour, but might grieve him to have the creatures and his + subjects destroyed; and so the Lord’s power gave us dominion over + that also, and all our other sufferings. But, + + “O! the number of sufferers in the Commonwealth’s and Oliver + Cromwell’s days, and since; especially those who were haled before + the courts for not paying tithes, refusing to swear on their + juries, not putting off their hats, and for going to meetings on + the First-days; under pretence of breaking the Sabbath; and to + meetings on other days of the week: who were abused both in + meetings and on the highways. + + “O! how great were the sufferings we then sustained upon these + accounts! for sometimes they would drive Friends by droves into + the prison-houses like penfolds, confine them on the First-days, + and take their horses from them, and keep them for pretended + breach of their Sabbath, though they would ride in their coaches + and upon their fat horses to the steeple-houses themselves, and + yet punish others. And many Friends were turned out of their + copyholds and customary tenements, because, in obedience to the + command of Christ and his apostle, they could not swear; and as + they went to meetings, they have been stoned through the streets, + and otherwise cruelly abused. Many were fined with great fines, + and lay long in prison for not putting off their hats, which fines + Friends could never pay, though they kept them in prison till they + had satisfied their own wills, and at last turned them out, after + keeping them a year or more in prison. + + “Many books I gave forth against tithes, showing how the + priesthood was changed that took them; and that Christ sent forth + his twelve, and afterwards seventy disciples, saying unto them, + ‘Freely ye have received, freely give.’ So all who do not obey the + doctrine and command of Christ therein, we cannot receive them. + + “I was also moved to give forth several books against swearing, + and that our Yea and Nay might be taken instead of an oath, which, + if we broke, let us suffer the same punishment as they who broke + their oaths. And in Jamaica the governor and the assembly granted + the thing; it is also granted in some other places; and several of + the parliament men in England have acknowledged the reasonableness + thereof. The magistrates, after some time, when they saw our + faithfulness in Yea and Nay, they who were moderate, both before + and since the king came in, would put Friends into offices without + an oath; but the cruel and envious would fine Friends to get money + of them, though they could not pay them any. + + “Thus the Lord’s power hath carried us through all, and over all, + to his everlasting glory and praise; for God’s power hath been our + hedge, our wall and our keeper (the preserver of his plants and + vineyard,) who have not had the magistrates’ sword and staff to + help us, nor ever trusted in the arm of flesh, but have gone + without these, or Judas’ bag, to preach the Word of life, which + was in the beginning before they were; which reconciles to God. + And thousands have received this Word of reconciliation, and are + born again of the immortal Seed, by the Word of God; and are + feeding upon the milk of the Word, which lives and abides for + ever. + + “Many have suffered death for their testimony, in England and + beyond the seas, both before and since the king came in; which may + be seen in an account given to the king and both houses of + parliament; being, ‘A brief, plain, and true relation of the late + and sad sufferings of the people of God in scorn called Quakers, + for worshipping and exercising a good conscience towards God and + man.’ + + “By reason whereof eighty-nine have suffered till death; + thirty-two of whom died before the king came into England, and + fifty-seven since, by hard imprisonment and cruel usage. + Forty-three have died in the city of London and Southwark since + the Act made against meetings, &c., about 1661, of which a more + particular account was given, with the names of the sufferers, to + the king and parliament, about 1663. + + “And though divers laws were designed against us, yet never could + any of them justly touch us, being wrested and misapplied in their + execution by our adversaries, which some have been made to + confess. All those laws that were made, and the oath which they + imprisoned us for, because, in obedience to the command of Christ + Jesus, we could not swear at all, were not originally intended + against us; and yet we suffered by the several powers, and their + laws, both spoiling of goods and imprisonment, even to death. And + the governor of Dover castle, when the king asked him if he had + dispersed all the sectaries’ meetings? said, that ‘he had; but the + Quakers, the devil himself could not; for if he did imprison them, + and break up their meetings, they would meet again; and if he + should beat them or knock them down, or kill some of them, all was + one, they would meet, and not resist again.’ Thus the Lord’s power + supported and kept them over their persecutors, and made them to + justify our patience and lamb-like nature. This was about 1671. + + “Since the king came in, three acts have been made against us, + besides the proclamations, by which many have suffered + imprisonment and banishment, and many to death. And yet for all + these acts and proclamations, persecutions, sufferings, + banishments, faithful Friends are as fresh as ever in the Lord’s + power, and valiant for his name and truth. + + “Some weak ones there were, when the king came in, who took the + oath; but after they had so done, they were sore troubled for + disobeying the command of Christ and the apostle, and went to the + magistrates, condemned themselves, and offered to go to prison. + + “Thus the Lord, in his everlasting power, hath been the support + and stay of his people; and still his Seed reigns, his truth is + over all, and exceedingly spreads unto this year 1676.” + +In 1676, while I was at Swarthmore, died William Lampitt, the old +priest of Ulverstone (which parish Swarthmore is in.) He was an old +deceiver, a perverter of the right way of the Lord, and a persecutor +of the people of God. Much contest I had with him, when I first came +into those parts. He had been an old false prophet; for in 1652 he +prophesied (and said he would wage his life upon it), “that the +Quakers would all vanish, and come to nought within half a year:” +but he came to nought himself. For he continued in his lying and +false accusing of God’s people, till a little before he died, and +then he cried for a little rest. To one of his hearers that came to +visit him before he died, he said, “I have been a preacher a long +time, and thought I had lived well; but I did not think it had been +so hard a thing to die.” + +After I had finished the services which lay upon me then to do, +feeling my spirit drawn again towards the south (though I was yet +but weakly, and not able to travel far in a day,) I left Swarthmore +the 26th of the 1st Month, 1677, and went to Thomas Pearson’s at +POOL BANK, in WESTMORLAND, where I had a meeting the next day; and +thence to Thomas Camm’s,[38] at CAMSGILL, where Robert Widders with +his wife, and several other Friends came to see me before I left the +country, and to attend the meeting there next day, which was very +large, and in which I was largely drawn forth in testimony to the +truth. I had much discourse with some of that meeting, who were not +in unity with the quarterly meeting they belonged to; but afterwards +several of them that were somewhat tender, came to see their error, +and gave forth condemnations against themselves. Next day John +Blakelin came to Thomas Camm’s, to bring me to his house at DRAWELL +in SEDBERGH, whither I went with him, visiting Friends in the way. I +stayed at Drawell two or three nights, having meetings there and +thereabouts; for while I was there the men’s and women’s meetings +were held there, which were very large and precious. + +The First-day following I had a meeting at BRIGFLATS, to which came +most of the Friends from the several meetings round about, and a +great concourse of others also; it was thought there were five or +six hundred people. A very good meeting it was, wherein truth was +largely declared and preciously opened, to the comforting and +refreshing of the faithful, and the drawing near of them that were +afar off. I had another meeting at John Blakelin’s, at which were +many Friends that were going to the quarterly meeting at Kendal. +With them my wife went back, who, with her daughter Rachel, had +accompanied me thus far; and I, having Leonard Fell with me, passed +on through SEDBERGH and GARSDALE, into WENSLEYDALE, visiting Friends +as we went. At night I reached Richard Robinson’s at COUNTERSIDE, +where several Friends came to me that evening; some of whom went +with me next day over the hills to the widow Tennant’s at SCARHOUSE, +in LANGSTROTH-DALE, which we had much difficulty to reach, the snow +lay so deep, though it was a week in the 2nd [4th?] Month. Here, on +First-day, we had a large meeting, Friends coming to it from several +parts round about; and the Lord gave me a very seasonable testimony +to bear amongst them, which I did for several hours, to their great +satisfaction and comfort. + +Thence passing through BISHOPDALE, MIDDLEHAM, BARTON, and so by +BEDALE and NORTHALLERTON, I came to George Robinson’s at BURROWBY; +where also Friends coming out of several parts, we had a very large +and good meeting, and very peaceable. But not long after, an envious +justice, who lived not far off, hearing that I had a great meeting +there, troubled Friends about it, and made them appear at the +sessions, where he asked them many ensnaring questions; for he knew +not how to convict them, because he had no proof against them. When +he saw his questions did not catch them, he told them, “he had heard +that George Fox was at a large meeting with them, and they all sat +silent, and none spoke in the meeting.” This false story he +cunningly feigned, thinking thereby to draw out some of the Friends +to contradict him, and say, “that I had spoken in the meeting;” that +so he might convict them upon their own confession, and fine them. +But Friends standing in the wisdom of God, did not answer him +according to his desire, and so escaped his snare. But two Friends +that came out of Ireland, and were at this meeting, having another +that evening about three miles off, this evil-minded justice got +information thereof, and fined Friends, and plundered them very +sorely for it. + +I went from Burrowby to Isaac Lindley’s, calling upon Friends as I +went. Robert Lodge and other Friends being with me, we passed next +day to YORK, and the day following being First-day, I was at +Friends’ meeting there, which was large and peaceable. Second day +also I stayed in York, and had two meetings with Friends at John +Taylor’s;[39] whence I wrote to my wife, as follows:— + + “DEAR HEART, + + “To whom is my love, and to thy daughters, and to all Friends that + inquire after me. My desires are, that ye all may be preserved in + the Lord’s everlasting Seed, in whom ye will have life and peace, + dominion and settlement in the everlasting home or dwelling in the + house built upon the foundation of God. In the power of the Lord I + am brought to York, having had many meetings in the way. The road + was many times deep and bad with snow, our horses sometimes were + down, and we were not able to ride; and sometimes we had great + storms and rain; but by the power of the Lord I went through all. + At Scarhouse there was a very large meeting, and another at + Burrowby, to which Friends came out of Cleveland and Durham; and + many other meetings we have had. At York, yesterday, we had a very + large meeting, exceedingly thronged, Friends being at it from many + parts, and all quiet, and well satisfied: O! the glory of the Lord + shone over all. This day we have had a large men’s and women’s + meeting, many Friends, both men and women, being come out of the + country, and all was quiet; and this evening we are to have the + men’s and women’s meeting of the Friends of the city. John + Whitehead is here, with Robert Lodge[40] and others; Friends are + mighty glad, above measure. So I am in my holy element, and holy + work in the Lord, glory to his name for ever! To-morrow I intend + to go out of the city towards Tadcaster, though I cannot ride as + in days past; yet praised be the Lord that I can travel as well as + I do! So with my love in the fountain of life, in which as ye all + abide, ye will have refreshment of life, that by it ye may grow + and gather eternal strength to serve the Lord, and be satisfied. + To the God of all power, who is all-sufficient to preserve you, I + commit you all to his ordering.” + + G. F. + + York, the 16th of the 2nd Month, 1677. + +Leaving York, I visited Friends at TADCASTER, KNOTTINGLEY, +DONCASTER, and BALBY, having meetings as I went. At Balby I stayed +the First-day meeting, and went next day to Thomas Stacey’s at +BALLOWFIELD, where in the evening I had a meeting, to compose a +difference that had happened between some that professed truth, and +they were reconciled. Next day I came to STAINSBY in DERBYSHIRE, in +which county I had formerly lived about the first breaking forth of +truth. Here I had a good meeting with Friends, and afterwards passed +to SKEGBY in NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, and from thence to NOTTINGHAM, to John +Reckless’s. I had a meeting with Friends at his house that evening, +and another next day in Friends’ public meeting-house, which was +peaceable and well. + +I went the day following to John Fox’s at WIMESWOLD in +LEICESTERSHIRE, where I had a meeting that evening; and next day to +William Smith’s at SILEBY, where, it being First-day, we had a very +large meeting; for besides Friends from several places, many of the +townspeople hearing I was there, came to it, and heard the truth +declared gladly. Next day I went to LEICESTER, where finding many +Friends come out of the country, to be at the horse-fair next day, I +had a very good meeting with them that night; and another next +evening at William Wells’s house at KNIGHTON, about a mile from +Leicester. Next day I passed to SWANNINGTON, and had a meeting +there; thence to Samuel Fretwell’s at HARTSHORN in DERBYSHIRE, where +I had a meeting also; then to Henry Sidon’s, at BADDESLEY in +WARWICKSHIRE, and stayed the meeting there, which, it being +First-day, was very large and peaceable, notwithstanding a justice +had threatened to come and break it up. + +Having stayed a while with Friends, I went in the evening to Richard +Ball’s of WHITTINGTON, where several Friends came to visit me. Next +day I went to Nathaniel Newton’s at HARTSHILL, where several Friends +met me, with whom I had good service. After this I passed on, +visiting Friends in divers places, till I came to DINGLEY, where a +meeting was appointed before, which was very large, and truth was +largely opened to the people. It was peaceable and quiet, and the +people generally sober; saving that while I was showing how +Christendom (so called) was gone from the pure religion that is +undefiled, &c., one man rushed out in a furious manner, and said, “I +deny that.” After this meeting I went with Thomas Charles to his +house at ADINGWORTH, and next day to NORTHAMPTON, where I stayed the +First-day meeting, which was very large and peaceable. I had much +service among Friends besides. Next day Edward Cooper of +Northampton, accompanied me to OLNEY in BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, where I +stayed at James Brierlie’s, several Friends coming to see me in the +evening. + +Next day I went to a meeting at TURVEY in BEDFORDSHIRE, to which +Friends came from several parts; so that it was very large. Here I +met with William Dewsbury, who after the meeting took me to his +son-in-law John Rush’s of KEMPSTON, where I stayed with William that +night and most of next day, passing thence towards evening through +AMPTHILL, to Thomas Gamboll’s of BULLOCK’S HILL. William Dewsbury +went along with me, and several Friends came to visit us. Next day, +passing through LUTON, I went to MARKET STREET, William Dewsbury +accompanying me part of the way, and the day following Leonard +Fell[41] and I had a meeting at KENSWORTH, which was pretty large +and peaceable. After it we went to ALBAN’S, where we visited +Friends; and next day passing through SOUTH MIMS and BARNET, where +also we visited Friends, we came that night to widow Hayley’s at +GUTTERHEDGE in HENDON in MIDDLESEX. Next day, being First-day, we +had a very large meeting there, several Friends coming from London. +I stayed there Second-day, and on third went to William Mead’s house +at HIGHGATE, with whom next day I went to LONDON. It being Fourth +day, I went to the meeting at Gracechurch Street, where Friends and +I were greatly refreshed in each other in the Lord, and the Lord’s +power and Seed were set over all, blessed be his name for ever! + +Thus it pleased the Lord to bring me safe to London, though much +wearied, for though I rode not very far in a day, yet through +weakness of body, continual travelling was hard to me. Besides, I +had not much rest at night to refresh nature; for I often sat up +late with Friends, where I lodged, to inform and advise them in +things wherein they were wanting; and when in bed, I was often +hindered of sleep by great pains in my head and teeth, occasioned, +as I thought, from cold taken by riding often in the rain. But the +Lord’s power was over all, and carried me through all, to his +praise. + +In my journey I observed a slackness and shortness in some that +professed the truth, in keeping up the ancient testimony against +tithes; for wherever that spirit got entrance, which wrought +division in the church, and opposed the men’s and women’s meetings, +it weakened those that received it in their testimony against +tithes. Wherefore I was moved of the Lord to issue a short “Epistle +to Friends,” to stir up the pure mind, and to encourage and +strengthen them in their Christian testimony against that +antichristian yoke and oppression:— + + “MY DEAR FRIENDS, + + “Be faithful to the Lord in your testimony for Jesus, who ended + the Levitical priesthood of Aaron, that took tithes, and sent his + ministers forth freely, to give freely that which they had + received of him freely, without a bag or a staff. Christ’s + disciples could not join with those that made a trade of + preaching. And as there was a testimony to be borne against those + tithes which were commanded, in the law, for Levi and Aaron, so + there is a testimony to be borne against these tithes, which have + been set up by man, in the dark time of Popery, and not by God or + Christ. Now to cry against the priests in words, and yet to give + them means, and put into their mouths, that they may not prepare + war against you, is a contradiction. Therefore take heed; for if + the Lord bless you with outward creatures, and you bestow them + upon Baal’s priests, he may justly require the outward things from + you again, which he hath given you: who saith, that his ministers + should freely give, as they have freely received. So all the + preachers for tithes and money, and the takers and payers of + tithe, must be testified against in the Lord’s power and Spirit; + that all may stand up in their testimony for Jesus Christ, in his + power and Spirit, against the tithe-mongers. Consider how many + faithful servants and valiants of the Lord, have laid down their + lives against them, in this day of the Lord; and in the days of + the martyrs they did witness against them. Consider also what + judgments have come upon those that spoiled Friends’ goods, and + cast them into prison for tithes and maintenance. Therefore in the + power of the Lord, maintain the war against the beast, and do not + put into his mouth, lest he cry peace to you; which peace you must + not receive; but it must be broken, and thrown out by the Spirit + of God. Then in the same Spirit, ye will receive from the Son of + Peace, that peace which the beast, and the whore, and the world, + with all their earthly teachers for the earth, made by man, cannot + receive, nor bereave you of. Therefore keep your authority and + dominion in the power, Spirit, and name of Jesus, in whom my love + is to you.” + + G. F. + + 3rd Month, 1677. + +I came to LONDON on the 23rd of the 3rd month, ten or twelve days +before the Yearly Meeting, in which time I fell in with Friends +there in the service of truth, visiting them at the meetings. The +parliament then sitting, we prepared something to lay before them, +concerning the seizing of the third part of Friends’ estates, as +Popish recusants, which was a great suffering, and a grievance we +complained of; but we obtained no redress. + +To the Yearly Meeting many Friends came from most parts of the +nation; and some out of Scotland, Holland, &c., and very glorious +meetings we had, wherein the Lord’s powerful presence was very +largely felt; and the affairs of truth were sweetly carried on in +the unity of the Spirit, to the satisfaction and comfort of the +upright-hearted; blessed be the Lord for ever! After the Yearly +Meeting, having stayed a week or two with Friends in London, I went +down with William Penn[42] to his house in SUSSEX; John Burnyeat and +some other Friends being with us. As we passed through SURREY, +hearing the quarterly meeting was that day, William Penn, John +Burnyeat, and I, went from the road to it; and after the meeting +returning to our other company, went with them to William Penn’s +that night; which is forty miles from London. I stayed at +WORMINGHURST about three weeks; in which time John Burnyeat and I +answered a very envious and wicked book, which Roger Williams, a +priest of New England (or some colony thereabout) had written +against truth and Friends. When we had finished that service, we +went with Stephen Smith to his house at WORPLESDON in SURREY, where +we had a large meeting. Friends thereaway had been exceedingly +plundered about two months before on the priest’s account; for they +took from Stephen Smith five kine (being all he had) for about fifty +shillings’ tithes. + +Thence we went to KINGSTON, and so to LONDON, where I stayed not +long; for it was upon me from the Lord to go into Holland, to visit +Friends and to preach the gospel there, and in some parts of +Germany. Wherefore setting things in order for my journey as fast as +I could, I took leave of Friends at London; and with several other +Friends went down to COLCHESTER, in order to my passage for Holland. +Next day, being First-day, I was at the public meeting of Friends +there, which was very large and peaceable. In the evening I had +another large one, but not so public, at John Furly’s house, where I +lodged. The day following, I was at the women’s meeting there, which +also was very large. Thence next day we passed to HARWICH, where +Robert Duncan, and several other Friends out of the country came to +see us; and some from London came to us there, that intended to go +over with me. The packet in which we were to go not being ready, we +went to the meeting in the town, and a precious opportunity we had +together; for the Lord, according to his wonted goodness, by his +overcoming, refreshing power, opened many mouths to declare his +everlasting truth, and to praise and glorify him. + +----- + +Footnote 36: + + Some particulars of the controversy here alluded to, may be seen + in Barclay’s _Works_; also in Jaffray’s _Diary_, p. 328-330. The + students who were convinced issued a written declaration, stating + the grounds of their change, which is to be found in Jaffray’s + _Diary_. + +Footnote 37: + + See _Selections from the Epistles of George Fox_, by Samuel Tuke. + +Footnote 38: + + Thomas Camm, of Camsgill, in Westmorland, was born in 1641, and + had a good education. He was from childhood inclined to be + religious, was early convinced of Friends’ principles, and after + some time called to the work of the ministry. He counted nothing + too near or dear to part with for truth’s sake, but left all to + follow the Lord, and, with his whole strength and substance, was + given up to serve him. He was an able preacher, diligent and + laborious in the work of the Lord, and instrumental to convince + and establish many in the way of truth. His doctrine was sound, + and his delivery in the demonstration of that Divine power which + reached the witness of God in the hearts of his hearers. + + Great and many were the sufferings he met with and went through, + as, imprisonments, spoiling of goods, mockings and scoffings from + those without, and suffering among false brethren; in all which, + he stood firm and faithful, approving himself a true follower of + Jesus Christ, suffering joyfully for his name’s sake, who had + counted him worthy not only to believe, but suffer for him. During + an illness of some continuance, many were the weighty expressions + that fell from him, often magnifying the Lord to the tendering of + all hearts present. When grown very weak, being asked how he felt, + he would say, “Weak of body, but strong in the Lord;” saying also, + “In Abraham’s bosom there is sweet repose.” Seeming to be faint, a + friend gave him a little wine, thinking it might refresh him, but + his stomach could not bear it; then looking at him he said, “Thou + seest these things will not do; but one cup of new wine in the + heavenly kingdom, with my dear and blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus + Christ, will make up all.”—For further particulars, see _Piety + Promoted_, vol. ii., p. 101-108. + +Footnote 39: + + John Taylor was an able minister amongst the early Friends, but a + very brief account is preserved of his religious labours. He was + born in Huntingdonshire (?) about the year 1638. He embarked on a + gospel mission to America in 1660, being then only in the + twenty-second year of his age. How long he was occupied there is + not stated, but his religious services were not confined to the + English settlers. Trusting to the never-failing arm of Divine + guidance and protection, he travelled alone among the Indian + tribes, and “had meetings in the woods and wilderness, to declare + the truth to them,” as he remarks, “and to turn them from darkness + to the light of Christ Jesus in their own hearts.” By these + untutored sons of the forest the stripling preacher was “received + with kindness,” and in their wigwams he became a welcome guest. + “They heard me soberly,” he says, “and confessed to the truth I + spoke, by an interpreter; and they were loving and kind afterwards + to Friends.” + + On his return from America, John Taylor, being on gospel service + in London, was taken from a meeting and committed to prison. He + visited America a second time, and resided some time in Jamaica, + also in Barbadoes, where he became a merchant, but finally + returned to England, and settled at York as a sugar refiner. After + which, he was also largely engaged in the ministry in different + parts of the nation, and died in 1708, aged about seventy, a + minister about fifty years. + + John Taylor is described by a contemporary as “an able minister of + the New Testament; in the publishing of which, the Spirit of God + and of glory rested upon him, to the comforting and true + refreshment of the churches, where the Lord ordered him, or his + lot was cast.” + +Footnote 40: + + Robert Lodge, mentioned before, was of Masham, in Yorkshire, born + about the year 1636. He was religiously inclined from his youth, + was convinced about 1658, and became a valiant gospel minister. He + was very serviceable in gathering many out of the ways of the + world, into the way of life, travelling up and down in the service + of his Lord, enduring many trials, exercises, and imprisonments + for his sake. John Whiting says of him, “He was an excellent + minister; he had a fine refreshing testimony, and an extraordinary + gift in prayer. He was instrumental to turn many to righteousness, + and to build them up in the most holy faith. His testimony reached + to the witness of God in the consciences of many; and was a + consolation to the watering and refreshing many weary souls. He + kept his first love and habitation in the truth to the last; and, + towards his latter end, laboured much with and for the young + generation, that they might come up in the footsteps of those who + were gone before. He was a man of a sweet disposition, and left a + good savour behind him.” Much might be said of him, but I refer to + the _Several Living Testimonies given forth by divers Friends + concerning him, and his Faithful Labours and Travels_, printed in + 1691. + +Footnote 41: + + The above is the last mention of Leonard Fell, whose name has + frequently occurred in the progress of this Journal. Very little + is known of him but that he was a faithful minister amongst the + early Friends. + + I feel inclined to insert an anecdote respecting him, as an + instance among others that might be adduced, of the carrying out + of the non-resistant principle. The conduct of several “Friends” + who, having “fallen among thieves,” were, of course, precluded + from retaliating violence, even in their own defence, affords an + exemplification of this feature in the Christian character. + + Leonard Fell, when travelling alone, was attacked by a highwayman, + who demanded his money, which he gave him; then he desired to have + his horse: Leonard dismounted and let him take it. Then feeling + the power of truth rise in his mind, he turned to the robber, and + under its authority, solemnly warned him of the evil of his ways; + but he flying into a passion, asked the Friend why he preached to + him, and threatened to blow out his brains. But Leonard replying + to this effect, “Though I would not give my life for my money or + my horse, I would give it to save thy soul,” so struck the + astonished robber, that he declared, if he was such a man as that, + he would take neither his money nor his horse from him; and, + returning both to the faithful Friend, went his way, leaving + Leonard to the enjoyment of that peace, attending the honest + discharge of his conscience, to obtain which he had not counted + his life dear. + + The courage and presence of mind exhibited by a true soldier of + Jesus Christ, when permitted in the course of Divine Providence, + to be cast into straits and trying situations, is often + conspicuous. He not only knows the strength of that preserving + arm, which rules or overrules all circumstances for the good of + those that are faithful, he not only is furnished for all + occasions, and “out of weakness is made strong,” so as even to + “stop the mouths of lions,” and “quench the violence of fire” + (Heb. xi.), but is abundantly furnished with resignation to submit + unto the Lord in all things; and, with one who was “in perils of + robbers,” and “in deaths oft,” he can say, “Whether we live or + die, we are the Lord’s.” (Rom. xiv. 8).—W.A. + +Footnote 42: + + A close intimacy existed between William Penn and George Fox, + which enabled the former to indite so admirable an introduction to + these volumes. The name of William Penn occurs frequently in these + pages. Scarcely any name is more generally known or respected, by + those of other religious persuasions than his; indeed, so familiar + are most readers with his history, that it would be superfluous to + enter into much relating to him. + + It may suffice briefly to state that his birth and education were + both good; he being the son of Admiral Penn, who was knighted by + Charles II; and became a great favourite with the Duke of York, + afterwards James II. William, his son, was born at London in 1644. + He imbibed religious impressions as early as his twelfth year. In + his fifteenth year he entered a student at Christ Church, Oxford. + On his return home he exhibited a religious seriousness and manner + of deportment, which (as likely to stand in the way of his worldly + preferment) was so displeasing to his father that he turned him + out of doors. + + Ultimately he joined the despised Quakers, a step which highly + displeased his father the Admiral; but he became quite reconciled + to him before his death. Penn continued to advance in religious + growth, became a minister amongst the Quakers, and a considerable + writer in defence of their principles, suffering persecution and + imprisonment in consequence. It was whilst he was imprisoned in + the Tower that he wrote that excellent work, _No Cross, No Crown_. + + The persecution of Dissenters continuing to rage in England, + notwithstanding their repeated applications to parliament for + sufferance and protection, William Penn turned his thoughts + towards a settlement in the New World, as a place where himself + and his friends might enjoy their religious opinions without + molestation, and where an example might be set to the nations of a + just and righteous government. He therefore, in 1681, obtained a + patent from Charles II., for a province in North America, in + consideration of his father’s services, and of a debt still due to + him from the crown. He founded the colony of Pennsylvania, and + watched it with a paternal eye, till his death in 1718. Its + prosperity is a lasting monument of his wisdom as a politician and + a legislator. For further particulars the reader is referred to + Clarkson’s _Life of William Penn_; a highly interesting work, and + well worthy of perusal. + + + + + CHAPTER VIII. + +1677.—George Fox sails for Holland, with several other Friends, and + lands at Briel—attends the Quarterly Meeting at Amsterdam—writes + an epistle to Friends against the spirit of separation—writes to + the Princess Elizabeth—her answer—a monthly meeting is + established at Frederickstadt—Friends are imprisoned and + banished from Embden, and suffer greatly—a Monthly Meeting + settled at Harlingen—a priest assents to the doctrine + promulgated by George Fox—he is questioned for it by his + hearers—George Fox writes an epistle to Friends respecting the + seducing spirit—he writes an epistle of encouragement to Friends + under suffering at Dantzic—and again to Friends respecting the + spirit of separation—spends considerable time at Amsterdam in + writing on Truth’s account—a warning to the magistrates and + people of Oldenburg—an epistle concerning fasts, prayers, + honour, persecution, true liberty, and the observance of days + and times—a warning to the magistrates, priests, and people of + Hamburg—to the ambassadors met to effect a treaty of peace in + the city of Nimeguen—completes his travels in Holland—writes a + book addressed to the Jews. + + +After the meeting at Harwich we returned to John Vandewall’s, where +I had lodged; and when the boat was ready, taking leave of Friends, +we that were bound for Holland, went on board about nine in the +evening, on the 25th of the 5th Month, 1677. The Friends that went +over with me, were William Penn, Robert Barclay, George Keith and +his wife, John Furly and his brother, William Tallcoat, George +Watts, and Isabel Yeomans, one of my wife’s daughters. + +About one in the morning we weighed anchor, having a fair brisk +wind, which by next morning brought us within sight of Holland. But +that day proving very clear and calm we got forward little, till +about four in the afternoon, when a fresh gale arose, which carried +us within a league of land. Then being becalmed again, we cast +anchor for that night, it being between the hours of nine and ten in +the evening: but William Penn and Robert Barclay, understanding that +Benjamin Furly was come from Rotterdam to the Briel to meet us, got +two of the boatmen to let down a small boat that belonged to the +packet, and row them to shore; but before they could reach it the +gates were shut; and there being no house without the gates, they +lay in a fisherman’s boat all night. As soon as the gates were +opened in the morning, they went in and found Benjamin Furly, with +other Friends of Rotterdam, that were come thither to receive us; +and they sent a boat, with three young men in it, that lived with +Benjamin Furly, who brought us to the BRIEL, where the Friends +received us with great gladness. + +We stayed about two hours to refresh ourselves, and then took boat, +with the Holland Friends, for ROTTERDAM, where we arrived about +eleven that day, the 28th of the Month. I was very well this voyage, +but some of the Friends were sea-sick. A fine passage we had, and +all came safe and well to land; blessed and praised be the name of +the Lord for ever! + +Next day, being First-day, we had two meetings at Benjamin Furly’s, +where many of the town’s-people and some officers came in, and all +were civil. Benjamin Furly or John Claus, a Friend of Amsterdam, +interpreted, when any Friend declared. I spent the next day in +visiting Friends there. The day following, William Penn and I, with +other Friends, went towards Amsterdam with some Friends of that +city, who came to Rotterdam to conduct us thither. We took boat in +the afternoon, and, passing by OVERKIRK, came to DELFT, through +which we walked on foot; and then took boat again to LEYDEN, where +we lodged that night at an inn. This is six Dutch miles from +Rotterdam, which are eighteen English miles, and five hours’ sailing +or travelling; for our boat was drawn by a horse that went on the +shore. Next day taking boat again, we went to HAARLEM, fourteen +miles from Leyden, where we had appointed a meeting, which proved +very large; for many of the townspeople came in, and two of their +preachers. The Lord gave us a blessed opportunity, not only with +respect to Friends, but to other sober people, and the meeting ended +peaceably and well. After it we passed to AMSTERDAM, accompanied by +several Friends of that city and of Alkmaar. + +Next day was the quarterly meeting at Amsterdam, to which came +Friends from Haarlem and Rotterdam, and with them those of our +company, whom we had left at Rotterdam, viz.: Robert Barclay, George +Keith and his wife, &c. The meeting was at Gertrude Dirick Nieson’s +house. A very large and serviceable one it was; for both William +Penn and I were drawn to open many things concerning the order of +the gospel, and to show the benefit and service of yearly, +quarterly, and monthly meetings of men and women. We had another +meeting at Gertrude’s the next day, more public, and very large, at +which were professors of several sorts, unto whom the way of life +and salvation was largely and livingly opened; which they hearkened +very attentively to, none making any objection to what was declared. +In the afternoon we had another meeting in the same place, but less, +and more private. The day following we had a meeting of Friends +only, wherein by joint agreement were settled several meetings; to +wit, monthly, quarterly, and a yearly meeting, to be held at +Amsterdam for Friends in all the United Provinces of Holland, and in +Embden, the Palatinate, Hamburg, Frederickstadt, Dantzic, and other +places in and about Germany; which Friends were glad of, and it has +been of great service to truth. + +Next day an exercise came upon me concerning that deceitful spirit, +which wrought in some to make divisions in the church; and the care +of the churches being upon me, I was moved to write a few lines to +warn Friends of it, as follows:— + + “All Friends, keep over that spirit of separation and division, in + the peaceable truth, and in the Seed of life, which will wear it + all out and outlast it. For the Lamb will have the victory over + all the spirits of strife, as it hath had since the beginning; and + they will wither, as others have done; but all that keep in the + Seed, which is always green, shall never wither; as Friends have + been to this day kept. And if any have backslidden, and thrown off + the cross, are grown loose and full, and are gone into strife and + contention with their earthly spirits, and therein plead for a + liberty, this spirit taketh with loose, earthly spirits, and cries + imposition to such as admonish them to come to the life, light, + Spirit, and power of God, that they may be alive, and may live + again with the living. Upon this admonition, their spirits rise + into contention, strife, and separation, turning against the + living, in their loose, earthly spirits, which would have the name + of truth, but are not in the nature of it, but are for eternal + judgment of the living Seed. This is it which doth deceive; but it + is judged by that which doth undeceive and save.” + + G.F. + + Amsterdam in Holland, the 5th of the 6th Month, 1677. + +This being First-day, we had a very large meeting again, there +coming to it a great concourse of people of different opinions, as +Baptists, Seekers, Socinians, Brownists, and some of the collegians. +Robert Barclay, George Keith, William Penn, and I, declared the +everlasting truth among them; opening the state of man in the fall, +and showing by what way man and woman may come into the restoration +by Christ Jesus. Indeed, the mystery of iniquity, and the mystery of +godliness, were very plainly laid open; and the meeting ended +quietly and well. + +The day following, George Keith, Robert Barclay, and William Penn, +leaving me and some other Friends at Amsterdam, set forward towards +GERMANY; where they travelled many hundred miles, and had good +service for the Lord; Benjamin Furly going with them and +interpreting. + +That day and the next I stayed at Amsterdam, visiting Friends, and +assisting them in some business concerning their meetings. Three +Baptists came to discourse with me, to whom I opened things to their +satisfaction, and they parted from me in kindness. I wrote a letter +also to the Princess Elizabeth, which Isabel Yeomans delivered to +her, when George Keith’s wife and she went to visit her:— + + “PRINCESS ELIZABETH, + + “I have heard of thy tenderness towards the Lord and his holy + truth, by some Friends that have visited thee, and also by some of + thy letters, which I have seen. It is indeed a great thing for a + person of thy quality to have such a tender mind after the Lord + and his precious truth, seeing so many are swallowed up with + voluptuousness, and the pleasures of this world; yet all make an + outward profession of God and Christ one way or other, but without + any deep, inward sense and feeling of him. For it is not many + mighty, nor wise of the world, that can become fools for Christ’s + sake, or can become low in the humility of Christ Jesus from their + mighty state, through which they might receive a mightier estate, + and a mightier kingdom through the inward Holy Spirit—the divine + light and power of God; and a mightier wisdom which is from above, + pure and peaceable. This wisdom is above that which is below; that + is earthly, sensual, and devilish, by which men destroy one + another, yea, about their religions, ways, worships, and churches; + but this they have not from God nor Christ. The wisdom which is + from above, by which all things were made and created, which the + holy fear of God in the heart is the beginning of, keeps the heart + clean: and by this wisdom are all God’s children to be ordered, + and with it to order all things to God’s glory. This is the wisdom + that is justified of her children. In this fear of God and this + wisdom, my desire is, that thou mayest be preserved to God’s + glory. For the Lord is come to teach his people himself, and to + set up his ensign, that the nations may flow unto it. + + “There hath been an apostacy since the apostles’ days, from the + divine light of Christ, which should have given them ‘the light of + the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus;’ + and from the Holy Spirit, which would have led them into all + truth; and therefore have people set up so many leaders without + them, to give them knowledge; and also from the holy and precious + faith, which Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of; which + purifies the heart, and gives victory over that which separates + from God; through which faith they have access to God, and in + which they please God; the mystery of which is held in a pure + conscience. And also from the gospel which was preached in the + apostles’ days (which gospel is the power of God,) which brings + life and immortality to light in man and woman, by which people + should have seen over the devil that has darkened them; which + gospel will preserve all them that receive it, in life and + immortality. For the eyes of people have been after men, and not + after the Lord, who writes his law in the hearts, and puts it into + the minds of all the children of the new covenant of light, life, + and grace, through which they all come to know the Lord, from the + least to the greatest; so that the knowledge of the Lord may cover + the earth, as the waters do the sea. + + “This work of the Lord is beginning again, as it was in the + apostles’ days. People shall come to receive an unction in them + again from the Holy One, by which they shall know all things, and + shall need not any man to teach them, but as the anointing doth + teach them; and also to know what the righteousness of faith + speaks, the Word nigh in the heart and mouth, to obey it and to do + it. This was the Word of faith the apostles preached; which is now + received and preached again, and which it is the duty of all true + Christians to receive. Now people are coming out of the apostacy + to the light of Christ and his Spirit, and to receive faith from + him, and not from men; to receive the gospel from him their + unction from him, the Word; and as they receive him, they declare + him freely, as his command was to his disciples, and is still to + the learners and receivers of him. + + “For the Lord God and his Son Jesus Christ, is come to teach his + people, and to bring them from all the world’s ways, to Christ, + the way, the truth, and the life, who is the way to the Father; + and from all the world’s teachers and speakers, to him the Speaker + and Teacher, as Heb. i. 1.; and from all the world’s worshippers, + to worship God in the Spirit and in the truth, (which the devil, + the destroyer, is out of;) which worship Christ set up above + sixteen hundred years ago, when he put down the Jews’ worship at + the Temple at Jerusalem, and the worship at the mountain where + Jacob’s well was; to bring people from all the world’s religions, + which they have made since the apostles’ days, to the religion + that was set up by Christ and his apostles, which is pure and + undefiled before God, and keeps from the spots of the world; to + bring them out of all the world’s churches and fellowships, made + and set up since the apostles’ days, to the church that is in God, + the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; (Thess. i. 1,) and to bring + to the unity and fellowship in the Holy Spirit, that doth mortify, + circumcise, and baptize, to plunge down sin and corruption, that + has got up in man and woman by transgression. In this holy Spirit + there is a holy fellowship and unity; yea, it is the bond of the + Prince of princes, and King of kings, and the Lord of lords’ + peace; which heavenly peace all true Christians are to maintain + with spiritual weapons, not with carnal. + + “And now, my friend, the holy men of God wrote the Scriptures as + they were moved by the Holy Ghost; and all Christendom are on + heaps about those Scriptures, because they are not led by the same + Holy Ghost as those were that gave forth the Scriptures; which + Holy Ghost they must come to in themselves, and be led by, if they + come into all the truth of them, and to have the comfort of God, + of Christ, and of them. For none can call Jesus Lord, but by the + Holy Ghost; and all that call Christ Lord without the Holy Ghost, + take his name in vain. Likewise all that name his name are to + depart from iniquity; then they name his name with reverence, in + truth and righteousness. + + “O therefore, feel the grace and truth in thy heart, that is come + by Jesus Christ, that will teach thee how to live, and what to + deny. It will establish thy heart, season thy words, and bring thy + salvation; it will be a teacher unto thee at all times. By it thou + mayest receive Christ from whom it comes; and as many as receive + him, to them he gives power, not only to stand against sin and + evil, but to become the sons of God; if sons, then heirs of a + life, a world, and kingdom, without end, and of the eternal riches + and treasures thereof. So in haste, with my love in the Lord Jesus + Christ, who tasted death for every man, and bruises the serpent’s + head, who is between man and God, that through Christ man may come + to God again, and praise him through Jesus Christ, the Amen; who + is the spiritual and heavenly rock and foundation for all God’s + people to build upon, to the praise and glory of God, who is over + all, blessed for evermore.” + + GEORGE FOX. + + Amsterdam, the 7th of the 6th Month, 1677. + + “_Postscript._—The bearer hereof is a daughter-in-law of mine, + that comes with Gertrude Dirick Nieson and George Keith’s wife, to + visit thee.” + + G.F. + + _The Princess Elizabeth’s answer._ + + “DEAR FRIEND, + + “I cannot but have a tender love to those that love the Lord Jesus + Christ, and to whom it is given, not only to believe in him, but + also to suffer for him; therefore your letter and your friends’ + visit have been both very welcome to me. I shall follow their and + your counsel as far as God will afford me light and unction; + remaining still your loving friend, + + ELIZABETH.”[43] + + Herford, the 30th of August, 1677. + +Next day John Claus and I took a boat and passed to BUYCKSLOTE, +thence to PURMEREND, where having refreshed ourselves, we went by +waggon to ALKMAAR, about thirty miles from Amsterdam. We went to a +Friend’s house there, whose name was William Williams, where I had a +meeting that night. I had another next day, which was larger; for +several professors came, and all was quiet and well. After the +meeting, I visited some Friends; and then, taking boat, passed to +HOORN, which is counted the chief city in North Holland. We lodged +at an inn; and, taking waggon early next morning, passed to +ENCKHUYSEN, where we took ship for FRIESLAND; and landing in the +afternoon at WORKUM, took waggon and rode upon the high bank of the +Friezen Seas, till we met two Friends coming with a waggon to meet +us; with whom (discharging our waggon at Mackum, a village hard by,) +we went to HARLINGEN, the chief seaport town in Friesland. We went +to Hessel Jacobs’, whither several Friends came to visit us that +night. Next day we visited the Friends of the place; and I wrote a +paper, “To all them that persecute Friends for not observing their +fast-day.” + +The day following being First-day, Friends had a meeting there, to +which we went, and many professors came to it. I declared the +everlasting gospel amongst them, John Claus interpreting. They were +all very civil, and heard attentively; and when it was done, +departed peaceably, without making any opposition. After meeting I +went to Hessel Jacobs’ again, whither after a while came a Calvinist +to ask me some questions, which I answered to his satisfaction; and +he departed friendly. Soon after he was gone, a preacher of the +collegians came to discourse with me, who seemed well satisfied +also, and we parted lovingly. That evening I had another meeting +with the Friends there, and next morning, when we had taken our +leave of them, we passed to LEEUWARDEN, the chief city in FRIESLAND, +and lodged that night at a Friend’s house there, whose name was +Sybrand Dowes. + +Next morning early, taking boat, we passed to DOCKUM, and walking +through the city, took boat again to STROBUS, which is the utmost +part of Friesland. There we baited at a commissary’s house; and then +taking boat again, passed to GRONINGEN, the chief city of the +province of Groningland. One of the magistrates of that city came +with us from Leeuwarden, with whom I had some discourse on the way, +and he was very loving. We walked nearly two miles through the city, +and then took boat for Delfziel; and passing in the evening through +a town called APPINGDALEM, where had been a great horse-fair that +day; there came many officers rushing into the boat, and being +somewhat in drink, they were very rude. I spoke to them, exhorting +them to “fear the Lord, and beware of Solomon’s vanities.” They were +boisterous fellows; yet somewhat more civil afterwards. We landed at +DELFZIEL about ten at night, having travelled about fifty English +miles that day. We went to an inn to lodge, and as we passed through +the guards, they examined John Claus, whether I was not a militia +soldier; and when he had told them I was not, they let us pass +peaceably. + +DELFZIEL stands on the river Ems, over which we passed next day to +EMBDEN, a place where Friends had been cruelly persecuted, and from +which they had been often banished. I went to an inn, where I dined +with some men that understood English, with whom I had a fine time, +and they were loving. Meanwhile John Claus went with his wife to her +father’s, in Embden; whither, after I had dined, I went also, +understanding the old man was desirous to see me. In the afternoon +John Claus and I walked through the city to the place where the +waggon, which he had hired, was to meet us; and while we waited for +it, the Friends that were in the city came to the house where we +were, and we had a little meeting. When it was over, and the waggon +came not, we sent to know the reason. The master of it sent us word, +that he durst not let it go; for the bishop of Munster’s soldiers +were up in the country, and he was afraid they would take away his +horses. So being disappointed of our passage, we returned to John +Claus’s father-in-law’s house, where I left him, and went to my inn +at night. + +We took shipping next day, and passed about fifteen miles upon the +river Ems, to a market-town in East-Friesland, called LEER, where +lived a Friend that had been banished from Embden. When we had +visited him, we hired a waggon in that town, and passed to a +garrisoned town, called STRIKEHUYSEN, where the guards examined us; +and then went on to DETEREN, where, hiring another waggon, we passed +to another garrisoned town, where we were very strictly examined. +Thence we passed to APEN, where we lodged that night. In our +travelling this day, we met the Earl of Oldenburg, going to the +treaty of peace at Lembachie. + +Next day, we passed by waggon to OLDENBURG, lately a great and +famous place, but then burnt down, and but few houses left standing +in it. At this place we hired another waggon, and went to +DELMENHORST; where, after we had been examined by the guards, we +went to a burgher-master’s to lodge, whose house was an inn. There +being many people I declared the way of truth to him and them, +warning them of the day of the Lord that was coming upon all +evil-doers. + +We passed next day by waggon to BREMEN, a stately city in GERMANY; +and thence, after a double examination, we went to a water called +OVERDELAND, and there took boat to FISHERHOLDER; where, finding many +people together, I declared the way of God to them, and exhorted +them to fear the Lord. There we took waggon again, and travelled in +the bishop of Munster’s country to CLOSTERSEVEN; and, having no +inclination to stay there, got fresh horses, intending to travel all +night. We went a little way, but it quickly grew so dark, and rained +so hard, that we thought it best to turn back again; for our waggon +being open, we had no defence against the rain, and our clothes were +already wet with what had fallen for several days before. So we went +to an inn, and got a little fresh straw, upon which we lay till +about break of day; and then set out and travelled to BUXTEHUDE. + +The people in the bishop of Munster’s country were very dark. As we +passed amongst them, I preached truth to them, warning them of the +great and notable day of the Lord; and exhorting them to soberness, +and to mind the good Spirit of God in themselves. + +It was on a First-day that we went through Buxtehude; and without +the walls there was a great fair of sheep and geese that day. We +stayed a little to refresh ourselves, and went on as fast as we +could to HAMBURG, partly by waggon, and partly by water. We reached +the city in time enough to get a meeting there that evening; and a +good and glorious one it was. There were at it, amongst others, a +Baptist teacher and his wife, and a great man of Sweden and his +wife; and all was quiet, blessed be the Lord, whose power was +exalted over all. Yet a dark, hard place this is, and the people are +much shut up from truth. + +At Hamburg was a woman that had spoken against me in John Perrott’s +time, though she had never seen me till now. She had been troubled +for it ever since, and now was glad of an opportunity to acknowledge +her fault; which she very readily did, and I as readily and freely +forgave her. + +We stayed that night at Hamburg, encouraging and strengthening the +Friends there in their testimony to the truth; and betimes next +morning set forward towards Frederickstadt, two long days’ journey +from Hamburg. We went the first day to ELMSHORN, where we baited; +and then rode on through a garrison-town of the king of Denmark’s; +and passing by the monument of the Earl of Rantzow, came to the city +of ITZEHOE, where we lodged that night. I had some service in the +evening among the people in the inn, whom I exhorted to soberness, +and to live in the fear of the Lord. Next morning we travelled to +HOGHENHORN, where we dined at an inn with one of the council of +Frederickstadt; to whom, and to the rest of the people present, I +declared the truth, with which they seemed to be affected. Then +travelling on, we came to a river called Eyder, where we took boat +and so went to FREDERICKSTADT, to William Paul’s, where several +Friends came to us, for there is a pretty company of Friends in that +city. We had a fine refreshing meeting together that evening, which +made us forget our weariness; for we were indeed very weary, having +travelled hard two days, and being wet through our clothes, having +had much rain in our open waggons. But the Lord made all easy and +good to us; and we were well, and glad to see Friends; blessed be +his holy name for ever! + +This city is in the Duke of Holstein’s country, who would have +banished Friends out of the city and country, and sent to the +magistrates of the city to do it; but they said, they would lay down +their offices rather than do it; inasmuch as Friends came to that +city to enjoy liberty of conscience. Friends still enjoy their +liberty there, and truth and they are of good report amongst the +people, both in city and country. + +On First-day I had a meeting here, to which many people came, and +some rough spirits; but the power of the Lord bound them down, and +the Seed of life was set over all. While I was here I had a +discourse with a Jew that was a Levite, concerning the coming of the +Messiah, and he was much confounded in what he said; yet he carried +himself lovingly, and invited me to his house. I went, and there I +discoursed with another Jew, who showed me their Talmud and many +other Jewish books; but they are very dark, and do not understand +their own prophets. + +There was at this city a Baptist teacher, who had reproached and +belied Friends; wherefore John Claus went with two Friends of the +town, to the house where he lodged, and cleared truth and Friends +from his reproaches; and laid his lies and slanders upon his own +head, to his shame. + +Before we left this place I had another meeting with the Friends +only, wherein I laid before them the usefulness and benefit of a +monthly meeting, for looking after the poor, and taking care that +marriages, and all other things relating to the church, were +performed in an orderly manner. The thing answered the witness of +God in their consciences, so that they readily agreed to have +monthly meetings thence-forward among themselves, that both men and +women might take care of the outward concerns of the church. + +After this meeting, feeling my spirit clear of that place, we took +leave of Friends there, whom we left in good order, and turned back +again for Hamburg. When we had travelled one day’s journey, and were +come to an inn at night to lodge, I enquired whether there were any +tender people in the town that feared God, or that had a mind to +discourse of the things of God? The innkeeper told me there were few +such in that town. Next night we got to HAMBURG; and having passed +the guards, went to a Friend’s house, being very weary; for we had +been up those two mornings before three o’clock, and had travelled +each day hard and late. Here we met with John Hill, an English +Friend, who had been travelling in Germany, and being in a ship +bound for Amsterdam, that waited for a wind, he had lain sick on +board about two weeks. Hearing I was in the country, he left the +ship and came hither to meet me, and go along with me. + +The day after we came to Hamburg we had a very good meeting, and +very peaceable. After it I had discourse with a Swede, an eminent +man in his own country; who, having been banished thence on the +account of his religion, was come to Hamburg, and was at the meeting +I had there before. When I had done with him, I had another +discourse with a Baptist concerning the sacraments, so called; in +both which I had good service, having opportunity thereby to open +truth unto them. + +Being clear of Hamburg, we took leave of Friends there, whom we left +well; and taking John Hill with us, passed by boat to a city in the +Duke of LUNEBERG’S country; where, after we were examined by the +guards, we were had to the main-guard, and there examined more +strictly; but after they found we were not soldiers, they were +civil, and let us pass. In the afternoon we travelled by waggon, and +the waters being much out, by reason of heavy rains, when it drew +towards night, we hired a boy on the way to guide us through a great +water we had to pass. When we came to it, the water was so deep +before we could come at the bridge, that the waggoner had to wade, +and I drove the waggon. When we were come on the bridge, the horses +broke part of it down, and one of them fell into the water, the +waggon standing upon that part of the bridge which remained +unbroken; and it was the Lord’s mercy to us that the waggon did not +run into the brook. When they had got the horse out, he lay a while +as if dead; but at length they got him up, put him to the waggon +again, and laid the planks right; and then, through the goodness of +the Lord to us, we got safely over. + +After this we came to another water, which finding to be very deep, +and it being in the night, we hired two men to help us through, who +put cords to the waggon to hold it by, that the force of the water +might not drive it from the way. But when we came into it, the +stream was so strong, that it took one of the horses off his legs, +and was carrying him down the stream. I called to the waggoner to +pluck him to him by his reins, which he did, and the horse recovered +his legs, and with much difficulty we got over the bridge, and went +to BORMER-HAVEN, the town where the waggoner lived. It was the last +day of the 6th month that we escaped these dangers; and it being +about eleven at night when we came in here, we got some fresh straw +and lay upon it, till about four in the morning. Then getting up, we +set forward again towards Bremen, by waggon and boat. On the way I +had good opportunities to publish truth among the people, especially +at a market-town, where we stayed to change our passage; where I +declared the truth to the people, warning them of the day of the +Lord, that was coming upon all flesh; and exhorting them to +righteousness, telling them, “that God was come to teach his people +himself,” and that they should turn to the Lord, and hearken to the +teachings of his Spirit in their own hearts. + +At BREMEN, after we were examined, we went to an inn, and stayed +till another waggon was provided to carry us further. Though I felt +the Lord’s power was over the city, and kept the wicked and unruly +spirits down, yet my spirit suffered much in this place for the +people’s sake. When our waggon was ready, we left Bremen and +travelled to KEBY, where we lodged at an inn, and early next morning +set out for OLDENBURG. It was a lamentable sight to see so great and +brave a city burnt down. We went to an inn, and though it was +First-day, the soldiers were drinking, and playing at shovel-board; +and at the few houses that were left, the shops were open, and the +people trading one with another. I was moved to declare the truth +among them, and warn them of the judgments of God; and though they +heard me quietly, and were civil, yet I was burdened with their +wickedness. Many times in mornings, noons, and nights, at the inns +and on the ways as I travelled, I spoke to the people, preaching the +truth to them, warning them of the day of the Lord, and exhorting +them to turn to the light and Spirit of God in themselves, that +thereby they might be led out of evil. + +Next day, passing through many great waters, we came at night to +LEER, and the day following to EMBDEN, where John Claus’s wife’s +father lived; at whose house, when we went into Germany, we left a +young man sick, who travelled with me, and used to write for me; +whom now we found pretty well recovered. John Claus went to his +father-in-law’s; John Hill and I to an inn, where we dined. After +dinner we went also to John Claus’s father’s, and had a good meeting +there in the evening. + +The day following we took shipping at Embden, passed to DELFZIEL, +and went to an inn, where a Friend came to us that then lived there, +having been often banished from Embden; he was a goldsmith, and had +a house and shop in Embden; and still as they banished him, he went +again. Then they imprisoned him, and fed him with bread and water; +and at length took his goods from him, and banished him, his wife, +and children, leaving them neither place to come to, nor anything to +subsist on. We comforted and encouraged him in the Lord, exhorting +him to be faithful, and stand stedfast in the testimony committed to +him. When we had taken leave of him, we took boat, and passed the +same day to GRONINGEN, where we met with Cornelius Andries, a Friend +that had also suffered much by imprisonment and banishment at +Embden. We went with him to his house, and next day had a good +meeting in that city, to which several professors came, who were +very peaceable and attentive. After meeting we passed by boat to +STROBUS, and so to DOCKUM, where we lodged at an inn. Taking boat +again next morning we passed to LEEUWARDEN, the chief city of +Friesland, where I found my daughter Yeomans, who was come from +Amsterdam to meet me. That day we had a precious meeting at Sybrand +Dowes’s house. After the meeting I had discourse with some that were +at it, who had been formerly convinced of truth, but were not come +into obedience to it. We stayed there that night; but John Hill left +us and went that day to Harlingen, and so to Amsterdam. + +Next day we passed down the river to the lake of HEMPEN-SARMER, and +thence by the lake LUGMER, and so to a town called ANDERIGO; whence +sailing through the lake WHISPOOL, we came to GARDICK within night. +We lodged at an inn; and next day being First-day, we were at +Friends’ meeting there, which was very large, many of the +town’s-people coming in; amongst whom I declared the truth, in the +power of the Lord that was upon me, which tendered the people, and +they were very sober. After it we stayed a little while to refresh +ourselves, and then went to take boat again; but the people +observing us, gathered together at a bridge, which we were to pass; +and there I spoke unto them again, declaring the way of life and +salvation; and they were very attentive and civil. + +We went back that evening to LEEUWARDEN, twenty-seven miles; but +before we could reach it, the gates were shut, and the bridges drawn +up, so that we could not get into the city, but lay in the boat all +night. Next morning, there having been a man killed in the city that +night, it was late before the gates were opened. When we could get +in, we went to a Friend’s house, where we stayed a while; then +taking boat again, we passed through FRANEKER to HARLINGEN, to +Hessel Jacobs’s, where we found several Dutch Friends, who were come +to be at the meeting there next day. In the evening William Penn +came to us from Amsterdam; who having returned two or three days +before out of Germany, had been at a large meeting at Amsterdam on +First-day; and after it, understanding I was at Harlingen, he came +thither to me. + +The next day was the monthly meeting for the men and women, to which +we went; it was large and good. And there it was agreed, that “a +meeting should be held there once a month, both for the men and for +the women, to take care of the outward concerns of the church.” + +In the afternoon we had a public meeting, to which came people of +several sorts, Socinians, Baptists, Lutherans, &c., amongst whom +were a doctor of physic and a priest. After I had declared the truth +pretty largely to the people, opening the happy state that man and +woman were in, whilst they kept under God’s teaching, and abode in +the Paradise of God; and on the other hand, the woe and misery that +came upon them when they went from God’s teaching, hearkening to the +Serpent’s—when they transgressed God’s command, and were driven out +of Paradise; and then came to set forth the way, whereby man and +woman might come into that happy state again—the priest, an ancient, +grave man, stood up, just as I had done speaking, and putting off +his hat, said, “I pray God to prosper and confirm that doctrine, for +it is truth, and I have nothing against it.” He would willingly have +stayed till the meeting ended, but having to preach that evening, he +could not stay longer, the time for his own worship being come. +Wherefore when he had made confession to the truth, he hastened +away, that he might come again; and did come, it seems, to the +meeting-place, but the meeting was ended first. After meeting we +went to Hessel Jacobs’s, where I had a meeting with Friends, and the +doctor of physic came thither to discourse with William Penn, who +had a good opportunity to open the truth to him. By this doctor the +priest sent his love to me, wishing him to tell me, that he had left +preaching that evening half an hour sooner than he used to do, that +he might come to our meeting again, to hear more of that good +doctrine. I heard afterwards that his hearers questioned him, for +what he had said in our meeting; and that, he standing by his words, +they had complained of him for it to the other priests of the city, +who called him to account about it; but the result I could not +learn. + +Early next morning William Penn, taking John Claus with him, passed +from Harlingen to Leeuwarden, where he had appointed a meeting; +intending after that, to travel into some other parts of Germany, to +visit a tender people there. I with those Friends that were with me, +took ship the same day for AMSTERDAM, where we arrived a little +after midnight, but the gates being shut, we lay on board till +morning; then went to Gertrude Dirick Nieson’s, where many Friends +came to see us, being glad of our safe return. Next day, feeling a +concern upon my mind, with relation to those seducing spirits that +made division among Friends, and being sensible that they +endeavoured to insinuate themselves into the affectionate part, I +was moved to write a few lines to Friends concerning them, as +follows:— + + “All these that set up themselves in the affections of the people, + set up themselves, and the affections of the people, and not + Christ. But Friends, your peaceable habitation in the truth, which + is everlasting, and changes not, will outlast all the habitations + of those that are out of the truth, be they ever so full of words. + So they that are so keen for J.S. and J.W. let them take them, and + the separation; and you, that have given your testimony against + that spirit, stand in your testimony, till they answer by + condemnation. Do not strive, nor make bargains with that which is + out of the truth; nor save that alive to be a sacrifice for God, + which should be slain, lest you lose your kingdom.” + + G. F. + + Amsterdam, the 14th of the 7th Month, 1677. + +On the First-day following, I was at Friends’ meeting at Amsterdam, +to which many people came, and were very civil and attentive, +hearing truth declared several hours. John Roeloffs interpreted for +me. Before this time, several of the Friends that came over with me, +were returned to England, as Robert Barclay,[44] George Keith’s +wife, and others; and now my daughter Yeomans went back also; so +that I was left alone at Amsterdam. + +While I was there, it came upon me to visit my suffering Friends at +Dantzic with a few lines, to encourage and strengthen them in their +sufferings, as follows:— + + “DEAR FRIENDS, + + “To whom is my love in the Lord’s truth, that is over all, and by + which all God’s people are made free men and women, being thereby + set free from him that is out of the truth; that walking in the + truth, they may answer the witness of God in all people; which + truth all must come to if they be made free. Therefore be faithful + unto what the Lord makes known unto you. I am glad the Lord hath + witnesses in that city, to stand for his glory and name, and for + Christ Jesus, the great Prophet, whom God hath raised up, who is + to be heard in all things; so that ye need none of the prophets, + which men have raised up. Therefore, stand faithful to Christ + Jesus, your Shepherd, that he may feed you; hear his voice, and + follow him, who laid down his life for you: but follow none of the + shepherds and hirelings, that are made by men, though they be + angry, because you will not follow them to their dry and barren + mountains; who have been, and are the thieves, persecutors, and + robbers, that climb up another way, than by Christ. Set up Christ + to be your Counsellor and Leader, and then, ye will have no need + of any of the counsellors and leaders of the world; for Christ is + sufficient, whom God has given you. Set up Christ Jesus to be your + Bishop and Overseer, who is sufficient to oversee you, that ye go + not astray from God; by which ye may see over all the + hireling-overseers made by men, who keep the people that they do + not go astray from the rudiments and formalities, fashions and + customs of the world; which hath been and is their work. I am glad + ye are come to own Christ Jesus, your High Priest, who is holy, + harmless, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens, + as the church and the apostle owned him in their days, Heb. vii., + who is the High-Priest over the household of faith; which faith, + Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of: and this do all the + children of the new covenant witness, who walk in the new and + living way. + + “Therefore my desire is, that ye all may be steadfast, whether in + bonds or out, in the faith of Christ Jesus, which is the gift of + God; by which faith all the valiants overcame the devil and all + their enemies; in which faith they had victory and access to God; + and in that was their unity: which mystery of faith is held in a + pure conscience, hidden from the world. I do believe that your + imprisonments and sufferings in that place will be for good in the + end, as it hath been in other places, ye standing faithful to the + Lord who is all-sufficient. For your sufferings and trials will + try their teachers and religions, churches and worships, and make + manifest what birth they are of; even that which persecutes him + that is born of the Spirit: for ye know that there is no salvation + by any other name under the whole heaven, than by the name of + Jesus; therefore it is time to leave them, when there is no + salvation by or in any of them. + + “Now, Friends, I desire that you would take a list of the names of + all those that belong to the king of Poland, and where they live, + and how ye may send books or epistles to them, and keep a + correspondence with them: also the name of the bishop or cardinal + that I heard was with you; and if ye can, get any of them that + belong to the king to come and visit the prisoners, that they may + inform the king of their cruel sufferings. Also I desire you to + get as many books of mine as you can dispose of, that set forth + your sufferings, and the cruelty of the magistrates of Dantzic; + and give them to the king, his council, attendants, and bishops. + And some of the women may speak to the queen, if they can, that + she may signify to the king their cruel sufferings; and especially + some of the sufferers’ wives, if there be any of a capacity to do + it. You may likewise give his attendants any other Friends’ books; + what books ye lack, send for to Amsterdam, where ye may be + furnished with them, to answer every tender desirer, and inquiring + mind after the Lord. So let your minds be bended with the Lord’s + power, to spread his truth abroad; and where ye hear of any, or + have any correspondence in outward trading with any sober people, + far or near, send them books, that their understandings may be + opened after the Lord. + + “The Lord God Almighty preserve you! To his protection, in his + eternal power, do I commend you all, in bonds or at liberty, with + my love to you in the everlasting Seed of God, Christ Jesus, who + bruises the head of the serpent that makes you suffer. Christ is + over him, and will be when he is gone; who is First and Last, over + all, from everlasting to everlasting, in whom ye have life, + knowledge, wisdom, and salvation; and through him live to the + praise and glory of God, who is blessed for evermore. Amen.” + + G.F. + + Amsterdam, the 18th of the 7th Month, 1677, English style. + +Next day, the fourth of the week and 19th of the month, I had a +large meeting at Amsterdam, many professors being at it; and truth +was largely opened to them, in the demonstration of the heavenly +power. The day following I went by boat from Amsterdam, many Friends +going with me, to LANDSMEER in Waterland (a town in which, they say, +there are above a hundred bridges,) where I had a very good meeting, +to which several professors came. After it I returned with Friends +to AMSTERDAM, where I stayed till the First-day following, and went +to their meeting, which was large. Many professors of several sorts +were at it, and heard the truth declared with great attention. + +I tarried there next day, and in the night following had a great +exercise upon my spirit concerning that loose spirit, that was run +out into strife and contention among Friends, and had drawn some +after it into division and separation; the way, work, and end +whereof the Lord opened to me: wherefore feeling the motion of life +upon me, I got up in the morning and wrote the following epistle to +Friends:— + + “MY DEAR FRIENDS, + + “Keep your first love in the truth, power, and Seed of life in + Christ Jesus; for this last night, as I was lying in my bed at + Amsterdam, I had a great travail in the holy Seed of life and + peace, and my spirit was troubled with that spirit of strife and + separation. I saw it was a destroying spirit, and did seek not + only to get over the Seed, but to destroy it, and to eat out the + minds of people from it by strife and contention; and, under + pretence of standing for the ancient truth, its work is to root it + out, and destroy the appearance of it, to set up itself. It is a + creeping spirit, seeking whom it can get into; and what it cannot + do itself, it stirreth up others to do, and setteth their spirit + afloat, with the dark wisdom to destroy the simple. This spirit is + managed by the prince of the air, and leadeth some to do things + which they would have been ashamed to have done as men, which doth + unman them; and they would not have suffered them if they had kept + to the tender principle of God, which leadeth to peace. It is a + despising, backbiting, secret-whispering spirit, a sower of + dissension, and a taker of advantage of all prejudiced spirits, + that are disobedient to their first principle, and love of truth, + and begetteth into hatred; so it begetteth all into that spirit, + whose work is to destroy both the good within, and the good order + without. Nay, it would, if it could, destroy the government of + Christ, and the order of the gospel, to set up its own will and + spirit, which is not of God; and, under pretence of crying down + man, is setting up man, and gathering into a separation of + disobedient men, who float above their conditions. This spirit + which neither liveth in the truth nor its order, but opposeth them + that do, I cannot express it, as I see it and its work, whose end + will be accordingly. + + “Therefore, Friends, I am to warn you all, that have not lost your + simplicity, not to touch it, nor to have any unity with it, lest + you be defiled, and lose your conditions of your eternal estate + and everlasting portion; and that your inward man, which is after + God, may be preserved, and Christ may reign in all your hearts. It + will be very hard for those that are joined with them, ever to + come down to truth in themselves, to see their own conditions, and + to have that spirit of strife and contention (which eateth as a + canker) brought down in them; which is carnal and slayeth the + tender babe, which was once begotten in themselves. The Philistine + is got up in them, that stoppeth the wells and springs, maketh a + great bustle, and is crying up men, and pleading for them instead + of Christ. So, Friends, strive not with them, but let those take + them that cry them up. Keep you to the Lord Jesus Christ with his + light, that cometh from him, that he may be your Lord; and ye in + him may be all in unity, in one light, life, power, and dominion, + in Christ, your head. The God of peace and power preserve you all + in Christ Jesus, your Saviour; and out of and from that + mischievous spirit, which is idle and slothful as to the work of + the power, and Spirit, and light of God and Christ. Its very act + worketh strife and disturbance against the peace of the church of + Christ. It thinks in its wilfulness, stubbornness, and unruliness, + to set up itself, and in that to have peace; but destruction will + be the end of it, and it is sealed for the fire and eternal + judgment. Therefore, let Christ, the Seed, be the head and crown + of every one of you, that nothing may be between you and the Lord + God. + + Be not deceived with vain, feigned, or rough words; for Satan is + transforming himself, as an angel of light, to deceive; but God’s + foundation standeth sure, and God knoweth who are his, and will + preserve them upon the rock and foundation of life, in his + peaceable truth and habitation, that in the same they may grow. + Keep out of strife and contention with it, after ye have borne + your testimony in the Lord’s power and truth against it, then keep + in the truth; for it hath a life in scribbling, strife and + jangling, and would bring others into its misery with the airy + power, and would get power over the good, disjoin people from it, + and so commit rapes upon the simplicity by its subtilty. But I do + believe the Lord will defend his people, though he may try them + and exercise them with this spirit for a time, as he hath done in + days past, in other vessels it hath made use of, as it doth of + these now; who have a more seeming fair outside, but foul, rough, + and rugged enough within, against the Seed, Christ, as ever were + the Pharisees to destroy it. They, under a pretence of preaching + Christ, are destroyers and crucifiers of him, and killers of the + just, not only in themselves, but are endeavouring with all their + might, to destroy it in others, where it is born. Pharaoh and + Herod slay the young Jews in the Spirit, as the old did; I feel it + worrying them. That is got up to be king which knew not suffering + Joseph. But God will plague him, and the Seed will have more rest, + and be better entertained in Egypt, than under Herod, into whom + old Pharaoh’s spirit is entered. + + “He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear: and an eye to see, let + him see, how this spirit hath transformed in all ages against the + just and righteous; but mark, what hath been its end? The Seed + reigneth; glory to the Lord God over all for ever! His truth + spreadeth, and Friends here are in unity and peace, and of good + report, answering the good, or that of God in people. My desires + are, that all God’s people may do the same in all places, that the + Lord may be glorified in their bringing forth much fruit that is + heavenly and spiritual. Amen.” + + G.F. + + Amsterdam, the 25th of the 7th Month, 1677. + +After I had given forth the foregoing epistle, whereby my spirit was +in some measure eased of the weight that lay upon it, I went in the +afternoon to the monthly meeting of Friends at Amsterdam, where the +Lord was present with us, and refreshed our spirits together in +himself. + +I had thought to go next day to Haarlem; but a fast being appointed +to be kept that day, I was stopped in my spirit, and moved to stay +at Friends’ meeting that day at Amsterdam. We had a very large +meeting, a great concourse of people coming to it, and amongst them +many great persons. The Lord’s power was over the meeting; and in +the openings thereof I was moved to declare to the people, “that no +man, by all his wit and study, nor by reading history in his own +will, could declare or know the generation of Christ, who was, not +begotten by the will of man, but by the will of God.” After I had +largely opened this unto them, “I showed them the difference between +the true fast and the false; manifesting, that the professed +Christians, Jews, and Turks, were out of the true fast, and fasted +for strife and debate, being under the band and fists of iniquity +and oppression, wherewith they were smiting one another; but the +pure hands were not lifted up to God. And though they did all appear +to men to fast, and did hang down their heads for a day like a +bulrush, yet that was not the fast which God did accept; but in that +state all their bones were dry, and when they called upon the Lord, +he did not answer them, neither did their health grow; for they kept +their own fast and not the Lord’s. I exhorted them to keep the +Lord’s fast, which was to fast from sin and iniquity, from strife +and debate, from violence and oppression, and to abstain from every +appearance of evil.” These things were opened to the astonishment of +the fasters; and the meeting ended peaceably and well. + +I went to HAARLEM the day following, having before appointed a +meeting. Peter Hendricks and Gertrude Dirick Nieson went with me; +and a blessed meeting we had. There were professors of several +sorts, and a priest of the Lutherans, who sat very attentive for +several hours, while I declared the truth amongst them, Gertrude +interpreting. When the meeting was done, the priest said, “he had +heard nothing but what was according to the Word of God; and desired +that the blessing of the Lord might rest upon us, and our +assemblies.” Others also confessed to the truth, saying, “they had +never heard things so plainly opened to their understandings +before.” + +We stayed that night at Haarlem at a Friend’s house, whose name was +Dirick Klassen; and, returning next day to AMSTERDAM, went to +Gertrude’s house; where we had not been long, before a priest of +great note, who had formerly belonged to the Emperor of Germany, and +with him another German priest came, desiring to have some +conference with me. I took the opportunity to declare the way of +truth unto them, opening unto them “how they might come to know God +and Christ, and his law and gospel;” and showing them that “they +could never know it by study, nor by philosophy, but by divine +revelation through the Spirit of God, opening to them in the +stillness of their minds.” The men were tender, and went away well +satisfied. + +On the First-day following I was at Friends’ meeting at Amsterdam; +where, amongst several sorts of professors that were present, was a +doctor from Poland, who for his religion was banished the place he +lived in; and being affected with the testimony of truth in the +meeting, he came afterwards to have some discourse with me; and +after we had been some time together, and I had opened things +further to him, he went away very tender and loving. + +While I was at Amsterdam, I spent much of my time in writing books, +papers, or epistles on truth’s behalf. I wrote several epistles from +Amsterdam to Friends in England and elsewhere, on several occasions, +as the Lord moved me by his Spirit thereunto. I wrote also from +thence, “A Warning to the Inhabitants of the City of Oldenburg, +which was lately burnt down;” also, “A Warning to the Inhabitants of +the City of Hamburg,” both of which were as follows:— + + “_A Warning to the Magistrates and People of the City of + Oldenburg._ + + “FRIENDS, + + “Have you not seen and felt the judgments of God upon your city, + the Lord sending lightning from heaven that destroyed and burnt + it? As I passed through your city on a First-day of the week, + which you call your Sabbath, I saw some drinking, and soldiers + playing at shuffleboard, and others with their shops open and + trading, when they should have been waiting upon God and + worshipping him; and your people were light and vain, without any + sense of God’s judgments or repentance. O therefore repent, lest + the all-seeing God, who sees all your actions and is over all, + bring swift judgment upon you in his wrath, fury, and indignation. + Repent, and lay aside all manner of evil and wickedness, + ungodliness, and unrighteousness; for the day of the Lord will + come upon all that do evil, all the workers of iniquity. This + mighty day of the Lord will find them all out, and will burn as an + oven, and burn up all the proud and wicked, and neither leave them + root nor branch. + + “Therefore, all ye magistrates, priests, and people, search in + yourselves to find out the cause, and what evil you have + committed, that has brought the wrath, vengeance, and judgment of + God upon you and your city, in burning it. All return, and come to + the light of Christ in your hearts, and to God’s Spirit, and to + the grace and truth in your hearts, that comes by Jesus Christ; + that with it ye may search your hearts. Do not grieve, nor vex, + nor quench God’s good Spirit in your hearts, and walk not + despitefully against the Spirit of grace, nor turn from it into + wantonness; and yet make a profession of God and Christ in words, + when your hearts are afar off, living in pleasures and wantonly + upon the earth, sporting yourselves, killing the just, crucifying + to yourselves Christ afresh, and putting him to open shame; and so + dishonouring God, and Christ, and Christianity, and making a + profession and a trade of the Scriptures, keeping people always + learning, that they may be always paying. + + “Cease from man, whose breath is in his nostrils, and look unto + the Lord, all ye ends of the earth, and be saved; for the Lord God + of heaven and earth is come, to teach his people himself by his + light, Spirit, grace, and truth, and to bring them off from all + the world’s teachers. God hath raised up Christ Jesus, his + Prophet, whom people should hear; and saith, ‘This is my beloved + Son, hear ye him’; and Christ saith, ‘Learn of me, I am the way, + the truth, and the life; and no man comes to the Father, but by + me.’ There is no salvation by any other name under the whole + heaven than by the name of Jesus, who saith, ‘I am the Good + Shepherd, and have laid down my life for my sheep; and my sheep + hear my voice and follow me, and will not follow the hireling’; + for Christ feeds them in the pastures of life that will never + wither. God hath anointed Christ Jesus to preach, if you will hear + him; and God hath given Christ for a Counsellor and a Leader, if + you will be led and counselled by him; and God hath given Christ + for a Bishop to oversee you, and a King to rule you, if you will + be overseen and ruled by him. You that will not have Christ, who + never sinned, nor was guile found in his mouth, to rule over you, + you may read his sentence in the New Testament upon such. Is not + Christ a sufficient teacher, whose blood was shed for you, and who + tasted death for every man? + + “Doth not Christ say to his ministers, ‘Freely ye have received, + freely give?’ And the apostle saith, ‘We covet no man’s gold, + silver, or apparel.’ They laboured with their hands, and kept the + gospel without charge. Have they that are called ministers amongst + you done the same, and kept this command of Christ Jesus? Let them + be examined and examine themselves. Have you not trimmed your + outsides? but look within with the light and Spirit of Christ + Jesus, and see if your insides be not black and foul. For Christ + Jesus, who doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, + with the life in himself, saith, ‘Believe in the light, that ye + may become children of the light.’ With the light ye may see all + the evil and ungodly deeds that ye have committed; all your + ungodly words you have spoken; and all your ungodly thoughts ye + think; that ye may turn from them to Christ, from whom the light + comes; who is your Saviour and Redeemer, who hath given you a + light to see your sin, and that you are dead in Adam; that with + the same light you may see Christ, the quickening Spirit, who + makes you alive to God, and saves you from your sin. But if you + hate the light, which is the life in Christ, the Prince of Life, + and love the darkness and the prince of darkness more than the + light or the life in Christ, because it will reprove you; Christ + tells you, ‘This light will be your condemnation,’ John iii. + + “Therefore be warned now in your day, and while you have time, + turn to the Lord. Do not quench the Spirit of the Father by which + he draws to the Son; nor hate the light of Christ; for if you do, + you hate the life in Christ, and so remain under condemnation from + God and Christ with the light, who now speaks to his people by his + Son, as he did in the apostles’ days; the same God, that was the + speaker by the prophets to the fathers, and speaker to Adam and + Eve in Paradise; and happy had Adam and Eve, and the Jews, and all + Christians been, if they had kept to this speaker, and not + followed that serpent, that false speaker, and his instruments. + And now God is the true speaker by his Son, who bruises the head + of the serpent, the false teacher, who is the head of all false + ways, false prophets, false churches, and false religions and + worships. So God in Christ is bringing people to the pure and + undefiled religion, that will keep them from the spots of the + world, into the new and living way, Christ Jesus; and to the + church in God, which Christ is the head of, as he was in the + apostles’ days; and to worship God in the Spirit and in truth, + which worship Christ set up above sixteen hundred years since. + Therefore must all people come to the grace and Spirit of truth in + their own hearts, to know the God of truth, who is a Spirit; and + in the Spirit and truth to worship, serve, honour, and glorify the + living God, who is over all, and worthy of all, blessed for + evermore. Amen. + + “Ye magistrates and officers, read this in all your assemblies, + and cause all your priests to read it in their churches; that they + and you, and all people may hear and fear the God of heaven, as + you will answer it at the great and terrible day of judgment, and + vengeance of the Lord God Almighty. This is in love to your souls, + and for your temporal and eternal good.” + + G.F. + + Amsterdam, the 19th of the 7th Month, 1677. + + “_A Warning to the Magistrates, Priests, and People of the City of + Hamburg, to humble themselves before the Lord, and not be + high-minded._ + + “FRIENDS, + + “You have painted and garnished the inside of your outward houses + and high places; but look within your hearts with the light of + Christ, which he hath enlightened you and every man that cometh + into the world withal, and with it you may see how foul your + hearts and insides are with sin and evil, which Christ tells you + ye should make clean; who told the Pharisees how they ‘painted the + sepulchres of the righteous,’ and they themselves were full of + rottenness and corruption. Therefore look into yourselves and your + own hearts, what you are full of. To paint the sepulchres of the + righteous apostles, and make a trade and a profession of their + words, without the same Holy Ghost, and power, and light, and + truth which they were in, will not stand the day of God’s + vengeance. + + “Therefore repent while you have time, turn to the Lord with your + whole hearts, and do not think yourselves secure, without his + immediate almighty protection. For not all your works, nor all + your own strength, and power, and defence can protect you; it is + not for you to look at them, and think yourselves secure, to sit + down in your security, and in it let your hearts be merry, and at + rest and ease. But when the Lord brings a scourge upon you, that + you are filled with terrors and fears, remember you were warned, + that you were set down, but not in the true rest. Then all your + own strength and force will stand you in no stead; and you will + acknowledge that it must be God that must protect you. Therefore + take warning; for your priests and people are too high, and are + swallowed up too much in this world. The vanities of it carry your + minds away from God, and your care is more for the world than for + God, and more after the riches of this world, than after the + riches of the world that has no end. Know you not, that all your + heaps of outward treasure must have an end, and that you must + leave them all behind you? + + “Therefore I am to warn and advise you, both high and low, priests + and people, to come to the grace, light and truth, that comes by + Jesus Christ; to the manifestation of the good Spirit of God, + which is given to you to profit withal; that with this grace, and + truth, light, and Spirit of Christ, you may turn to Christ Jesus, + from whence it comes, who saith, ‘Learn of me;’ and God saith, + ‘This is my beloved Son, hear ye Him.’ So all the children of the + new covenant, that walk in the new and living way, hear Christ + their Prophet, that God has raised up, and anointed to be their + Teacher and Priest. So now, God doth speak to his people by his + Son, as he did in the apostles’ days. The Lord is come to teach + his people himself by his grace, light, truth, and Spirit, and to + bring them off all the world’s teachers that are made by men since + the apostles’ days; who have kept people always learning, that + they may be always paying them. He is come to bring them off all + the world’s religions, to the religion that he set up in the + apostles’ days, in the new covenant, which is pure and undefiled + before God in his sight, and keeps from the spots of the world, + &c. And the Lord is come to bring them off all the world’s + churches, to the church in God, which Christ the heavenly man is + head of; and to bring them off all the world’s worships, to + worship God in Spirit and in truth, which Christ set up above + sixteen hundred years since. So all men and women must come to the + Spirit and truth in their hearts, by which they must know the God + of truth, who is a Spirit; and then in the Spirit and in truth + they will worship him, and know what and whom they worship. Also + the Lord is come to bring his people off all the world’s temples, + that with the Spirit they may know their bodies to be the temples + of the Holy Ghost. And the Lord is come to bring his people off + all the world’s crosses, pictures, images, and likenesses, to know + that the power of God is the cross of Christ, which crucifies them + to the world, and brings them up into the likeness and image of + God, that man and woman were in before they fell; and so to Christ + that never fell. + + “This work must all know in their hearts, by the light of Christ + Jesus, who ‘is the true light, that lighteth every man that cometh + into the world.’ It is called the light in man and woman, and the + life in Christ the Word: and Christ saith, ‘Believe in the light, + that ye may be the children of light.’ And the light lets you see + all your evil actions, that you have committed; your ungodly ways + you have walked in; and your ungodly words and thoughts. If you + hate this light, and love the darkness, and the prince of it, more + than this light, which is the life in Christ, the Prince of Life, + and will not come to it, because your deeds are evil, it will + reprove you; Christ tells you, ‘this light is your condemnation.’ + Then what is all your profession good for, when you remain under + the condemnation of the true light, in which you should believe; + and so become children of light, and out of condemnation? + Therefore everyone must believe in the light, if they receive + Christ Jesus; and as many as receive him, he gives them ‘power to + become the sons of God.’ He that hath the Son of God, hath life; + and they that have not the Son of God, have not life: if then you + have not life, what good doth all your profession of the + Scriptures from Genesis to Revelations do you, any more than the + Jews, Scribes, and Pharisees, that would not receive Christ the + life, upon whom God brought his overflowing scourge? + + “Therefore do you take heed, for your strength will be no better + than theirs, if you have not God and Christ’s supporting power, + when God’s scourge comes upon you, and you are filled with horrors + and fears. My desires are, that you may all repent, even from the + highest to the lowest, and not grieve, nor quench, nor vex, nor + rebel against, God’s good Spirit in you, nor ‘walk despitefully + against the Spirit Of Grace,’ which would teach you, and bring + your salvation; nor turn from it unto wantonness. If you do, how + can you escape the overflowing scourge of the Almighty, and the + wrath of the Lamb? My desires are, that you may all obey God’s + good Spirit of truth, which will lead you out of all evil into all + truth, and reprove you for your own righteousness, and for your + own judgment and sin. It will bring you to cleave to that which is + good, to forsake that which is evil, and to turn to the Lord, who + will receive you in his mercy and kindness; by which means you may + escape the overflowing scourge in the day of vengeance, which + dreadful day is coming upon all evil-doers. This is a warning to + you, both for your temporal and eternal good; to read in your + assemblies, and your priests in their churches, that all people + may hear and fear; as you will answer it at the terrible and + dreadful day of judgment.” + + G.F. + + Amsterdam, the 19th of the 7th Month, 1677. + +I wrote also an Epistle to the ambassadors that were treating about +a peace at Nimeguen,[45] as follows:— + + “_For the Ambassadors, that are met to treat for Peace at the + City of Nimeguen, in the States’ dominions._ + + “Christ Jesus saith, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall + be called the children of God,’ Matt. v. 9, so all Christian men + are to forsake evil, and do good, to seek peace and follow it, if + they will ‘love life, and see good days,’ 1 Pet. iii. 11. God hath + called all true Christians unto peace, 1 Cor. vii., and therefore + all Christians ought to follow this peace, which God calls them + to. They should let the peace of God rule in all their hearts; + which is above the peace of this world, that is so soon broken. + For the apostle commands the Christians to let the peace of God + rule in their hearts, to which all Christians should be subject. + The practice of this should be among all that profess + Christianity; and this peace is above that, which Christ takes + from the earth, Rev. vi., which is the peace of the wicked. And + the apostle saith to the Christians, ‘Be at peace among + yourselves,’ 1 Thess. v. Now all Christians should obey this + command, and be at peace among themselves; not in wars and strife. + And further, the apostle exhorts the Christians to ‘keep the unity + of the Spirit in the bond of peace.’ So this unity, this bond of + peace, should be kept (and not be broken) by all that bear that + noble name, Christian. They should keep the unity of the Spirit of + Christ in the bond of the Prince of princes, King of kings, and + Lord of lords’ peace, which is the duty of all true Christians to + keep. Herein they may honour Christ, in bringing forth the fruits + of peace, which are love and charity. For the apostle tells you, + ‘The fruit of the good Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, + gentleness, goodness,’ &c., Gal. v. + + “And the apostle exhorts the Christians, and saith, ‘If it be + possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men:’ + this should be the endeavour of all Christians. For it is no + honour to Christ, that Christians should war and destroy one + another, that profess his name, who saith, ‘He came to save men’s + lives, and not to destroy them.’ Christians have enemies enough + abroad without them, and therefore they should love one another, + as Christ commands, who saith, ‘By this ye shall be known to be my + disciples, if ye love one another.’ For Christians are commanded + to love enemies; therefore much more, one another. And Christ + saith, ‘As the Father hath loved me, so I have loved you: continue + ye in my love,’ John xv. 8, and ‘By this shall all men know that + ye are my disciples, if ye love one another,’ John xiii. 35. But + if Christians war and destroy one another, this will make Jews, + Turks, Tartars, and Heathens say, that you are not disciples of + Christ. Therefore, as you love God, and Christ, and Christianity, + and its peace, all make peace, as far as you have power, among + Christians, that you may have the blessing. You read, that + Christians were called the household of faith, the household of + God, a holy nation, a peculiar people: and they are commanded to + be ‘zealous of good works,’ not of bad: and Christians are also + commanded not to bite and devour one another, lest they be + consumed one of another. + + “Is it not a sad thing for Christians to be biting and consuming + one another in the sight of the Turks, Tartars, Jews, and + Heathens, when they should ‘love one another, and do unto all men, + as they would have them do unto them?’ Such devouring work as + this, will open the mouths of Jews and Turks, Tartars and + Heathens, to blaspheme the name of Christ, who is the King of + kings, and Lord of lords, and cause them to speak evil of + Christianity, for them to see how the unity of the Spirit is + broken among such, as profess Christ and Christ’s peace. Therefore + all Christians are to mind God and Christ’s teaching, who teacheth + Christians to love one another, yea enemies; and persuade all + kings and princes, to give liberty to all tender consciences in + matters of religion and worship, they living peaceably under every + government: so that for the time to come, there may be no more + imprisonment and persecution among Christians, for tender + consciences about matters of faith, worship, and religion, that + the Jews, Turks, Tartars, and Heathens, may not see how Christians + are persecuting one another for religion: seeing, from Christ and + the apostles, Christians have no such command, but on the + contrary, to love one another; and knowing, that Christ said to + such as would have been plucking up tares, ‘Let the tares and the + wheat grow together till the harvest (which is the end of the + world) lest they plucked up the wheat;’ and at the end of the + world Christ would send forth his angels, and they should sever + the wheat from the tares. So Christ tells you, that it is the + angels’ work at the end of the world, and not men’s work, before + the harvest at the end of the world. Hath not all this + persecution, banishing, and imprisoning, and putting to death, + concerning religion, been the pretence of plucking up tares? and + hath not all this been before the harvest, before the end of the + world? And therefore have not all these been actors against the + express command of Christ, the king of Heaven? + + “All kings and rulers, especially they that call themselves + Christians, should obey their Lord and Saviour’s command; ‘Let the + tares and the wheat grow together, till the harvest;’ and the + harvest is the end of the world. Christ also told some of his + disciples, that in their zeal would have had fire to come down + from heaven, to destroy such as would not receive him, ‘That they + did not know what spirit they were of;’ and rebuked them, and + said, ‘He came not to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.’ And + therefore all such as have destroyed men’s lives concerning + religion, and the worship of God, have they known what spirit they + have been of? Have they not done that which they should not do? + done that which Christ forbade, who saith, ‘Lest ye should pluck + up the wheat with the tares,’ and saith, ‘It is the angel’s work + at the end of the world?’ And hath not God showed unto man what is + good, and his duty, ‘To love mercy, to do justly, and to walk + humbly with his God?’ which man is to mind. + + “And the apostle exhorts Christians, ‘To follow peace with all + men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord,’ Heb. + xii. 14. Why should Christians war and strive one with another, + seeing they all own in words one King, Lord, and Saviour, Christ + Jesus, whose command is, that they should ‘love one another;’ + which is a mark that they shall be known by, to be Christ’s + disciples, as I said before. And Christ, who is the King of kings, + and Lord of lords, saith, ‘This is my commandment, that ye love + one another, as I have loved you,’ John xv. 12, and John xiii. And + the apostle saith, Christians ought to ‘be patient towards all + men,’ 1 Thess. v. 14. + + “From him, who is a lover of truth, righteousness, and peace, who + desires your temporal and eternal good; and that in the wisdom of + God, that is from above, pure, gentle, and peaceable, you may be + ordered, and order all things, that God hath committed to you, to + his glory; and stop those things among Christians, so far as you + have power, which dishonour God, Christ, and Christianity!” + + G.F. + + Amsterdam, the 21st of the 7th Month, 1677. + +To the magistrates and priests of Embden I wrote, showing them their +unchristian practices in persecuting Friends.[46] And several other +books I wrote, in answer to priests and others of Hamburg, Dantzic, +and other places, to clear the truth and Friends from their charges +and false slanders. + + “_An Epistle concerning true Fasting, true Prayer, true Honour, + and against Persecution, and for the true Liberty in Christ + Jesus; that all may have a care, that the apostle hath not + bestowed his labour in vain upon you in your observing of Days, + Months, Times, Feasts, and Years, and of coming under the + beggarly elements and the yoke of bondage again, and of bringing + and forcing people into them._ + + “Where did ever Christ or his apostles command any believers or + Christians to observe holidays or feast-days? Let us see where it + is written in the Scriptures of the New Testament, in the four + Evangelists, or the Epistles, or the Revelation, that ever Christ + or his apostles commanded Christians to observe the time called + Christmas, or a day for Christ’s birth? or to observe the time + called Easter, or Whitsuntide, or Peter’s or Paul’s, Mark’s, + Luke’s, or any other saint’s day? + + “You, that profess yourselves to be the reformed churches from the + Papists, Jews, and Heathens, and the Scriptures to be your rule, + and are professors of the new covenant, where do you prove out of + the New Testament, that the apostles and the primitive church + practised or forced any such thing, or that Christ and his + Apostles gave any such command to the churches that they should + practise and observe any such days? Let us see where this command + is written. Did not the apostle say unto the Galatians in the + fourth chapter, ‘But now, after that ye have known God, or rather + ye are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly + elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe + days, and months, and times, and years; I am afraid of you, lest I + have bestowed upon you labour in vain.’ And in the third of + Galatians it is said, ‘O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched + you, that you should not obey the truth,’ &c. And in Galatians the + fifth, the apostle exhorts them to ‘stand fast in the liberty + wherewith Christ had made them free;’ and moreover said, ‘Be not + entangled again with the yoke of bondage.’ + + “Now doth not this manifest, that there were some teachers, that + were drawing the church of the Galatians into these beggarly + elements, and bringing them again into bondage, in observing days, + months, times, and years? It was the apostle’s work to bring them + out of those bondages and beggarly elements; and therefore, when + they were going back again into observing days, months, times, and + years, he was afraid that he had ‘bestowed his labour upon them in + vain;’ and he exhorts them to ‘stand fast in the liberty wherewith + Christ Jesus hath made them free, and not to be entangled again + with the yoke of bondage,’ and again signifies, that ‘they had + been once entangled with that yoke of bondage and beggarly + elements.’ + + “But O! how are people, called Christians, since the apostles’ + days, gone again under this yoke of bondage, and these beggarly + elements, in observing days, months, times, and years, let their + practice declare. Nay, do not both Papists and Protestants force + people to observe days, months, and times? And therefore is not + the apostle’s labour and travail bestowed upon Christendom in + vain, which was to bring people from under such beggarly elements, + and that yoke of bondage (which the law did require), to ‘stand + fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made them free, and not + to be entangled again with the yoke of bondage?’ It was and is + Christ, that hath made and doth make his people free from these + beggarly elements; therefore, they that are redeemed, are to + ‘stand fast in that liberty wherewith Christ hath made them free.’ + This liberty all true Christians are to stand fast in; they are + made free by Christ and not by man; for man, without the Spirit + and mind of Christ, seeks to force and compel Christ’s followers, + such as are made free from the yoke of bondage, to outward things + that the law commanded, to the observing of days, months, times, + feasts, and years. From such weak, beggarly elements, they that + know God, or are known of God and Christ, are to stand fast in + their liberty, and not come under, nor be entangled with the yoke + of bondage to such things again, seeing he hath made them free. + For they that are in such things, and would force others to them, + are gone from that which gives the knowledge of God, and have not + stood fast in the liberty wherewith Christ makes free. + + “Concerning Prayer, we do not read that ever Christ or his + apostles did seek by force to compel any to fast or pray with + them. But Christ taught them how they should pray, and be distinct + from the hypocrites. His words are as follows:—‘When thou prayest, + thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are; for they love to pray + standing in the synagogues, and in the corners of the streets, + that they may be seen of men,’ &c. ‘But thou, when thou prayest, + enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to + thy Father, which is in secret, and thy Father which seeth in + secret, shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain + repetitions, as the heathen do; for they think they shall be heard + for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them; for + your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask + him,’ &c. As the apostles and saints did, so do we; we pray in + secret, and we pray in public, as the Spirit gives us utterance, + which helps our infirmities, as it did the apostles and true + Christians; after this manner we pray for ourselves, and for all + men both high and low. + + “Concerning Fasting, Christ saith, ‘Moreover when ye fast, be not + as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance; for they disfigure their + faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. But when thou + fastest, anoint thy head and wash thy face, that thou appear not + unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret; and thy + Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.’ + + “You may see in Isaiah the lviiith., what the true fast is which + the Lord requires; where it is said to the prophet, ‘Cry aloud, + and spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my + people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins; yet + they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways as a nation that + did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God; + they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in + approaching to God. Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou + seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest + no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, + and exact all your labours. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, + and to smite with the fist of wickedness, ye shall not fast, as ye + do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a + fast that I have chosen? A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is + it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and + ashes under him? Wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day + to the Lord? Is not this the fast that I have chosen, saith the + Lord; to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy + burthens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break + every yoke?’ So this fast that the Lord requires, is not to lay + yokes, to oppress, and lay heavy burthens, and to make fast the + bands of wickedness; but to loose and to break such things. + + “And further, concerning the true fast the Lord requires, ‘Is it + not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor, + that are cast out, to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that + thou cover him, and that thou hide not thyself from thy own flesh? + (Do you keep this true fast?) Then shall thy light break forth as + the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy + righteousness shall go before thee, the glory of the Lord shall be + thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; + thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am; if thou take away + from the midst of thee the yokes, the putting forth of the finger + and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, + and satisfy the afflicted soul, then shall thy light arise out of + obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon-day. And the Lord shall + guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make + fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a + spring of water, whose waters fail not,’ &c. + + “Now here is the practice of the true fast the Lord requires of + his people; and to them that observe this fast, the Lord saith, + ‘When they call, he will answer.’ You may see what glorious and + happy comforts they receive from the Lord, that keep this true + fast; but such as fast for strife and debate, smite with the fists + of wickedness, and make their voices to be heard on high; who + afflict their souls for a day, bow down their head as a bulrush, + and loose not the bands of wickedness; who do not undo every heavy + burthen, break not off every yoke, nor let the oppressed go free; + who do not deal their bread to the hungry, clothe not the naked, + nor bring the poor to their house, but hide themselves from their + own flesh:—such fasts and fasters the Lord doth not accept, + neither hath he chosen them. But these appear to men with their + disfigured faces, and hang down their heads as a bulrush for a + day, like the hypocrites, to fast, as Christ speaks in Matt. vi. + + “And is it not the command of Christ, that in their fast they + should not appear unto men to fast? And now you that would force + us to shut up our shops on fasting-days, or for a day, does not + this fast appear to men? and is not this the fast that the Lord + saith in Isaiah he ‘doth not accept?’ for he saith, ‘Is this the + fast that I have chosen, a day for a man to afflict his soul, and + bow down his head as a bulrush?’ &c. ‘Wilt thou call this a fast, + and an acceptable day to the Lord?’ Isa. lviii. + + “Therefore all God’s people are to keep the true fast of the Lord + from debate and strife, and the fists of wickedness; that fast + that breaks the bands of wickedness, and undoes every heavy + burthen; breaks every yoke, and lets the oppressed go free; deals + bread to the hungry, clothes the naked, and brings the poor that + are cast out to his own house. Every one that keeps this true + fast, their health shall grow, and when they call, the Lord will + hear them; he will be their guide continually, satisfy their souls + in drought, and make their bones fat; and they shall be like a + watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. + Now you, that keep not this true fast, when you call upon the Lord + on your own fasting-days, does the Lord answer you, and say, ‘Here + I am?’ Doth the Lord guide you continually? Are your bones made + fat by him, and your souls satisfied in drought? Are you like a + watered garden, and like a spring, whose waters fail not? But you + that keep not this true fast, do you not want these waters, which + fail not? so your souls are not satisfied in drought, but your + bones are lean, and you hear not the voice of the Lord, who saith, + ‘Here I am;’ so you lose the heritage of Jacob, and ride not upon + the high places there; but come under. + + “Therefore every man and woman, shut your hearts against all + manner of evil whatsoever, and trade not with Babylon’s merchants + of confusion; but keep the supernatural day of Christ that is + sprung from on high, that is kept by believing and walking in the + light of Christ, and being grafted into him. This will bring you + to the true fast, from feeding upon any evil, and to the true + praying in the Spirit, as Christ and the apostles have taught. The + fruit of the Spirit is love, &c. The birth of the Spirit is not a + persecuting birth; but he that is born of the flesh, will + persecute him that is born of the Spirit, because he will not + follow the birth of the flesh, with its weak, beggarly elements, + that entangles with its yoke of bondage, and its observing of + days, months, times, fasts, feasts, and years; which the birth of + the Spirit is to stand fast against in the liberty wherewith + Christ hath made it free. + + “Do you not know, that the Turks keep their Sabbath on the sixth + day, the Jews upon the seventh day, and the Christians meet + together on the First-day of the week? And that day which the + Turks keep, the Jews’ and Christians’ shops are open, and that day + the Jews keep, Christians’ and Turks’ shops are open; and the + First-days that Christians keep, both Jews’ and Turks’ shops are + open? The Turk does not force the Jews nor the Christians to shut + up their shops on their meeting-days, but lets them have their + liberty in Turkey. And where do you read, that ever the Turks + forced any Christians to observe any of their holidays, fasts, or + feasts? If not, should not Christians be beyond the Turks in + giving liberty to all tender consciences to serve God, seeing + Christ and the apostles command not, nor force people to observe + holidays, or times, or months, or years, but that they should pray + always in the Spirit, and fast always from strife and debate, from + all manner of sin and evil; and that will keep down the fist of + wickedness, and the bond of iniquity, &c. + + “Why should not people of a tender conscience have their liberty + to exercise their consciences towards God, that they may have ‘a + good conscience always towards God and man,’ to perform that which + God requires, and to ‘do unto all men, as they would have them to + do unto them, and to love their neighbours as themselves;’ seeing + so many debauched, evil, and seared consciences, as with a hot + iron, have liberty in their loose lives and conversations, and in + their loose words, whose tongues are at liberty to swear and + curse, and their spirits at liberty in drunkenness and + uncleanness? Let the magistrates look and see, how this evil, + seared conscience hath its liberty to be exercised in all manner + of evil things all Christendom over; which is a great shame and + dishonour to God, and Christ, and Christianity, yea, and humanity. + Therefore why should not God’s people have their liberty to + exercise their good and tender consciences towards God and man? + For the mystery of faith, which Jesus Christ is the author and + finisher of, is held in a pure conscience; and should not the work + of the true Christian magistrate be to encourage the exercise of + this pure conscience towards God and man, and to discourage the + exercise of this evil, seared conscience, that dishonours both God + and Christ, and true Christianity? If not, how are they a praise + to them that do well, and a terror to evil-doers? + + “Concerning the not putting off our hats to men. Many that go + under the name of Christians, have taken offence at us, because we + could not put off our hats, and bow down to them; for which we + find no command from Christ or his apostles, but rather to the + contrary. For Christ saith, ‘I receive not honour of men’ (mark, + he did not receive honour of men); and further Christ saith, ‘How + can ye believe which receive honour one of another, and seek not + the honour that comes from God only?’ Now Christ declares it to be + a mark of unbelievers, that seek ‘honour one of another,’ and seek + not that ‘honour that comes from God only;’ and is not the putting + off the hat, and bowing with it, an honour to men, which they seek + one of another, and are offended if they have it not? Nay, have + they not fined, persecuted, and imprisoned some, because they did + not put off their hats to them? Nay, do not the very Turks mock at + the Christians in their proverb, saying that ‘the Christians spend + much of their time in putting off their hats, and showing their + bare head to one another?’ But should not those be beyond the + Turks, that bear the noble name of Christian, above seeking honour + one of another, and persecuting them that will not give it, when + all true believing Christians should seek the honour that comes + from God only? which is the duty of all true believers in Christ + Jesus, for he would not receive honour of men. And ‘He that + believeth on the Son of God, hath everlasting life; and he that + believeth not the Son, shall not see life; but the wrath of God + abideth on him,’ John iii. 36. Is not the Turks’ proverb a + reproach to the Christians, who say ‘that the Christians spend + much of their time in putting off their hats, and showing their + bare heads one to another?’ Have you not fined and imprisoned + many, because they would not put off their hats to you, and show + you their bare heads? Nay, in many of your courts they shall not + have right and justice, nor liberty and freedom in cities or + states, though they have truly served their time, and are honest + and civil men, unless they will put off their hats and show their + bare heads? Have you not made a law against such, that they must + forfeit two guilders if they do not? Do you not seek to compel and + force them to do it, and fine such as do not, as at Lansmeer in + Waterland? Is not this the honour that you seek one of another? + Did not the Pharisees and Jews do the same? + + “As for your saying, ‘the apostle commands to honour all men; and + such as rule well are worthy of double honour.’ If this ‘honouring + all men,’ were to put off their hats to all men, and show all men + their bare heads, then this command you break yourselves; for you + do not this to all men generally; and if they that rule well must + have double hat-honour, then they must put off their hats twice; + and show them their bare heads. If this hat-honour, and showing + the bare head, be an invention of men, and not from God, and ye + cannot prove it by Scripture, yet say, ‘it is your rule;’ then you + act beside the rule, and compel people to act contrary to your + rule. For where did ever the prophets, Christ, or the apostles + command any such thing? Let us see a command, a practice, and an + example for it. Nebuchadnezzar, who was a persecutor, and cast the + three children of Israel into the fire with their hose, cloaks, + and hats, we do not read that he was offended at them, because + they did not put off their hats, and show him their bare heads; + but because they would not bow to his image. And is it not said in + the margin of the Bible, where it is said, ‘honour all men,’ ‘have + all men in esteem?’ Then they that rule well are worthy of double + esteem; and this esteem must be truly in the heart, without any + envy, malice, or hatred. As all men are the workmanship of God, + they are to be esteemed in the heart with the Spirit of God; and + they that rule well, are worthy of double esteem; here is true + honour from the heart, both to God, and man, his workmanship. For + people may put off their hats, and show their bare heads one to + another, once or twice to the officers and magistrates, and yet be + full of envy, and malice, and hatred, and murder in their hearts + one against another; and give them that honour, as you call it, + and yet speak or wish bad things to them, when they have turned + their backs on them. + + “The true honour or esteem in the heart to all men, as they are + God’s creation, is without any evil wish or thought in the heart + to any men, and especially to them that rule well, who have the + double esteem, whom God hath placed over people. There is no evil + in the heart that gives this respect, esteem, or honour, and + brings them to love their neighbours as themselves, and to ‘do + unto all men, as they would have them do unto them;’ in that they + esteem all men, and have a double esteem for them that rule well. + This is beyond all the honour of putting off the hats once to all + men, and twice to them that are worthy of the double honour, as + you may call it. But we would ask Christians that practise this + hat-honour, and show one another their bare heads, Who invented + this single honour and double honour, seeing they cannot prove, + that ever Christ or the apostles did command or practise any such + thing, or Moses in the time of the law? Now, do not say or think + that we had this practice of not putting off our hats from the + Turk; for we were moved by the Spirit of the Lord, before ever we + heard of the Turks’ proverb and practice, to leave the honour that + is below, and seek the honour that comes from above, when we came + to be true believers in Christ Jesus. + + “Now concerning persecuting, imprisoning, and banishing God’s + people, in whom Christ is manifest, and dwells in their hearts; + doth not Christ tell you, that in so doing you imprison him? Then + do you not banish him, and persecute him out of your cities and + corporations? And how can you enter into, and have a share in his + kingdom, though you may profess him in words? Are not such to go + into everlasting punishment, that do not visit Christ in prison? + Then what will become of you that banish and imprison him, where + he is manifest in his members, and suffer them not to meet + together to enjoy him amongst them, according to his promise? + Therefore you, that will not let Christ reign in his people, and + have his liberty in them, in your cities and countries, to + exercise his offices, you will not have your liberty in heaven. + You that will not let Christ reign in your hearts, nor suffer him + to reign in his people here upon the earth, in this world, in your + kingdoms;—you will not reign with Christ in heaven in his kingdom, + nor in the world without end. + + “You, that banish the truth out of your cities or countries, or + its people for its sake, banish the truth and Christ out of your + hearts from ruling there; so you yourselves are not the temples of + God. When you have banished Christ and his truth out of your own + hearts, you banish such in whom he rules out of your estates and + country, then see what judgments the Lord doth bring upon you, + when you are left to yourselves; yea, fears and troubles, one + judgment after another, come upon you; you are even filled with + them. But the banished, the sufferers for truth and Christ’s sake, + have a peaceable habitation in the truth, which the devil is out + of, and cannot get into; which habitation will outlast all the + habitations of the wicked and persecutors, though they be ever so + full of words without life and truth. The life and the truth will + outlast all airy notions, and Christ, the Lamb and patient Seed, + will overcome the devourer and the unpatient seed; and they that + have the garment, the righteousness of Christ, which is the fine + linen, will find it to outlast all the rags and inventions of men. + For Christ saith to his learners, ‘Be of good cheer, I have + overcome the world,’ the persecuting world. He said also to his + disciples, ‘If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before + it hated you.’ Therefore let all that profess themselves + Christians lay aside persecution about religion, churches, or + worship, fasting or praying days; for you have no command from + Christ and his apostles to persecute any. Christ, who is the King + of kings and Lord of lords, when they called him a deceiver, and + blasphemed him, and said, ‘He had a devil,’ did not persecute any + of them for it, nor force or compel any to hear and believe him, + nor the apostles after him; but he bade them, that would have been + plucking up the tares, ‘Let the tares and wheat grow together + until the harvest.’ So you have no command from Christ or his + apostles to persecute, imprison, banish, or spoil the goods of + any, for matter of pure conscience and religion, worship, faith, + and church, in the gospel-times.” + + G.F. + + Harlingen in Friesland, the 11th of the 6th Month, 1677. + +After some time George Keith and William Penn came back from Germany +to Amsterdam, and had a dispute with one Galenus Abrahams (one of +the most noted Baptists in Holland), at which many professors were +present; but not having time to finish the dispute then, they met +again two days after, and the Baptist was much confounded, and truth +gained ground.[47] Between these two disputes we had a very great +meeting at Friends’ meeting-place, at which many hundreds of people +were, and some of high rank in the world’s account. An earl, a lord, +and divers other eminent persons, were present, who all behaved +themselves very civilly. But when the meeting was ended, some +priests began to make opposition; which, when William Penn +understood, he stood up again, and answered them to the great +satisfaction of the people, who were much affected with the several +testimonies they had heard declared. After the meeting several of +them came to Gertrude’s, where we were, with whom George Keith had +much discourse in Latin. + +Having now finished our service at Amsterdam, we took leave of the +Friends there, and passed by waggon to LEYDEN, about twenty-five +miles; where we stayed a day or two, seeking out and visiting some +tender people we heard of there. We met with a German, who was +partly convinced. He informed us of an eminent man that was +inquiring after truth. Some sought him out, and visited him, and +found him a serious man; I also spoke to him, and he owned the +truth. William Penn and Benjamin Furly went to visit another great +man, that lived a little out of Leyden, who, they said, had been +general to the King of Denmark’s forces. He and his wife were very +loving to them, and heard the truth with joy. + +From Leyden we went to the HAGUE, where the Prince of Orange kept +his court; and we visited one of the judges of Holland, with whom we +had pretty much discourse. He was a wise, tender man, and put many +objections and queries to us; which when we had answered, he was +satisfied, and parted with us in much love. Leaving the Hague, we +went to DELFT, and thence to ROTTERDAM that night, where we stayed +some days, and had several meetings. While I was here I gave forth a +book for the Jews; with whom, when I was at Amsterdam, I had a +desire to have some discourse, but they would not. Here also I +reviewed several other books and papers which I had given forth +before, and which were now transcribed. + +----- + +Footnote 43: + + Elizabeth, Princess of the Rhine, was the eldest daughter of + Frederick V., Elector Palatine, and King of Bohemia—her mother + being a daughter of king James I. of England. This excellent + princess is spoken of as a woman of great amiability and religious + character. She possessed only a small territory; but she governed + with great judgment, and attention to the happiness of her + subjects. She made it a rule to hear, one day in the week, all + such causes as were brought before her. On these occasions, her + wisdom, justice, and moderation were very conspicuous. She + frequently remitted forfeitures, in cases where the parties were + poor, or in any respect worthy of favour. It was remarkable that + she often introduced religious considerations, as motives to + persuade the contending parties to harmony and peace. She was + greatly beloved and respected by her subjects; and also by many + persons of learning and virtue not resident in her dominions; for + she patronised men of this character, whatever their country or + their religious profession. + + The respect in which this exemplary Christian held Friends and + their principles, was unreservedly expressed in her letters to + individuals connected with the English court; and her good offices + were more than once exerted to preserve this persecuted people + from the penalties of those laws which interdicted the exercise of + public worship in conventicles, as all meeting-houses were then + denominated. William Penn and Robert Barclay paid her two visits. + She received them with great openness, and was much affected by + the interview which, on the second visit, took place, as is + related by William Penn. They went from Amsterdam to Herwerden, + the residence of the Princess and of her intimate acquaintance, + Anna Maria, Countess de Hornes, who dwelt much in her house, and + was, as well as herself, a woman seeking after the best things, + and a favourer of such (says Penn) as separate themselves from the + world for the sake of righteousness. + + The visitors were welcomed by the Princess and her friend the day + after their arrival, and were invited to dine with them. They held + a religious meeting together, which was so satisfactory that the + Princess desired another might be appointed, at which several + persons were present. William Penn thus speaks of it:—“The eternal + word showed itself as a hammer this day; yea, sharper than a + two-edged sword, dividing asunder between the soul and the spirit, + between the joints and the marrow. Let my right hand forget its + cunning, and my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, when I + shall forget the loving-kindness of the Lord, and the sure mercies + of our God, to us that day.” The following day they paid two + visits at this little court; and the day after, which was the + first of the week, they held a meeting there, appointed by the + direction of the Princess, which several others attended besides + those of her household. Of this meeting W. Penn says: “The + quickening power and life of Jesus wrought and reached them; and + virtue from him, in whom dwelleth the Godhead bodily, went forth.” + After this meeting, which was held late in the evening, the + visitors took their leave, but not before they had been witnesses + of the tender disposition of mind of the Princess; who, attempting + to set forth her sense of the power and presence of God prevalent + among them, could not proceed, but turned herself to the window, + and said, “My heart is full, I cannot speak to you.” W. Penn, on + another occasion, says, “I cannot forget her last words when I + took my leave of her: ‘Let me desire you to remember me, though I + live at so great a distance, and you should never see me more. I + thank you for this good time. Be assured, though my condition + subjects me to divers temptations, yet my soul has strong desires + after the best things.’” + + The Princess Elizabeth lived to the age of 60, departing this life + in 1680, as much lamented, as she had been beloved, by her people. + +Footnote 44: + + This being the last mention of Robert Barclay in these volumes, + the following brief particulars may interest the reader who is not + already acquainted with his history. He was the son of Colonel + David Barclay, descended from the Barclays of Mathers, an ancient + and honourable Scotch family, and of Katharine Gordon, from the + Gordons of the house of the Duke of Gordon. He was born at + Edinburgh in 1648, educated in France, and returned to Scotland in + 1664. His father having joined the despised Quakers, Robert + Barclay, though uninfluenced by him, soon followed his example, + and came forth a zealous witness for the truth, receiving a gift + in the ministry, in which he laboured to bring others to God. He + was much exercised in controversy, from the many contradictions + that fell upon truth, and upon him for its sake. He published + several works in defence of the principles he had espoused, which + he believed to be those of the New Testament, as promulgated by + Christ and his apostles. His chief work was his _Apology for the + True Christian Divinity_, which has gone through many editions, + and remains uncontrovertible. + + In common with the early Friends, Robert Barclay suffered + imprisonments and ill-usage, which he bore with exemplary + patience. He travelled extensively to spread the gospel of Christ, + for he loved the truth above all the world; not ashamed of it + before men, but bold and able in maintaining it, sound in + judgment, strong in argument, of a pleasant disposition, yet solid + and exemplary in his conversation. He was a learned man, a good + Christian, an able minister, a tender and careful father, and a + good and kind neighbour and friend. His last illness was short. + James Dickenson of Cumberland, in his journey in Scotland, + visiting him when on his deathbed, as he sat by him, the Lord’s + power and presence bowed their hearts together, and Robert Barclay + was sweetly melted in the sense of God’s love, and, with tears, + expressed his love to all faithful brethren in England; and adding + a message of love to dear George Fox, he said, “God is good still, + and though I am under great weight of sickness and weakness as to + my body, yet my peace flows, and this I know, whatever exercises + may be permitted to come upon me, it shall tend to God’s glory and + my salvation, and in that I rest.” + + He died at his own house, at Ury, in Scotland, in 1690, aged + forty-two, leaving behind him four sons and three daughters. + +Footnote 45: + + These ambassadors were deputies from the King of France, the + United Netherlands, and several other potentates of Europe, who + met to consult the peace of Christendom. George Fox’s _Epistle_ to + them was translated and printed in Latin. Robert Barclay also + wrote a treatise in Latin, which was addressed and presented to + each of the ambassadors, with a copy of his principal work, _An + Apology for the True Christian Divinity_. In the former, Barclay + strongly urged them to promote the good work for which they were + assembled, pointing out the true causes of war, and its + incompatibility with Christian principles. Before the year ended, + a peace was concluded. + +Footnote 46: + + William Penn also addressed the Council and Senate of the city of + Embden, relative to the sufferings of Friends there. Though these + appeals did not procure any immediate relief, yet, in about ten + years after, Friends enjoyed perfect liberty there.—See Sewell’s + _History_, vol. ii., 420-425. + +Footnote 47: + + It appears that Galenus Abrahams asserted that nobody in the + present day could be accepted as a messenger of God, unless he + confirmed his doctrine by miracles.—See Sewell’s _History_, vol. + ii., 366-368. + + + + + CHAPTER IX. + +1677-1680.—George Fox, with other Friends, sails for England, and + lands at Harwich, after a hazardous voyage of three days—has a + large meeting at Colchester, and proceeds thence to + London—writes to his wife—receives further accounts of + persecution in New England—travels into Buckinghamshire, and + meets with some false brethren, who are unruly and troublesome + at meetings—Friends have a special meeting with them + afterwards—at Reading meets with opposition to the settlement of + a women’s meeting—visits Bristol during the fair, where are many + Friends from various parts—the separatists there are very rude + and abusive—he aids Friends in drawing up a breviat of their + sufferings, to present to the judges at Gloucester assizes—meets + with some separatists at Finchcomb—is engaged with other Friends + in soliciting Parliament to grant them relief from the statutes + made against Popish recusants—attends the Yearly Meeting, which + was a glorious and heavenly one—Friends greatly united in + testifying against the spirit of separation—not one mouth opened + on its behalf—the Truth prospers at home and abroad—George Fox + writes to his wife—writes to the king of Poland to dissuade him + from persecution—to Friends in Amsterdam—Friends again press + their suit for relief from the statutes made against Popish + recusants without success—are much exercised with the spirit of + separation, which opposes the order and discipline of the + church—George Fox writes a paper to open the understandings of + the weak, and as a reproof to a censorious judging spirit—has + conferences with some of the opposers at Hertford—writes again + to Friends to warn them of this spirit of false liberty—visits + Friends in prison at Leicester—advises Friends how to end their + differences—writes an epistle to Friends in London—writes to + Friends in prison to console them under suffering—writes an + epistle to the Yearly Meeting—an encouragement to Friends to be + valiant for the Truth—also a caution to Friends to keep in + humility—travels again towards the South—visits prisoners in + York Castle—recommends Friends to lay their sufferings before + the judge at the assizes—attends the Yearly Meeting in + London—writes to the Great Turk and to the Dey of Algiers—to the + latter particularly respecting Friends who are captives there—at + Hertford meets with John Story (the schismatic) and some of his + party, but the Truth prevails—has a meeting with some of the + opposers—solicits the Parliament to grant relief to Friends + under suffering—writes a paper against plots and plotters. + +Finding our spirits clear of the service which the Lord had given us +to do in Holland, we took leave of Friends of Rotterdam, and passed +by boat to the BRIEL, in order to take passage that day for England; +several Friends of Rotterdam accompanying us, and some of Amsterdam, +who were come to see us again before we left Holland. But the packet +not coming in till night, we lodged that night at the Briel; and +next day being the 21st of the 8th month, and the First-day of the +week, we went on board, and set sail about ten, viz., William Penn, +George Keith, and I, and Gertrude Dirick Nieson, with her children. +We were in all about sixty passengers, and had a long and hazardous +passage; for the winds were contrary, and the weather stormy; the +boat also was very leaky, insomuch that we had to have two pumps +continually going, day and night; so that it was thought there was +quite as much water pumped out as the vessel would have held. But +the Lord, who is able to make the stormy winds to cease, and the +raging waves of the sea calm, yea, to raise them and stop them at +his pleasure, He alone did preserve us: praised be his name for +ever! Though our passage was hard, yet we had a fine time, and good +service for truth on board among the passengers, some of whom were +great folks, and were very kind and loving. We arrived at HARWICH on +the 23rd, at night, having been two nights, and almost three days at +sea. Next morning William Penn and George Keith took horse for +Colchester; but I stayed, and had a meeting at Harwich; and there +being no Colchester coach there, and the postmaster’s wife being +unreasonable in her demands for a coach, and deceiving us of it also +after we had hired it, we went to a Friends’ house about a mile and +a half in the country, and hired his waggon which we bedded well +with straw, and rode in it to Colchester. + +I stayed there till First-day, having a desire to be at Friends’ +meeting that day; and a very large and weighty one it was; for +Friends hearing of my return from Holland, flocked from several +parts of the country, and many of the town’s-people coming in also, +it was thought there were about a thousand people at it; and all was +peaceable. Having stayed a day or two longer at Colchester, I +travelled through ESSEX, visiting Friends at HALSTEAD, BRAINTREE, +FELSTEAD, and SALING, and having meetings with them. At CHELMSFORD I +had a meeting in the evening; and there being many Friends +prisoners, they got liberty and came to the meeting; and we were all +refreshed together in the Lord. Next day, the 9th of the 9th month, +I got to LONDON, where Friends received me with great joy; and on +the First-day following went to Gracechurch Street meeting, where +the Lord visited us with his refreshing presence, and the glory of +the Lord surrounded the meeting; praised be the Lord. + +After I had been a little while in London, I wrote the following +letter to my wife:— + + “DEAR HEART, + + “To whom is my love and to the children, and to all the rest of + Friends, in the Lord’s truth, power, and Seed, that is over all; + glory to the Lord, and blessed be his name for ever beyond all + words! who hath carried me through and over many trials and + dangers, in his eternal power! I have been twice at Gracechurch + Street meeting; and though the opposite spirits were there, yet + all was quiet; the dew of heaven fell upon the people, and the + glory of the Lord shone over all. Every day I am fain to be at + meetings about business, and sufferings which are great abroad; + and now many Friends are concerned with many persons about them: + so in haste, with my love to you all.” + + G.F. + + London, the 24th of the 9th Month, 1677. + +About this time, I received letters from New England, which gave +account of the magistrates’ and rulers’ cruel and unchristian-like +proceedings against Friends there, whipping and abusing them very +shamefully; for they whipped many women Friends. One woman they tied +to a cart, and dragged her along the street, stripped above the +waist. They whipped some masters of ships that were not Friends, +only for bringing Friends thither. And at that very time, while they +were persecuting Friends in this barbarous manner, the Indians slew +three-score of their men, took one of their captains, and flayed the +skin off his head while he was alive, and carried it away in +triumph; so that the sober people said “the judgments of God came +upon them, for persecuting the Quakers;” but the blind dark priests +said, “It was because they did not persecute them enough.”[48] Great +exercise I had in seeking relief here for our poor suffering Friends +there, that they might not lie under the rod of the wicked. Upon +this and other services for truth, I stayed in London a month or +five weeks, visiting meetings, and helping and encouraging Friends +to labour for the deliverance of their suffering brethren in other +parts. + +Afterwards I went down to KINGSTON, and visited Friends there and +thereaway. Having stayed a little among Friends there, looking +over a book I had then ready to go to press, I went into +Buckinghamshire, visiting Friends, and having several meetings +amongst them, as at AMERSHAM, HUNGER-HILL, JORDANS, HEDGERLY, +WYCOMBE, and TURVILLE-HEATH. In some of which, they that were gone +out from the unity of Friends in truth into strife, opposition, +and division, were very unruly and troublesome; particularly at +the men’s meeting at Thomas Ellwood’s at HUNGER-HILL, where the +chief of them came from Wycombe, endeavouring to make disturbance, +and to hinder Friends from proceeding in the business of the +meeting. When I saw their design I admonished them to be sober and +quiet, and not trouble the meeting by interrupting its service; +but rather, if they were dissatisfied with Friends’ proceedings, +and had anything to object, let a meeting be appointed on purpose +some other day. So Friends offered to give them a meeting another +day: and at length it was agreed to be at Thomas Ellwood’s[49] the +week following. Accordingly Friends met them there, and the +meeting was in the barn; for there came so many, that the house +could not receive them. After we had sat awhile they began their +jangling. Most of their arrows were shot at me; but the Lord was +with me, and gave me strength in his power to cast back their +darts of envy and falsehood upon themselves. Their objections were +answered, and things were opened to the people; a good opportunity +it was, and serviceable to the truth; for many that before were +weak, were now strengthened and confirmed; some that were doubting +and wavering, were satisfied and settled; and faithful Friends +were refreshed and comforted in the springings of life amongst us. +For the power arose, and life sprung, and in the arisings thereof +many living testimonies were borne against that wicked, dividing, +rending spirit, which those opposers were joined to, and acted by; +and the meeting ended to the satisfaction of Friends. That night I +lodged, with other Friends, at Thomas Ellwood’s; and the same week +had a meeting again with the opposers at WYCOMBE, where they again +showed their envy, and were made manifest to the upright-hearted. + +After I had visited Friends in that upper side of Buckinghamshire, I +called upon Friends at HENLEY in OXFORDSHIRE, and afterwards went by +CORSHAM to READING, where I was at meeting on First-day, and in the +evening had a large meeting with Friends. Next day there being +another meeting about settling a women’s meeting, some of them that +had let in the spirit of division, fell into jangling, and were +disorderly for a while, till the weight of truth brought them down. +After this I passed on, visiting Friends, and having meetings in +several places, through BERKSHIRE and WILTSHIRE, till I came to +BRISTOL, which was on the 24th of the 11th Month, just before the +fair. + +I stayed at Bristol all the time of the fair, and some time after. +Many sweet and precious meetings we had; many Friends being there +from several parts of the nation, some on account of trade, and some +in the service of truth. Great was the love and unity of Friends +that abode faithful in the truth, though some who were gone out of +the holy unity, and were run into strife, division, and enmity, were +rude and abusive, and behaved themselves in a very unchristian +manner towards me. But the Lord’s power was over all; by which being +preserved in heavenly patience, which can bear injuries for his +name’s sake, I felt dominion therein over the rough, rude, and +unruly spirits; and left them to the Lord, who knew my innocency, +and would plead my cause. The more these laboured to reproach and +vilify me, the more did the love of Friends, that were sincere and +upright-hearted, abound towards me; and some that had been betrayed +by the adversaries, seeing their envy and rude behaviour, broke off +from them; who have cause to bless the Lord for their deliverance. + +When I left Bristol, I went with Richard Snead to his house in the +country, and thence to Hezekiah Coale’s at WINTERBOURNE, in +GLOUCESTERSHIRE, whither came several Friends that were under great +sufferings for truth’s sake, whom I had invited to meet me there. +Stephen Smith[50], Richard Snead, and I, drew up a breviat of their +sufferings, setting forth the illegal proceedings against them, +which was delivered to the judges at the assizes at Gloucester; and +they promised to put a stop to those illegal proceedings. Next day +we passed to SUDBURY, and had a large meeting in the meeting-house +there, which at that time was of very good service. We went next day +to Nathaniel Crisp’s at TEDBURY, and thence passed on to NAILSWORTH; +where on First-day we had a brave meeting, and large. Thence we went +to the quarterly meeting at FINCHCOMB, where were several of the +opposite spirit, who, it was thought, intended to make some +disturbance amongst Friends; but the Lord’s power was over, and kept +them down, and good service for the Lord we had at that meeting. We +returned from Finchcomb to NAILSWORTH, and had another very precious +meeting there, to which Friends came from the several meetings +thereabouts; which made it very large also. + +We went from Nailsworth the 1st of the 1st Month, 1678, and +travelled through the country visiting Friends and having many +meetings at CIRENCESTER, CROWN-ALLINS, CHELTENHAM, STOKE-ORCHARD, +TEWKESBURY, &c., so went to WORCESTER, where I had formerly suffered +imprisonment above a year for truth’s sake; and Friends rejoiced +greatly to see me there again. Here I stayed several days, and had +many very precious meetings in the city, and much service amongst +Friends. After which, I had meetings at PERSHORE and EVESHAM; and +then struck to RAGLEY in WARWICKSHIRE, to visit the Lady Conway,[51] +who I understood was very desirous to see me, and whom I found +tender and loving, and willing to detain me longer than I had +freedom to stay. About two miles hence I had two meetings at a +Friend’s house, whose name was John Stanley, whither William +Dewsbury came, and stayed with me about half a day. Afterwards I +visited Friends in their meetings, at STRATFORD, LAMCOTE, and +ARMSCOTT (whence I was sent prisoner to Worcester in 1673,) and +thence passed into OXFORDSHIRE, visiting Friends, and having +meetings at SIBFORD, NORTH-NEWTON, BANBURY, ADDERBURY, &c. Then +visiting Friends through BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, at LONG-CRENDON, ILMER, +MENDLE, WESTON, CHOLESBURY, CHESHAM, &c., I came to Isaac +Penington’s, where I stayed a few days; and then turning into +HERTFORDSHIRE, visited Friends at CHORLEYWOOD, WATFORD, +HEMEL-HEMPSTEAD, and MARKET-STREET, at which places I had meetings +with Friends. From Market-Street I went in the morning to LUTON in +BEDFORDSHIRE, to see John Crook, with whom I spent good part of the +day, and went towards evening to ALBAN’S, where I lay that night at +an inn. And visiting Friends at SOUTH-MIMS, BARNET, and HENDON, +where I had meetings, I came to LONDON the 8th of the 3rd Month. It +being the fourth day of the week, I went to Gracechurch-Street +meeting, which was peaceable and well; and many Friends, not knowing +I was come to town, were very joyful to see me there; and the Lord +was present with us, refreshing us with his living virtue: blessed +be his holy name! + +The parliament was sitting when I came to town, and Friends having +laid their sufferings before them, were waiting on them for relief +against the laws made against Popish recusants, which they knew we +were not; though some malicious magistrates took advantages against +us, to prosecute us in several parts of the nation upon those +statutes. Friends attending on that service when I came, I joined +them therein; and there was some probability that something might be +obtained towards Friends’ ease and relief in that case, many of the +parliament-men being tender and loving towards us, believing we were +much misrepresented by our adversaries. But when I went down one +morning with George Whitehead to the parliament house, to attend +upon them on Friends’ behalf, suddenly they were prorogued, though +but for a short time. + +About two weeks after I came to London, the Yearly Meeting began, to +which Friends came up out of most parts of the nation, and a +glorious heavenly meeting we had. O the glory, majesty, love, life, +wisdom, and unity, that were amongst us! The power reigned over all, +and many testimonies were borne therein against that ungodly spirit, +which sought to make rents and divisions amongst the Lord’s people; +but not one mouth was opened amongst us in its defence, or on its +behalf. Good and comfortable accounts also we had, for the most +part, from Friends in other countries; of which I find a brief +account in a letter, which soon after I wrote to my wife, the copy +whereof here follows;— + + “DEAR HEART, + + “To whom is my love in the everlasting Seed of life that reigns + over all. Great meetings here have been, and the Lord’s power hath + been stirring through all, the like hath not been. The Lord hath + in his power knit Friends wonderfully together, and his glorious + presence did appear among them. And now the meetings are over, + blessed be the Lord! in quietness and peace. From Holland I hear + things are well there: some Friends are gone that way, to be at + their Yearly Meeting at Amsterdam. At Embden, Friends that were + banished are got into the city again. At Dantzic, Friends are in + prison, and the magistrates threatened them with harder + imprisonment; but the next day the Lutherans rose, and plucked + down (or defaced) the Popish monastery; so they have work enough + among themselves. The King of Poland received my letter, and read + it himself; and Friends have since printed it in High Dutch. By + letters from the half-yearly meeting in Ireland, I hear that they + are all in love there. At Barbadoes, Friends are in quietness, and + their meetings settled in peace. At Antigua also and Nevis, truth + prospers, and Friends have their meetings orderly and well. + Likewise in New England and other places, things concerning truth + and Friends are well; and in those places the men’s and women’s + meetings are settled; blessed be the Lord! So keep in God’s power + and Seed, that is over all, in whom ye all have life and + salvation; for the Lord reigns over all in his glory, and in his + kingdom; glory to his name for ever, Amen. In haste, with my love + to you all, and to all Friends.” + + G. F. + + London, the 26th of the 3rd Month, 1678. + +The letter to the King of Poland mentioned is as follows:— + + _To Johannes III. King of Poland, &c._ + + “O KING! + + “We desire thy prosperity both in this life and that which is to + come. And we desire that we may have our Christian liberty to + serve and worship God under thy dominion; for our principle leads + us not to do anything prejudicial to the king or his people. We + are a people that exercise a good conscience towards God through + his Holy Spirit, and in it do serve, worship, and honour him; and + towards men in the things that are equal and just, doing to them + as we would have them do unto us; looking unto Jesus, who is the + author and finisher of our faith; which faith purifies our hearts, + and brings us to have access to God; without which we cannot + please him; by which faith all the just live, as the Scripture + declares. That which we desire of thee, O king, is, that we may + have liberty of conscience to serve and worship God, and to pray + unto him in our meetings together in the name of Jesus, as he + commands, with a promise that he will be in the midst of them. The + king, we hope, cannot but say that this duty and service is due to + God and Christ; and we give Cæsar his due, and pay our tribute and + custom equal with our neighbour, according to our proportion. We + never read in all the Scriptures of the New Testament, that Christ + or his disciples banished or imprisoned any that were not of their + faith or religion, and would not hear them, or gave them any such + command; but, on the contrary, let the tares and the wheat grow + together, till the harvest; and the harvest is the end of the + world. Then Christ will send his angels to sever the wheat from + the tares, &c. He rebuked such as would have had fire from heaven + to consume those that would not receive Christ; and told them that + they did not know what spirit they were of. He came not to destroy + men’s lives, but to save them. + + “We desire the king to consider how much persecution there has + been in Christendom, since the apostles’ days, concerning + religion. Christ said, they should go into everlasting punishment, + that did not visit him in prison; then what will become of them + that imprison him in his members, where he is manifest? None can + say that the world is ended; and therefore how will Christendom + answer the dreadful and terrible God at his day of judgment, that + have persecuted one another about religion, before the end of the + world, under pretence of plucking up tares; which is not their + work, but the angels’, at the end of the world? Christ commands + men to love one another, and to love enemies, and by this they + should be known to be his disciples. O! that all Christendom had + lived in peace and unity, that they might, by their moderation, + have judged both Turks and Jews; and let all have their liberty + that do own God and Jesus, and walk as becomes the glorious gospel + of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our desires are, that the Lord God of + heaven may soften the king’s heart to all tender consciences, that + fear the Lord, and are afraid of disobeying him. + + “We entreat the king to read some of the noble expressions of + several kings and others, concerning liberty of conscience; and + especially Stephanus, king of Poland’s sayings, viz.: ‘It + belongeth not to me to reform the consciences; I have always + gladly given that over to God, which belongeth to him; and so + shall I do now, and also for the future. I will suffer the weeds + to grow till the time of harvest, for I know that the number of + believers is but small: therefore,’ said he, when some were + proceeding in persecution, ‘I am king of the people not of their + consciences.’ He also affirmed, that ‘religion was not to be + planted with fire and sword.’ _Chron. Liberty of Religion_, part + 2. + + “Also a book written in French by W. M., anno 1576, hath this + sentence, viz.: ‘Those princes that have ruled by gentleness and + clemency, added to justice, and have exercised moderation and + meekness towards their subjects, always prospered and reigned + long; but, on the contrary, those princes that have been cruel, + unjust, prejudiced, and oppressors of their subjects, have soon + fallen, they and their estates, into danger, or total ruin.’ + + “Veritus saith, ‘Seeing Christ is a Lamb, whom you profess to be + your head and captain, then it behoveth you to be sheep, and to + use the same weapons that he made use of; for he will not be a + shepherd of wolves and wild beasts, but only of sheep. Wherefore, + if you lose the nature of sheep,’ said he, ‘and be changed into + wolves and wild beasts, and use fleshly weapons, then will you + exclude yourselves out of his calling, and forsake his banner; and + then will he not be your captain,’ &c. + + “Also we find it asserted by King James, in his speech to the + parliament, in the year 1609, ‘That it is a pure rule in divinity, + that God never planted his church with violence of blood.’ And + furthermore he said, ‘it was usually the condition of Christians + to be persecuted, but not to persecute.’ + + “King Charles, in his [Greek: Eikôn Basilikê], page 61, said in + his prayer to God, ‘Thou seest how much cruelty amongst Christians + is acted under the colour of religion; as if we could not be + Christians unless we crucified one another.’ + + “Page 28, ‘Make them at length seriously to consider, that nothing + violent nor injurious can be religious.’ + + “Page 70, ‘Nor is it so proper to hew out religious reformation by + the sword as to polish them by fair and equal disputations among + those that are most concerned in the differences; whom not force, + but reason, must convince.’ + + “Page 66, ‘Take heed that outward circumstances and formalities in + religion devour not all.’ + + “Pages 91, 92, ‘In point of true conscientious tenderness I have + so often declared, how little I desire my laws and sceptre should + entrench on God’s sovereignty, who is the only King of + conscience.’ + + “Page 123, ‘Nor do I desire any man should be further subject unto + me, than all of us may be subject unto God.’ + + “Page 200, ‘O thou Sovereign of our souls, the only Commander of + our consciences!’ + + “Page 346 (In his ‘Meditations on Death’,) ‘It is indeed a sad + state to have his enemies to be his accusers, parties, and + judges.’ + + “The Prince of Orange testified, anno 1579, ‘That it was + impossible the land should be kept in peace, except there was a + free toleration in the exercise of religion.’ + + “‘Where hast thou read in thy day (said Menno) in the writings of + the apostles, that Christ or the apostles ever cried out to the + magistrates for their power against them that would not hear their + doctrine, nor obey their words? I know certainly,’ said he, ‘that + where a magistrate shall banish with the sword, there is not the + right knowledge, spiritual word, nor church of Christ; it is, + Invocare brachium seculare (to invoke the secular arm.’) + + “‘It is not Christian-like, but tyrannical (said D. Philipson,) to + banish and persecute people about faith and religion; and they + that so do are certainly of the Pharisaical generation, who + resisted the Holy Ghost.’ + + “Erasmus said, ‘That though they take our money and goods, they + cannot therefore hurt our salvation; they afflict us much with + prisons, but they do not thereby separate us from God.’—_In de + Krydges wrede_, fol. 63. + + “Lucernus said, ‘He that commandeth anything, wherewith he bindeth + the conscience, this is an antichrist.’—_In de Bemise Disp._, fol. + 71. + + “Irenæus affirmed, ‘that all forcing of conscience, though it was + but a forbidding of the exercise which is esteemed by one or + another to be necessary to salvation, is in no wise right nor + fitting.’ He also affirmed, ‘that through the diversity of + religions the kingdom should not be brought into any disturbance.’ + + “Constantius, the emperor, said, ‘That it was enough that he + preserved the unity of the faith, that he might be excusable + before the judgment-seat of God; and that he would leave every one + to his own understanding, according to the account he will give + before the judgment-seat of Christ. Hereto may we stir up people + (said he,) not compel them; beseech them to come into the unity of + the Christians, but to do violence to them we will not in any + wise.’—_Sebast. Frank_, _Chron._ fol. 127. + + “Augustinus said, ‘Some disturbed the peace of the church while + they went about to root out the tares before their time; and + through this error of blindness (said he) are they themselves + separated so much the more from being united unto Christ.’ + + “Retnaldus testified, ‘That he who, with imprisoning and + persecuting, seeketh to spread the gospel, and greaseth his hands + with blood, shall much rather be looked upon for a wild hunter + than a preacher, or a defender of the Christian religion.’ + + “‘I have for a long season determined (said Henry IV., king of + France, in his speech to the parliament, 1599,) to reform the + church, which, without peace, I cannot do: and it is impossible to + reform or convert people by violence. I am king, as a shepherd, + and will not shed the blood of my sheep, but will gather them + through the mildness and goodness of a king, and not through the + power of tyranny: and I will give them that are of the reformed + religion right liberty to live and dwell free, without being + examined, perplexed, molested, or compelled to anything contrary + to their consciences; for they shall have the free exercise of + their religion, &c.’—[_Vid. Chron. Van de Underg._ 2. deel, p. + 1514.] + + “Ennius said, ‘Wisdom is driven out when the matter is acted by + force. And therefore the best of men, and most glorious of + princes, were always ready to give toleration.’ + + “Eusebius, in his second book of the life of Constantine, reports + these words of the emperor: ‘Let them which err, with joy receive + the like fruition of peace and quietness with the faithful; sith + the restoring of communication and society may bring them into the + right way of truth: let none give molestation to any; let every + one do as he determines in his mind. And indeed, there is great + reason for princes to give toleration to disagreeing persons, + whose opinions cannot by fair means be altered; for if the persons + be confident, they will serve God according to their persuasions: + and if they be publicly prohibited, they will privately convene: + and then all those inconveniences and mischiefs, which are + arguments against the permission of conventicles, are arguments + for the public permission of differing religions, &c., they being + restrained and made miserable, endears the discontented persons + mutually, and makes more hearty and dangerous confederations.’ + + “The like counsel, in the divisions of Germany at the first + reformation, was thought reasonable by the Emperor Ferdinand, and + his excellent son Maximilian; for they had observed, ‘that + violence did exasperate, was unblessed, unsuccessful, and + unreasonable; and therefore they made decrees of toleration.’ + + “The Duke of Savoy, repenting of his war undertaken for religion + against the Piedmontese, promised them toleration; and was as good + as his word. + + “It is remarkable, that till the time of Justinian the emperor, + Anno Domini 525, the Catholics and Novatians had churches + indifferently permitted, even in Rome itself. + + “And Paul preached the kingdom of God, teaching those things which + concerned the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence; and no man + forbade him: and this he did for the space of two years in his own + hired house at Rome, and received all that came to him. + + “Now, O king, seeing these noble testimonies concerning liberty of + conscience from kings, emperors, and others, and the liberty that + Paul had at Rome in the days of the heathen emperor, our desire + is, that we may have the same liberty at Dantzic to meet together + in our own hired houses; which cannot be any prejudice, either to + the king or the city, for us to meet together to wait upon the + Lord, and pray unto him, and to serve and worship him in Spirit + and in truth in our own hired houses; seeing our principle leads + us to hurt no man, but to love our enemies, and to pray for them: + yea, them that persecute us. Therefore, O king, consider, and the + city of Dantzic, would you not think it hard for others to force + you from your religion to another, contrary to your consciences? + And if it be so, that you would think it hard to you, then ‘do you + unto others as you would have them do unto you;’ do not you that + unto others, which you would not have them do unto you; for that + is the royal law, which ought to be obeyed. And so in love to thy + immortal soul, and for thy eternal good, this is written.” + + G. F. + + “_Postscript._—‘Blessed be the merciful, for they shall obtain + mercy.’ And remember, O king, Justin Martyr’s two Apologies to the + Roman emperors, in the defence of the persecuted Christians; and + that notable Apology, which was written by Tertullian, upon the + same subject; which are not only for the Christian religion, but + against all persecution for religion.” + +“_Dear Peter Hendricks, John Claus, J. Rawlins, and all the rest of + Friends in Amsterdam, Friesland, and Rotterdam, to whom is my + love in the Seed of life, that is over all._ + + “I received your letter with one from Dantzic: I have written + something directed to you, to the King of Poland, which you may + translate into High Dutch, and send to Friends there to give to + the king; or you may print it, after it be delivered in + manuscript, which may be serviceable to other princes. So in + haste, with my love. The Lord God Almighty over all give you + dominion in his eternal power, and in it over all preserve you, + and keep you to his glory, that you may answer that of God in all + people. Amen.” + + GEORGE FOX. + + London, the 13th of the 9th Month, 1677. + +I continued yet in and about London some weeks, the parliament +sitting again, and Friends attending to get some redress of our +sufferings, which about this time were very great, and heavy upon +many Friends in divers parts of the nation; being very unduly +prosecuted upon the statutes made against Popish recusants; though +our persecutors could not but know that Friends were utterly against +Popery; having borne testimony against it in word and writing, and +suffered under it. But though many of the members of parliament in +each house were kind to Friends, and willing to do something for +their ease, yet having much business, they were hindered from doing +the good they would, so that the sufferings of Friends continued. + +But that which added much to the grief and exercise of Friends, was, +that some who made a profession of the same truth with us, being +gone from the simplicity of the gospel into a fleshly liberty, and +labouring to draw others after them, opposed the order and +discipline, which God by his power had set up and established in his +church; and made a great noise and clamour against prescriptions; +whereby they easily drew after them such as were loosely inclined, +and desired a broader way than the path of truth to walk in. Some +also that were more simple, but young in truth, or weak in judgment, +were apt to be betrayed by them, not knowing the depths of Satan in +these wiles; for whose sake I was moved to write the following +paper, for undeceiving the deceived, and opening the understandings +of the weak in this matter:— + + “All you that deny prescriptions without distinction, may as well + deny all the Scriptures, which were given forth by the power and + Spirit of God. For do not they prescribe how men should walk + towards God and man, both in the Old Testament and in the New? + Yea, from the very first promise of Christ in Genesis, what people + ought to believe and trust in, and all along, till ye come to the + prophets? Did not the Lord prescribe to his people by the Fathers, + and then by his prophets? Did he not prescribe to the people how + they should walk, though they turned against the prophets in the + old covenant, for declaring or prescribing to them the way, how + they might walk to please God, and keep in favour with him? In the + days of Christ, did not he prescribe and teach, how people should + walk and believe? And after him, did not the apostles prescribe to + people how they might come to believe, and receive the gospel and + the kingdom of God, directing to that which would give them the + knowledge of God, and how they should walk in the new covenant in + the days of the gospel, and by what way they should come to the + holy city? And did not the apostles send forth their decrees by + faithful chosen men, that had hazarded their lives for Christ’s + sake, to the churches, by which they were established? + + “So you that deny prescriptions given forth by the power and + Spirit of God, do thereby oppose the Spirit that gave them forth + in all the holy men of God. Were there not some all along in the + days of Moses, and in the days of the prophets, in the days of + Christ, and in the days of his apostles, who did withstand that + which they gave forth from the Spirit of God? And hath there not + been the like since the days of the apostles? How many have risen, + since truth appeared, to oppose the order which stands in the + power and Spirit of God? who are but in the same spirit which hath + opposed the Spirit of God all along from the beginning. See, what + names or titles the Spirit of God gave that opposing spirit in the + old covenant, and also in the new; which is the same now; for + after the Lord had given forth the old covenant, there were some + among themselves that opposed; these were worse than public + enemies. And likewise in the days of the new covenant, in the + gospel-times, you may see what sort opposed Christ and the + apostles, after they came to some sight of the truth, and how they + turned against Christ and his apostles? See what liberty they + pleaded for, and ran into, in the apostles’ days, who could not + abide the cross, the yoke of Jesus. + + “We see the same rough and high spirit cries now for liberty, + which the power and Spirit of Christ cannot give—cries, + ‘Imposition,’ and yet is imposing;—cries, ‘liberty of conscience,’ + and yet is opposing liberty of conscience; and cries against + ‘prescriptions,’ and yet is prescribing both in words and writing. + So with the everlasting power and Spirit of God this spirit is + fathomed; its rise, beginning, and end; and it is judged. This + spirit cries, ‘we must not judge conscience; we must not judge + matters of faith; and we must not judge spirits, nor religions,’ + &c. Yes; they that are in the pure Spirit and power of God, which + the apostles were in, judge of conscience, whether it be a seared + conscience, or a tender conscience; they judge of faith, whether + it be a dead one or a living one; they judge of religion, whether + it be vain, or pure and undefiled; they judge of spirits, and try + them, whether they be of God or not; they judge of hope, whether + it be that of hypocrites, or the true hope that purifies, even as + God is pure; they judge of belief, whether it be that which is + born of God, and overcometh the world, or that which runs into the + spirit of the world, which lusts to envy, and doth not overcome + the world; they judge of worships, whether they be will-worships, + and the worship of the beast and dragon, or the worship of God in + Spirit and in truth; they judge of angels, whether they be fallen, + or those that keep their habitation; they judge the world, that + grieves and quenches the Spirit, hates the light, turns the grace + of God into wantonness, and resists the Holy Ghost; they judge of + the hearts, ears, and lips, which are circumcised, and which are + uncircumcised; they judge of ministers, and apostles, and + messengers, whether they be of Satan or of Christ; they judge of + differences in outward things, in the church or elsewhere; yea, + the least member of the church hath power to judge of such things, + having the one true measure, and true weight to weigh things, and + measure things withal, without respect to persons. This judgment + is given, and all these things are done, by the same power and + Spirit the apostles were in. Such also can judge of election and + reprobation; who keep their habitation, and who do not; who are + Jews, and who are of the synagogue of Satan; who are in the + doctrine of Christ, and who are in the doctrines of devils; who + prescribes and declares things from the power and Spirit of God; + and who prescribes and declares things from a loose spirit, to let + all loose from under the yoke of Christ, the power of God, into + looseness and liberty. + + “These likewise can judge and discern, who brings people into the + possession of the gospel of light and life, over death and + darkness, and into the truth, where the devil cannot get in; and + who brings them into the possession of death and darkness, out of + the glorious liberty of the gospel, and of Jesus Christ, his + faith, truth, Spirit, light, and grace. For there is no true + liberty, but in that; and that liberty answers the grace, the + truth, the light, the Spirit, the faith, the gospel of Christ in + every man and woman, and is the yoke to the contrary in every man + and woman. That makes it rage, and swell, and puff up; for it is + restless, unruly, out of patience, and ready to curse his God, and + that which reigns over him, because it hath not its will. It works + with all subtlety and evasion with its restless spirit, to get in + and defile the minds of the simple, and to make rapes upon the + virgin minds. But as they receive the heavenly wisdom, by which + all things were made (which wisdom is above that spirit,) through + this wisdom they will be preserved over that spirit. + + “And Christ hath given judgment to his saints in his church, + though he be judge of all; and the saints, in the power and Spirit + of God, had and have power to judge of words and manners, of lives + and conversations, of growths and states, from a child to a father + in the truth; and to whom they are a savour of death, and to whom + they are a savour of life; who serve the Lord Jesus Christ and + preach him, and who preach themselves and serve themselves; and + who talk of the light, of faith, of the gospel, of hope, and of + grace, and preach such things; yet in their works and lives deny + them all, and God and Christ, and preach up liberty from that in + themselves to that in others, which should be under the yoke and + cross of Christ, the power of God. So the saints, in the power and + Spirit of Christ, can discern and distinguish, who serves God and + Christ, and who serves him not; and can put a distinction between + the profane and the holy. But such as have lost their eye-salve, + and whose sight is grown dim, lose this judgment, discerning, and + distinction in the church of Christ; and such come to be spewed + out of Christ’s mouth, except they repent; and if not, they come + to corrupt the earth, and burden it, that it vomits them out of + it. + + “Therefore, all are exhorted to keep in the power and Spirit of + Christ Jesus, in the word of life, and the wisdom of God (which is + above that which is below,) in which they may keep their heavenly + understandings and discernings; and so set the heavenly, spiritual + judgment over that which is for judgment, which dishonours God, + and leads into loose and false liberty; out of the unity, which + stands in the heavenly Spirit, which brings into conformity to the + image of the Son of God, and his gospel, the power of God (which + was before the devil was,) and his truth (which the devil is out + of,) in which all are of one mind, heart, and soul, and come to + drink into one Spirit, being baptized into one Spirit, and so into + one body, of which Christ is the head; and so keep one fellowship + and unity in the Spirit, which is the bond of peace, the Prince of + princes’ peace. And they that cry so much against judging, and are + afraid of judgment, whether they be apostates, professors, or + profane, are the most judging with their censorious, false + spirits, and judgment; and yet they cannot bear the true judgment + of the Spirit of God, nor stand in his judgment. This hath been + manifest from the beginning, they having the false measures, and + the false weights; for none have the true measure and true weight + but they that keep in the light, power, and Spirit of Christ. And + now there is a loose spirit, that cries for liberty, and against + prescriptions, and yet is proscribing ways, both by words and + writings. The same spirit cries against judging, and would not be + judged, and yet is judging with a wrong spirit. This is given + forth in reproof to that spirit.” + + G. F. + + London, the 9th of the 4th Month, 1678. + +When I had finished what service I had for the Lord at this time +here, I went towards Hertford; visiting Friends, and having several +meetings in the way. At HERTFORD I stayed some days, having much +service for the Lord there, both amongst Friends in their meetings, +and in conferences with such as having let in evil surmisings and +jealousies concerning Friends, stood in opposition to the order of +truth: and in answering some books written against truth and +Friends. While I was here, it came upon me to write a few lines, and +send them abroad amongst Friends, as follows:— + + “DEAR FRIENDS, + + “Let the holy Seed of life reign over death and the unholy seed in + you all; that in the holy Seed of the kingdom ye may all feel the + everlasting holy peace with God, through Christ Jesus, your + Saviour, and sit down in Him, your life and glorious rest, the + holy rock and foundation, that standeth sure over all from + everlasting to everlasting, in whom all the fulness of blessedness + is; so that ye may glory in Him that liveth for evermore, Amen! + who is your eternal joy, life, and happiness; through whom you + have peace with God. This holy Seed bruiseth the head of the + serpent, and will outlive all his wrath and rage, malice and envy; + who was before he and it were, and remains when he and it are gone + into the fire that burns with brimstone. The Seed, Christ, will + reign; and so will ye, as ye do live and walk in Him, sit down in + Him, and build up one another in the love of God.” + + G. F. + + Hertford, the 10th of the 5th Month, 1678. + +Next day a fresh exercise came upon me, with respect to those unruly +and disorderly spirits, that were gone out from us, and were +labouring to draw others after them into a false liberty. In the +sense I had of the hurt and mischief these might do, where they were +given way to, I was moved to write a few lines to warn Friends of +them, as follows:— + + “ALL FRIENDS, + + “Keep in the tender life of the Lamb, over that unruly, puffed up, + and swelling spirit, whose work is for strife, contention, and + division, under a pretence of conscience, and drawing into + looseness and false liberty, dangerous to the welfare of youth. + They that do encourage them, will be guilty of their destruction, + and set up a sturdy will, instead of conscience, in their rage and + passion; which will quench the universal Spirit in themselves, and + in every man and woman: and so, that spirit shall not have liberty + in themselves, nor in others; thus they shut up the kingdom of + heaven in themselves, and also in others. So a loose spirit + getting up under a pretence of liberty of conscience; or a + stubborn will, making a profession of the words of truth in a form + without power, all looseness and vileness will be sheltered and + covered under this pretence, which is for eternal judgment: for + that doth dishonour God. Therefore, keep to the tender Spirit of + God in all humility, that in it you may know that ye are all + members of one another, and all have an office in the church of + Christ. All these living members know one another in the Spirit, + and not in the flesh. So here is no man ruling over the woman, as + Adam did over Eve in the fall: but Christ, the spiritual man, + among and over his spiritual members, which are edified in the + heavenly love that is shed in their heart from God, where all + strife ceases.” + + G. F. + + Hertford, the 11th of the 5th Month, 1678. + +I went from Hertford to a meeting at RABLEY-HEATH, and thence to +Edward Crouch’s, of STEVENAGE. Next day to BALDOCK, where I had a +meeting that evening; and after that had meetings at HITCHIN and +ASHWELL. Then passing through part of BEDFORDSHIRE, where I had a +meeting or two, I went to HUNTINGDON, in which county I stayed +several days, having many meetings, and much service amongst +Friends; labouring to convince gainsayers, and to confirm and +strengthen Friends in the way and work of the Lord. At IVES, in +Huntingdonshire, George Whitehead came to me, and travelled with me, +in the work of the Lord, for five or six days in that county, and in +some part of NORTHAMPTONSHIRE; and leaving me in GREAT BOWDEN in +LEICESTERSHIRE, he went towards Westmorland. I stayed longer in +Leicestershire, visiting Friends at SADDINGTON, WIGSTON, KNIGHTON, +LEICESTER, SILEBY, SWANNINGTON, and divers other places; where I had +very precious meetings, and good service amongst Friends and other +people: for there was great openness, and many weighty and excellent +truths did the Lord give me to deliver amongst them. + +At LEICESTER I went to the jail to visit the Friends that were in +prison there for the testimony of Jesus, with whom I spent some +time; encouraging them in the Lord to persevere steadfastly and +faithfully in their testimony, and not to be weary of suffering for +his sake. And when I had taken my leave of them, I spoke with the +jailer, desiring him to be kind to them, and let them have what +liberty he could, to visit their families sometimes. + +I had a meeting or two in WARWICKSHIRE, and then went into +STAFFORDSHIRE, where I had several sweet and opening meetings, both +for gathering into truth and establishing therein. While I was in +Staffordshire, I was moved to give forth the following paper:— + + “Dear Friends of the quarterly and monthly meetings everywhere: My + desire is, that ye may all strive to be of one mind in the Lord’s + power and truth, which is peaceable, and into which strife and + enmity cannot come; also in the wisdom of God, which is pure, + peaceable, and easy to be entreated, which is above that which is + below, that is earthly, devilish, and sensual; and that with, and + in this heavenly wisdom, you may be all ordered, and do what ye + do, to God’s glory. + + “And, dear Friends, if there should happen at any time anything + that tends to strife, dispute or contention in your monthly or + quarterly meetings, let it be referred to half a dozen, or such a + like number, to debate and end, out of your meetings, as it was at + first, that all your monthly and quarterly meetings may be kept + peaceable. And then they may inform the meeting what they have + done; that the weak and youth amongst you may not be hurt, through + hearing of strife or contention in your meetings, where no strife + or contention ought to be; but all to go on, and determine things + in one mind, in the power of God, the gospel order: in which + gospel of peace ye will preserve the peace of all your meetings. + + “If any man or woman have anything against any one, let them speak + to one another, and end it between themselves; if they cannot so + decide, let them take two or three to end it. In case these + determine it not, let it be laid before the church; and let half a + dozen, or such a number out of your monthly or quarterly meeting + hear it, and finally end it, without respect of persons. Let all + prejudice be laid aside and buried; also all shortness one towards + another; and let love, which is not puffed up, envies not, seeks + not her own, but bears all things, have the dominion in all your + meetings; for that doth edify the body, which Christ is the head + of; and this will rule over all sounding brass and tinkling + cymbals. This love will suffer long, and is kind; it will keep + down that which would vaunt itself, or be puffed up, or behave + itself unseemly, or is easily provoked; it hath a sway over all + such fruits, as are not of the Spirit, the fruit of which is love, + &c. And that with this Holy Spirit ye may all be baptized into one + body, and be made to drink into one Spirit; in which Spirit ye + will have unity, in which is the bond of the King of kings’, and + Lord of lords’ peace. They that dwell in love, dwell in God; for + God is love: therefore let every one keep his habitation. My love + to you in Christ Jesus, the everlasting Seed, which is over all.” + + G.F. + + Staffordshire, the 20th of the 6th Month, 1678. + +Out of Staffordshire I went to visit John Gratton[52] at MONYASH in +DERBYSHIRE, with whom I tarried one night; and went next day to +William Shaw’s of the Hill in YORKSHIRE, where I appointed a meeting +to be on First-day following. Many Friends out of Derbyshire, and +from several meetings in Yorkshire, came, and a precious, +comfortable meeting it was; wherein was opened the blessed state of +man before he fell; the means by which he fell; the miserable +condition into which he fell; and the right way of coming out of it, +into a happy state again by Christ, the promised Seed. + +I spent about two weeks in Yorkshire, travelling from place to place +amongst Friends in the Lord’s service; and many heavenly meetings I +had in that county. Then visiting Robert Widders, at KELLET, in +LANCASHIRE, I passed to ARNSIDE, in WESTMORLAND, where I had a +precious, living meeting in the Lord’s blessed power, to the great +satisfaction and comfort of Friends, who came from divers parts to +it. Next day I went to SWARTHMORE; and it being the meeting-day +there, I had a sweet opportunity with Friends, our hearts being +opened in the love of God, and his blessed life flowing amongst us. + +I had not been long at Swarthmore, ere a concern came upon me to +visit the churches of Christ in London and elsewhere, by an epistle, +as follows:— + + DEAR FRIENDS, + + “To whom is my love in the heavenly Seed, in whom all nations are + blessed. O, keep all in this Seed, in which ye are blessed, and in + which Abraham and all the faithful were blessed, without the deeds + of the law; for the promise was and is to, and with the Seed, and + not with the law of the first covenant. In this Seed all nations, + and ye, are blessed, which bruiseth the head of the seed that + brought the curse, and separated man from God; this is the Seed + which reconciles you to God, this is the Seed in which ye are + blessed both in temporals and spirituals; through which ye have an + inheritance among the sanctified, that cannot be defiled, neither + can any defiled thing enter into its possession; for all + defilements are out of this Seed. This is that which leavens into + a new lump, and bruises the head of the wicked seed, which leavens + into the old lump, upon which the Sun of Righteousness goes down + and sets; but it never goes down and sets to them that walk in the + Seed, in which all nations are blessed: by which Seed they are + brought up to God, which puts down that seed which separated them + from God; so that there comes to be nothing between them and God. + Now, all my dear Friends, my desires are, that ye may all be + valiant in this heavenly Seed, for God and his truth upon the + earth, and spread it abroad, answering that of God in all; that + with it the minds of people may be turned towards the Lord, that + he may come to be known, and served, and worshipped; and that ye + may all be as the salt of the earth, to make the unseasoned + savoury. + + “And in the name of Jesus keep your meetings, who are gathered + into it, in whose name ye have salvation; he being in the midst of + you, whose name is above every name under the whole heaven. So ye + have a Prophet, Bishop, Shepherd, Priest and Counsellor (above all + the counsellors and priests, bishops, prophets, and shepherds + under the whole heaven) to exercise his offices among you, in your + meetings, that are gathered in his name. For Christ’s meeting and + gathering is above all the meetings and gatherings under the whole + heaven; and his body, his church, and he the head of it, is above + all the bodies, churches, and heads under the whole heaven. And + the faith that Christ is the author of, the worship that he hath + set up, and his fellowship in the gospel, are above all historical + faiths, and the faiths that men have made, together with their + worships and fellowships under the whole heaven. + + “And now, dear Friends, keep your men’s and women’s meetings in + the power of God, the gospel, the authority of them, which brings + life and immortality to light in you; and this gospel, the power + of God, will preserve you in life, and in immortality, that ye may + see over him that hath darkened, and kept from the knowledge of + the things of God: for it is he and his instruments which have + darkened you from life and immortality, that would throw down your + men’s and women’s meetings, and would darken you again from this + life and immortality, which the gospel hath brought to light, and + will preserve you, as your faith stands in this power, in which + every one sees his work and service for God. Every heir in the + power of God, the gospel, hath right to this authority, which is + not of man, nor by man; which power of God is everlasting, an + everlasting order and fellowship; and in the gospel is everlasting + joy, comfort, and peace, which will outlast all those joys, + comforts, and peaces, that will have an end; and that spirit also + that opposes its order, and the glorious fellowship, peace, and + comfort in it. + + “And, dear Friends, my desire is, that ye may keep in the unity of + the Spirit, that baptizes you all into one body, of which Christ + is the heavenly and spiritual Head; so that ye may see and bear + witness thereto, and all drink into the one Spirit; which all + people upon the earth are not likely to do, while they grieve, + quench, and rebel against it; nor to be baptized into one body, + and to keep the unity of the Spirit, which is the bond of peace, + yea, the King of kings’ and Lord of lords’ peace; which it is the + duty of all true Christians to keep, who are inwardly united to + Christ. My love to you all in the everlasting Seed.” + + G. F. + + Swarthmore, the 26th of the 7th Month, 1678. + +There were about this time several Friends in prison for bearing +testimony to the truth, to whom I was moved to write a few lines, to +comfort, strengthen, and encourage them in their sufferings; having +a true sense of their sufferings upon my spirit, sympathizing with +them therein. That which I wrote was after this manner:— + + “MY DEAR FRIENDS, + + “Who are sufferers for the Lord Jesus’ sake, and for the testimony + of his truth; the Lord God Almighty with his power uphold and + support you in all your trials and sufferings, and give you + patience and content in his will, that ye may stand valiant for + Christ and his truth upon the earth, over the persecuting and + destroying spirit, which makes to suffer, in Christ (who bruises + his head) in whom ye have both election and salvation. For his + elect’s sake the Lord hath done much from the foundation of the + world; as may be seen throughout the Scriptures of truth. They + that touch them touch the apple of God’s eye; they are so tender + to him; and therefore it is good for all God’s suffering children + to trust in the Lord, and to wait upon him: for they shall be as + Mount Sion, that cannot be removed from Christ, their rock and + salvation, who is the foundation of all the elect of God, of the + prophets and the apostles, and of God’s people now, and to the + end. Glory to the Lord and the Lamb over all! Remember my dear + love to all Friends, and do not think the time long; for all time + is in the Father’s hand, his power. Therefore keep the word of + patience, and exercise that gift; and the Lord strengthen you in + your sufferings, in his Holy Spirit of Faith. Amen.” + + G.F. + + Swarthmore, the 5th of the 12th Month, 1678. + +I abode in the North at this time above a year, having service for +the Lord amongst Friends there, and being much taken up in writing +in answer to books published by adversaries; and for opening the +principles and doctrines of truth to the world, that they might come +to have a right understanding thereof, and be gathered thereunto. +Several epistles also to Friends I wrote in this time, on divers +occasions; one was to the Yearly Meeting of Friends held in London +this year, 1679, a copy of which here follows:— + + “MY DEAR FRIENDS AND BRETHREN, + + “Who are assembled together in the name and power of the Lord + Jesus Christ; grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father, and + from the Lord Jesus Christ, fill all your hearts, and establish + you in his grace, mercy, and peace upon Christ, the holy, living + Rock and Foundation, who is the First and Last, and over all the + rocks and foundations in the whole world; a Rock and Foundation of + life for all the living to build upon, which stands sure in his + heavenly, divine light, which is the life in Him, by whom all + things were made: who is the precious stone laid in Zion (and not + in the world), which all the wise master-builders rejected, who + pretended to build people up to heaven with the words of the + prophets, and the law from Mount Sinai, but out of the life of + both. Such builders therefore could not receive the law of life + from Christ, the precious Stone laid in Sion, nor the word from + heavenly Jerusalem. But you, my dear Friends, that have received + this law from heavenly Sion, and the word from heavenly Jerusalem, + in the new covenant, where the life and substance is enjoyed, you + see the end and abolishing of the Jews’ law and ceremonies from + Mount Sinai. + + “And therefore, my desire is, that you all may keep in the law of + life and love, which ye have in Christ Jesus, by which love the + body is edified, knit, and united together to Christ Jesus, the + Head. This love beareth all things, and fulfils the law; and it + will preserve all in humility, to be of one mind, heart, and soul; + so that all may come to drink into that one Spirit that doth + baptize and circumcise them; plunging down and cutting off the + body of the sins of the flesh, that is gotten up in man and woman + by their transgressing of God’s commands. So that in this holy, + pure spirit, all may serve and worship the pure God in Spirit and + in truth, which is over all the worships that are out of God’s + Spirit and his truth. In this Spirit ye will all have a spiritual + unity and fellowship, over all the fellowships of the unclean + spirits which are out of truth in the world. By this holy Spirit + all your hearts, minds, and souls, may be knit together to Christ, + from whence it comes; and by the grace and truth which is come by + Jesus Christ, which all should be under the teachings of in the + new covenant, and not under the law, as the outward Jews were in + the old covenant—by this grace and truth in the new covenant, all + may be made God’s free men and women, to serve God in the new + life, and in the new and living way; showing forth the fruits of + the new heart and new spirit, in the new covenant, over death and + darkness; glory be unto the Lord for ever! + + “Now, Friends, in this grace and truth is your heavenly, gracious, + and true liberty to every spiritual mind, that makes you free from + him that is out of truth, where your bondage was; also your + liberty in the holy, divine, and precious faith, which gives you + victory over that which once separated you from God and Christ, + and by which faith ye have access to God again, through Jesus + Christ. So in this divine and holy faith, ye have divine, holy, + and precious liberty, yea, and victory over him that separated you + from God: and this faith is held in a pure conscience. So the + liberty in the Spirit of God, is in that which baptizes and + plunges down sin and iniquity, and puts off the body of death and + of the sins of the flesh, that is gotten up by transgressing God’s + command. And also the liberty of the gospel, which is sent from + heaven by the Holy Ghost, which is the power of God, which was, + and is again to be, preached to all nations: in this gospel (the + power of God, which is over the power of Satan,) is the true + liberty, and the gospel-fellowship and order. So that the evil + spirit or conscience, or false, dead faith, and that which is + ungracious and out of truth, and not in the Spirit of God, nor in + his gospel, nor in the divine faith, its liberty is in the + darkness: for all the true liberty is in the gospel, and in the + truth that makes free; in the faith, in the grace, and in Christ + Jesus, who destroys the devil and his works, that hath brought all + mankind into bondage. So in this heavenly, peaceable Spirit, and + truth, and faith, which works by love, and in the gospel of peace, + and in Christ Jesus, is all the saints’ peace, and pure, true, and + holy liberty; in which they have salt, and sense, feeling, + discerning, and savour, yea, unity and fellowship one with + another, and with the Son and the Father, heavenly eternal + fellowship. So all being subject to the grace, and truth, to the + faith, and gospel (the power of God,) and to his good Spirit; in + this they distinguish all true, pure, and holy liberty, from that + which is false. This will bring all to sit low: for patience runs + the race, and the Lamb must have the victory; and not the rough, + unruly, and vain talkers, unbaptized, uncircumcised, and + unsanctified. Such travel not in the way of regeneration, but in + the way of unregeneration; neither go they down into death with + Christ by baptism; and therefore such are not like to reign with + him in his resurrection, who are not buried with him in baptism. + Therefore, all must go downward into the death of Christ, and be + crucified with him, if they will arise, and follow him in the + regeneration, before they come to reign with him. + + “And, Friends, many may have precious openings; but I desire all + may be comprehended in that thing which doth open to them; and + that they may all keep in the daily cross; then they keep in the + power, that kills and crucifies that, which would lead them + amongst the beasts and goats, to leaven them into their rough, + unruly spirit; that through the cross, the power of God, _that_ + may be crucified, and they in the power may follow the Lamb. For + the power of God keeps all in order, subjection, and humility—in + that which is lovely and virtuous, decent, comely, temperate, and + moderate; so that their moderation appears to all men. My desire + is, that all your lights may shine, as from a city set upon a + hill, that cannot be hid; and that ye may be the salt of the + earth, to salt and season it, and make it savoury to God, and you + all seasoned with it. Then all your sacrifices will be a sweet + savour to the Lord, and ye will be as the lilies and roses, and + garden of God, which gives a sweet smell unto him; whose garden is + preserved by his power, the hedge, that hedges out all the unruly + and unsavoury, and the destroyers and hurters of the vines, buds, + and plants, and God’s tender blade, which springs up from his Seed + of life; who waters it with his heavenly water, and word of life + continually, that they may grow and be fruitful; that so he may + have a pleasant and fruitful garden. Here all are kept fresh and + green, being watered every moment with the everlasting, holy water + of life, from the Lord, the fountain. + + “My dear Friends, my desire is, that this heavenly Seed, that + bruises the head of the serpent, both within and without, may be + all your crown and life, and ye in him, one another’s crown and + joy, to the praise of the Lord God over all, blessed for evermore! + This holy Seed will outlast and wear out all that which the evil + seed, since the fall of man, has brought forth and set up. As + every one hath received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him in + the humility which he teaches; and shun the occasions of strife, + vain janglings, and disputings with men of corrupt minds, who are + destitute of the truth: for the truth is peaceable, and the gospel + is a peaceable habitation in the power of God; his wisdom is + peaceable and gentle, and his kingdom stands in peace. O, his + glory shines over all his works! and in Christ Jesus, who is not + of the world, ye will have peace, yea, a peace that the world + cannot take away: for the peace which ye have from him, was before + the world was, and will be when it is gone. This keeps all in + that, which is weighty and substantial, over all chaff. Glory to + the Lord God over all for ever and ever! Amen. + + “And now, my dear Friends, the Lord doth require more of you than + he doth of other people; because he hath committed more to you. He + requires the fruits of his Spirit, of the Light, of the Gospel, of + the Grace, and of the Truth; for herein is he glorified (as Christ + said,) in your bringing forth much fruit—fruits of righteousness, + holiness, godliness, virtue, truth, and purity; so that ye may + answer that which is of God in all people. Be valiant for his + everlasting, glorious gospel, in God’s Holy Spirit and truth; + keeping in unity, and in the Holy Spirit, Light, and Life, which + is over death and darkness, and was before death and darkness + were. In this Spirit ye have the bond of peace, which cannot be + broken, except ye go from the Spirit; and then ye lose this unity + and bond of peace, which ye have from the Prince of Peace. + + “The world also expects more from Friends than from other people; + because you profess more. Therefore you should be more just than + others in your words and dealings, and more righteous, holy, and + pure in your lives and conversations; so that your lives and + conversations may preach. For the world’s tongues and mouths have + preached long enough; but their lives and conversations have + denied what their tongues have professed and declared. + + “And, dear Friends, strive to excel one another in virtue, that ye + may grow in love, that excellent way which unites all to Christ + and God. Stand up for God’s glory, and mind that which concerns + the Lord’s honour, that in nowise his power may be abused, or his + name evil spoken of, by any evil talkers or walkers: but that in + all things God may be honoured, and ye may glorify him in your + bodies, souls, and spirits, the little time ye have to live. My + love to you all in the holy Seed of Life, that reigns over all, + and is the First and Last; in whom ye all have life and salvation, + and your election and peace with God, through Jesus Christ, who + destroys him that hath been between you and God; so that nothing + may be between you and the Lord, but Christ Jesus. Amen. + + “My life and love is to you all, and amongst you all. The Lord God + Almighty by his mighty power, by which he hath preserved all his + people unto this day, preserve and keep you all in his power, and + peaceable, holy truth, in unity and fellowship one with another, + and with the Son and the Father. Amen.” + + G.F. + + The 24th of the 3rd Month, 1679. + +Divers other epistles and papers I wrote to Friends, during my stay +in the North; one was in a few lines, to encourage Friends to be +bold and valiant for the Truth, which, the Lord had called them to +bear witness to; it was thus:— + + “DEAR FRIENDS, + + “All be valiant for the Lord’s Truth upon the earth, which the + serpent, Satan, and the devil is out of; and in the truth keep him + out, in which you all have peace and life, and unity with God and + his Son, and one with another. Let the love of God fill all your + hearts, that in it ye may build up and edify one another in the + light, life, Holy Spirit, and power of God, the glorious + comfortable gospel of Christ, the heavenly Man, your Lord and + Saviour; who will fill all your vessels with his heavenly wine and + water of life; clothe you with his heavenly clothing, his fine + linen, that never waxeth old; and arm you with his heavenly + weapons and armour, that ye may stand faithful witnesses for God + and his Son, who is come, and hath given you an understanding to + know Him, and ye are in him. So walk in him, in whom ye all have + life and salvation, and peace with God. My love to you all in the + Lord Jesus Christ, in whom I have laboured; and God Almighty, in + his eternal power and wisdom, preserve you all to his glory. + Amen.” + + G.F. + + Swarthmore, the 29th of the 10th month, 1679. + +The next day, having a sense upon me that some who had received the +Truth, and had openings thereof, for want of keeping low, had run +out therefrom, I was moved to give forth the following epistle as “a +warning and exhortation to all to dwell in humility:”— + + “MY DEAR FRIENDS, + + “Whom the Lord in his tender mercies, hath visited with the day + spring from on high, and hath opened you to confess and bow to his + name; keep low in your minds, and learn of Christ, who teacheth + you humility, to keep in it; so that in no wise, ye that are + younger, be exalted, or puffed up, or conceited through your + openings, and by that means lose your conditions, by being carried + up into presumption; and then fall into despair, and so abuse the + power of God. For it was the apostles’ care, that none should + abuse the power of the Lord God; but in all things their faith was + to stand therein, that they all might be comprehended into the + truth, which they spoke to others, that they might not be + preachers to others, and themselves cast-aways. Therefore it doth + concern you to be comprehended into that, which ye do preach to + others, and keep low in it; then the God of Truth will exalt the + humble in his truth, light, grace, power, and Spirit, and in his + wisdom to his glory. Here all are kept in their measures of grace, + light, faith, and the Spirit of Christ, the heavenly and spiritual + Man. + + “So let none quench the Spirit, or its motions, grieve it, or err + from it; but be led by it, which keeps all in their tents; which + giveth an understanding, how to serve, worship, and please the + holy, pure God, the Maker and Creator in Christ Jesus, and how to + wait, speak, and answer the Spirit of God in his people; in which + Holy Spirit is the holy unity and fellowship. The Holy Spirit + teacheth the holy, gentle, meek, and quiet lowly mind to answer + the seed, that Christ hath sown upon all grounds; and to answer + the light, grace, and Spirit, and the gospel in every creature, + though they are gone from the Spirit, grace, light and gospel in + the heart. So by holy walking all may come to do it, as well as by + holy preaching, that God in all things may be glorified by you, + and that ye may bring forth fruits to his praise, Amen.” + + G.F. + + Swarthmore, the 30th of the 10th Month, 1679. + +About the latter end of this year I was moved of the Lord to travel +into the South again. I set forward in the beginning of the first +month, 1679-80; and passing through part of WESTMORLAND and +LANCASHIRE, I visited Friends at several meetings, and came into +YORKSHIRE. Divers large and weighty meetings I had in Yorkshire, +before I came to YORK. When I came there it was the assize time; and +there being many Friends in prison for truth’s sake, I put those, +that were at liberty, upon drawing up the sufferings of Friends in +prison, to lay before the judges; and I assisted them therein. There +were then in York many Friends from several parts of the county, for +the quarterly meeting was at that time; so that I had a brave +opportunity among them. Many weighty and serviceable things did the +Lord open through me to the meeting, relating to the inward state of +man, how man by faith in Christ comes to be grafted into him, and +made a member of his spiritual body; and also to the outward state +of the church, how each member ought to walk and act, according to +his place in the body. I spent several days in York, having divers +meetings; and all was peaceable and well. I went also to the castle, +to visit Friends that were prisoners; with whom I spent some time, +encouraging and strengthening them in their testimony. + +Then leaving York, I travelled southward, having meetings in many +places amongst Friends, till I came to BARTON in LINCOLNSHIRE; +where, on First-day, I had a large and precious meeting. Then +turning into NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, I travelled through good part of that +county, in which I had several good meetings; and then passed into +DERBYSHIRE, LEICESTERSHIRE, and WARWICKSHIRE, having meetings all +along as I went, till I came to WARWICK; there William Dewsbury came +to me, and several other Friends, and we had a little meeting in +that town. Then passing through SOUTHAM and RADWAY, at each of which +places I had a very good meeting, I came to Nathaniel Ball’s, of +NORTH NEWTON in OXFORDSHIRE, and so to BANBURY to a monthly meeting +there. After I had visited Friends in the bordering parts of +OXFORDSHIRE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, and NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, I passed to +Richard Baker’s[53] of BIDDLESDEN in BUCKINGHAMSHIRE; and next day, +being First-day, I had a very large meeting in Biddlesden, at an old +abbey house, which a Friend rented and dwelt in. Many Friends and +people came to it out of Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and the parts +adjacent; and of good service it was. After this, I visited Friends +in those parts, having meetings at LILLINGSTON-LOVEL and BUGBROOK. +Then going to STONY-STRATFORD, I went from thence into some parts of +BEDFORDSHIRE, till I came to Edward Chester’s of DUNSTABLE. Passing +on by MARKET STREET, I had a meeting at ALBAN’S; and calling on +Friends at MIMS and BARNET, I came to the Widow Hayley’s, at +GUTTERHEDGE, in HENDON, Middlesex, on a Seventh-day night, and had a +very large and good meeting there the day following. + +I passed thence to LONDON on the Third-day following, and went +directly to the Peel-meeting at John Elson’s; and next morning to +the meeting at Gracechurch Street, which was very large and quiet; +and Friends rejoiced in the Lord to see me. The Yearly Meeting was +the week following, to which many Friends came out of most parts of +the nation; and a blessed opportunity the Lord gave us together; +wherein the ancient love was sweetly felt, and the heavenly life +flowed abundantly over all. After the Yearly Meeting, I continued a +month or five weeks, in and about London, labouring in the work of +the Lord, both in and out of meetings; for besides the public +testimony which the Lord gave me to bear both to Friends and to the +world in meetings, I had much service upon me, with respect to +Friends’ sufferings, in seeking to get ease and liberty for them in +this and other nations. Much pains and time I spent, while in +London, in writing letters to Friends in divers parts of England, +and in Scotland, Holland, Barbadoes, and several parts of America. + +After this I was moved of the Lord to visit Friends in some parts of +Surrey and Sussex. I went to KINGSTON by water, and tarried certain +days; for while I was there, the Lord laid it upon me to write both +to the great Turk, and the Dey of Algiers severally, to warn them, +and the people under them, to turn from their wickedness, fear the +Lord, and do justly; lest the judgments of God should come upon +them, and destroy them without remedy. To the Algerines I wrote more +particularly, concerning the cruelty they exercised towards Friends +and others, whom they held captives in Algiers.[54] When I had +finished that service, and visited Friends in their meetings at +Kingston, I went further into the country, and had meetings amongst +Friends at WORPLESDON, GUILDFORD, ESHER, CAPEL, PATCHGATE, +WORMINGHURST, BLETCHINGTON, HORSHAM, IFIELD, REIGATE, GATTON, &c., +and so came back to KINGSTON again; and thence to HAMMERSMITH. +Having spent some days in the service of truth amongst Friends at +Hammersmith, BATTERSEA, WANDSWORTH, and thereabouts, I crossed over, +by KENSINGTON, to HENDON, where I had a very good meeting on a +First-day; and went thence to LONDON. + +When I had been about ten days in LONDON, I was drawn again to visit +Friends in the country; and went to EDMONTON, to Christopher +Taylor’s, who kept a school for the educating of Friends’ children. +I had some service here amongst the youth; and then went towards +Hertford, visiting Friends on the way. At HERTFORD I met with John +Story, and some others of his party;[55] but the testimony of truth +went over them, and kept them down, so that the meeting was quiet. +It was on a First-day; and the next day being the men’s and women’s +meeting for business, I visited them also, and the rather, because +some in that place had let in a disesteem of them. Wherefore I was +moved to open the service of those meetings, and the usefulness and +benefit thereof to the church of Christ, as the Lord opened the +thing in me; and it was of good service to Friends. I had a meeting +also with some of those, that were gone into strife and contention, +to show them wherein they were wrong; and having cleared myself of +them, I left them to the Lord. Then, after another public meeting in +the town, I returned towards London by WALTHAM ABBEY, where I had a +public meeting on the First-day following; and another with Friends +in the evening. Next day I went to Christopher Taylor’s at EDMONTON, +and stayed there a day or two, having some things upon me to write, +which were for the service of truth. When I had finished that +service, I went to LONDON by SHACKLEWELL, where was a school kept by +Friends, for the bringing up of young women that were Friends’ +daughters. + +I abode at LONDON most part of this winter, having much service for +the Lord there, both in and out of meetings: for as it was a time of +great suffering among Friends, I was drawn in spirit to visit +Friends’ meetings more frequently; to encourage and strengthen them +both by exhortation and example. The parliament also was sitting, +and Friends were diligent in waiting upon them, to lay their +grievances before them. We received fresh accounts almost every day +of the sad sufferings Friends underwent in many parts of the nation. +In seeking relief for my suffering brethren I spent much time; +together with other Friends, who were freely given up to that +service, attending at the parliament-house for many days together, +and watching all opportunities to speak with such members of either +house, as would hear our just complaints. And indeed, some of these +were very courteous to us, and appeared willing to help us if they +could; but the parliament being then earnest in examining the Popish +plot, and contriving ways to discover such as were Popishly +affected, our adversaries took advantages against us (because they +knew we could not swear nor fight) to expose us to those penalties +that were made against Papists; though they knew in their +consciences that we were no Papists, and had had experience of us, +that we were no plotters. Wherefore, to clear our innocency, and to +stop the mouths of our adversaries, I drew up a short paper, to be +delivered to the parliament; as follows. + + “It is our principle and testimony, to deny and renounce all plots + and plotters against the king, or any of his subjects; for we have + the Spirit of Christ, by which we have the mind of Christ, who + came to save men’s lives, and not to destroy them. We desire the + safety of the king and of all his subjects. Wherefore we declare, + that we will endeavour, to our power, to save and defend him and + them, by discovering all plots and plotters (which shall come to + our knowledge) that would destroy the king or his subjects. This + we do sincerely offer unto you. But as to swearing and fighting, + which in tenderness of conscience we cannot do, ye know that we + have suffered these many years for our conscientious refusal + thereof. And now that the Lord hath brought you together, we + desire you to relieve us, and free us from these sufferings; and + that ye will not put upon us to do those things, which we have + suffered so much and so long already for not doing; for if you do, + you will make our sufferings and bonds stronger, instead of + relieving us.” + + G.F. + +----- + +Footnote 48: + + For full particulars of the great intolerance and spirit of + persecution manifested by the Puritans of New England towards the + Quakers, the reader is referred to Bowden’s _History of Friends in + America_, vol. v., from the commencement to p. 308. + +Footnote 49: + + Thomas Ellwood is only mentioned twice incidentally in these + volumes. It was he who, after the death of George Fox, transcribed + his journal for the press. (See _Letters, &c., of Early Friends_, + p. 213.) He was also the author of several works, including _A + Life of David_, in verse; a work on tithes; a _Sacred History_, + &c. Ellwood was born in 1639, at Crowell, in Oxfordshire, and + joined Friends when about twenty years of age. Brought up in ease, + luxury, and fashion, he had much to learn; much to unlearn, much + to forsake, of the manners, the pride, and the will-worship of the + world; and to follow after that plainness and purity of life unto + which the spirit of truth leads. Nothing but religion could have + enabled one, with a disposition naturally so high and resolute as + his, to submit, as he did, to buffetings, beatings, cruel + treatment, and persecution, with becoming meekness and patience. + + In 1662, Ellwood became the companion of the poet Milton, and it + was he who suggested to the latter the writing of _Paradise + Regained_. He had a peculiar gift for government in the church, + and was very serviceable therein; an ornament to the meeting he + belonged to, and much missed when he died. According to his + biographer, he was “a man of comely aspect, of a free and generous + disposition, of a courteous and affable temper, and pleasant + conversation; a gentleman born and bred; a scholar, a true + Christian, an eminent author, a good neighbour, a kind friend.” He + proved a very useful and acceptable elder in the church, devoting + nearly the whole of his time and talents to its service. He died + in 1713, and was buried at Jordans, leaving behind him a most + interesting autobiography, to which the reader is referred for + further particulars. + +Footnote 50: + + This being the last mention of Stephen Smith, it may be added, + that he was born in 1623, and being convinced in 1665, suffered + both in person and estate by imprisonment and spoiling of goods, + for his testimony on behalf of Christ. He was a man of account in + the world, who, in his younger years, travelled much abroad, + having resided some time at Scanderoon, in Syria, as a merchant, + and afterwards published a work called, _Wholesome Advice and + Information_, wherein he shows how much some of the Turks exceeded + some Christians in their dealings. + + He was an honest, upright man, one that feared God and was of good + report, being a preacher of righteousness in his daily conduct, + ever ready to do good. He became a valiant gospel minister, and + spoke to the comfort and encouragement of those that heard him, + travelling in many parts of England in gospel service. He died in + peace at his own house, near Guildford, in Surrey, in 1678. He + wrote many serviceable works, which were collected and published + in an 8vo volume, entitled, _The True Light Discovered to all who + Desire to Walk in the Day_. + +Footnote 51: + + Lady Conway was a person of great piety, and a favourer of + Friends. In a letter to the learned and excellent Dr. Henry More, + who was her particular friend, she thus expresses herself + concerning them:— + + “Your conversation with them (the Friends) at London might be, as + you express it, charitably intended, like that of a physician + frequenting his patients for the increase or confirmation of their + health; but _I_ must confess, that _my_ converse with them is, to + receive health and refreshment from them.”—See Appendix to + Barclay’s second edition of _Isaac Penington’s Letters_, p. 311. + +Footnote 52: + + John Gratton was born about the year 1641. He was first brought + under religious conviction when he was a shepherd boy about eleven + years old, but he remained in a halting state till he attained to + manhood, after which he became more devoted in heart to the Lord. + He was brought into great grief on observing the instability of + some professed preachers of the gospel, in times of persecution. + In 1670 he began to preach among the Baptists, but soon left this + people because they also flinched in the day of trial, and + becoming convinced of the soundness of the principles held by + Friends, and seeing their constancy under suffering, he joined + them in 1671. The third time he attended a Friends’ meeting, he + spoke under the constraining influence of the Divine Spirit; and + he soon became an able minister of Christ. He often left his + temporal concerns to make apostolic visits to various parts of + Great Britain and Ireland. He also suffered imprisonment for about + five years and a half for the gospel’s sake. His residence was for + many years at Monyash, in Derbyshire, but in 1708 he removed to + Needham, and resided with a daughter, at whose house he died in + 1711, aged 68—a minister about forty years. + +Footnote 53: + + Richard Baker is described as a man of circumspect life, and a + pattern of good works. He suffered cheerfully for Christ both the + spoiling of his goods and imprisonment of his body; and would + often say, “If people did but know the pleasure of godliness, they + would not live in the earth as they did.” He was a zealous + labourer, a vigilant watchman, a sharp reprover of evil, an + encourager of the good, and a faithful minister, endeavouring to + bring those he ministered to into an inward exercise of spirit + towards God, and to a greater acquaintance with, and subjection + to, the power of God. Concerning this he wrote a treatise + entitled, _A Testimony to the Power of God, being Greater than the + Power of Satan_. + + He died in 1697, having often said in his last sickness, “All is + well,” and testified that the power and strength of God was with + him. + +Footnote 54: + + There appear to have been at this time a number of Friends at + Algiers, who had been captured. In the early times of the Society + many of its members were seafaring men; and to such, of whatever + religious profession, it was no uncommon thing to be taken at sea + by the Algerines or other _corsairs_, who continually scoured the + Mediterranean, and ventured occasionally beyond its limits to make + prize of merchant ships, and consign their crews to slavery. + + Great care was exercised towards these captive Friends by the + Society, and efforts made for their redemption. They are mentioned + in the Yearly Meeting epistles of 1682-1687, and in most of the + succeeding ones. In the epistle of 1698 it is stated, “Divers of + our Friends who were captives at Mequinez, and suffered great + hardships there, are dead; and there yet remain five, for whose + ransom great endeavours have been used, but it is not yet + effected.” The epistle of the following year states, “Earnest + endeavours have again lately been used for the liberty of our + Friends, captives in Barbary, though not as yet obtained; and + there being at this time some negotiations on foot, by the + tenderness and care of the government, for the redemption of all + the English there; and though the persons in Barbary, employed + therein by Friends, do wait some time to see the effect of that, + yet we shall continue our further endeavours for their discharge, + and in the meantime take care to send them supplies for food, they + having little allowance in that country, of anything to support + their bodies, under the great severities of labour, and undeserved + stripes, that captives often endure.” + + In the epistle of 1702 the conclusion of the Barbary captives is + stated, namely, that live Friends, being all who remained alive in + that long and sore captivity, _have been this year redeemed_, + whose ransom (including a Friend’s son from Pennsylvania) cost the + Society upwards of £480. The redeemed tenderly and gratefully + acknowledged Friends’ love and care of them. + +Footnote 55: + + A schism, of which Story and Wilkinson were at the head, is + frequently referred to in the writings of some of the early + Friends. It commenced and spread mostly in the north. There were, + however, those in London, Bristol, and some southern counties, + who, through ease and unwatchfulness, having lost their first love + and the discerning spirit, were deceived by a specious bait, and + became the cause of much exercise and trouble to their brethren. + + The ground of difference was alleged by them to be, their + objection to those meetings for regulating the affairs of the + church, exercising a salutary discipline over its members; and + more especially against the establishment of women’s meetings, + which G. Fox and other Friends “were moved to set up.” They + stated, with a show of plausibility which gained some, chiefly the + looser sort, to their ranks, “That such meetings were needless, + some years having been passed in peace and unity without them; and + that every individual ought to be guided by the Spirit, and left + free to act; that meetings for discipline were a form, and the + exercise of that discipline an infringement upon individual + liberty.” Great endeavours were made for their enlightenment and + restoration. In 2nd Month, 1676, a meeting was held at Drawell, + which lasted four days, in which “many Friends laboured much for + their preservation, but they were too far gone in a separate + spirit to be reclaimed.” They, therefore, became out of unity with + the body who, “walking by the same rule, minded the same thing.” + They fell to jangling, and, after a while, the best among them + came to see how they had been deceived; and the rest, after having + had separate meetings, are said to have “vanished as snow in the + fields.”—_See_ Sewell’s _History_, folio edition, pp. 583, 584. + + + + + CHAPTER X. + +1681-1683.—George Fox answers two envious books written + abroad—writes to magistrates to persuade them to + moderation—writes to the Quarterly Meetings—attends the judges + at Chambers, respecting a tithe-suit against himself and his + wife—George Fox had bound himself not to intermeddle with his + wife’s estate—this is shown to the judges in court, at which + they wonder—his counsel thereon founds an argument in his + favour—he again writes against the spirit of strife and + division in the church—writes to the magistrates who had + illegally condemned Friends upon _ex-parte_ evidence—writes + two papers respecting the choice of sheriffs—Friends are + interrupted at Gracechurch Street Meeting by a civil and + military force—George Fox writes divers books and papers in + support and defence of the Truth—the Spirit of God directed to + as the rule to distinguish between Truth and error, whereby + the evil of persecution may be avoided—an epistle to encourage + Friends under their sufferings, both from the outward powers, + and from false brethren—the laws are now more strictly + enforced against Dissenters—an epistle to Friends, commending + them to the power of God in themselves—writes to Friends + imprisoned at Denbigh, to console them in their sufferings, + and exhorting them to faithfulness—Friends are kept out of + their meeting-houses, and fined for speaking—a Friend is + speedily restored from a sudden illness, in a remarkable + manner, through the prayers of George Fox—persecution is now + hot, and George Fox writes to Friends not to risk the loss of + other people’s goods through their sufferings. + + +About this time I received two very envious books, written against +Truth and Friends; one of them by a doctor (so called) of Bremen, in +Germany, the other by a priest of Dantzic. They were both full of +gross falsehoods, and reproachful slanders. I found it upon me to +answer them both; and that I might not be much interrupted therein +by other business and company, I went to KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES, where +I wrote an answer to each of them; and also to some other scandalous +papers which had been printed and scattered about to misrepresent +Friends. + +While I was there I wrote also the following paper, to persuade the +magistrates to moderation towards Dissenters, and take off their +edge to persecution. That it should have its full service, I +directed it— + +“_To all the Rulers, Magistrates, and Law-makers in England, + Scotland, and Ireland, from the highest to the lowest; and to + all other Magistrates everywhere, in that which is called + Christendom; desiring their health, peace, tranquillity, life, + and salvation in Christ Jesus, the Lord of Glory, and Lamb of + God, who takes away the sins of the world, who is the King of + kings, and Lord of lords, to whom all power in heaven and in + earth is given; and who will reward every man according to his + words and works._ + + “You that bear the name of Christian magistrates, my desire is, + that you may all be found in Christ; and not only have the name, + but be made partakers of his divine nature; that ye may be not + only sayers, but doers of the word; not only professors and + talkers of Christ, but letting him rule in your hearts by faith, + and be walkers in Christ. For as his great apostle saith, ‘As + every one hath received the Lord Jesus Christ, so let him walk in + him; for in him there is peace.’ If all that profess Christ, did + walk in Christ, they would walk in peace, and be in unity; for the + apostle exhorted the Christians in his day to keep the unity of + the Spirit; which is the bond of peace, yea, of Christ the King of + kings’ peace. All Christians, who have the Scriptures, and are not + in this Spirit of Christ, are not in unity one with another; and + so have broken this bond of peace, which should knit and unite + them together. Likewise all that profess the truth of Christ, + should live in it; for it is peaceable, and the gospel is the + gospel of peace; which, if all Christians lived in, they would be + at peace one with another, and in the glorious fellowship of the + gospel. And if all Christians kept in the fear of God, which is + the beginning of the pure, heavenly peaceable, and gentle wisdom, + which is easy to be entreated (above that wisdom which is earthly, + sensual, devilish, and destroying), there would be no difference + and destroying about matters of religion. + + “I do declare the mighty day of the Lord is come and coming; and + the Lord God is come to teach his people himself by his Son, Heb. + i., who bruises the serpent’s head, that false teacher, that led + Adam and Eve from God their Teacher. God will teach his people by + his Son, who was the Teacher of Adam and Eve in paradise, before + they fell and disobeyed the Lord, forsook him, and followed the + serpent; whose head Christ bruises, and renews man and woman up + again into the image of God, which Adam and Eve were in before + they fell: glory and honour be to God through Jesus Christ, who + hath called us by his Son into his glorious image, to serve and + worship him in Spirit and truth; which Holy Spirit and truth the + devil is out of, and into which he cannot come. + + “I desire all Christian magistrates to take heed of persecuting + any, though they differ from you in matters of faith, worship, and + religion. For Christ saith, ‘Let the tares and the wheat grow + together till the harvest:’ and he forbade such as would be + plucking up tares: the reason was, ‘lest they should pluck up the + wheat also;’ for Christ said, it should be his angels’ work, to + separate the tares from the wheat. Moreover, Christ said, they + should go into everlasting punishment that did not visit him in + prison in his members; then what will become of them that cast him + into prison, where he is made manifest in his members! O, lay + these things to heart! A day of judgment will come, vengeance and + recompense upon every one according to his works. + + “To those disciples who would have had fire to come down from + heaven to consume them that would not receive them, Christ turned + him about, rebuked them, and told them, ‘they knew not what spirit + they were of; for he came not to destroy men’s lives, but to save + them.’ + + “Therefore let all magistrates and priests in that which is called + Christendom, consider who have destroyed men’s lives since the + apostles’ days, because they could not receive the religions, + ways, and worships which they have made and set up: have they + known what spirit they have been of? Are they not all reproved by, + and come under the judgment of Christ? Therefore let all + persecution be laid aside concerning religion; let love bear the + sway, to overcome evil and enemies; and let patience oversway + passion in all, that all may retain the heavenly reason, and the + pure understanding,—that your moderation in true Christianity may + be known to all men. For have you not the Turks, Jews, Tartars, + Indians, and atheists’ eyes upon you, and upon Christendom? + Therefore be in unity, and let not the name of God and Christ be + blasphemed amongst them by means of any that bear the name of + Christians. So God may be glorified by all and in all, through + Jesus Christ, who is over all, who calls all to peace, and is + blessed for ever. + + “I would have you to be as noble as the Bereans, and search the + Scriptures of Christ and the apostles. Where did he or they give + any command to imprison, banish, persecute, or put to death, any + that would not receive or conform to them, or that were + contrary-minded to them in religion, or differed from them in + matters of worship? + + “Again, I desire all Christian magistrates to search both + Scriptures and Chronicles, and see what was the end of all + persecutors, and what judgments came upon them. What came to Cain, + who was the first persecutor for matters of faith and sacrifice? + Did not he become a vagabond and a fugitive in the earth? What + became of the old world, that grieved God, and Noah, a preacher of + righteousness? What became of Sodom, that vexed just Lot? What + became of Pharaoh, that persecuted God’s people in Egypt (though + the more he persecuted them the more they grew?) What became of + Ahab and Jezebel, that persecuted the Lord’s prophets? And what + became of Haman, that would have destroyed the Jews? What became + of the Jews and Jerusalem, that persecuted Christ and the + apostles? What was the end of all these? Are they not become + vagabonds in the earth, and driven away from their native country? + Therefore I beseech you in the love and fear of God, be so noble + as to search both Scripture and history, and let not your divine + understanding be clouded. What will become of the beast and whore + spoken of in the Revelations, with their false prophets, that have + drunk the blood of the saints, martyrs, and prophets of Jesus? + Must they not all go with the devil, who is a murderer, destroyer, + and adversary of mankind, into the lake of fire, that burns with + brimstone? And ye may be sure that spirit that stirs you up to + persecution, let it be in whomsoever it will, is not of Christ, + and of his lamb-like nature; who takes away the sins of the world, + not the lives of men. + + “Paul was a persecutor, and a haler to prison, before he was + converted to Christianity; but never after. And therefore, are not + all in Saul’s nature, let them be of what name or profession + soever, that are persecutors, and unconverted into Paul’s life of + Christianity? He said, the life that he lived after he was + converted, was ‘by the faith of the Son of God;’ and that he + lived, yet not he, but ‘Christ lived in him,’ who came to save + men’s lives, and not to destroy them. This life should be the life + of all Christians now, which Paul in his converted state lived in. + And the apostle saith, ‘The law is good if a man use it lawfully; + knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but + for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly, and for sinners, + for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of + mothers, for manslayers, for whoremongers, for them that defile + themselves with mankind, for men-stealers, for liars, and for + perjured persons,’ 1 Tim. i. 8-10. So the law, in its place, is + good against such. + + “Again the apostle says, ‘The law was added because of + transgression,’ Gal. iii. 19. Here all magistrates may see what + the law in its place is good against; what it was made for and + against; and what evils, the apostle says, it takes hold of. He + does not say the law should be laid upon men that differed from + them in their religion and judgment, nor upon righteous men. So + you may see in what condition the law is good, and what it was + made against; not against righteous men, against whom ye have + nothing in their lives and conversations, only because they differ + from you in matters of religion; letting manslayers, whoremongers, + perjured persons, ungodly, profane persons, liars, &c., go + unpunished; such do not use, nor execute the law lawfully, as the + apostle says, ‘The law is good, if a man use it lawfully.’ + Therefore it ought to be used lawfully; which law, the apostle + says, ‘is for the punishment of evil-doers, and a praise for them + that do well;’ as may be seen, Rom. xiii. So, as the apostle said, + ‘We do not break the law, nor make it void; but we establish the + law,’ (Rom. iii. 31.) + + “This is from him who desires the eternal good and salvation of + you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.” + + G. F. + + Kingston-upon-Thames, the 4th of the 1st Month, 1680-1. + +After I had finished these services I returned to LONDON, where I +stayed about a month, labouring amongst Friends in the work of the +Lord, both in public meetings for worship, and in those relating to +the outward affairs of the church. Then feeling my spirit drawn to +visit Friends about Enfield, I went to WALTHAM ABBEY, where I had a +very precious meeting; and another at FLAMSTEAD HEATH. Having spent +some time among Friends thereabouts, and had divers good meetings at +EDMONTON, ENFIELD, WINCHMORE-HILL, and other places, I came back to +LONDON a little before the Yearly Meeting, which was in the 3rd +month, 1681. It was a very precious time, in which the glorious +presence and power of the Lord was eminently felt and enjoyed. + +Some time after the Yearly Meeting it came upon me to write the +following epistle:— + + “_To the Men’s and Women’s Quarterly Meetings that are gathered in + the name and power of Jesus._” + + “Christ, the second Adam, who is both Head and Husband of his + church, the Redeemer, Purchaser, Saviour, Sanctifier, and + Reconciler of his sons and daughters (his church) to God, I say, + his presence (to wit, Christ’s) feel among you, to exercise his + prophetical office, in opening you with his light, grace, truth, + power, and Spirit; and to exercise his office, as he is a Bishop, + to oversee you with his light, grace, power, and Spirit, that ye + do not go astray from God. And as Christ is a Shepherd, feel, see, + and hear him exercising that office, who laid down his life for + his sheep, feeding them in his living pastures of life, and making + them to drink of his living, eternal springs. Let Him rule and + govern in your hearts, as he is King, that his heavenly and + spiritual government all may live under, as true subjects of his + righteous, peaceable kingdom, which stands in righteousness, + peace, joy in the Holy Ghost, over Satan and his power, and all + unrighteousness. So all ye subjects to Christ’s kingdom of peace, + if ye want wisdom, or knowledge, life, or salvation, Christ is the + treasure; feel Him the treasure among you. And all, as ye have + received Christ, walk in him, in whom ye have peace; who bruises + the head of the serpent, the author of all strife, distraction, + and confusion: yea, you have peace with God, and one with another, + though the trouble be from the world and the world’s spirit. + + “Therefore, my dear Friends, brethren and sisters, love one + another with the love that is of God shed in your hearts; that ye + may bear the marks of Christ’s disciples, and it may appear that + Christ is in you, and ye in Him; so that God Almighty may be + glorified among you. Whatever ye do, let it be done in the name of + Jesus, to the praise of God the Father, keeping in unity in the + Holy Spirit of God, which was before the unholy spirit was: which + Holy Spirit is your bond of peace, yea, the Holy King of kings’ + and Lord of lords’ peace. And in this holy, pure Spirit is your + eternal unity and fellowship; in which ye serve and worship the + God of Truth, who is over all, blessed for ever, Amen. So the Lord + guide you all with his Word of patience, life, power, and wisdom, + in all your actions, lives, conversations, and meetings, to God’s + glory. My love to you all in the Lord Jesus Christ, by whom all + things were made, and who is over all, the First and the Last.” + + G. F. + + London, the 9th of the 4th Month, 1681. + +About this time I had occasion to go to several of the judges’ +chambers upon a suit about tithes. For my wife and I and several +other Friends, were sued in Cartmel-Wapentake Court in Lancashire, +for small tithes, and we had demurred to the jurisdiction of that +court. Whereupon the plaintiff prosecuted us in the Exchequer Court +at Westminster, where they run us up to a writ of rebellion, for not +answering the bill upon oath; and got an order of court to the +sergeant, to take me and my wife into custody. This was a little +before the Yearly Meeting, at which time it was thought they would +have taken me up; and according to outward appearance, it was +likely, and very easy for him to have done it, lodging at the places +where I used to do, and being very public in meetings. But the +Lord’s power was over them, and restrained them; so that they did +not take me. Yet understanding there was a warrant out against me, +as soon as the Yearly Meeting was over, I took William Mead with me, +and went to several of the judges’ chambers, to speak with them +about it; and to let them understand both the state of the case, and +the ground and reason of our refusing to pay tithes. + +The first I went to was Judge Gregory, to whom I tendered mine and +my wife’s answer to the plaintiff’s bill; in which was set forth, +that she had lived three and forty years at Swarthmore, and in all +that time there had been no tithe paid or demanded: and an old man, +who had long been a tithe-gatherer, had made affidavit, that he +never gathered tithe at Swarthmore-Hall in Judge Fell’s time, or +since. There were many particulars in our answer, but it would not +be accepted without an oath. I told the judge that both tithe and +swearing among Christians came from the Pope, and it was matter of +conscience to us not to pay tithes, nor to swear; for Christ bid his +disciples, who had freely received, give freely; and he commanded +them “not to swear at all.” The judge said, there was tithe paid in +England before Popery was: I asked him by what law or statute they +were paid then; but he was silent. Then I told him, there were eight +poor men brought up to London out of the North about two hundred +miles for small tithes, and one of them had no family but himself +and his wife, and kept no living creature but a cat. I asked him +also, whether they could take a man and his wife, and imprison them +both for small tithes, and so destroy a family; and if they could, I +desired to know by what law: he did not answer me, but only said, +“that was a hard case.” + +When I found there was no help to be had there, we left him, and +went to Judge Montague’s chamber; and with him I had much discourse +concerning tithes. Whereupon he sent for our adversary’s attorney; +and when he came I offered him our answer. He said, if we would pay +the charges of the court, and be bound to stand trial, and abide the +judgment of the court, we should not have the oath tendered to us. I +told him that they had brought those charges upon us, by requiring +us to put in our answer upon oath; which they knew before we could +not do for conscience’ sake; and as we could not pay any tithe nor +swear, so neither should we pay any of their charges. Upon this he +would not receive our answer. So we went from thence to Judge +Atkyns’s chamber, and he being busy, we gave our answers and our +reasons against tithes and swearing to his clerk; but neither could +we find any encouragement from him to expect redress there. +Wherefore leaving him we went to one of the most noted counsellors, +and showed him the state of our case and our answers: he was very +civil to us, and said, “this way of proceeding against us was +somewhat like an inquisition.” + +A few days after, those eight poor Friends that were brought up so +far out of the North, appeared before the judges; and the Lord was +with them, and his power was over the court, so that the Friends +were not committed to the Fleet. Our cause was put off till the next +term (called Michaelmas), and then it was brought before the four +judges again. Then William Mead told the judges that I had engaged +not to meddle with my wife’s estate. The judges could hardly believe +that any man would do so: whereupon he showed them the writing under +my hand and seal, at which they wondered. Then two of the judges and +some of the lawyers stood up, and pleaded for me, that I was not +liable to the tithes: but the other two judges and divers lawyers, +pressed earnestly to have me sequestered; alleging that I was a +public man. At length they prevailed with one of the other two +judges to join with them; and then they granted a sequestration +against me and my wife together. Thereupon, by advice of counsel, we +moved for a limitation, which was granted, and that much defeated +our adversary’s design in suing out the sequestration; for this +limited the plaintiff to take no more than was proved. One of the +judges, Baron Weston, was very bitter, and broke forth in a great +rage against me in the open court; but shortly after he died. + +After the Yearly Meeting, I tarried about a month in London; and +then went into SUSSEX, to visit Friends there, amongst whom I had +many large and very precious meetings in divers parts of that +county. Yet I spent not much time now in Sussex, but returned pretty +soon to LONDON, whither I felt drawings in spirit; and had very good +service for the Lord there, both in public meetings and amongst +Friends. When I had tarried some time in London, I went to EDMONTON; +thence into BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, where I visited Friends at several +meetings in that county: and then went by HENLEY to READING, where I +tarried several meetings. I went no farther westward at this time +than to OARE, where I had a very large meeting; after which, +striking through the edge of OXFORDSHIRE, I had a large and very +precious meeting at WARBOROUGH, in which the glory of the Lord shone +over all. Many Friends came to it out of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, +and Hampshire. + +Thence I passed to ILMER in the vale of Buckinghamshire, where we +had a glorious meeting; and the day following I returned to Mary +Penington’s, visiting the men’s and women’s monthly meetings at +HUNGER-HILL, and some other meetings thereabouts; and then passed to +WATFORD, where was a marriage of two Friends, at which I was +present. A very large meeting we had on that occasion, and the +Lord’s power was over all. I went from Watford to LONGFORD in +MIDDLESEX, visiting Friends at UXBRIDGE in the way. At Longford we +had a large meeting on First-day, and the presence of the Lord was +preciously felt amongst us; blessed be his name! I passed from +Longford to KINGSTON, visiting Friends as I went, at STAINES and +SUNBURY. At Kingston I abode with Friends two meetings, wherein we +were sweetly refreshed together in the Lord. Passing thence towards +London, I had a very precious meeting at WANDSWORTH: then crossing +over to HAMMERSMITH, I had a good meeting there, which was larger on +account of a burial; and there being openness in the people, I had a +fine opportunity to open the way of truth amongst them. + +After I was come to LONDON, I was moved to write the following +paper, concerning that spirit which had led some, who professed +truth, into strife and division, and to oppose the way and work of +the Lord:— + + “FRIENDS, + + “You that keep your habitations in the truth, that is over all, + see that it is the same spirit that leads the back-sliders and + apostates now, from the spiritual fellowship and unity of God’s + people, and the church of Christ, that led Adam and Eve from God, + and the Jews from God and his law, to rebel against his Spirit. + This spirit is the same that was in the world, which got into the + Jews, when they were gone from the Spirit of God; and then they + turned against God and his prophets, and against Christ and his + apostles. This spirit led them to be as bad as Pilate, or worse. + The enmity or adversary got within them against the truth, and + them that walked in it, and the Spirit of the Lord; so that they + killed and destroyed the Just. This was the spirit of the devil, + the destroyer, who sought not only to destroy the truth, but the + order of it, and them that walked in it, when true Christianity + was planted among the possessors of the light, grace, and truth, + and the holy gospel faith and Spirit, who enjoyed Christ in their + hearts. But when some began to err from the Spirit and faith, to + hate the light, disobey the gospel, turn the grace of God into + wantonness, walk despitefully against the Spirit of Grace, turn + from the truth, crucify to themselves Christ afresh, and put him + to open shame; these were they, that let in the spirit of the + world; who held the form of godliness, but denied the power + thereof; and troubled the churches in the apostles’ days. When the + spirit of Satan had got into such, they were more troublesome to + the church than the open persecutors that were without: these got + into the assemblies to deceive the hearts of the simple, having + the good words, fair speeches, and sheep’s clothing. Paul, Peter, + John, Jude, and James had much to do with such, to keep them from + troubling the church of Christ; for they are out of the light, + power, and Spirit; therefore the apostles of Christ exhorted the + saints to keep to the Word of life within; to the anointing; to + the grace, truth, and Holy Spirit in their hearts. This foul + spirit will profess all the Scriptures in words; but by the Spirit + of God, which is holy, this spirit is tried, and its fruits. So + the apostates went from the power and Spirit of God, and turned + against the prophets, and the martyrs of Jesus; and became the + whore, whose cup all nations drank of. The dragon with his tail + threw down many of the stars, and would have devoured the woman + with his flood; but the woman, the true church, was preserved; for + the gates of hell cannot prevail against her; and then the dragon + made war with her seed. So the dragon, the whore, the beast, and + false prophets, all made war against the Lamb and the saints; but + the Lamb and the saints will overcome them all, and will have the + victory. + + “And now the everlasting gospel is preached again to all nations, + tongues, and peoples; and many are gathered into the gospel, the + power of God, are turned to the light, which is the life in + Christ, are grafted into him, and are come to walk in the order of + the new covenant of light and life, in the gospel of peace and + salvation. The same spirit that opposed the apostles and the + churches in their days, opposes now; yea, it is the same that + opposed Christ, and disdained him, that disdaineth God’s servants + now. The same that opposed the prophets, and rebelled against + Moses, opposes and rebels against God’s servants and people now. + It is the same dark, blind, disobedient, faithless, wilful, + jealous spirit, that persecutes some with the hands, and others + with the tongue. It is the same spirit of enmity, the adversary + and destroyer, that tempted Adam and Eve to disobey God, and + deceived them; which deceived the Jews and tempted them, and + deceived all those that went from the church in the apostles’ + days. And it is the same spirit that is now going about sometimes + like a roaring lion, sometimes like a twisting serpent to tempt, + to deceive, and to devour, in those who have fair speeches, good + words, and sheep’s clothing, in a form of godliness, and under + pretence of light and liberty, but who deny the power thereof, and + inwardly are ravening wolves; and if it were possible, they would + deceive the very elect. But the elect are in the covenant of light + and life, and in the power of God over them, and in Christ, who + will grind them to pieces; and will slay all his enemies with his + spiritual sword, who will not have him to rule over, or in them. + + “In Christ all his people have rest and peace, who is their + sanctuary over all storms and tempests. In Christ, the sanctuary, + no deceiver nor destroyer can come; for he is a place of sweet + rest and safety. Hallelujah! praise the Lord for his sanctuary. + Amen.” + + G.F. + +Sufferings continuing severe upon Friends at LONDON, I found my +service lay mostly there; wherefore I went but little out of town, +and not far; being frequent at the most public meetings, to +encourage Friends, both by word and example, to stand fast in the +testimony to which God has called them. At other times I went about +from house to house, visiting Friends that had their goods taken +away for their testimony to truth. And because the wicked informers +were grown very audacious, by reason that they had too much +countenance and encouragement from some justices, who, trusting +wholly to their information, proceeded against Friends without +hearing them; whereby many were made to suffer, not only contrary to +right, but even contrary to law also; I advised with some Friends +about it; and we drew up a paper, which was delivered to most of the +magistrates in and about the city; which was as follows:— + + “Whereas informers have obtained warrants of some justices of + peace, who have convicted many of us without a hearing, or once + summoning us to appear before them; by which proceedings many have + had their goods seized and taken away, being generally fined ten + pounds each for an unknown speaker; and some of those persons so + fined, have not been at the meetings they were fined for; and the + speaker notwithstanding has himself been fined for the same + meeting, the same day the others were fined for the unknown + speaker. By this the justices may see the wickedness of these + informers, by whose false oaths we have been convicted for an + unknown preacher, when the preacher has been both known and fined. + Also in their swearing such persons to have been at such a meeting + such a day, when indeed they, whom they have so sworn against, + have not been at that meeting. By which proceedings several + families of the king’s peaceable subjects are likely to be ruined, + if a speedy stop be not put thereunto. + + “Therefore we hope and desire, that you, the king’s justices, for + the time to come, when any informers shall come to any of you with + information against any of us, will summon such as are accused to + appear before you, and hear us and our accusers face to face; that + none for the time to come may suffer for that they are not guilty + of. For Pilate the governor heard Christ and his accusers, face to + face, before he condemned him, (John xix.) The council and chief + priests heard Stephen and his accusers, with the witnesses that + were brought against him, face to face, before they condemned him, + (Acts vii.) The Roman captain heard Paul and his accusers face to + face (Acts xxiii.) Felix the governor heard Paul, and Ananias the + high priest, and the elders that accused Paul, face to face (Acts + xxiv.) And when the high priests and chief of the Jews accused + Paul to Festus, he heard Paul and his accusers, and them that + witnessed against him, face to face (Acts xxv.) Doth the law of + God, or did the Roman law, or doth the law of the land judge any + man, before he and his accusers, and they that witness against + him, be heard face to face?” + +This somewhat moderated the justices; and after this several +Friends, that had been illegally prosecuted and fined, entered their +appeals; and upon trial were acquitted, and the informers cast: +which was a great discouragement to the informers, and some relief +to Friends. + +A little before the time for choosing new sheriffs for the city, +they who put up to be chosen desiring our Friends to give their +voices for them, I wrote a few lines, tending to discover what +spirit they were of, and how they stood affected to true liberty; +and it was by way of inquiry, thus:— + + “Do any here in London, who stand to be chosen sheriffs, own that + Christ, that was crucified without the gates of Jerusalem, to be + the light of the world, that ‘enlightens every man that cometh + into the world,’ who saith, ‘Believe in the light, that ye may + become children of light?’ Are any of you against persecuting + people for their religion and worship of God in spirit and in + truth, as Christ commandeth? For Christ, said, ‘I am not of this + world, nor my kingdom;’ therefore he doth not uphold his spiritual + worship and pure religion with worldly and carnal weapons. Christ + said, ‘Swear not at all;’ and his apostle James saith the same; + but will not you force us to swear, and so to break Christ’s and + his apostle’s commands, in putting oaths to us? Christ saith to + his apostles, ‘Freely ye have received, freely give.’ Will not you + force us to give tithes and maintenance to such teachers as we + know God hath not sent? Shall we be free to serve and worship God, + and keep his and his Son’s commands, if we give our voices freely + for you? For we are unwilling to give our voices for such as will + imprison and persecute us, and spoil our goods.” + +But whatever they were that stood to be chosen, I observed heat and +strife in the spirits of the people that were to choose; wherefore I +wrote a few lines to be spread amongst them, directed thus:— + + “_To the People who are choosing Sheriffs in London._” + + “PEOPLE,—All keep in the gentle and peaceable wisdom of God, which + is above all that which is earthly, sensual, and devilish; and + live in that love of God that is not puffed up, nor is unseemly; + which envieth not, but beareth and endureth all things. In this + love ye will seek the good and peace of all, and the hurt of no + man. Keep out of all heats, and be not hot-headed; but be cool and + gentle, that your Christian moderation may appear to all men; for + the Lord is at hand, who beholds all men’s words, thoughts, and + actions, and will reward every one according to his works; and + what every man soweth, that shall he reap.” + +Now I had some inclination to go into the country to a meeting, but +hearing that there would be a bustle at our meetings, and feeling a +great disquietness in people’s spirits in the city about choosing +sheriffs, it was upon me to stay in the city, and go to the meeting +in Gracechurch Street upon the First-day of the week. William Penn +went with me, and spoke; and while he was declaring the truth to the +people, a constable came in with his great staff, and bid him give +over, and come down; but he continued, declaring truth in the power +of God. After a while the constable drew back, and when William Penn +had done, I stood up, and declared to the people “the everlasting +gospel, which was preached in the apostles’ days, and to Abraham; +and which the church in the apostles’ days received, and came to be +heirs of. This gospel, I declared, was sent from heaven by the Holy +Ghost in the apostles’ days, and is so now; and was not of man, +neither by man; but by the revelation of the Holy Ghost. And now +this gospel is preached again (as John saw, and said it should be) +to all nations, tongues, and people; and all people now are to hear +Christ the prophet, in this his gospel of the new covenant. For as +Moses said, ‘Like unto me will God raise up a prophet, and Him shall +ye hear in all things;’ so, said I, this prophet, Christ, is come, +and all the Jews in spirit, the true believing Christians in the +light, who have the law of God written in their hearts, and put into +their minds, are to hear Christ in his gospel, new testament, and +new covenant, which is the law of the spirit of life in Christ +Jesus, who bruises the serpent’s head (which is the head of enmity), +and makes free from the law of sin and death. I showed, that all +whom Christ quickens and makes alive, he makes to sit together in +the heavenly places in himself. So that they do not wander up and +down, like the fool’s eye, in the corners of the earth; nor are +their eyes abroad in the world, to sit down in the world’s invented +seats of religion; but they sit together in Him, as the saints did +in the apostles’ days. So Christ was and is their treasure of +wisdom, life, knowledge and salvation.” + +As I was thus speaking, two constables came in with their great +staves, and bid me give over speaking and come down; but, feeling +the power of the Lord with me, I spoke on therein, both to the +constables and to the people. To the constables I declared, “that we +were a peaceable people, who meet to wait upon God, and worship him +in spirit and in truth; and therefore they needed not to come with +their staves amongst us, who were met in a peaceable manner, +desiring and seeking the good and salvation of all people.” Then +turning my speech to the people again, I declared what further was +upon me to them; and while I was speaking the constables drew out +towards the door; and the soldiers stood with their muskets in the +yard. When I had done speaking, I kneeled down and prayed, desiring +the Lord to open the eyes and hearts of all people, both high and +low, that their minds might be turned to God by his Holy Spirit; +that he might be glorified in all and over all. After prayer the +meeting rose, and Friends passed away; the constables being come in +again, but without the soldiers: and indeed, both they and the +soldiers carried themselves civilly. + +William Penn and I went into a room hard by, as we used to do, and +many Friends went with us; and lest the constables should think we +would shun them, a Friend went down and told them, that if they +would have anything with us, they might come where we were, if they +pleased. One of them came to us soon after, but without his staff; +which he chose to do, that he might not be observed; for he said, +the people told him he busied himself more than he needed. We +desired to see his warrant; and therein we found, that the informer +was one Hilton, a North-countryman, who was reputed to be a Baptist. +The constable was asked, whether he would arrest us by his warrant +on that day; it being the First-day of the week, which in their law +was called the Lord’s day; he said, he thought he could not. He told +us also, that he had charged the informer to come along with him to +the meeting, but he had run away from him. We showed the constable +that both he and we were clear; yet to free him from all fear of +danger, we were free to go to the alderman that granted the warrant. +Then a Friend that was present said, he would go with the constable +to speak with the alderman; which they did, and came presently back +again, the alderman being gone from home. Seeing the constable in a +strait, and finding him to be a tender man, we bid him fix an hour +to come to us again, or send for us, and we would come to him. So he +appointed five in the afternoon; but neither came, nor sent for us; +and a Friend meeting him afterwards in the evening, the constable +told him, he thought it would come to nothing, and therefore did not +look after us. So the Lord’s power was over all; to him be the +glory! + +On the Fourth-day following, it was upon me to go to Gracechurch +Street meeting again; for I had heard that they would come to break +it up that day. The neighbours, it seems, were informed so; a +justice had granted a warrant for that purpose, and the constable +told a Friend, that Hilton the informer had been with him about it. +The constable would have had the informer to go with him to the +meeting, but he would not; but would have the constable to go +without him; whether that put the constable by, I know not; but he +did not come. I was in a travail of spirit in the power of God, and +was moved in it to go to the meeting; and the Lord’s power chained +all down. Though they threatened to bring the red coats, none came, +nor was there any disturbance; but a glorious, powerful meeting it +was, and very peaceable. Glory, honour, and praises be to the Lord +over all for ever. Amen! + +During the time I thus abode at London, as I had leisure between +meetings, and from other public services, I wrote divers books and +papers, some of which were printed, and others spread about in +manuscript. Of these, one was directed “To the bishops and others, +that stirred up persecution; to show them from the Holy Scriptures +that they did not walk therein according to the royal law, ‘to love +their neighbour as themselves, and to do to others as they would be +done unto.’” + +Another was, “To all the several sorts of professed Christians, as +well Protestants as Papists, whose religion and worship stand in +outward observances and ceremonies; pressing them from those words +of the apostle Paul to the Galatians, chap. v. ver. 2-4, ‘Behold, I +Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit +you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, +that he is a debtor to the whole law. Christ is become of no effect +unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen +from grace,’ to consider whether they, being gone back into legal +observations and shadowy ceremonies (in upholding tithes, offerings, +first-fruits, priests’ garments, outward altars, temples, lamps, +lights, &c., and in observing days, months, times, years, with many +other things commanded by the law), were not gone into the same +state that the Galatians were running into; and so were fallen from +grace, and become debtors to do the whole law.” + +Another was, “To direct and turn all people to the Spirit of God, +that they might thereby receive a right understanding, and be able +to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and error; that under +pretence of punishing evil-doers, they might not themselves do evil +in persecuting the righteous.” That paper, being short, is here +inserted:— + + “The Spirit of God, which he hath poured upon all, giveth an + understanding to all who are led by it; and to those who do not + quench the motions of it, it giveth knowledge and understanding to + distinguish good from evil, light from darkness, Christ from + antichrist, the old testament or covenant from the new, the old + way from the new and living way; the sheep and lambs from the + goats and wolves; the worship of God, which Christ set up above + sixteen hundred years ago, from the dragon’s and beast’s worship; + and all them that worship the works of men’s hands, and the + will-worshippers, from them that worship God in his Spirit and in + his truth, in which God’s people worship him; which worship is + over all false worships and worshippers. They who believe in the + light, which is the life in Christ, become the children of light, + and are the lambs of Jesus. These lambs follow the Lamb of God, + that taketh away the sins of the world; and they will not follow + the hirelings, nor the strangers, to be led into strange ways, + doctrines, religions, worships, and churches; for the lambs of + Christ follow Christ, the Lamb of God, and know his heavenly + voice. They know also, that they who are without Christ are dogs + and wolves, adulterers, idolaters, liars, and unbelievers, who + would devour the lambs; but these are in the hand of the Lord, + which is his power, that is over all. Such do good in his power + unto all; for they have the mind of Christ, who would have all to + come to the knowledge of the truth, and be saved. They that do + good to all, do hurt to none; for that spirit that doth hurt to + any, is not of God; but that spirit which doth good to all, and + especially to the household of faith, is of God. Christ came not + to destroy men’s lives, but to save them: it is the devil that is + the destroyer of men’s lives about religion, that corrupts men, + and makes them deaf and blind to the things of God, and to halt + out of God’s way. They that obey the evil one and forsake the + Lord, such the destroyer doth destroy; but Christ destroys that + destroyer; and in Christ all have life.” + + G. F. + +I wrote another paper also concerning meditation, delight, exercise, +and study; showing from the Scriptures of truth, what the true +Christians ought to meditate upon, and to exercise their minds in; +what they should take delight in, and what they should study to do. +For in these things, not the profane and loose people only, but even +the great professors of religion are very much mistaken; taking +delight in earthly, fading, perishing things; whereas they ought to +meditate on heavenly things, delight in the law of God after the +inward man, and exercise themselves to have always “a conscience +void of offence towards God, and towards men,” as the apostle Paul +did. + +As sufferings continued very sore and heavy upon Friends, not only +in the city but in most parts of the nation, I drew up a paper to be +presented to the king; setting forth our grievances, and desiring +redress from him in those particular cases which I understood were +in his power. But not having relief from him, it came upon me to +write an epistle to Friends, to encourage them in their sufferings, +that they might bear with patience the many exercises that were +brought upon them, both from the outward magistrates, and by false +brethren and apostates, whose wicked books and filthy slanders +grieved the upright-hearted. This epistle I wrote at DALSTON, +whither I went to visit an ancient Friend that lay sick:— + + “Friends and brethren in Christ Jesus, whom the Lord hath called + and gathered into himself, in him abide; for without him ye can do + nothing, and through him ye can do all things. He is your strength + and support in all your trials, temptations, imprisonments, and + sufferings, who for Christ’s sake are accounted as sheep for the + slaughter: in all these things we are more than conquerors, + through Christ who hath loved us. And therefore, Friends, though + you suffer by the outward powers, ye know that the prophets, + Christ, and the apostles, suffered by the unconverted. And though + ye suffer by false brethren and false apostates for a time, and by + their filthy books and tongues; whose tongues indeed are become no + slander, let them speak, write, or print what they will; for the + sober people even of the world hardly regard it: it is well they + have manifested themselves to the world, that their folly may + proceed no farther. Though, to the utmost of their power, they + have showed their wicked intent, to stir up the magistrates, + professors, and profane against us, and to speak evil of the way + of truth, God’s judgments will overtake them, and come upon them, + as sure as they have come upon those that are gone before them. + Let their pretence be ever so high, mark their end; for they will + fall like untimely figs, and wither like the grass upon the top of + the house. Though they may seem to flourish, and make a boast and + a noise for a time, yet the Seed is on the head of such, and will + grind them to powder; which Seed bruises the serpent’s head. + Therefore in this Seed, Christ, who is your sanctuary, rest, + peace, and quiet habitation, who is the First and the Last, and + over all, in Him walk; for the Lord taketh pleasure in his people + that are faithful, that serve and worship him. Therefore let the + saints be joyful in glory; and the God of peace, ‘the God of all + grace, who hath called us into his eternal glory by Jesus Christ, + after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, + strengthen, settle you.’ Cast all your care upon the Lord, for he + careth for you. + + “And, dearly beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery + trial that is to try you, as though some strange thing had + happened unto you; for it is better, if the will of God be so, + that ye suffer for well-doing, than for evil-doing: and rejoice, + inasmuch as ye are made partakers of Christ’s sufferings. + Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God, + commit the keeping of their souls to him in well-doing, as unto a + faithful Creator; for unto you is given, in the behalf of Christ, + not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for his sake. So it + is given, or is a gift from Christ, to suffer for his name; and + therefore rejoice, inasmuch as ye are made partakers of Christ’s + sufferings. If ye be reproached, or evil spoken of for the name of + Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth + upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he + is glorified. Therefore, if any suffer as Christians, let them not + be ashamed; but let them glorify God on this behalf; though now + for a season ye are in sufferings, and trials, and temptations, + that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than that + of gold, which perishes, though it be tried with fire, may be + found unto praise, honour, and glory, who are kept by the power of + God, through faith, unto salvation. Therefore mind your Keeper, + wherever ye are, or what sufferings soever ye be in; and mind the + example of the apostle, how he suffered trouble as an evil-doer + unto bonds. But the Word of God is not bound, which is everlasting + and endures for ever; and they who are in that which is not + everlasting, and doth not endure for ever, cannot bind the Word. + The apostle said, I endure all things for the elect’s sake, that + they may also obtain the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with + eternal glory (mark, with eternal glory). And if we suffer with + Christ, we shall reign with Christ, who abide faithful. + + “Therefore strive not about words to no profit, but shun profane + and vain babblings, for they will increase unto more ungodliness; + that ye may be vessels of honour, sanctified and meet for Christ + your Master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. Follow after + righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. + Fight the good fight of faith with your heavenly weapons; which + faith is victory (or gives victory) by which ye lay hold on + eternal life, and have access unto God, ‘who will render to every + man according to his deeds; to them who, by patient continuing in + well-doing, seek for glory, and honour, and immortality, eternal + life; but unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the + truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, + tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doeth evil; + but glory, honour, and peace to every man that worketh good.’ + Christ said to his disciples, ‘If the world hate you, ye know that + it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the + world would love its own; but because ye are not of the world, but + I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth + you.’ And, ‘If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute + you.’ And John, in his general epistle to the church, saith, + ‘Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we + have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.’ + And Christ, in his prayer to his Father, saith of his followers, + ‘As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent + them into the world; and the glory which thou gavest me I have + given them, that they may be one, even as we are one.’ And, + therefore, all ye that know God and Jesus Christ, whom to know is + eternal life, and are partakers of his glory, keep the testimony + of Jesus, and be valiant for his truth upon earth, that ye may be + all settled upon Christ, the rock and foundation.” + + G.F. + + Dalston, the 3rd of the 8th Month, 1682. + +I made but little stay at Dalston, but returned to LONDON, where I +continued most part of the winter, labouring in the service of truth +amongst Friends; save that I was a little while at Kingston, in the +10th month of this year, where I wrote a book, setting forth “The +state of the birth temporal, and the birth spiritual; and the duty +and state of a child, youth, young men, aged men, and fathers in the +truth,” &c. But I stayed not long at Kingston, for the heat of +persecution still continuing, I felt my service to be chiefly at +London; where our meetings were for the most part disturbed and +broken up, or Friends were forced to meet without doors, being kept +out of their meeting-houses by the officers. Yet sometimes, beyond +expectation, we got a quiet and peaceable meeting in the houses. One +time I intended to go a mile or two out of town, to visit a Friend +that was not well; but hearing that the king had sent to the mayor +to put the laws in execution against Dissenters, and that the +magistrates thereupon intended to nail up the meeting-house doors, I +had not freedom to go out of town, but was moved to go to the +meeting in Gracechurch Street; and notwithstanding all the threats, +a great meeting it was, and very quiet; the glory of the Lord shone +over all. + +The same week I went to the meeting at THE PEEL in John’s Street; +and the sessions were holden the same day at Hicks’s-Hall. I went to +The Peel in the morning; and William Mead being to appear at the +sessions-house for not going to the steeple-house worship, came once +or twice from Hicks’s-Hall to me at The Peel; which some ill-minded +people observing, went and informed the justices at the bench, that +he was gone to a meeting at The Peel. Whereupon the justices sent a +messenger to see if there was a meeting; but this being in the +forenoon, there was none; so the messenger, when he had looked +about, went back and told them. Then others informed the justices +that there would be one there in the afternoon; whereupon they sent +for the chief constable, and asked him “why he suffered a meeting to +be at The Peel, so near him?” He told them, “he did not know of any +meeting there.” They asked him, “how he could not know, and live so +near it?” He said, “he was never there in his life, and did not know +that there was a meeting there.” They would have persuaded him that +he must needs know of it; but he standing steadfast in the denial of +it, they said, “they should take order to have it looked after in +the afternoon.” But a multitude of business coming before them at +the sessions, when dinner time came, they hastened to it, without +giving order, and when they came to the bench again after dinner, +the Lord put it out of their minds, so that they sent no officer. +The meeting was quiet, beginning and ending in peace; and a blessed +one we had, the Lord’s presence being preciously amongst us. Many +Friends had a concern upon their minds, when they saw me come into +the meeting, lest I should be taken; but I was freely given up to +suffer, if it was the Lord’s will, before I went to the meeting; and +had nothing in my mind concerning it but the Lord’s glory. I do +believe the Lord put it out of their minds, that they should not +send to break up our meeting that day. Yet the First-day after, +three or four justices (as I heard) came to The Peel, and put +Friends out of their meeting there, and kept them out; and inquired +for William Mead,[56] but he was not there. + +That day I was moved to go to GRACECHURCH STREET meeting; and it was +expected that the officers would come to break it up, or keep +Friends out; and many hundreds of people came to see what would be +done to us. But the officers came not; so we were in peace and +quietness; and many of the people that came to look on, stayed all +the time; and a glorious, precious meeting we had; for the Lord’s +presence was plentifully amongst us, and his power came over all; +glory to his name for ever, who is over all! + +I had seen the mayor’s printed speech for putting the laws in +execution against Dissenters; and it was much in my mind that we +should draw up a paper to send to the mayor and aldermen, to clear +ourselves from being such, as those laws were made against; and to +set forth our peaceable behaviour both towards the king and the +government. Accordingly a paper was drawn up and signed, and +delivered to the mayor; copies of which were also delivered to the +aldermen, and the bishop of London, who generally took it kindly, +and were civil to the Friends that delivered it. + +About this time I was moved to write the few lines following to +Friends:— + + “DEAR FRIENDS, + + “Feel the power of God in you all, and over all, and by it let + your hearts be united to one another, and to the Lord God who hath + gathered you to himself, by his power and Spirit, to be a people + to serve and worship him. So that you may all strive to excel one + another in virtue, and in that love that beareth all things, and + edifieth the body of Christ, the body of the second Adam. For the + body of old Adam in the fall is full of malice, envy, and vice. + Therefore you, that are called out of old Adam in the fall, and + have put on Christ, the second Adam, that never fell, walk in Him, + who is the treasure of life, wisdom, and knowledge, in whom ye + have peace with God, who is the First and the Last, the Beginning + and the Ending. So let all be gathered up to God, into Him who + reconcileth all things in one, both things in heaven and things on + earth; who is the faithful and true witness in male and female. In + Him sit down, who is above the subtle foxes in their holes, and + the fowls of the air in their nests; I say, sit down in Christ, + who hath no place among them to lay his head; He is your rest. So + in him is my love to you all,” + + G. F. + + London, the 20th of the 11th Month, 1682. + +Not long after this, I received an account by letter, from some +Friends, that were prisoners at Denbigh, in Wales, that many Friends +there were under great sufferings, for the testimony of a good +conscience. In the tender sense whereof I was moved, in the love of +God, to visit them with a few lines, as a word of consolation to +them in their sufferings; and of exhortation, to stand fast in the +testimony committed to them, after this manner:— + + “Dear suffering lambs for the name and command of Jesus: be + valiant for his truth, and faithful, and ye will feel the presence + of Christ with you. Look at Him, who suffered for you, who hath + bought you, and will feed you; who saith, ‘Be of good comfort, I + have overcome the world;’ who destroys the devil and his works, + and bruises the serpent’s head. I say, look at Christ, your + sanctuary, in whom ye have rest and peace. To you it is given not + only to believe, but to suffer for his name’s sake. They that will + live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution by the + ungodly professors of Christ Jesus, who live out of him. Therefore + be valiant for God’s truth upon the earth, and look above that + spirit that makes you suffer, up to Christ, who was before it was, + and will be when it is gone. Consider all the prophets, Christ, + and his apostles, who suffered, and were persecuted; but they were + never persecuted as true men, but as deceivers, and yet true. + Christ is the same to-day as he was yesterday; a rock and + foundation for your age and generation, for you to build upon. + + “I have written concerning you (since I heard your letter) to + Friends in Cheshire to visit you, understanding that you belong to + their quarterly meeting; and therefore I desire that some Friends + of your county would go, and lay your suffering condition before + the monthly or quarterly meeting in Cheshire. I have written + likewise to Richard Davies,[57] that some of that side may go and + visit you, and see what your condition is. My love is to you in + the Lord, who is your alone support.” + + G. F. + + London, the 27th of the 11th Month, 1682. + +Now because the magistrates were many of them unwilling to have +fines laid upon meeting-houses, they kept Friends out in many +places, setting officers and guards of soldiers at the doors and +passages; yet sometimes Friends were fined for speaking or praying, +though it was abroad. One First-day it was upon me to go to +Devonshire House meeting in the afternoon; and because I had heard +Friends were kept out there that morning (as they were that day at +most meetings about the city), I went sooner, and got into the yard +before the soldiers came to guard the passages; but the constables +were there before me, and stood in the doorway with their staves. I +asked them to let me go in; they said, “they could not, nor durst +not; for they were commanded the contrary, and were sorry for it.” I +told them I would not press upon them: so I stood by, and they were +very civil. I stood till I was weary, and then one gave me a stool +to sit down on; and after a while the power of the Lord began to +spring up among Friends, and one began to speak. The constables soon +forbade him, and said he should not speak; and he not stopping, they +began to be wroth. But I gently laid my hand upon one of the +constables, and wished him to let him alone; the constable did so, +and was quiet; and the man did not speak long. + +After he had done, I was moved to stand up and speak; and in my +declaration, I said, “they need not come against us with swords and +staves, for we were a peaceable people; and had nothing in our +hearts but goodwill to the king and magistrates, and to all people +upon the earth. We did not meet, under pretence of religion, to plot +and contrive against the government, or to raise insurrections; but +to worship God in Spirit and in truth. We had Christ to be our +Bishop, Priest, and Shepherd to feed us, and oversee us, and he +ruled in our hearts; so we could all sit in silence, enjoying our +teacher; so to Christ, their Bishop and Shepherd, I recommended them +all.” I then sat down; and after a while I was moved to pray, and +the power of the Lord was over all; and the people, the constables, +and soldiers, put off their hats. When the meeting was done, and +Friends began to pass away, the constable put off his hat, and +desired the Lord to bless us; for the power of the Lord was over him +and the people, and kept them under. + +After this I went up and down, visiting Friends at their houses, who +had their goods taken from them for worshipping God. We took an +account of what had been taken from them; and some Friends met +together about it, and drew up the case of the sufferings of our +Friends in writing, and gave it to the justices at their petty +sessions. Whereupon they made an order, “that the officers should +not sell the goods of Friends which they had in their hands, but +keep them until the next sessions;” which gave some discouragement +to the informers, and put a little stop to their proceedings. + +Next First-day it was upon me to go to the meeting at the SAVOY; and +by the time it was gathered the beadle came in; and after him the +wild people like a sea; but the Lord’s power chained them all. The +Spirit of the Lord went through and over all, and they were quiet, +and we had a glorious, peaceable meeting; blessed be the Lord for +his unspeakable goodness. This was in the 12th month, 1682. + +In the 1st month, 1683, I went to KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES; and it being +then a time of persecution, as I went to the meeting, I met the +chief constable, who had been at the meeting-place, and had set +watchmen there to keep us out; yet he was pretty civil, and the +watchmen let Friends have a couple of forms out, to sit upon in the +highway; so we met together there, and a very precious meeting we +had; for the refreshing presence of the Lord was with us, in which +we parted in peace. + +Having visited and encouraged Friends there, I returned to LONDON, +and went to the meeting at the Bull-and-Mouth, where the constables +with their watchmen kept a guard, to keep Friends out of the house. +So we met in the street; and when any Friend spoke, the officers and +watchmen made a great bustle to pull him down, and take him into +custody. After some other Friends had spoken, it was upon me to +speak; and I said, “Heaven is God’s throne, and earth is his +footstool; and will ye not let us stand upon God’s footstool to +worship, and serve the living God?” While I spoke they were quiet; +and after I had cleared myself, we broke up our meeting in peace. +This was on the Sixth-day of the week. + +On the First-day following I was moved to go to the meeting at +GRACECHURCH STREET. When I came there, I found a guard set at the +entrance in Lombard Street, and another at the gate in Gracechurch +Street, to keep Friends out of the meeting-place; so we had to meet +in the street. After some time I got a chair, stood up on it, and +spoke largely to the people, “opening the principles of truth to +them, and declaring many weighty truths concerning magistracy, and +concerning the Lord’s prayer.” There were, besides Friends, a great +multitude of people, and amongst them many professors; all was very +quiet; for the Lord’s power was over all, and in his time we broke +up our meeting, and departed in peace. + +The next day I went to GUILDFORD in SURREY; and having visited +Friends there, passed to WORMINGHURST in SUSSEX, where I had a very +blessed meeting among Friends, free from disturbance. While I was +there, James Claypole, of London (who was there with his wife also,) +was suddenly taken ill with so violent a fit of the stone, that he +could neither stand nor lie; but, through the extremity of pain, +cried out. When I heard it, I was much exercised in spirit for him; +and went to him. After I had spoken a few words to him, to turn his +mind inward, I was moved to lay my hand upon him, and prayed the +Lord to rebuke his infirmity. As I laid my hand on him, the Lord’s +power went through him; and through faith in that power he had +speedy ease, so that he quickly fell into a sleep. When he awoke, he +was so relieved and well, that next day he rode with me +five-and-twenty miles in a coach; though he used formerly (as he +said) to lie sometimes two weeks, sometimes a month, in one of those +fits. But the Lord was entreated for him, and by his power soon gave +him ease at this time; blessed and praised be his holy name +therefor! + +After I had had some meetings in Sussex and Surrey, and had visited +Friends thereaway, I returned to London by KINGSTON, where I had a +meeting on the 1st of the 2nd month, being First-day. We were kept +out of the meetinghouse by a constable and watchmen, as before, and +so were obliged to meet in the highway. But it being the monthly +meeting day, and many people being there, the meeting was pretty +large, and very quiet; and the Lord’s blessed presence was amongst +us; blessed be his name for ever! + +Being come to LONDON, I went to the meeting at WHEELER STREET, near +Spitalfields, which that day proved very large; and a glorious, +blessed time it was; for the Lord’s power and truth were over all, +and many deep and weighty things were opened to the people, to their +great satisfaction. I tarried in and near London, visiting Friends’ +meetings, and labouring in the service of the gospel, till the +Yearly Meeting came on, which began on the 28th of the 3rd month. + +It was a time of great sufferings; and much concerned I was, lest +Friends that came up out of the country on the church’s service, +should be taken and imprisoned at London. But the Lord was with us; +his power preserved us, and gave us a sweet and blessed opportunity +to wait upon him, to be refreshed together in him, and to perform +his services for his truth and people for which we met. As it was a +time of great persecution, and we understood that in most counties +Friends were under great sufferings, either by imprisonments or +spoiling of goods, or both, a concern was weightily upon me lest any +Friends that were sufferers, especially such as were traders and +dealers in the world, should hazard the losing of other men’s goods +or estates through their sufferings. Wherefore, as the thing opened +in me, I drew up an epistle of caution to Friends in that case, +which I communicated to the Yearly Meeting; and from thence it was +sent forth among Friends throughout the nation; a copy of which here +follows:— + + “Dear Friends and brethren in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is your + only sanctuary in this day of storm and persecution, spoiling of + goods, and imprisonments! Let every one’s eye be unto him, who has + all power in heaven and in earth given unto him; so that none can + touch a hair of your head, nor you, nor anything ye have, except + it be permitted or suffered in this day, to try his people, + whether their minds be with the Lord, or in outward things. Dear + Friends, take care that all your offerings be free, and of your + own, that has cost you something; so that ye may not offer of that + which is another man’s, or that which ye are entrusted withal and + not your own, or fatherless’ or widows’ estates; but all such + things settle and establish in their places. + + “You may remember many years ago, in a time of great persecution, + divers Friends, who were traders, shop-keepers and others, had the + concerns of widows and fatherless, and other people’s estates in + their hands. And when a great suffering, persecution, and spoiling + of goods came upon Friends, especial care was taken that all might + offer up to the Lord in their sufferings what was really their + own, and not any other people’s estates or goods which they had in + their hands; and that they might not offer up another body’s, but + that which they had bought and paid for, or were able to pay for. + Afterwards several letters came out of the country to the meeting + at London, from Friends that had goods of the shopkeepers at + London upon credit, which they had not paid for; who wrote to + their creditors whom they had their goods of, entreating them to + take their goods again. And some Friends came to London + themselves, and treated with their creditors, letting them + understand ‘that they lay liable to have all that they had taken + from them;’ and told them, ‘they would not have any man to suffer + by them: neither would they by suffering offer up anything but + what was really their own, or what they were able to pay for.’ + Upon which several took their goods again. This wrought a very + good savour in the hearts of many people, when they saw such a + righteous, just, and honest principle in Friends, that would not + make any suffer for their testimony; but what they did suffer for + the testimony of Jesus should be really and truly their own, not + other people’s. In this they owed nothing to any, but love. So in + this every man and woman stands in the free offering, a free + people, whether it be spiritual or temporal, which is their own; + and in that they wrong no man, neither inwardly, nor outwardly. + Ornan said unto David, ‘I give thee the threshing-floor, &c., and + the oxen for burnt-offerings, and the threshing instruments for + wood, and the wheat for the meat-offering; I give it all.’ But + king David said unto Ornan, ‘Nay, but I will verily buy it for the + full price; for I will not take that which is thine for the Lord, + nor offer burnt-offerings without cost,’ 1 Chron. xxi. 22, &c. So + it should be his own; and so should it be every man’s that offers. + You may see here that David would not accept of another man’s gift + for an offering to the Lord; he would not offer up that which cost + him nothing; but what should be really his own, Psal. cxii. 5. ‘A + good man ... will guide his affairs with discretion.’ + + “Let this be read in your monthly and quarterly men’s and women’s + meetings.” + + G.F. + + London, the 2nd of the 4th Month, 1683. + +----- + +Footnote 56: + + William Mead is often mentioned in these pages; and his trial, + along with William Penn, is alluded to in a previous note. Of his + life and ministry we have much less account than of most others of + note in his day. George Fox sometimes calls him his son, he having + married Sarah, a daughter of Judge Fell; George Fox’s wife being + her mother. Before his joining Friends, William Mead appears to + have been a captain in the army. In his remarks in court on the + term, _vi et armis_, during his trial, he observes, “Time was when + I _had freedom to use a carnal weapon_, and then I thought I + feared no man; but now I fear the living God, and dare not make + use thereof, nor hurt any man.” He died 1713, aged eighty-six. + +Footnote 57: + + Richard Davies—some account of whose life, written by himself, was + published after his decease, and a third edition of the volume in + 1771—was convinced of the truth about the year 1657. He resided in + Montgomeryshire; and his life contains an interesting account of + the first spreading of truth in Wales. Richard Davies was a + faithful minister of the gospel, endued with spiritual gifts, and + serviceable in the exercise thereof in the churches of Christ; + sound in doctrine, and exemplary in conversation. + + + + + CHAPTER XI. + +1683-1685.—A salutation of love to Friends, designed to stir up + the pure mind—an epistle to Friends commending them to + Christ, the rock and sure foundation—an epistle of counsel + to Friends—George Fox taken from a meeting and examined by a + magistrate, but soon released—writes an epistle to the + faithful to beware of a seducing spirit—after the Yearly + Meeting sails for Holland, and lands at the Briel—attends + the Yearly Meeting at Amsterdam—writes to Galenus Abrahams, + a Mennonist or Baptist, who, seven years before, bid him + “keep his eyes off him.” for he said “they pierced him,” but + now he was become very loving and tender, as well as his + family—George Fox returns to England—writes to the Duke of + Holstein an able defence of women’s preaching—writes an + epistle of counsel to Friends—advises with, and assists them + in, drawing up an account of sufferings, which is printed + and spread amongst Parliament-men—writes a caution to + Friends, to keep out of the world’s spirit &c.—and a warning + against pride and excess in apparel. + + +Some time after the Yearly Meeting I went down to +KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES to visit Friends there; and while I was there +it came upon me to write the following epistle to Friends in +general, as a salutation of love, and to stir up the pure mind in +them:— + + “DEAR FRIENDS AND BRETHREN, + + “Who are turned from darkness to light, and from the power of + Satan to God, who are believers in the light, which is the life in + Christ, and are become children of the light and of the day;—who + are grafted into Christ, the second Adam, the Lord from heaven, + and are gathered in the name of Jesus, in whom ye have salvation, + and not in any other name under the whole heaven. For Christ Jesus + saith, ‘Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there + am I in the midst of them,’ Matt. xviii. 20. So you being gathered + in the name of Jesus, he is in the midst of you, a Saviour, a + Mediator, a Prophet, a Shepherd, a Bishop, a Leader, a Counsellor, + the Captain of your salvation, who bruises the serpent’s head, and + destroys the devil and his works. Therefore, brethren in Christ + Jesus, exhort one another daily, while it is called to-day, lest + any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For you + are made partakers of Christ, if ye hold fast the beginning of + your confidence stedfast to the end, Heb. iii. 14. Therefore hear + Christ’s voice, for he is in the midst of you a teacher. + + “Take heed, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief + in departing from the living God, as there is in too many in this + day of provocation and temptation. While it is to-day hear his + voice, and let us consider one another, to provoke unto love and + to good works. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith + without wavering (for he is faithful that hath promised and hath + called you), not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, + as the manner of some is; (mark) as the manner of some is, that + did and do forsake the assembling of themselves together: but + exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day of + light appearing. For if we sin wilfully, after we have received + the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for + sins; but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery + indignation, which shall devour the adversaries, Heb. x. + + “And therefore it is good not to forsake the assembling of + ourselves together, but exhort one another daily; for Christ is in + the midst of his people a teacher, and a prophet, who saith, + ‘Learn of me; the way, the truth, and the life.’ We being many, + are one body in Christ, gathered in his name, and everyone members + one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace + that is given us, whether they be prophecy, let us prophesy + according to the proportion of faith; and let those that minister, + wait on their ministry; those that be teachers, on their teaching; + and him that exhorteth, on exhortation; he that giveth, let him do + it with simplicity; and he that ruleth, with diligence; and he + that showeth mercy, is to do it with cheerfulness. Abhor that + which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned + one towards another, with brotherly love, in honour preferring one + another. Rejoice in hope; be patient in tribulations; be not + overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good; and, if it be + possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men, + Rom. xii. This is and was the practice of the church of Christ. + And now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in + believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the + Holy Ghost. I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that + ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and are + able also to admonish one another, Rom. xv. 13, 14. Here the + church of Christ, in which He was in the midst a teacher and the + head of the church, were and are able through him to admonish one + another. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which ye are + also called into one body, to wit, of Christ. Let the word of + Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing + one another, &c., Col. iii. Whatsoever ye do, in word or deed, do + all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and + the Father by him: and above all things put on charity, which is + the bond of perfectness. + + “The apostle said to Timothy, ‘Be not thou ashamed of the + testimony of our Lord, nor of me, his prisoner; but be thou + partaker of the afflictions of the gospel, according to the power + of God, who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling; not + according to our works, but according to his own purpose and + grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,’ + 2 Tim. i. 8, 9. It concerns every one not to be ashamed of the + testimony of our Lord, who hath called them by his grace; and not + to be ashamed of any of Christ’s prisoners, and afflicted ones for + Christ’s and his gospel’s sake, who abolishes death, and brings + life and immortality to light through his gospel: you that believe + in the light, know it. + + “Peter saith, in his general epistle to the church of Christ, ‘As + every man’ (mark, every man) ‘hath received the gift, so minister + the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of + God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God, not of + men; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which + God gives, not of the ability of men’s arts and sciences, that God + in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ,’ &c. For + these gifts and grace come from Jesus into the hearts of the + members of his church, whom he is in the midst of. And if any man + suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify + God, &c. Every true Christian hath the presence of Christ, who + hath all power in heaven and in earth given him, to support him + with his power, light, and life. Christ saith to his believers, + ‘Beware of men, for they will deliver you up to the councils, and + they will scourge you in the synagogues, and you shall be brought + before governors and kings for my name’s sake, for a testimony + against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take + no thought how or what ye shall speak; for it shall be given you + in the same hour what ye shall speak: for it is not you that + speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you. And ye + shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth + to the end, shall be saved. The disciple is not above his Master, + nor the servant above his lord; it is enough for the disciple that + he be as his Master, and the servant as his lord: for if they have + called the master of the house Beelzebub, what will they do to his + servant? Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to + kill the soul, &c. A sparrow shall not fall to the ground without + your heavenly Father, &c. The hairs of your head are all numbered; + ye are of more value than many sparrows. Whosoever therefore shall + confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father + who is in heaven; but whosoever shall deny me before men, him will + I also deny before my Father who is in heaven. And whosoever shall + be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of Man be + ashamed,’ &c., Matt. x. And again Christ saith, ‘Whosoever shall + be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful + generation, of him also shall the Son of Man be ashamed, when he + comes in the glory of his Father with his holy angels,’ Mark viii. + 38. + + “And Christ saith to his disciples, ‘He that receiveth you + receiveth me; and he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent + me: he that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall + receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man + in the name of a righteous man, shall receive a righteous man’s + reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little + ones a cup of cold water only, in the name of a disciple, verily I + say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.’ Matt. x. + 40-42. Here ye may see how Christ encourages his disciples, and + them that receive them. And John saith, ‘Among the chief rulers of + the Jews many believed in Christ; but because of the Pharisees, + they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the + synagogue,’ John xii. 42. Too many such believers there are + now-a-days, who dare not confess Christ, lest they should lose the + favour of men. But Christ encouraged the faithful disciples, and + told them they would put them out of their synagogues; yea, that + the time should come, that whosoever killed them would think they + did God service: And ‘these things,’ said he, ‘will they do unto + you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these + things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may + remember that I told you of them,’ Jo hn xvi. 2-4. Here we may see + what Christ told his disciples should come to pass to them. And + Saul before he was converted, compelled the Christians to + blaspheme, and make havoc of the church of Christ, Acts viii. and + chap. xxii. and xxvi. And did not the beast in the Revelations + compel both small and great to worship him and his image? And did + not all worship it, but they who had their names written in the + Lamb’s book of life? Did not Nebuchadnezzar set up an image sixty + cubits high, and six cubits broad? And did not he cause a herald + to cry aloud ‘It is commanded that all people, nations, and + languages fall down, and worship the golden image that + Nebuchadnezzar hath set up; and whoso falleth not down, and + worshippeth, shall the same hour be cast into the midst of the + fiery furnace?’ And were not Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, cast + into the furnace? Dan. iii. But God delivered them. + + “Therefore it is good to be faithful to God and his worship in + Spirit and in truth. The Jews agreed that if any man should + confess Christ, he should be put out of their synagogue, John ix. + 22. So it was for Christ’s sake they were excommunicated out of + their synagogues. But as it is written, ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a + stumbling-stone, and a rock of offence; and whoso believes on him, + shall not be ashamed.’ So Christ is a stumbling-block and a rock + of offence to all the unbelievers in the light, which is the life + in Christ, whether they be Jews, Christians, or Gentiles. The Jews + believed Christ was to come, from the Scriptures; and the + Christians believe he is come by the Scriptures; but do not + believe in the light, as Christ commands, and so do not become + children of the light. Therefore ye that are believers in the + light, and are become children of light, walk in Christ, your way, + life, and salvation.” + + G.F. + + Kingston, the 5th Month, 1683. + +Before I left Kingston, something further opened in me, which I was +moved to write, and send amongst Friends; as follows:— + + “DEAR FRIENDS, + + “My love is to all in the holy Seed, that reigns over all. And my + desire is, that every one, both male and female, may feel the Seed + Christ in you, which is heir of the promise of life eternal, that + ye may all grow up in Christ Jesus your head, and be built upon + Him, the rock and foundation that God hath laid, which stands sure + over all rocks and foundations in the world;—that ye may eat and + drink of this spiritual rock, the spiritual water and food; so + that ye may truly and inwardly say, that your rock and foundation, + your bread and water of life, is from heaven, and your bread and + water is sure; and that ye know his voice that feeds you, and + leads you into the pastures of life, which are always fresh and + green. In this, your affections are set on things that are above, + seeking that which comes down from above, where Christ sits at the + right hand of God, making intercession for you; who is your + Mediator, making peace between God and you; who is your heavenly + Bishop to oversee you, that ye keep in his light, life, and power, + and do not go astray from his heavenly fold and pasture, that He + your Shepherd may feed you therein; who is your Prophet, to open + to you the fulfilling of the promises and prophecies, himself + being the substance; that ye may live in him, and he in you, yea, + and reign in your hearts, there to exercise his offices, his + prophetical, priestly, and kingly office, who is heavenly and + spiritual;—that ye may know the three that bear witness in the + earth, the Spirit, the Water, and the Blood, which is the life of + Christ, which cleanseth from all sin; the Water that washes and + refreshes you; and the Spirit that baptizes and circumcises you, + and leads you into all truth; that ye may come all to drink into + one Spirit, and keep the unity of the Spirit, which is the bond of + the heavenly peace. So being led by the Spirit of God, ye are his + sons and daughters, and by his Spirit will come to know the three + that bear witness in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy + Ghost. These are the three witnesses that are in heaven, that bear + record of all things; for he is God in heaven, and God in the + earth. + + “Therefore I desire, that ye may all feel his love shed in your + hearts, and in it live (above the love of the world, which is + enmity), and in that you will keep in the excellent way. For love + edifies the body of Christ, builds his church up, and keeps out of + the enmity, for it is above it, and brings and keeps all in true + humanity, and in the true divinity; to be courteous, kind, and + tender, one towards another, and to show forth the nature of + Christ, and true Christianity in all your lives and conversations; + that the blessings of the Lord may rest upon you, as ye all live + in the seed of the gospel, the seed of the kingdom of God, in + which all nations are blessed. In that ye will all have a care of + God’s glory. There is the hill or mountain, where the light shines + to the answering the witness of God in all; and the salt that is a + good savour to the witness of God in the hearts of all; and that + savour being kept in, the salt doth not come under the feet of + men. + + “So my love to you all in Christ Jesus, whom God hath given to be + a sanctuary for all his people, who is from above and not of this + world, in whom you have life, peace and salvation. In Him, God + Almighty keep and preserve you all to his glory. Amen. As you live + in the peaceable truth of God, it keeps you under, and within, his + protection; but they that make a profession of the Scriptures of + truth, and yet live out of the truth, in the spirit of strife, + unquietness, and discontent, in a contriving, plotting, ravenous, + destroying spirit, which is of the devil, and not of God, that + spirit is judged out of the truth, and to be of him, in whom there + is no truth, whose portion is in the lake, and in the fire that + burns.” + + G.F. + + Kingston, the 27th of the 5th Month, 1683. + +Having visited Friends at and about Kingston, I returned to LONDON; +for it being a suffering time with Friends there, I had not freedom +to be long from the city. I went to the meeting at THE PEEL, which +but a little before the justices and constables had broken up, and +had carried themselves very roughly; but that day it was in the +house and quiet; and a glorious meeting it was, blessed be the Lord. + +On the First-day following I went to the meeting at GRACECHURCH +STREET. When I came there, I found three constables in the +meeting-house, who kept Friends out; so we met in the court. After I +had been some time there, I stood up and spoke to the people, and +continued speaking some time. Then one of the constables came, and +took hold of my hand, and said, “I must come down.” I desired him to +be patient, and went on speaking to the people; but after a little +time, he pulled me down, and had me into the meeting-house. I asked +them if they were not weary of this work. One of them said, “indeed +they were.” They let me go into the widow Foster’s house, which +joined to the meeting house, where I stayed, being hot. When the +meeting was ended, for one prayed after I was taken away, the +constables asked some Friends, “which of them would pass their words +that I should appear, if they should be questioned about me”; but +Friends telling them, they need not require that, for I was a man +well known in the city, to be one that would neither fly, nor +shrink; they went away, and I heard no further of it. + +The same week I was at the meeting at the SAVOY, which used to be +kept out and disturbed; but that day it was within doors and +peaceable; and a precious time it was. The First-day after, it was +upon me to go to the meeting at WESTMINSTER, where there used to be +great disturbances; but there also the meeting was within doors, +that day, and very large. The Lord’s power was over all, and kept +all quiet and still; for though many loose spirits were there, yet +they were bound down by the power and Spirit of the Lord, that they +could not get up to make disturbance. + +About this time I was moved to write the following epistle:— + + “FRIENDS AND BRETHREN, + + “Who have received the peaceable truth, let the fruits of its + peaceableness and of your quiet spirit appear in all your + meetings, and in all your words and actions; for he that inhabits + eternity dwells with a humble heart, he gives grace to the humble, + and resisteth the proud. Heaven is his throne and the earth ye + walk upon is his footstool; happy are ye that see and know him + that is invisible. And now, Friends, let all things be done in + your meetings, and otherwise, in love, without strife or + vainglory. For love fulfils the law, love overcomes, and edifies + the body of Christ. There is neither self nor envy in love, + neither is it puffed up; but abides and bears all things. See that + this love of God have the sway in you all and over you all. + + “Christ saith, ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the + kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be + comforted. Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth. + Blessed are they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness; + for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful; for they shall + obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see + God. Blessed are the peace-makers; for they shall be called the + children of God. Blessed are they that are persecuted for + righteousness’ sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed + are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall + say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice + and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven; for so + persecuted they the prophets which were before you.’ + + “Now Friends, here is a great deal in these words; and all must be + in these states and conditions, if they have these blessings. The + children of God are peace-makers, and strive to make peace in the + truth; and to live in peace with all men, if it be possible. So + live in peace and good-will to all men; which good-will is both + for their sanctification and salvation. And, Friends, consider, + the wisdom of God, which is from above, is pure, peaceable, + gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, + without partiality and without hypocrisy. Dear Friends, let this + pure, peaceable, gentle wisdom, that is from above, that is easy + to be entreated, and is full of mercy and good fruits, be + exercised and practised in all the true churches of Christ, so + that wisdom may be justified of her children. For the works of the + flesh, or fleshly spirit, are hatred, variance, wrath, strife, + envyings, drunkenness, revellings, adultery, fornication, + lasciviousness, uncleanness, &c., and they which do such things + shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruits of the Spirit + of God are love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, + faith, meekness, temperance, &c. So, dear Friends and brethren, + strive to exceed one another, and all people upon the earth, in + humility, meekness, gentleness, temperance, love, patience, + pureness, and in mercy; then ye will show forth the fruits of the + Spirit of God, and of his heavenly wisdom that is from above. In + this, wisdom will be justified of her children; ye will be the + salt of the earth, the light of the world set on a hill, that + cannot be hid; and your moderation will appear to all men. + + Be ye just and righteous, faithful and true in all your words, + dealings, and conversations, so that ye may answer the truth in + all people; for Christ saith, his Father is glorified by such as + bring forth fruits, when men do see their good works; for he that + doeth righteousness, is accepted with God. And he that dwells in + love, dwells in God; for love is his habitation. Let that be the + habitation of every one that hath received the truth; for if it be + not, such do not dwell in God, let them profess what they will. + Therefore my desire is, that all you who have received Christ, the + Seed, which bruises the serpent’s head, may walk in Him, your + sanctuary, life, and salvation, your rest and peace. Amen.” + + G.F. + + London, the 14th of the 6th Month, 1683. + +I continued yet at LONDON, labouring in the work and service of the +Lord both in and out of meetings; sometimes visiting Friends in +prison for the testimony of Jesus, encouraging them in their +sufferings, and exhorting them to stand faithful and steadfast in +the testimony, which the Lord had committed to them to bear; +sometimes also visiting those that were sick and weak in body, or +troubled in mind, helping to bear up their spirits from sinking +under their infirmities. Sometimes our meetings were quiet and +peaceable; sometimes they were disturbed and broken up by the +officers. + +One First-day it was upon me to go to the meeting at the SAVOY, +which was large; for many professors and sober people were there. +The Lord opened many precious, weighty things in me to the people, +which I declared amongst them, and “directed them to the Spirit of +God in themselves, which the Lord had given them a measure of; that +all by the Spirit might understand the Scriptures, which were given +forth from the Spirit of God; and that by the Spirit of God, they +might know God, and Christ whom God hath sent; whom to know is +eternal life; and that by the Spirit, they might all come into +Christ, and know Him to be their sanctuary, who destroys the devil, +the destroyer, and his works, and bruises the serpent’s head. For +Christ was a sanctuary to them, to whom he was a Saviour, whom he +saved from the destroyer. And Christ did baptize them with the Holy +Ghost and with fire, and did thoroughly purge his floor, and burn up +their chaff with unquenchable fire; this is, sin and corruption, +which is got into man by transgression; but Christ gathereth his +wheat into his garner. So all that are baptized with Christ’s +baptism, their wheat is in God’s garner; and no spoiler can get into +God’s garner to meddle with the wheat there, though they may be +permitted to meddle with the outward goods,” &c. + +As I was speaking in the power of the Lord, and the people were +greatly affected therewith, suddenly the constables, with the rude +people, came in like a sea. One of the constables said to me, “Come +down;” and he laid hands on me. I asked him, “Art thou a Christian? +We are Christians.” He had hold of my hand, and was very fierce to +pluck me down; but I stood still, and spoke a few words to the +people; desiring of the Lord that the blessings of God might rest +upon them all. The constable still called upon me to come down, and +at length plucked me down, and bid another man with a staff take me, +and carry me to prison. That man led me to another officer’s house, +who was more civil; and after a while they brought in four Friends +more, whom they had taken. I was very weary and in a great +perspiration; and several Friends hearing where I was, came to me in +the constable’s house; but I bid them all go their ways, lest the +constables and informers should stop them. + +After a while the constables led us almost a mile to a justice, who +was a fierce, passionate man; who, after he had asked me my name, +and his clerk had taken it in writing, upon the constable’s +informing him that “I preached in the meeting,” said in an angry +manner, “Do not you know, that it is contrary to the king’s laws to +preach in such conventicles, contrary to the Liturgy of the Church +of England?” There was present one —— Shad (a wicked informer, who +was said to have broken jail at Coventry, and to have been burned in +the hand at London,) who hearing the justice speak so to me, stepped +up to him, and told him, “that he had convicted them on the Act of +the 22nd of King Charles the Second.” “What! you convict them?” said +the justice; “Yes,” said Shad, “I have convicted them, and you must +convict them too upon that Act.” With that the justice was angry +with him, and said, “You teach me! what are you? I’ll convict them +of a riot.” The informer hearing that, and seeing the justice angry, +went away in a fret; so he was disappointed of his purpose. I +thought he would have sworn somebody against me, whereupon I said, +“Let no man swear against me, for it is my principle ‘not to swear;’ +and therefore I would not have any man swear against me.” The +justice thereupon asked me, “If I did not preach in the meeting;” I +told him, “I confessed what God and Christ had done for my soul, and +praised God; and I thought I might have done that in the streets, +and in all places, viz., praise God and confess Christ Jesus; and +this I was not ashamed to confess. Neither was this contrary to the +Liturgy of the Church of England.” The justice said, “the laws were +against such meetings as were contrary to the Liturgy of the Church +of England.” I said, “I knew no such laws against our meetings; but +if he meant that Act that was made against such as met to plot, +contrive, and raise insurrections against the king, we were no such +people, but abhorred all such actions; and bore true love and +good-will to the king, and to all men upon the earth.” The justice +then asked me, “if I had been in orders;” I told him, “No.” + +Then he took his law-books and searched for laws against us; bidding +his clerk take the names of the rest in the mean time: but when he +could find no other law against us, the clerk swore the constable +against us. Some of the Friends bid the constable “take heed what he +swore, lest he were perjured; for he took them in the entry, and not +in the meeting.” Yet the constable, being an ill man, swore “that +they were in the meeting.” However, the justice said, “seeing there +was but one witness, he would discharge the rest; but he would send +me to Newgate, and I might preach there.” I asked him, “If it stood +with his conscience to send me to Newgate for praising God, and for +confessing Christ Jesus?” He cried, “Conscience! conscience!” but I +felt my words touched his conscience. He bid the constable take me +away, and he would make a mittimus to send me to prison when he had +dined. I told him, “I desired his peace, and the good of his family, +and that they might be kept in the fear of the Lord;” so I passed +away. And as we went the constable took some Friends’ word, that I +should come to his house the next morning by eight. Accordingly I +went with those Friends; and then the constable told us, that he +went to the justice for the mittimus after he had dined, and he bid +him come again after the evening service; which he did; and then the +justice told him he might let me go. “So,” said the constable, “you +are discharged.” I blamed the constable for turning informer, and +swearing against us; and he said he would do so no more. Next day +the justice meeting with Gilbert Latey, asked him, “if he would pay +twenty pounds for George Fox’s fine.” He said, “No.” “Then,” said +the justice, “I am disappointed; for being but a lodger I cannot +come by his fine, and he having been brought before me, and being of +ability himself, I cannot lay his fine on any other.” + +After I was discharged, I went into the city. The same week the +sessions coming on, where many Friends were concerned, some as +prisoners, and some on trials of appeal upon the conventicle act, I +went to a Friend’s house not far off, that I might be in readiness +to assist them with counsel, or otherwise, as occasion should offer; +and I found service in it. But as my spirit was concerned on behalf +of Friends, with respect to their outward sufferings by the +persecutors without; so an exercise also came weightily upon me at +this time, in the sense I had of the mischievous working of that +adulterated spirit, which, being gone out from the heavenly unity, +and having drawn out some that professed truth into enmity and +opposition against Friends, endeavoured to trouble the church of +Christ with their janglings and contention. And as a further +discovery of the working of that seducing spirit, and a warning to +all Friends to beware of it, I was moved to write the following +epistle:— + + “_To all the elect faithful, called, and chosen of God, + the flock and heritage of God, who have been acquainted with + the dealings of the Lord, and have kept your habitations in + his life, power, and truth, being built upon the holy, + heavenly rock and foundation, Christ Jesus, who was the + foundation of the prophets and apostles; which foundation + stands sure._ + + “Many foundations have been laid since the apostles’ days, by such + as have gone from Christ, the true and sure Foundation; but their + foundations have proved rotten, and come to nought; and they + themselves have come to loss. Many, since the day of Christ and + the truth hath appeared in this nation, have had some openings and + sights, and come among us for a time; and then gone out from us + again; these have been the comers and goers, like those in the + apostles’ days. Such had an outward profession of the truth, and + have gone from the true foundation, Christ Jesus, and so from the + heavenly society and unity of the saints in light. Then they set + up foundations of their own; and having a form of godliness, but + out of the power thereof, out of the order thereof, such have + turned to janglings and vain disputings. This sort of spirit you + have been acquainted with, who have kept your habitations in + Christ Jesus, the First and the Last. + + “And you are not insensible of the scurrilous and filthy books of + lies and defamations, which have been spread abroad in this + nation, and beyond the seas, against the faithful. It is very well + that the Lord hath suffered them to publish their own shame in + print, that truth’s enemies may be discovered; that their fruits + and spirits have appeared and manifested themselves both in print + and otherwise. And I do believe, that the Lord will yet suffer + this spirit so to publish its fruits, its shame and nakedness, to + professor and profane, and to all sober, moderate, and innocent + people, that its shame and nakedness shall more fully appear. + Though for a time it hath been hid and covered with the fig-leaves + of an outward profession, and sometimes with fawning and + flattering words, as at other times, it hath discovered itself by + rough, lying, and defaming words; yet the Lord God will blast all + such vain talkers, that do not walk in the order of life, truth, + and the gospel. + + “Therefore, ye that are faithful, stand fast in the liberty + wherewith Christ hath made you free in his government. It is upon + his shoulders; he bears it up; of the increase of it, and of its + peace, there is no end. For all quarellers against his order and + government are not in him, nor in his heavenly, spiritual + government and peace. Therefore, ye faithful ones, who have stood + the trial through many persecutions, imprisonments, spoilings of + goods; you know that there is a crown of glory laid up for you. + You that suffer with Christ, shall reign with him in his kingdom + of glory; ye that die with Christ, shall live with him in eternal + life, in the world that hath no end, who have gone through the + sufferings without, and within, by false brethren, by comers and + goers, that have caused the way of truth to be evil spoken of, and + have been the persecutors of the faithful with their tongues; and + by printing and publishing their lying, defaming books against the + faithful, these have stirred up the magistrates and priests who + were willing to get any occasion to speak evil of the right way, + and precious truth of Christ, by which his people are made free; + it would have been better for such had they never been born. But + God hath brought them to light, and their fruits and ravenous + spirits are seen, savoured, and known; who are become Judases, and + sons of perdition, to betray Christ now within (where he is made + manifest) to the priests, magistrates, and profane, as Judas + betrayed Christ without to the priests and Pilate; though some of + the magistrates and sober people see their envy and folly, and + that they have more malice than matter against the faithful. But + the Lord will consume this Judas, or son of perdition. The Lord + will consume him with the Spirit of his mouth, and destroy him + with the brightness of his coming. So let all the faithful look + unto the Lord. And let the wicked son of perdition know, though he + may be got as high as Judas without (who was partaker of the + ministry with the apostles,) ‘the Lord will consume him with the + Spirit of his mouth, and destroy him with the brightness of his + coming.’ That is his portion. The brightness of the Lord will + destroy him, and the Spirit of his mouth will consume him. And + when he is destroyed and consumed, there will not be a son of + perdition to betray Christ in his people, and his people that live + and walk in Christ, who hath all power in heaven (mark, in heaven) + and in earth given to him; and with his holy and glorious power he + limits and orders; so that nothing shall be done against his + people, but what is suffered for their trial and their good, + neither by apostates, persecutors with the tongue, Judases, sons + of perdition to betray, or the outward powers to imprison, or + spoil goods; all these are limited by Christ’s power, who hath all + power in heaven and in earth given to him. Every one’s faith is to + stand in him and his power, and rejoice in his power, and see the + increase of his righteous, holy, heavenly, spiritual, peaceable + government, in which the glorious, holy order of life is lived and + walked in, by all his sons and daughters. In his Spirit is the + holy unity and bond of peace; though ye be absent in body one from + another, yet all joying and rejoicing, being present in his + Spirit, and beholding in the same Spirit your spiritual order, + unity, and fellowship, and the steadfastness of your faith in + Christ Jesus, who is steadfast for ever, the First and the Last, + whose presence is among his people, and who is their head. Here is + heavenly Sion known, and heavenly Jerusalem, and the innumerable + company of angels (which are spirits) and the spirits of the just + men made perfect. Here is the general assembly, and a general, + heavenly, holy, and spiritual joy and rejoicing, lauding and + praising the Lord God Almighty, and the Lamb, that lives for + evermore. Amen.” + + G. F. + + London, the 14th of the 8th Month, 1683. + + “Read this in your assemblies amongst the faithful.” + +I tarried a little in LONDON, visiting Friends and meetings, and +labouring in the work of the Lord there. And being on a First-day at +the Bull-and-Mouth, where the meeting had long been kept out, it was +that day in the house peaceable and large; the people were so +affected with the truth, and refreshed with the powerful presence of +the Lord, that when it was ended they were loth to go away. + +After some time, having several things upon me to write, I went to +KINGSTON, that I might be free from interruptions. When I came +there, I understood the officers had been very rude at the meeting, +abusing Friends, and had driven them out of the meeting-place, and +very abusive they continued to be for some time. Whilst I was there +I wrote a little book (printed soon after,) entitled, “The Saints’ +heavenly and spiritual worship, unity, and communion, &c., wherein +is set forth what the true gospel worship is, and in what the true +unity and communion of the saints stands; with a discovery of those +that were gone from this holy unity and communion, and were turned +against the saints, that abode therein.” + +When I had finished the services for which I went thither, and had +visited the Friends, I returned to LONDON, and visited most of the +meetings in and about the city. Afterwards I went to visit a Friend +in ESSEX; and returning by DALSTON, made some stay at the widow +Stot’s, where I wrote an epistle to Friends, declaring the word of +the Lord to them, which may be read amongst my other printed books. + +I came from Dalston to LONDON, and next day was sent for in haste to +my son Rous’s at KINGSTON, whose daughter, Margaret, lay very sick, +and had a desire to see me. I tarried now at Kingston about a week, +and then returned to LONDON; where I continued for the most part of +the winter and the spring following, until the general meeting in +1684, save that I went once as far as Enfield, to visit Friends +thereabouts. In this time I ceased not to labour in the work of the +Lord, being frequent at meetings, and visiting Friends that were +prisoners, or that were sick; and in writing books for the spreading +of truth, and opening the understandings of the people to receive +it.[58] + +The Yearly Meeting was in the 3rd month. A blessed weighty one it +was, wherein Friends were sweetly refreshed together; for the Lord +was with us, and opened his heavenly treasures amongst us. And +though it was a time of great difficulty and danger, by reason of +informers and persecuting magistrates, yet the Lord was a defence +and place of safety to his people. + +Now had I drawings in Spirit to go into Holland, to visit the Seed +of God there. And as soon as the Yearly Meeting was over I prepared +for my journey. There went with me from London Alexander Parker, +George Watts, and Nathaniel Brassey, who also had drawings into that +country. We took coach the 31st of the 3rd month, 1684, and got to +COLCHESTER that night. Next day being First-day, we went to the +meeting there; and though there was no notice given of my coming, +yet our being there was presently spread over the town, and in +several places in the country at seven and ten miles distance; so +that abundance of Friends came in double-horsed, which made the +meeting very large. I had a concern and travail in my mind, lest +this great gathering should have stirred up the town, and been more +than the magistrates could well bear; but it was very quiet and +peaceable, and a glorious meeting we had, to the settling and +stablishing of Friends both in town and country; for the Lord’s +power was over all; blessed be his name for ever! Truly the Lord’s +power and presence was beyond words; for I was but weak to go into a +meeting, and my face (by reason of a cold I had taken) was sore; but +God manifested his strength in us and with us, and all was well: the +Lord have the glory for evermore for his supporting power. After the +meeting, I think above a hundred Friends of the town and country +came to see me at John Furly’s, and very glad we were to see one +another, and greatly refreshed together, being filled with the love +and riches of the Lord; blessed be his name for ever! + +We tarried at Colchester two days more; which we spent in visiting +Friends, both at their meetings for business and at their houses. +Then early in the morning of Fourth-day we took coach for Harwich, +where we met William Bingley, and Samuel Waldenfield, who went over +with us. About eight at night we went on board the packet, Richard +Gray master; but by reason of contrary winds it was one in the +morning before we sailed. We had a very good passage; and about five +in the afternoon next day we landed at the BRIEL in HOLLAND, where +we stayed that night. Early next morning we went to ROTTERDAM, where +we abode some days. + +The day after we came to Rotterdam, one Wilbert Frouzen, a +burgomaster, and kinsman of Aarent Sunneman’s, hearing I was there, +invited me to his country house, having a desire to speak with me +about some business, relating to Aarent Sunneman’s daughters. I took +George Watts with me, and a brother of Aarent Sunneman’s had us +thither. The burgomaster received us very kindly, and was very glad +to see me; and entering into discourse about his kinsman’s +daughters, I found he was apprehensive that, their father being +dead, and having left them considerable portions, they might be +stolen and married to their disadvantage. Wherefore I told him, +“that it was our principle and practice, that none should marry +amongst us unless they had a certificate of the consent of their +relations or guardians; for it was our Christian care to watch over +and look after all young people that came among us; especially those +whose natural relations were dead. And as for his kinsman’s +daughters, we should take care that nothing should be offered to +them but what should be agreeable to truth and righteousness, and +that they might be preserved in the fear of God, according to their +father’s mind.” This seemed to give him great satisfaction. While I +was with him there came many great people to me, and “I exhorted +them all to keep in the fear of God, and to mind his good Spirit in +them, to keep their minds to the Lord.” After I had stayed two or +three hours, and had conversed with him on several things, I took my +leave of him, and he very kindly sent me to Rotterdam in his +chariot. + +Next day being First-day, we were at the meeting at Rotterdam, which +was pretty large, and declared to them by an interpreter. The day +following Alderman Gaul came to speak with me, with whom we had much +discourse about religious matters; he seemed to be well satisfied, +and was very tender. Several other persons of account had intended +to come to speak with me that day, but being hindered by +extraordinary business (as I understood), they came not. + +We went next day to AMSTERDAM, where we had a large and very +precious meeting. In the afternoon I was at another meeting with +Friends there, about business. + +There is a Yearly Meeting at Amsterdam for the Friends of Holland +and Germany, &c., which begun now on the 8th of the 4th month, and +ended on the 12th. Here we had a fine opportunity of seeing Friends +from many parts, and of being refreshed together in the love of God. +After this meeting, before those that came out of the several +provinces were gone, we had a meeting with some particular Friends, +about the places and countries into which we who came out of England +in the work of the ministry were to travel; and to enquire who among +them were suitable persons to go along with us for interpreters. +When this was concluded on, William Bingley[59] and Samuel +Waldenfield[60] took shipping for Friesland, with Jacob Claus, their +interpreter. + +Alexander Parker and George Watts remained with me. We tarried a few +days longer at Amsterdam, where I had further service. Before I left +I went to visit one, Galenus Abrahams, a teacher of chief note among +the Mennonites, or Baptists. I had been with him when I was in +Holland about seven years before; and William Penn and George Keith +had disputes with him. He was then very high and shy, so that he +would not let me touch him, nor look upon him (by his good will), +but bid me “keep my eyes off him, for,” he said, “they pierced him.” +But now he was very loving and tender, and confessed in some measure +to truth; his wife also and daughter were tender and kind, and we +parted from them very lovingly. + +Feeling our spirits drawn towards Friesland, Alexander Parker, +George Watts, and I, having John Claus of Amsterdam with us for our +interpreter, took shipping, and having sailed nine or ten leagues, +we left the ship, and travelled through Friesland, sometimes by +boat, sometimes by waggon, visiting Friends and tender people in the +towns and villages where we came; having one or two meetings in a +day. After we had been at LEUWARDEN, we passed by FRANEKER to +HARLINGEN in West Friesland, which was the furthest place we went to +that way. And having been six days from Amsterdam, and had very good +service in that time, visiting Friends and publishing truth amongst +the people, we took ship at Harlingen for Amsterdam on the 26th of +4th month, and arrived there that night. The First-day following we +were at the meeting at AMSTERDAM, which was very large and precious. +Many of the people were there, their teachers, and some great +persons also. They seemed very attentive, and a good opportunity we +all had, one after another, to declare the word of the Lord and open +the way of truth amongst them, John Claus interpreting for us. I +tarried next day at Amsterdam; but George Watts went to a burial at +Haarlem, attended by many hundreds of people, amongst whom he had a +good opportunity, and came back at night to us. + +The day following we went by boat to OSAN-OVERTON in WATERLAND, and +thence, in another small boat, about a league over a small river, +where we passed over and by a hundred bridges, and so went to +LANDSMEER to a Friend’s house whose name was Timon Peters; where we +had a very good meeting. We returned to AMSTERDAM that night, and +were at the meeting there next day. Many were at this meeting +besides Friends, and among the rest, the great Baptist teacher, +Galenus, who was very attentive to the testimony of the truth, and +when it was over, came and got me by the hand very lovingly. + +We went next day by boat to ALKMAAR, about eight leagues +from Amsterdam, passing through SARDAM, the great town of +ship-carpenters, and several other towns in the way. At Alkmaar, +which is a pretty city, we stayed, and had a meeting next day at +William Williams’s. There were besides Friends many very sober +people at this meeting, who were very attentive to the testimonies +of truth, that were borne both by Alexander Parker, George Watts, +and myself, John Claus being our interpreter. This was on a sixth +day, and on the seventh we returned to AMSTERDAM, being willing to +be at the meeting at Amsterdam on First-day, because it was likely +to be the last we should have there. Accordingly we were at it, and +a very large and open meeting it was. Many great persons were at it, +some earls, we were told, with their attendants, out of Germany, who +were very grave and sober, and the everlasting gospel was preached +unto them. + +After this we took leave of the Friends of Amsterdam; and next +morning departed thence to HAARLEM, where we had a meeting at a +Friend’s house, whose name is Abraham Frondenberg. Great numbers of +people were at this meeting, and of great service it was. After it a +watchmaker of Amsterdam, who, with his wife, attended it, desired to +speak with me concerning religion. I had much discourse with him, +and both he and his wife were very low and tender, received with +gladness what I spoke to them, and seemed well satisfied when they +went away. + +We went next day to ROTTERDAM, where we tarried two meetings; and on +the 16th of the 5th month went to the BRIEL, to take ship for +England. About four in the afternoon we went on board the packet, +William Sherman master, and set sail from the Briel. But when we had +gone over the Maese about a league, we cast anchor at a place called +the PITT, because it is near to the sands, where we stayed till +about four next morning; when, having a pretty fair wind, and the +tide with us, we weighed anchor, and by four next day were within +five leagues of Harwich, over against Aldborough Castle; but the +wind falling short, and the tide being weak, it was one in the +afternoon before we came so near to HARWICH that boats could come to +receive the passengers and goods. There were on board about forty +passengers in all; English, Scotch, Dutch, French, Spanish, Flemish, +and some Jews. + +I spent a day with Friends at Harwich, while Alexander Parker and +George Watts went by water to visit Friends at Ipswich, and returned +at night. Next morning early we all took coach for Colchester, and +were at the meeting there, which was large and peaceable; after it, +we travelled to WITHAM, and lodged there that night. Next day, +William Mead meeting us on the way at HARE STREET, I went with him +to his house, the other Friends going on for London. + +Here, being weak with travel and continual exercise, I spent some +time to rest myself, and recover my health; visiting in the mean +time the Friends in that part of the country, as I was able to get +abroad.[61] When I was a little recovered, I went to ENFIELD, +visiting Friends there and thereabouts; and so to DALSTON to see the +widow Stot; and thence to LONDON, some Friends being come over from +New Jersey in America, about business, which I was desired to be +present at. + +It was the latter end of the summer when I came to LONDON, where I +stayed the winter following; saving that once or twice, my wife +being in town with me, I went with her to her son Rous’s at +Kingston. And though my body was very weak; yet I was in continual +service, either in public meetings, when I was able to bear them, or +in particular business amongst Friends, and visiting those that were +sufferers for truth, either by imprisonment or loss of goods. + +Many things also in this time I wrote, some for the press, and some +for particular service; as letters to the King of Denmark and Duke +of Holstein, on behalf of Friends that were sufferers in their +dominions; of the latter, the following is a copy:— + + “_For the Duke of Holstein, whom I entreat, in the love of God, to + read over this, which is sent in love to him_. + + “I understand that formerly, by some evil-minded persons, it was + reported to thee, when Elizabeth Hendricks came to Frederickstadt + to visit the people called Quakers, that it was a scandal to the + Christian religion, that a woman should be suffered to preach in a + public assembly religiously gathered together, &c. Upon which thou + gave forth an order to the rulers of Frederickstadt, ‘to make the + said people leave that place forthwith, or to send them away.’ But + the said rulers being Arminians, and they, or their fathers, + having come to live there, as a persecuted people in Holland, not + much above threescore years ago, made answer to the duke, ‘they + were not willing to persecute others for conscience’ sake, who had + looked upon persecution on that account in their own case as + antichristian,’ &c. But after that, the people of God, in scorn + called Quakers, wrote unto thee, O duke, from Frederickstadt; and + since that time they have had their liberty, and their meetings + peaceable, to serve and worship God almost these twenty years at + Frederickstadt, and thereabouts, freely without any molestation; + which liberty they have acknowledged as a great favour and + kindness from thee. + + “And now, O duke, thou professing Christianity from the great + and mighty name of Christ Jesus, who is King of kings and Lord + of lords, and the Holy Scriptures of truth of the Old and New + Testament, do not you use many women’s words in your service and + worship out of the Old and New Testament? The apostle saith, + ‘Let your women keep silence in the churches;’ and that, ‘he did + not permit a woman to speak, but to be under obedience; and if + she will learn anything, to ask her husband at home; for it is a + shame for a woman to speak in the church.’ And 1 Tim. ii. 11, + 12. ‘Women are to learn in silence and not suffered to teach, + nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.’ 1 + Cor. xiv. 34. Now, here the duke may see, what sort of women + were to be in silence and in subjection, whom the law commands + to be silent, and not to usurp authority over the man, nor to + speak in the church; these were unruly women. In the same + chapter he commands women ‘not to plait or broider their hair, + nor to wear gold, pearls, or costly array.’ These things were + forbidden by the apostle; and such women as wear such things, + are to learn in silence and to be subject, and not to usurp + authority over the men; for it is a shame for such to speak in + the church. But do not such women as these, that wear gold and + silver, and pearls and gaudy apparel, or costly array, and plait + and broider their hair, speak in your church, when your priest + sets them to sing psalms? Do they not speak when they sing + psalms? Consider this, O duke! Yet you say, ‘your women must + keep silence in the church, and must not speak in the church;’ + but when they sing psalms in your churches, are they then + silent? Though the apostle forbids such women before-mentioned + to speak in the church, yet in another place the apostle + encourages the good or holy women to be teachers of good things, + as in Tit. ii. 3, 4. The apostle said, ‘I entreat thee, true + yoke-fellow, help those women which laboured with me in the + gospel, and with other my fellow-labourers, whose names are + written in the book of life.’ Here he owns these holy women, and + encourages them, which laboured with him in the gospel, and did + not forbid them; Phil. iv. 2, 3. He likewise commends Phœbe + unto the church of the Romans, calls her ‘a servant unto the + church of Cenchrea,’ sends his epistle by her to the Romans from + Corinth, and desires the church at Rome ‘to receive her in the + Lord as becometh saints:’ and to ‘assist her in whatsoever + business she had need of; for she had been a succourer of many + and of himself also.’ And he said, ‘Greet Priscilla and Aquila, + my helpers in Christ Jesus, who have for my life laid down their + own necks; unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the + churches of the Gentiles.’ Now here the duke may see these were + good, holy women, whom the apostle did not forbid speaking, Rom. + xvi. 1-4, but commended them. And Priscilla and Aquila + instructed and expounded unto Apollos the way of God more + perfectly, Acts xviii. 26. So here Priscilla was an instructor + as well as Aquila; which holy women the apostle doth not forbid. + Neither did the apostle forbid Philip’s four daughters, which + were virgins, to prophesy. Women might pray and prophesy in the + church, 1 Cor. xi. 5. + + “The apostles showed to the Jews the fulfilling of Joel’s + prophecy; that in the last days God would pour of his Spirit upon + all flesh, and their sons and daughters, servants and handmaids, + should prophesy with the Spirit of God. So the apostle encourages + daughters and handmaids to prophesy as well as sons; and if they + do prophesy, they must speak to the church or people, Joel ii. 28; + Acts ii. 17, 18. Did not Miriam the prophetess sing unto the Lord, + and all the women with her, when the Lord had delivered the + children of Israel from Pharaoh? Did not she praise the Lord, and + prophesy in the congregation of the children of Israel? and was + not this in the church? Exod. xv. 21. Moses and Aaron did not + forbid her prophesying or speaking; but Moses said, ‘would God all + the Lord’s people were prophets!’ and the Lord’s people are women + as well as men. Deborah was a judge and a prophetess; and do not + you make use of Deborah’s and Miriam’s words in your service and + worship? See (Judg. v. 1-31) Deborah’s large speech or song. Barak + did not forbid her, nor any of the Jewish priests. Did not she + make this speech or song in the congregation or church of Israel? + In the book of Ruth there are good speeches of those good women, + which were not forbidden. Hannah prayed in the temple before Eli, + and the Lord answered her prayer. See what a speech Hannah makes, + and a praising of God, before Eli the high-priest, who did not + forbid her, 1 Sam. ii. 1-10. Josiah the king sent his priest with + several others, to ask counsel of Huldah the prophetess, who dwelt + at Jerusalem in the college, 2 Kings, xxii. 14; 2 Chron. xxxiv. + 22. So here the king and his priests did not despise the counsel + of this prophetess; and she prophesied to the congregation of + Israel, as may be seen in these chapters. + + “And in Luke i. 41-55, see what a godly speech Elizabeth made to + Mary, and what a large godly speech Mary made also. Mary said, + ‘that the Lord did regard the low estate of his handmaid,’ &c. And + do you not make use in your worship and service of Mary’s and + Elizabeth’s words from Luke i. 41-55, in your churches, and yet + forbid women’s speaking in your churches? Yet all sorts of women + speak in your churches, when they sing, and say Amen. In Luke ii. + there was Anna the prophetess, a widow of about fourscore and four + years; who departed not from the temple, but served God with + fasting and prayer night and day. Did not she confess Christ Jesus + in the temple, and give thanks to the Lord, and ‘speak of Christ + to all that looked for redemption in Jerusalem?’ Luke ii. 36-38. + So such holy women were not forbidden to speak in the church, + neither in the law nor gospel. Was it not Mary Magdalene and other + women that first preached Christ’s resurrection to the apostles? + The woman indeed (namely, Eve) was first in transgression; and so + they were women that first preached the resurrection of Christ + Jesus; for Christ said to Mary, &c. ‘Go to my brethren, and say + unto them, I ascend unto my Father and to your Father, and to my + God and to your God,’ John xx. 17. And Luke xxiv. 10, it was Mary + Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other + women that were with them, who told the apostles, ‘that Christ was + risen from the dead, and their words and these women’s words, were + as idle tales to the apostles, and they believed them not,’ ibid. + ver. 11. And ver. 22, ‘Certain women also of our company made us + astonished,’ they said: so here it may be seen, that the women’s + preaching the resurrection of Christ did astonish the apostles. + Christ sent these women to preach his resurrection; so it is no + shame for such women to preach Christ Jesus; neither are they to + be silent when Christ sends them. The apostle says, ‘Every tongue + shall confess to God,’ Rom. xiv. 11; and ‘Every tongue shall + confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the + Father,’ Phil. ii. 11. So here it is clear, that women must + confess Christ as well as men, if every tongue must confess. And + the apostle saith, ‘There is neither male nor female; for ye are + all one in Christ Jesus,’ Gal. iii. 28. + + “And whereas it is said, ‘Women must ask their husbands at home,’ + &c., the duke knows very well virgins have no husbands, nor + widows; for Anna the prophetess was a widow; and if Christ be the + husband, men must ask counsel of him at home as well as women, + before they teach. And set the case, that a Turk’s wife should be + a Christian, or a Papist’s wife should be a Lutheran, or a + Calvinist, must they ask and learn of their husbands at home, + before they confess Christ Jesus in the congregation of the Lord? + Their counsel will be to them to turn Turks or Papists. + + “I entreat the duke to consider these things. I entreat him to + mind God’s grace and truth in his heart that is come by Jesus; + that by his Spirit of grace and truth he may come to serve and + worship God in his spirit and truth; so that he may serve the + living eternal God that made him, in his generation, and have his + peace in Christ, that the world cannot take away. And I do desire + his good, peace, and prosperity in this world, and his eternal + comfort and happiness in the world that is everlasting. Amen.” + + G.F. + + London, 26th of the 8th Month, 1684. + +Besides the foregoing, I wrote also epistles to Friends; of one of +which the following is a copy:— + + “Friends and Brethren in the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom you have + all life, peace, and salvation; walk in Him, who is your heavenly + Rock and Foundation, that stands sure, who hath all power in + heaven and earth given unto him. So his power is over all. Let + your faith stand in his power, which is over all from everlasting + to everlasting, over the devil and his power; that in the holy, + heavenly wisdom of God, ye may be preserved and kept to God’s + glory, out of all snares and temptations; so that God’s wisdom may + be justified of all his children in this day of his power, and + they all may be faithful, serving and worshipping God in his + Spirit and truth, and valiant for it upon the earth. + + “For, as the apostle saith, ‘They that believe are entered into + their rest, and have ceased from their own works, as God did from + his.’ Now this rest is an eternal rest in Christ, the eternal Son + of God, in whom every true believer hath everlasting life in + Christ Jesus, their rest and everlasting day. For Christ the Rest + bruiseth the serpent’s head, and through death destroyeth death, + and the devil, the power of death, and his works. He is the + Eternal Rest, that giveth eternal life to his sheep. Christ + fulfilleth the prophets, and all the figures, shadows, and + ceremonies, as in the Old Testament; and all the promises are yea + and amen in Christ, who was the Eternal Rest to all true believers + in the apostles’ days, and ever since, and is so now. Christ is + the beginning and the ending, the first and the last, who is + ascended above all principalities, powers, thrones, and dominions, + that he might fill all things. For ‘by Jesus Christ all things + were made and created, whether they be things in heaven, or things + in the earth;’ and he is the Eternal Rest. They that believe are + entered into Christ, their Eternal Rest, in whom they have eternal + life and peace with God. Wherefore I say again, in Him who is your + Rest, live and abide; for in Him ye are happy, and his blessings + will rest upon you. God Almighty keep and preserve you all, his + true believers, in Christ your Rest and Peace this day. Amen.” + + G.F. + + London, the 18th of the 12th Month, 1684-5. + +About a month after I got a little out of London, visiting Friends, +at SOUTH STREET, FORD GREEN, and ENFIELD, where I had meetings. +Afterwards I went to WALTHAM ABBEY, and was at the meeting there on +a First-day, which was very large and peaceable. Then returning +through ENFIELD and EDMONTON SIDE, I came back to LONDON in the 3rd +Month, to advise with and assist Friends, in laying their sufferings +before the Parliament then sitting. We drew up a short account +thereof, which we caused to be printed and spread among the +Parliament-men. + +The Yearly Meeting coming on, I was much concerned for the Friends +that came up to it out of the country, lest they should meet with +any trouble or disturbance in their passages up or down; and the +rather, because about that time a great bustle arose in the nation +on the Duke of Monmouth’s landing in the West. But the Lord, +according to his wonted goodness, was graciously pleased to preserve +Friends in safety, gave us a blessed opportunity to meet together in +peace and quietness, and accompanied our meeting with his living, +refreshing presence; blessed for ever be his holy name! + +Now, considering the hurries that were in the nation, it came upon +me, at the close of this meeting, to write a few lines to Friends, +“to caution all to keep out of the spirit of the world, in which the +trouble is, and to dwell in the peaceable truth;” as follows:— + + “DEAR FRIENDS AND BRETHREN, + + “Whom the Lord hath called and chosen in Christ Jesus, your Life + and Salvation, in whom ye have all rest and peace with God; the + Lord God by his mighty power, which is over all, hath preserved + and supported you to this day, to be a peculiar, holy people to + himself, so that by his eternal Spirit and power ye might be all + kept out of the world; for in the world is trouble. And now, in + this great day of the Lord God Almighty, he is shaking the heavens + and the earth of outward professions, their elements are in a + heat, their sun and their moon are darkened, the stars falling, + and the mountains and hills shaking and tottering, as it was among + the Jews in the day of Christ’s appearing. Therefore, dear Friends + and brethren, dwell in the Seed, Christ Jesus, the Rock and + Foundation, that cannot be shaken; that ye may see with the light + and Spirit of Christ, that ye are as fixed stars in the firmament + of God’s power; and in this his power and light, you will see over + all the wandering stars, the clouds without water, and trees + without fruit. That which may be shaken, will be shaken; as will + all they that are wandered from the firmament of God’s power. + + “Dear Friends and brethren, you that are redeemed from the death + and fall of Adam, by Christ the second Adam, in Him ye have life, + rest, and peace; for Christ saith, ‘In me ye shall have peace; but + in the world trouble.’ And the apostle saith, ‘They that believe + are entered into their Rest,’ namely, Christ, who hath overcome + the world, who bruiseth the serpent’s head, destroys the devil and + his works, and fulfils the types, figures, and shadows of the Old + Testament and the prophets; in whom the promises are yea and amen; + who is the first and the last, the beginning and the ending—the + Eternal Rest. So keep and walk in Christ, your Rest, every one + that have received him. + + “And now, dear Friends and brethren, whatever bustlings and + trouble, tumults and outrages, quarrels and strife, arise in the + world, keep out of them all; concern not yourselves with them: but + keep in the Lord’s power and peaceable truth, that is over all + such things; in which power ye seek the peace and good of all men. + Live in the love which God hath shed abroad in your hearts through + Christ Jesus; in which nothing is able to separate you from God + and Christ, neither outward sufferings, persecutions, nor any + outward thing, that is below and without; nor to hinder or break + your heavenly fellowship in the light, gospel, and Spirit of + Christ; nor your holy communion in the Holy Ghost, that proceeds + from the Father and the Son, and which leads you into all truth. + In this Holy Ghost, in which is your holy communion, that proceeds + from the Father and the Son, you have fellowship with the Father + and the Son, and one with another. This is it which links and + joins Christ’s church or body together, to Him the heavenly and + spiritual head, and in unity in his Spirit, which is the bond of + peace, to all his church and living members, in whom they have + eternal rest and peace in Christ, and with God everlasting, who is + to be blessed and praised for ever. Amen. + + “Dear Friends, forsake not the assembling of yourselves together, + who are gathered in the name of Jesus, who is your prophet, whom + God hath raised up in the New Testament, to be heard in all + things; who opens to you, and no man can shut; and shuts, and no + man can open; who is your Priest, made higher than the heavens by + the power of an endless life, by whom you are made a royal + priesthood, to offer up to God spiritual sacrifice; who is the + Bishop of your souls, to oversee you, that ye do not go astray + from God; who is the good Shepherd, that hath laid down his life + for his sheep; and they hear his voice, and follow him, and he + gives them eternal life. + + “And now, dear Friends and brethren, abide in Christ, the vine, + that ye may bring forth fruit to the glory of God. And as every + one hath received Christ, walk in Him, who is not of the world, + that lies in wickedness; so that ye may be preserved out of the + vain fashions and customs of the world, which satisfy the lust of + the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life, which are + not of the Father, but of the world that passes away. Whoever + joins to that which is not of the Father, or encourages it, draws + the mind from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore + let Christ rule in your hearts, that your minds, souls, and + spirits may be kept out of the vanities of the world, in their + words, ways, and actions, that ye may be a peculiar people, + zealous of good works, serving the Lord through Jesus Christ, to + the praise and glory of God; that by the Word of his grace your + words may be gracious, and in your lives and conversations ye may + show forth righteousness, holiness, and godliness; that so God + Almighty may be glorified in you all, and through you all, who is + above all, blessed and praised for ever. Amen.” + + G. F. + + London, the 11th of the 4th Month, 1685. + +Several other letters also I wrote at this time to Friends in divers +foreign countries, from whom I had received letters about the +affairs of truth. Which when I had despatched, the Yearly Meeting +being over, and country Friends for the most part being gone, I got +a little way out of town; being much spent with the heat of the +weather, throngs in meetings, and continual business. I went at +first to SOUTH STREET, where I abode some days. And among other +services I had there, a great sense entered me of the growth and +increase of pride, vanity, and excess in apparel; and that not only +amongst the people of the world, but too much also amongst some that +came among us, and seemed to make profession of the truth. In the +sense I had of the evil thereof, it came upon me to give forth the +following, as a reproof and check thereunto:—[62] + + “The apostle Peter saith (in 1 Pet. iii.) of the women’s adorning; + ‘Let it not be (mark, let it not be; this is a positive + prohibition) that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of + wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the + hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even + the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of + God of great price; for after this manner in the old time the holy + women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves.’ + + “Here ye may see what is the ornament of the holy women, which was + in the sight of God of great price, and which the holy women, who + trusted in God, adorned themselves with. But the unholy women, + that trust not in God, their ornament is not a meek and a quiet + spirit; they adorn themselves with plaiting the hair, putting on + of apparel, and wearing of gold; which is forbidden by the apostle + in his general epistle to the church of Christ, the true + Christians. + + “And the apostle saith (1 Tim. ii. 9, 10), ‘In like manner also, + that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness + and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or + costly array, but (which becometh women professing godliness) with + good works.’ + + “Here ye may see what the women were not to adorn themselves with, + who professed godliness; they were not to adorn themselves with + broidered hair, nor gold, nor pearls, nor costly array; for this + was not looked upon to be modest apparel for holy women, that + professed godliness and good works. But this adorning or apparel + is for the immodest, unshamefaced, unsober women, that profess not + godliness, neither follow those good works that God commands. + Therefore it doth not become men and women who profess true + Christianity and godliness to be adorned with gold, or chains, or + pearls, or costly array; or with broidered hair; for these things + are for the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride + of life, which are not of the Father. All holy men and women are + to mind that which is more precious than gold; who are ‘redeemed + not with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain + conversation; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb + without blemish and without spot. Therefore as obedient children + to God, not fashioning yourselves according to your former lusts + in your ignorance; but as he which hath called you is holy, so be + ye holy in all manner of conversation,’ 1 Pet. i. 14, 15. + + “Christ saith, ‘The life is more than meat, and the body is more + than raiment,’ Luke xii. 23. + + “I read of a “wise moral philosopher, who, meeting a woman with + her neck and breast bare, laid his hand upon her, and said, + ‘Woman, wilt thou sell this flesh?’ and she replying, No; ‘Then + pray,’ said he, ‘shut up thy shop;’” (meaning her bare breasts and + neck). So they were looked upon as harlots, that went with their + necks, breasts, and backs bare, and not modest people, even among + the moral heathens. Therefore they that profess the knowledge of + true Christianity, should be ashamed of such things. You may see a + book written by the very Papists, and another by Richard Baxter + the Presbyterian, against bare breasts and bare backs. They that + were but in an outward profession, declared against such things; + therefore they who are in the possession of truth and true + Christianity, should be ashamed of such things. Read, I pray you, + the third of Isaiah, and there see how that holy prophet was + grieved with the foolish women’s vain attire, and how he was sent + by the Lord to reprove them. Envious, persecuting Jezebel’s + attired head and bravery, like a painted harlot out of the truth, + did not keep her from the judgments of God, when the Lord stirred + up Jehu against her. Doth not pride go before a fall, and a + haughty mind before destruction? God resisteth the proud, and + giveth grace to the humble. Solomon saith, ‘The Lord will destroy + the house of the proud,’ Prov. xv. 25. ‘For the day of the Lord + shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, &c., and he shall + be brought low,’ Isa. ii. 12, and Mal. iv. Therefore take heed of + calling the proud happy; for ‘the Lord will scatter the proud in + the imaginations of their own hearts, and exalt them of low + degree.’ And you may read in the Revelations (chap. xvii. 4, and + xviii. 16), of the false church, how she was outwardly decked, but + full of abomination, and came to a downfall at last. Therefore it + is good for all that profess the truth, to use this world as not + abusing it; for the fashion of this world passeth away; but the + Word of the Lord endureth for ever. ‘The Lord taketh pleasure in + his people, he will beautify the meek with salvation,’ Psa. cxlix. + 4. All that know the truth as it is in Jesus, are to be beautified + and clothed with this salvation, which salvation is a strong wall + or a bulwark against that spirit, that would lead you further into + the fall from God, into those things which the fallen man and + woman delight in, and beautify or adorn themselves with. + Therefore, all that profess the truth, be circumspect, sincere, + and fervent, following the Lord Jesus Christ, who is not of this + world; in whom ye have life and peace with God.” + + G. F. + + South-street, the 24th of the 4th Month, 1685. + +----- + +Footnote 58: + + Frequent mention being made by George Fox of his being engaged + with his pen on behalf of the truth, it may be well to apprize the + reader that these volumes contain only a very small portion of his + writings. Many others of his works were collected and printed in + 1706, forming a large volume, entitled, _Gospel Truth + Demonstrated, in a collection of Doctrinal Books, given forth by + that faithful minister of Jesus Christ, George Fox, &c._ This + collection consists of above 1000 folio pages, comprising about + 160 pieces, the dates from 1653-1689. + + In addition to treatises in explanation or defence of the + principles and doctrines taught by George Fox, this volume + contains many others of a more extended character. There are three + addressed to the Jews; and papers in behalf of the doctrine of the + gospel, and against persecution, to be delivered to the following + rulers:—The Great Turk, the magistrates of Malta, the Emperor of + Austria, the Kings of France and Spain, the Pope, and the Emperor + of China. And in 1688, Sultan Mahomet IV. having sent a defiance + to the Emperor Leopold in his Christian character, threatening to + ruin him, _and pursue his crucified God_, George Fox wrote a Reply + to this public document; warning the Turk to fear the great God + that made him and all things, and showing him out of their Koran, + that the founder of their religion wrote more respectfully of + Christ: whom he then proceeds to set forth to the notice of the + Sultan by citations from the Scriptures. + + In the books and treatises forming the above collection, the + doctrine of our blessed Lord, and those matters essential to + salvation and true Christianity, are plainly asserted and fully + demonstrated according to the Scriptures. For although he gave + preference to the Holy Spirit (as all true spiritual Christians + do), yet his true love to, and sincere esteem of, the Holy + Scriptures (as being given by Divine inspiration), is clearly + manifest; 1st, In his frequent advice to Friends to keep to + Scripture language, terms, words, and doctrines, as taught by the + Holy Ghost, in matters of faith, religion, controversy, and + conversation; and not to be imposed upon and drawn into + unscriptural terms, invented by men in their human wisdom. 2nd, In + his great industry in searching the Scriptures, and frequently + quoting, reciting, aptly applying and opening the same in his + writings, as appears in the above-named work. He truly testified, + both in his ministry and writings, of Christ Jesus, his power, and + coming, in the flesh and in the spirit. He was both for the sacred + history and mystery of Christ revealed according to the Scripture + testimonies of him, respecting his sufferings without, the work of + his power within, and his kingdom and glory; and, under his + guidance, he faithfully warred against the spirit of Antichrist + and persecution—against the false church—the corruptions of the + world, its deceit and hypocrisy, under all professions. + +Footnote 59: + + William Bingley became a minister among Friends while residing in + Yorkshire, and visited Ireland in 1675 and in 1682. He settled in + London as a stuff merchant when in the meridian of life; and in + 1684 accompanied Samuel Waldenfield on an apostolic journey in + Holland and the Netherlands. He was one of the Friends who + preached at the funeral of George Fox, in 1690-91; and he appears + to have paid religious visits to different parts of Great Britain + at various periods. He died in London in 1714, aged 64 years. + +Footnote 60: + + Samuel Waldenfield, born at Edmondsbury, in Suffolk, in 1652, was + religiously inclined in his youth, and a hearer of the + Independents. But becoming convinced of the principles of truth, + as held by Friends, about the year 1670, he came forth a powerful + preacher of the word of life; and, with the Lord’s blessing on his + labours, many were convinced of the truth, and turned from + darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, and were + as the seals of his ministry. In 1684 he married, and settled in + London, continuing faithful and diligent in the work he was called + unto; and suffered for his testimony by imprisonment, &c. His + travels on gospel service, to the year 1700 were near 40,000 + miles, which were also, subsequently, very considerable. Samuel + Waldenfield is spoken of as being very considerate of the poor, + humble, and merciful, and as an elder worthy of double honour. He + was a bright ornament to our religion in his conversation, gaining + great reputation to truth and Friends among rich and poor. He was + ill about two months before his decease, during which time he + uttered many expressions worthy of being noted. He died in great + peace in 1715.—See _Piety Promoted_, vol. ii., pp. 248-252. + +Footnote 61: + + After returning from his last visit to Holland, George Fox did not + travel far from London, his usual residence during the latter part + of his life. His health had been gradually declining for some + years, in consequence of his many and grievous imprisonments, and + the great fatigue of body and mind, occasioned by his long travels + for the promotion of the cause of truth, and by his incessant + labours in “defence of the gospel” against the clamour and + opposition of apostate brethren, and the unfounded imputations of + others, decidedly hostile to the truth as it is in Jesus. His + solicitude, however, to promote the welfare of the Society, and + procure relief to his Friends under suffering, both at home and + abroad, remained undiminished. In the course of his declining + state, he wrote many epistles to his friends, some of sympathy and + consolation, to encourage and strengthen them in their deep + sufferings; others of counsel, exhortation, and reproof, “stirring + up the pure mind by way of remembrance,” and labouring to build + them up in the most holy faith; and, on all occasions, seeking not + his own honour, but the honour of God only, and the edification of + his church and people. + +Footnote 62: + + Those Christians whose experience enters most deeply into the + spiritual nature of the gospel dispensation, will find that it + leads them into simplicity as regards their outward appearance. + The practice in the primitive church, as regards “outward + adorning,” is thus spoken of by Coleman, in his _Antiquities of + the Christian Church_:— + + “Nothing may appear more purely a matter of indifference than the + fashion and colour of dress; and yet, in the circumstances of the + primitive Christians, articles of that nature did acquire such an + importance that they gradually fell into a style of clothing + peculiar to themselves. Not that they affected any singularities + in their personal appearance, for their habiliments were made and + worn in the ordinary fashion of the time and place: and + Christians, whether found in the high, the middle, or the lower + ranks, were accustomed to equip themselves in a manner suited to + the decencies of the state or profession to which they belonged; + but, looking to the moral influence of dress, and desirous of + avoiding everything that might minister to vanity, or lead the + wearer to forget, in attending to the outward man, the ornament of + a ‘meek and quiet spirit,’ they studiously rejected all finery as + unbecoming the humility of their character, and confined + themselves to a suit of apparel, remarkable not so much for the + plainness of the material as for the absence of all superfluous + ornament. Everything gaudy or sumptuous, that partook of the + costly stuffs or the crimson dyes that suited the luxurious taste + of the times, was discountenanced by the spiritually-minded + followers of Christ. The same simplicity reigned throughout their + domestic establishments; and even those of their number who were + persons of rank and opulence, chose to content themselves with + such things as were recommended by their utility rather than their + elegance, and calculated to answer the purposes of necessity and + comfort, rather than to gratify ‘the lust of the eye, and the + pride of life.’ And however refined or exquisite the taste, which, + through education and the habits of society, any of them had + acquired, they learned to subject it to the higher principle of + denying themselves to everything that tended too much to captivate + the senses, and increase their love to a world, the fashion + whereof, they thought, was soon to pass away.” + + The remarks of John Wesley on simplicity in dress are excellent, + but too long to be quoted here. He says that “following the + fashions of the world is directly at war with the spirit of the + gospel.” See _Select Miscellanies_, vol. v., p. 288, for Wesley’s + views on this subject; also of T. à Kempis, and others. + + + + + CHAPTER XII. + +1685-1686.—George Fox tarries in London, labouring in the service of + Truth—removes to Epping on account of his health—writes an + epistle to Friends—returns to London—writes a paper concerning + order in the Church of God—and a warning to backsliders—assists + in distributing money raised for sufferers by Friends in + Ireland—writes an epistle to the king of Poland, on behalf of + Friends of Dantzic, who suffer imprisonment for conscience’ + sake—a paper concerning judging—looks diligently after Friends’ + sufferings in London, and obtains a general release of + prisoners—writes an epistle to Friends, many having been + recently liberated from prison—another on a similar occasion—an + epistle to Friends to keep in the unity in the Truth—another to + remind them of the evidence and seal they had received of their + meetings for discipline having been set up in the power and + spirit of God—a paper concerning the state of the true Church—a + paper respecting the “falling away” foretold by the apostle + Paul, 2 Thess. ii. 3—a paper showing how the Lord, in all ages, + called the righteous out from amongst the wicked, before he + destroyed the latter. + + +After I had been some weeks at South Street and Enfield, in which +time I had several meetings with Friends, I returned to LONDON. +Amongst other services I found there, one was to assist Friends in +drawing up a testimony to clear our Friends from being concerned in +the late rebellion in the West, and from all plots against the +government: which was delivered to the chief justice, who was then +going down into the West with commission to try prisoners. + +I tarried some time in London, visiting meetings, and labouring +among Friends in the service of truth. But finding my health much +impaired for the want of fresh air, I went to Charles Bathurst’s +country-house at EPPING-FOREST, where I stayed a few days. While I +was there it came upon me to write the following epistle to +Friends:— + + “DEAR FRIENDS, + + “Who are called, chosen, and faithful in this day of trial, + temptations, and sufferings, whom the Lord by his right hand hath + upholden in all your sufferings (and some to death) for the Lord + and his truth’s sake. Christ saith, ‘Be of good cheer, I have + overcome the world; in me ye have peace; but in the world ye have + trouble.’ The children of the Seed, who are heirs of the kingdom, + know this is true. And though ye have trials by false brethren, + Judases and sons of perdition, that are got into the temple of + God, and exalted above all that is called God, whom the Lord will + destroy with the breath of his mouth, and the brightness of his + coming: and though ye be tried by powers or principalities, yet + there is nothing able to separate you from the love of God, which + ye have in Christ Jesus. In that love dwell, which bears all + things and fulfils the law; in which edify one another, and be + courteous, kind, and humble; for to such God giveth his grace + plentifully, and such he teacheth. And pray in the Holy Ghost, + which proceeds from the Father and the Son; in it keep your holy + communion, and unity in the Spirit, the bond of peace, which is + the king of kings’ heavenly peace. In that you are all bound to + good behaviour, to keep peace among yourselves, to seek the peace + of all men; and to show forth the heavenly, gentle, and peaceable + wisdom to all, in righteousness and truth, answering the good in + all people in your lives and conversations (for the Lord is + glorified in your bringing forth spiritual fruit), that ye may eye + and behold the Lord in all your actions; that his blessings ye may + all feel to rest upon you. + + “Whether ye be the Lord’s prisoners for his name and truth’s sake, + or at liberty, in all things labour to be content, for that is a + continual feast; and let no trouble move you; then ye will be as + Mount Sion, that cannot be removed. In all things exercise the + word of patience, which word will sanctify all things to you. + Study to be quiet, and do the Lord’s business that he requires of + you, and your own, in truth and righteousness: and whatsoever ye + do, let it be done to the praise and glory of God in the name of + Jesus Christ. All they that make God’s people suffer, make the + Seed suffer in their own particulars, and imprison the Just there. + Such will not visit the Seed in themselves, but cast it into + prison in others, and not visit it in prison. You may read that + Christ saith, such must go into everlasting punishment. That is a + sad punishment and prison. All such as become apostates and + backsliders, that crucify to themselves Christ afresh, put him to + open shame, and trample under feet the blood of the Son of God, by + which they were cleansed, and then come to be unclean; such + grieve, vex, quench, and rebel against, the Spirit of God in + themselves; and then rebel against them that walk in it. Such are + unfaithful to God and man, and are enemies to every good work and + service of God: but their end will be according to their works; + who are like unto the earth, that hath often received rain, but + brings forth briars and thorns, which are to be rejected, and are + for the fire. + + “Therefore, dear Friends, in all your sufferings feel the Lord’s + eternal arm and power, which hath supported you to this day, and + will to the end, as your faith stands in it, and as you are + settled upon the rock and foundation Christ Jesus, that cannot be + removed; in whom ye have life and peace with God. The Lord God + Almighty in him give you dominion, and preserve you all to his + glory; that in all your sufferings ye may feel his presence: and + that when ye have finished your testimony, ye may receive the + crown of glory, which God hath laid up for them that fear and + serve him. Amen.” + + G. F. + + The 15th of the 7th Month, 1685. + +Having spent about a week in the country, I returned to LONDON, +where I continued about two months, visiting meetings, and labouring +to get relief for Friends from their sufferings, which yet lay heavy +upon them in many parts of the nation. Several papers also I wrote +relating to the service of truth, one of which was concerning order +in the church of God, which some that were gone out of the unity of +Friends much opposed. It was as follows:— + + “Among all societies, families, or nations of people in the world, + there exists some sort of order. There was the order of Aaron in + the Old Testament; and the order of Melchizedeck before that, + after whose order Christ Jesus came; and he did not despise that + order. God is a God of order in his whole creation, and in his + church: and all believers in the light, the life in Christ, that + pass from death to life, are in the order of the Holy Spirit, + power, light, life, and government of Christ Jesus, of the + increase whereof there is no end. This is a mystery to all those + disorderly people, who have written and printed so much against + the order which the Lord’s power and Spirit hath brought forth + among his people. And you that cry so much against order, is it + not manifest that you are gone into a land of darkness, and of the + shadow of death, into disorder, and where the light is as + darkness? Is not this your condition seen by all them that live + and walk in the truth, whose conversations are according to the + gospel of life and salvation? + + “The devil, Satan, dragon, the first and second beast, the whore + and false prophets, and their worshippers and followers, are all + out of the truth, abode not in it, nor in the order of it; and the + truth is over them all. In Salem is God’s tabernacle; and his + tabernacle is in Shiloh; these are far beyond the tabernacles of + Ham. (Ps. lxxvi. and lxxviii.). + + “All the figures and shadows were and are comprehended in time; + but Christ the substance is the beginning and the ending. And all + trials, troubles, persecutions, and temptations, came up in time; + but the Lord’s power which is everlasting, is over all such + things; in which is safety. + + “The black world of darkness lieth in wickedness, and by its + wisdom knoweth not God, that made the world and all things + therein; for the god of the world and prince of the air ruleth in + the hearts of all that disobey the living God that made them. So + the God of this wicked world hath blinded the eyes of the infidels + or heathen; so that by their wisdom they know not the living God. + + “In the Old Testament the Lord said, ‘With all thy offerings thou + shalt offer salt.’ (Lev. ii. 13.). And Christ saith in his new + covenant, ‘Every one shall be salted with fire, and every + sacrifice shall be salted with salt. Salt is good; but if the salt + have lost its saltness, wherewith will you season it? Have salt in + yourselves; and have peace one with another,’ Mark ix. 49, 50. + + “We have received the earnest of the Spirit, which is the earnest + of the inheritance, that fadeth not away. For God poureth out of + his Spirit upon all flesh. It is God’s Spirit which is above our + natural spirit, by which alone we do not know God; for it is by + the Spirit of God that we know the things of God. And the Spirit + of God doth witness to our souls and spirits, that this Spirit of + God is the earnest of an eternal inheritance. ‘God opens his + people’s ears to discipline, and commands that they turn from + iniquity. If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days + in prosperity and their years in pleasures; but if they obey not, + they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without + knowledge,’ Job xxxvi. 10-12. So the disobedient that do not turn + from their iniquity have not this prosperity and pleasure, but die + without the knowledge of God; and their ears are shut to this + discipline, which God opens to his people.” + + G. F. + +When I had been about two months in London, I was sent for to my son +Rous’s at KINGSTON, to visit a daughter of his, who at that time lay +very sick; but recovered. Whilst I stayed there I had several +meetings with Friends; and returning by HAMMERSMITH, stayed the +First-day meeting there, which was large and peaceable. Having +visited Friends thereabouts, I came back to LONDON again, being very +intent upon the business of getting redress for suffering Friends. +In this and other services I continued at London, till the latter +end of the 11th month; save that I went to visit an ancient Friend +at BETHNAL-GREEN, with whom I tarried three or four days. While I +was there, I was much exercised in the sense of the enemy’s working, +to draw from the holy way of truth into a false liberty, and so into +the world’s ways and worships again. And the example of the +backsliding Jews coming before me, I was moved to write the +following as a warning to all such:— + + “You may see, when the Jews rebelled against the good Spirit of + God, which he gave to instruct them, they forsook him and his law, + way, and worship, and went a whoring after Balaam’s ways, and + became like the wild ass’s colt, snuffing up the wind, as in Jer. + ii. 24. And in Jer. iii., see how Judah played the harlot under + every green tree, and upon every high mountain: and therefore the + Lord divorced Judah, as he had divorced Israel, when she forsook + his way and followed the ways of the heathen. Though the Lord had + fed them to the full, yet they forsook him, ‘they committed + adultery, and assembled themselves together in harlots’ houses,’ + Jer. v. 7. ‘And with their whoredom they defiled the land, and + committed adultery with stocks and stones,’ Jer. iii. 9. Here you + may see, when they forsook the living eternal God, they followed + the religions and worships of other nations, whose gods were made + of stocks and stones, which the Jews worshipped, and committed + adultery withal. When they forsook the living God, and his way and + worship, they forsook the worship at the temple at Jerusalem, and + followed the heathen’s worships in the mountains and fields; so it + was called adultery and whoredom to join with other religions and + forsake God; as in Jer. xiii. 27. + + “And now, if the children of New Jerusalem that is above, should + forsake the worship that Christ in his New Testament set up (which + is in Spirit and in truth) and follow the worships of nations, + which men have set up, will not they that do so, commit adultery + with them, in forsaking God’s worship, and Christ, the new and + living way? + + “In Jer. xliv., ye may see how the children of Judah provoked the + Lord against them, by worshipping the works of their own hands, + and following the gods of the land of Egypt. In this they + committed adultery, forsaking the living God, their husband, and + his worship; and there ye may see God’s judgments pronounced + against them to their destruction. And what will become of those + that forsake the worship in Spirit and in truth, which Christ set + up, and worship the works of their own hands in spiritual Egypt, + and follow spiritual Egypt’s will-worship, which they invented? + May not this be called whoredom in them that forsake Christ, the + new and living way, his pure religion, and his worship, that he + hath set up? And they that forsake the Lord’s way, and his worship + that he set up, and follow the world’s ways and worships that they + set up, do not they, whose way they follow, become at last their + enemies? as in Lam. i. See how the Jews forsook the Lord’s way and + worship, and doted on their lovers (the Assyrians, &c.) and with + all their idols they were defiled; and how they did not leave the + whoredoms brought from Egypt, and how they were polluted with the + Babylonians’ bed; as ye may read in Ezek. xxiii. When they forsook + the Lord, his way and worship, and followed the way and worship of + the heathen; then it was said they went a whoring after other + lovers, and committed adultery with them. + + “Ye may see in Ezek. xvi. the state of the Jews was likened unto + that of their sister Sodom, and how they had played the harlot + with the Assyrians, and committed fornication with the Egyptians, + and had increased their whoredoms in following their abominable + idols. And therefore the Lord carried away the two tribes that + forsook him into Babylon; as you may see in Ezek. xvii. 20. And + they that forsake Christ, the new and living Way, and the worship + of God in Spirit and in truth, which Christ set up in his New + Testament, go into captivity in spiritual Babylon. + + “In Hosea ii., see how he discovers the whoredoms and idolatry of + the Jews, who forsook the Lord, and compares them to a harlot. And + in chap, viii., the destruction threatened against the Jews, for + their impiety and idolatry. In chap. ix. also, the distress and + captivity of the Jews is threatened for their sins and idolatry. + And again they are reproved and threatened for their impiety and + idolatry, Hos. x. This was for forsaking the Lord and his way, and + following the ways of their own inventions, and the ways of the + heathen. + + “Doth not Isaiah say, ‘That the Lord would visit Tyre, and that + she should commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world + upon the face of the earth;’ and therefore the Lord threatened + destruction upon her, chap, xxiii. And in chap. lvii. see how the + Lord reproved the Jews for their whorish idolatry, and said, ‘Upon + a high and lofty mountain hast thou set thy bed; even thither + wentest thou up to offer sacrifices. Thou hast enlarged thy bed, + and made a covenant with them; thou lovedst their bed, where thou + sawest it.’ This was a joining to the heathen’s religions, altars, + and sacrifices, and a forsaking of the Lord’s altar and + sacrifices, which he commanded in the law; and therefore that was + committing whoredom with the heathen, and going into their beds + from the living God that made them. And now in the New Testament + God having ‘poured his Spirit upon all flesh,’ that by his Spirit + all might come to be ‘a royal priesthood, to offer up spiritual + sacrifices to God by Jesus Christ;’ all that err from the Spirit + of God and rebel against it, are not like to offer spiritual + sacrifices to God; the sacrifice of such God doth not accept, no + more than he did that of the heathens, or of the Jews, who + rebelled against his good Spirit, that he gave to instruct them. + + “And ye may see in the xviith, xviiith, and xixth chapters of the + Revelations, the punishment of the great whore, Babylon, the + mother of harlots; and the victory of the Lamb, and how he calleth + God’s people out of Babylon; for ‘in her was found the blood of + the prophets, and of the saints, and of all that were slain upon + the earth.’ There ye may read her judgment and her downfall. This + whore are they, that are whored from the Spirit of God, and so + from God and from his holy worship in spirit and in truth, from + the pure, undefiled religion, that keeps from the spots of the + world, and from the new and living way, Christ Jesus; these are + whored from the Spirit of God into false religions, ways, and + worships, and so have corrupted the earth with her abominations. + But her judgment and downfall are seen, over whom Christ hath the + victory; and the marriage of the Lamb is come, glory to the Lord + for ever! And God’s pure religion, and pure worship in Spirit and + in truth, Christ hath set up, as it was in the apostles’ days. + Hallelujah!” + + G. F. + +I soon returned to LONDON, but made no long stay there, my body not +being able to bear the closeness of the city long together. While I +was in town, besides the usual services of visiting Friends, and +looking after their sufferings to get them eased, I assisted Friends +of the city in distributing certain sums of money, which our Friends +of Ireland had charitably and very liberally raised, and sent over +for the relief of their brethren, who suffered for the testimony of +a good conscience; which money was distributed amongst poor, +suffering Friends in the several counties, in proportion as we +understood their need. + +Before I left the city, I heard of a great doctor lately come from +Poland; whom I invited to my lodging, and had much discourse with +him. After I had informed myself by him of such things as I had a +desire to know, I wrote a letter to the King of Poland on behalf of +Friends at Dantzic, who had long been under grievous sufferings. A +copy whereof follows:— + + “_To John the Third, King of Poland, Grand Duke of Lithuania, + Russia, and Prussia, Defender of the city of Dantzic, &c. + Concerning the innocent and afflicted people, in scorn called + Quakers, who are now fed with bread and water in Bridewell of + the aforesaid city, under close confinement, where their + friends, wives, and children, are hardly suffered to come to + see them._ + + “O KING! + + “The magistrates of the city of Dantzic say, that it is thy order + and command, that these innocent and afflicted people should + suffer such oppression. Now this punishment is inflicted upon them + only because they come together in the name of Jesus Christ, their + Redeemer and Saviour, who died for their sins, and is risen from + the dead for their justification; who is their Prophet, whom God + hath raised up like unto Moses; whom they ought to hear in all + things in this day of the gospel and new covenant; who went astray + like scattered sheep, but now are returned to the chief Shepherd + and Bishop of their souls, 1 Pet. ii. 25. ‘Who has given his life + for his sheep, and they hear his voice and follow him;’ who leads + them into his ‘pastures of life,’ John x. + + “Now, O King! I understand that thou openly professest + Christianity, and the great and mighty name of Jesus Christ, who + is King of kings, and Lord of lords, to whom is given all power in + heaven and in earth, who rules all nations with a rod of iron. + Therefore, O king, it seems hard to us, that any who openly + confess Christ Jesus (yea, the magistrates of Dantzic do the + same,) should inflict those punishments upon an innocent and + harmless people, by reason of their tender conscience, only + because they come together to serve and worship the Eternal God, + who made them, in Spirit and in truth; which worship Christ Jesus + set up sixteen hundred years ago; as we read in John iv. 23, 24. + + “I beseech the king, that he would consider, whether Christ in the + New Testament, ever gave such a command to his apostles, that they + should shut up any in prison, and feed them with bread and water, + who were not conformable in every particular to their religion, + faith, and worship? Where did the apostles exercise such things in + the true church after Christ’s ascension? Is not this the doctrine + of Christ and the apostles, that his followers should ‘love their + enemies, and pray for them that hate them and persecute and + despitefully use them?’ (Matt, v.) + + “Is it not a shame to Christendom among the Turks and others, that + one Christian should persecute another for the doctrine of faith, + worship, and religion? They cannot prove that Christ ever gave + them such a command, whom they profess to be their Lord and + Master. For Christ says that his believers and followers should + ‘love one another,’ and by this they should be known to be his + disciples. And did not Christ reprove those who would have ‘fire + to come down from heaven,’ to destroy them who would not receive + him? and did not he tell them, ‘they did not know what spirit they + were of?’ Have all who have persecuted men, or taken away their + lives, because they would not receive their religion, known what + spirit they were or are of? Is it not good for all to know, by the + Spirit of Christ, what spirit they are of? For the apostle says, + Rom. viii. 9, ‘If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is + none of his.’ And 2 Cor. x. 4, ‘The weapons of our warfare are not + carnal, but spiritual,’ &c. And ‘We wrestle not against flesh and + blood, but against spiritual wickedness,’ &c. Thus we see, that + the fight of the first Christians, and their weapons in the days + of the apostles, were spiritual. + + “Now would not the king and the magistrates of Dantzic think it + contrary to their consciences, it they should be forced by the + Turk to his religion? Would it not in like manner seem hard to the + magistrates of Dantzic, and contrary to their consciences, if they + should be forced to the religion of the King of Poland? or to the + King of Poland, if he should be compelled to the religion of the + magistrates of Dantzic? And if they would not be subject + thereunto, that then they should be banished from their wives and + families, and out of their native country, or otherwise be fed + with bread and water under strict confinement? + + “Therefore we beseech the king with all Christian humility, and + the magistrates, that they would order their proceedings in this + matter according to the royal law of God, which is, ‘to do unto + others as they would have others do unto them,’ and ‘to love their + neighbour as themselves.’ For we have this charity, that we hope + and believe, that the King of Poland and his people, with the + magistrates of Dantzic, own the writings of the New Testament, as + well as of the Old; and therefore we beseech the king and + magistrates to take heed, that their work of imprisoning an + innocent people, for nothing but their meeting together, in + tenderness of conscience, to serve and worship God, their Creator, + may not be contrary and opposite to the royal law of God, and to + the glorious and everlasting gospel of truth. + + “We desire the king, in Christian love, earnestly and weightily to + consider these things, and to give order to set the innocent + prisoners, our friends, called Quakers, at liberty from their + strict confinement in Dantzic; that they may have freedom to serve + and worship the Living God in Spirit and in truth, to go home to + their habitations, and follow their trades and calling, to + maintain their wives, children, and families. And we believe that + the king, in doing such a noble, glorious, yea Christian work, + will not go unrewarded from the Great God who made him, whom we + serve and worship, who has the hearts of kings, and their lives + and length of days in his hands. + + “From him who desires that the king and all his ministers + may be preserved in the fear of God, and receive his Word of + wisdom, by which all things were made and created; that by it + he may come to order all things to the glory of God, which God + has put under his hand: that both he and they may enjoy the + comforts and blessings of the Lord in this life, and in that + which is to come, life eternal. Amen.” + + G. F. + + London, the 10th of the 3rd Month, commonly called May, + 1684. + + “_Postscript._—The king may please to consider, that his and all + men’s consciences are the prerogative of God.” + +After this I went to ENFIELD, where, and in the country around, +several Friends had country-houses, amongst whom I tarried some +time, visiting and being visited by Friends, and having meetings +with them. Several things I wrote in this time, relating to the +service of truth; one was “Concerning judging:” for some, who had +departed from the truth, were so afraid of its judgment, that they +made it much of their business to cry out against judging. Wherefore +I wrote a paper, proving by the Scriptures of truth, that the church +of Christ has power and ability to judge those that profess to be of +it, not only with respect to outward things relating to this world, +but with respect to religious matters also. A copy of which +follows:— + + “CONCERNING JUDGING. + + “‘The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, + for they are foolishness to him, neither can he know them, because + they are spiritually discerned; but he that is spiritual judgeth + all things (mark all things); yet he himself is judged of no man,’ + 1 Cor. ii. 14, 15. So the natural man cannot judge of those things + he receives not, for they are foolishness to him; but he is + comprehended by the spiritual man, and his foolishness, and is + judged, though he cannot judge the spiritual man. + + “‘Do not ye judge them that are within?’ saith the apostle (this + power the church had, and hath,) ‘therefore put away from amongst + yourselves that wicked person.’ Did not this wicked person, think + you, profess and plead for liberty for his wickedness, and his + freedom, as he was a Christian, who was looked upon as a member of + the church? + + “The apostle saith, ‘For I verily, as absent in body, yet present + in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, + concerning him that hath done this wicked deed,’ 1 Cor. v. 3, 12. + Here the apostle judged, though afar off, and set up judgment in + the church against false liberty, under what pretence soever it + was. + + “And the apostle saith, ‘Dare any of you, having a matter against + a brother, go to law before the unjust, and not before the + saints?’ Here the saints, the church, are to judge of things + amongst themselves, and not for the unjust to judge of their + matters. ‘Do ye not know the saints shall judge the world?’ So the + saints are to judge the unjust, and not the unjust to judge their + matters. + + “And farther, the apostle saith, ‘If the world shall be judged by + you (to wit, the saints,) are you unworthy to judge the smallest + matters amongst you?’ + + “It is thus clear that the saints have a judgment given them of + Christ, by his power and Spirit, light and wisdom, to judge the + world, and not to carry their matters before the unjust, but to + judge of them amongst themselves; and if they carry them before + the unjust, they show their unworthiness of the saints’ judgment. + + “Again, ‘Know ye not that we shall judge angels? (and angels are + spirits) how much more things which pertain to this life?’ + + “‘If ye then have judgment of things pertaining to this life, set + them up to judge who are least esteemed in the church,’ 1 Cor. vi. + 4. Here it is clear the church of Christ has a judgment in the + power and Spirit of God, not only to judge in things that pertain + to this life, but also to judge of things between brethren, + without brother going to law with brother before unbelievers; + which was a fault, and to be judged, if they did so. + + “But also the saints have a judgment to judge angels that kept not + their habitations; and the world. As in Jude, ‘He judged the + angels that kept not their habitations, their first state.’ Did + not he judge in divine matters here? He judged the state of Cain, + and Balaam, and Core, and such Christians as were in their steps, + and were gone as far as they, though they professed themselves + Christians? Here again he judged in divine matters; and of their + states and beings, who stood in the divine principle, and who were + fallen from it. + + “The apostle saith, ‘Try the spirits, and believe not every + spirit,’ 1 John iv. Here again was a judgment in divine matters; + and he judged such as went out from them; these, whilst they were + with them, had sight of things and openings; but when they went + from them they went from the anointing; and therefore he exhorts + the saints to keep to the anointing. Such as went from them that + had the anointing, came to be the seducers and false prophets that + went into the world. + + “John had a judgment to try sacrifices, and distinguished Cain’s + from Abel’s; and, by the Spirit of God, knew which God accepted, + and which he did not accept, 1 John iii. 12. Paul judged and tried + such messengers and apostles, and transformers of themselves like + to the apostles of Christ; and would have the church to try such, + and have the same judgment that he had, 2 Cor. xi. + + “The apostle Peter judged Ananias and Sapphira, and the thoughts + of Simon Magus, who would have been a worker of miracles for + money. Was not all this judgment in divine matters? And the + apostle Paul judged the preachers of circumcision, both in the + Romans and Galatians. For it was the faith and liberty of those + preachers to preach up circumcision, though it was a wrong faith. + Did not the apostle here again judge in divine matters? + + “James judged in matters of faith, and manifested the living faith + from the dead one. He also judged in matters of religion, the vain + from the pure religion, and distinguished them. + + “Paul judged of the false brethren, that would spy out the liberty + of the true; to whom he would give no place by subjection, no, not + for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with the + saints; as in Gal. ii. Did not the apostle here judge in divine + matters? and he judged concerning the matters of the gospel when + some came to pervert them with another gospel, and said, ‘The + gospel which I received is not of man, neither was I taught it, + but by the revelation of Jesus Christ,’ Gal. i. 12. So here was a + judgment to distinguish the gospel of Christ from all other + gospels, which were accursed, which are after man, received and + taught of man, and not by the revelation of Jesus Christ, Gal. i. + And he had a judgment to know, ‘who made the gospel chargeable, + and who kept it without charge.’ + + “He set up a judgment in the church that the believers should not + be unequally yoked; and to see when men had a communion in the + light, and when they had it in the darkness; when with Christ, and + when with Baal; with the believer and unbeliever; with the temple + of God and with idols: as in 2 Cor. vi. Did he not set up a clear + judgment here in divine matters in the church? + + “And the apostle judged such libertines as through their knowledge + could sit at meat in the idol’s temple; who through their + knowledge and liberty caused the weak brother to perish, for whom + Christ died. These, it is like, did profess it was their faith and + their liberty; yet they did not keep in the unity of the true + faith, but went about to destroy it, 1 Cor. viii. + + “Peter gives judgment upon the angels that sinned, and were cast + down into hell; upon the state of the old world, and of Sodom, and + the state of the false prophets then amongst them, that could + speak great swelling words of vanity; and whilst they promised + them liberty, they themselves were the servants of corruption. And + had not Peter here a judgment in divine matters? These were such + whose work was to bring into bondage, and these were like the dog + and sow that were washed; which shows that they have been washed, + but were turned into the mire again. The apostle Paul had a + judgment upon such as, with their fair words and men’s wisdom, + deceived the hearts of the simple; and upon such as ‘served not + the Lord Jesus Christ, but their own bellies, and were enemies to + the cross of Christ.’ He had a judgment and discerning who lived + in the cross of Christ, and who did not; and exhorted all to live + in the cross of Christ, the righteous power of God, that slew all + deceit, and the deeds of the old man, agreeably to Christ’s words, + ‘He that will be my disciple, must take up his cross and follow + me.’ Was not here a judgment again in divine matters, of such as + walked in the divine power, and such as did not? + + “Christ sets up a judgment in his seven churches, and commends + them that did keep in his judgment, and had tried them which said, + ‘they were apostles,’ who might pretend they were sent of God and + Christ, and were not; but the church of Christ had found them + liars. Christ commended this judgment of the church of Ephesus, + because they had ‘not borne with them that were evil, but had + tried those false apostles:’ and Christ commends this church, for + they had ‘hated the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which he also + hated:’ and had not these Nicolaitanes sprung from Nicolas, one of + the deacons? and were not these become a sect of Christians? + though they might talk and preach of Christ, yet Christ hated + their doctrine. + + “Christ saith to the church of Smyrna, ‘I know the blasphemy of + them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are of the + synagogue of Satan.’ So the church is to have a judgment upon + these blasphemers, and to distinguish the Jews in the Spirit from + such as are not, but of the synagogue of Satan. + + “To the church in Pergamos Christ saith, ‘I have a few things + against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrines + of Balaam,’ &c., and ‘also them that hold the doctrine of the + Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.’ Now, these that held the + doctrine of Balaam, and the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, were got + into the church, and might look upon themselves to be high + Christians, and take great liberty to go into Balaam’s doctrine, + and Nicolas’s doctrine, which was hated by Christ; but the church + was to keep a spiritual and divine judgment upon the heads of all + these. + + “To the church of Thyatira, saith Christ, ‘I have a few things + against thee, because thou sufferest the woman Jezebel to teach, + which seduces my people,’ &c. Here was a suffering, which should + have been a judgment by Christ’s Spirit, upon that Jezebel, which + was erred from his Spirit, and so from Christ. Such as these were + high preachers. And is not the church to beware of suffering such + now, lest they come under the reproof of Christ, for not passing + judgment against the false teacher and seducer? + + “The church of Sardis ‘had a name to live, but was dead, and her + works were not found perfect before God.’ There is a judgment to + be set up in the church, to judge all imperfect works, and such as + would have a name, but not the nature; a name to live, but are + dead. All the members of Christ’s church must be in Christ, living + members, and live to his name. This church had a few names that + had not defiled their garments, that did walk in white; but such + as have a name to live, but are dead, whilst they are in the dead + state, cannot walk in white, nor judge in divine matters. + ‘Behold,’ saith Christ, ‘I will make them of the synagogue of + Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I + will make them to come, and to worship before thy feet, and to + know that I have loved thee,’ Rev. iii. 9. + + “And to the church of Laodicea, that was ‘neither cold nor hot,’ + but lukewarm; ‘I would thou wert cold or hot: I will spew thee out + of my mouth, because thou saidst thou wast rich, and wanted + nothing; when thou wast wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and + naked.’ Now this was for want of living in the Power and Spirit of + Christ. These could talk of high experiences, and great + enjoyments, but were naked, miserable, and blind; so lived not in + the power, and Spirit, the light, and righteousness of Christ, by + which they might be clothed, and have the eternal riches. So the + church of Christ had a spiritual judgment given to them that are + faithful in his power, and Spirit, and light, to judge of temporal + things, and the things of this life; and to judge of eternal and + divine things and states; of angels and wicked men, and such as go + from truth; and of the states of election and reprobation; yea, + and of the devils who are out of truth; these being in Christ + Jesus, who is the First and Last, from whom they have the eternal + judgment, to judge eternal, spiritual, and divine things; and in + this Word of power and wisdom, by which all things were made, and + by which all things are upheld, to order all things to God’s + glory, and to judge of all things in righteousness. + + “The apostle judged, and set up a judgment in the church, of + gifts, of prophecies, of mysteries, of faith, and of giving the + body to be burned, and of giving goods to the poor, and of + speaking with tongues of men and angels; and yet, if they had not + love, all this was nothing, but as a sounding brass and tinkling + cymbal. Therefore they are to be tried by the fruits of the good + Spirit, which is love. So here the apostle not only judged himself + in divine things, but set up a judgment in the church in those + spiritual and divine matters. + + “The apostle James judges of fountains, and of fig-trees, of the + wisdom from below, and of the wisdom from above, and of the fruits + of both, James iii. And Paul judged in divine matters when he + said, ‘The Spirit spake expressly, that in the latter times some + should depart from the faith,’ 1 Tim. iv. And he judged in divine + matters, when he judged all those teachers that were high-minded, + and had got the form of godliness, but denied the power; and + termed them like unto Jannes and Jambres, who withstood Moses, + coming out of outward Egypt; as these with their form of + godliness, oppose Christ and his power, that brings them out of + spiritual Egypt now. Was not he a judge here in divine matters, + who judged such as had gotten the form of godliness, but denied + the divine power? 2 Tim. iii. + + “When the apostle said, ‘the priesthood of Aaron was changed, and + the law was changed, and the commandment disannulled, that gave + them their tithes,’ did not he judge here in divine and spiritual + matters? and was not the law spiritual, which served till the Seed + came? + + “Did not the apostle judge in divine and spiritual matters, in the + sixth of the Hebrews, where he saith, ‘Let us go on to perfection, + not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and + of faith towards God, and of the doctrine of baptisms, and of + laying on of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of + eternal judgment: and this will we do, if God permit,’ &c. And + does not the apostle judge here, ‘that it was impossible for those + who were once enlightened, and tasted of the heavenly gift, and + were partakers of the Holy Ghost, and had tasted of the good word + of God, and of the power of the world to come, if they shall fall + away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to + themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to open shame?’ Heb. + vi. Were not these spiritual, eternal, and divine matters and + states, that the apostle judged of? and have not the saints the + same judgment given unto them in the same Spirit? Have not the + apostles and the church a spiritual judgment to judge of prophets, + mysteries, faith, apostles, angels, the world, and the devil? And + is not this judgment given them of God in divine matters, besides + the judgment given them in matters pertaining unto this life? + + “And had not they judgment to discern the true gospel from the + false? and all such as had a profession of the form, and did not + live in the power? and such as spoke the things of God, in the + words that man’s wisdom did teach? which things of God were not to + be spoken in the words which man’s wisdom taught, but in the words + which the Holy Ghost taught. Therefore did not the apostle exhort + to know the power, and that their faith might stand in the power + of God? for the kingdom of God stands not in word but in power. + + “Had not all the prophets a divine judgment to judge in divine + matters? as Jeremiah, when he judged the prophets. Ezekiel also + judged all such as came with a pretence of the Word of the Lord, + using their tongues, and saying, ‘Thus saith the Lord, when the + Lord never spoke unto them;’ as in Jer. xxiii. Exek. xiii., and + many other places might be instanced. Did not he judge Hananiah, + who prophesied falsely? and did not this Hananiah pretend to speak + the Word of the Lord to the priests and people? as in Jer. xxviii. + + “Did not Isaiah judge in divine matters, when he judged the + watchmen and the shepherds? Isa. lvi. Did not Micah judge in + divine and spiritual matters when he said, ‘he was full of power + by the spirit of the Lord, and of judgment?’ Did not he judge of + priests, prophets, and judges, though they would lean upon the + Lord, and say, ‘Is not the Lord amongst us, and no evil can come + unto us;’ yet did not he let them see their states and conditions, + and divide the precious from the vile? Mic. iii. And so the rest + of the prophets. You may see they judged for God in his divine + matters, ‘who served him, and who served him not; and who lived in + truth, and who not;’ and likewise the apostles. And this divine, + spiritual, and heavenly judgment was given of God to his holy men + and women. + + “They that judge in God’s divine matters, must live in his divine + Spirit, power, and light now, as they did then; which spiritual + and divine judgment Christ has given to his church, the living + stones, and living members, that make up his spiritual household; + to try Jews, apostles, and prophets; to try faiths and religions, + trees and fruits, shepherds and teachers; and to try spirits. So + the living members have a living, divine judgment in the church of + Christ, which he is the Head of, the Judge of all. + + “Nay, the church has a power given them, which is farther than a + judgment: for what they ‘bind on earth, is bound in heaven by the + power of God: and what they loose on earth is loosed in heaven by + the power of God.’ This power has Christ given to his living + members, the church.” + + G. F. to Friends. + + The 20th of the 12th Month, 1685-6. + +I came back to LONDON in the 1st month, 1686, and set myself with +all diligence to look after Friends’ sufferings, from which we had +now some hopes of getting relief. The sessions came on in the 2nd +month at Hicks’s Hall, where many Friends had appeals to be tried; +with whom I was from day to day, to advise and see that no +opportunity were slipped, nor advantage lost; and they generally +succeeded well. Soon after also the king was pleased, upon our often +laying our sufferings before him, to give order for the “releasing +of all prisoners for conscience’ sake that were in his power to +discharge.” Whereby the prison-doors were opened, and many hundreds +of Friends, some of whom had been long in prison, were set at +liberty. Some of them, who had for many years been restrained in +bonds, came now up to the Yearly Meeting, which was in the 3rd month +this year. This caused great joy to Friends, to see our ancient, +faithful brethren, again at liberty in the Lord’s work, after their +long confinement. And indeed a precious meeting we had; the +refreshing presence of the Lord appearing plentifully with us and +amongst us. + +After the meeting I was moved to write a few lines, to be sent +amongst Friends: the tenor whereof was thus:— + + “DEAR FRIENDS, + + “My love is to you all in the holy Seed, Christ Jesus, that + bruises the serpent’s head, and destroys the devil and his works; + and who hath all power in heaven and in earth given him. Let every + one’s faith stand in Him, and in his power, who is the author and + finisher of your faith. And now for you, who have been partakers + of his power, and are sensible of it in this day of his power, + that is over darkness and its power; by whose power the hearts of + the king and rulers have been opened, and your outward + prison-doors set open for your liberty, my desires are, that all + may be preserved in humility and thankfulness, in the sense of the + mercies of the Lord; and live in the peaceable truth, that is over + all; that ye may answer God’s grace, and his light and Spirit in + all, in a righteous, godly life and conversation. Let none be + lifted up by their outward liberty, neither let any be cast down + by suffering for Christ’s sake; but all live in the Seed (which is + as wheat) which is not shaken, nor blown away by the winds and + storms, as the chaff is. Which Seed of life none below can make + higher or lower; for the children of the Seed are the children of + the everlasting, unchangeable kingdom of Christ and God. In Christ + Jesus, whom God hath given you for a sanctuary, God almighty keep + you, in whom ye have life everlasting, and wisdom from above, + which is pure, peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full + of mercy and good fruits; that all now may be exercised in, and + may practise this wisdom in holy lives and conversations; so that + this wisdom may be justified of all her children, and they + exercised and preserved in it in this day of the power of Christ, + in which all his people are made a willing people, to serve and + worship God in Righteousness and holiness, in Spirit and in truth. + + “Let none abuse the power of the Lord, nor grieve his Spirit, by + which you are sealed, and kept to the day of salvation and + redemption; but always exercise yourselves to have ‘a good + conscience, void of offence towards God and towards all men,’ + being exercised in holiness, godliness, and righteousness; and in + the truth, and in the love of it. All study to be approved unto + God in innocency, virtue, simplicity, and faithfulness, labouring + and studying to be quiet in the will of God. ‘And whatsoever ye do + in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus; giving + thanks to God the Father by him;’ that he who is over all, may + have the praise for all his mercies and blessings, with which he + hath refreshed his people, and by his eternal arm and power hath + kept and preserved them to this day; glory to his name over all + for ever. Amen! + + “Christ hath called you by his grace into one body, to him the + holy Head; therefore live in charity, and in the love of God, + which is the bond of perfectness in his body. This love edifies + the body of Christ; which body and all his members are knit + together, and increased with the increase of God, from whom they + receive nourishment. For by one Spirit we are all baptised into + one body, and have been made all to drink into one Spirit, in + which Spirit the body and all its members have fellowship with + Christ, the head, and one with another. The unity of this Holy + Spirit is the bond of peace of all the living members of Christ + Jesus, of which he is the spiritual Head, Rock, and Foundation. In + the midst of his church of living members, Christ exercises his + spiritual prophetical office, to open to them the mysteries of his + kingdom. He is a spiritual Bishop to oversee them, that they do + not go astray from the living God that made them; a Shepherd that + feeds them with bread and water of life from heaven; and none is + able to pluck his sheep out of his hands. He is a Priest that died + for them, sanctifies them, and presents them to God; who ruleth in + their hearts by the divine faith, which he is the author and + finisher of. His living members praise God through Jesus Christ, + in whom they have life and salvation, who reconciles them to God, + that they can say they have ‘peace with God through Jesus Christ;’ + and so praise God through him that was dead, and is alive again, + who reigns over all, and liveth for evermore, blessed for ever; + Hallelujah. Amen! + + “Greet one another with a holy kiss of charity. Love or charity + beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, + endureth all things. It envieth not, vaunteth not itself, is not + puffed up, nor doth it behave itself unseemly. It rejoices not in + iniquity, but rejoices in the truth. Charity is not easily + provoked, and thinks no evil, but suffereth long and is kind. + Charity never faileth. I say, greet one another with this holy + kiss of charity, and peace be with you all, that are in Christ + Jesus, your life and salvation.” + + G. F. + + The 30th of the 3rd Month, 1686. + +I remained most part of this year in LONDON, save that sometimes I +got out to BETHNAL-GREEN for a night or two, or as far as ENFIELD +and thereabouts amongst Friends, and once or twice to CHISWICK, +where an ancient Friend had set up a school for the educating of +Friends’ children; in all which places I found service for the Lord. +At LONDON, I spent my time amongst Friends, either in public +meetings (as the Lord drew me) or visiting those that were not well, +and in looking after the sufferings of Friends. For though many were +released out of prisons, yet some remained prisoners still for +tithes, &c., and sufferings of several sorts lay heavy on Friends in +many places. Yet inasmuch as many Friends, that had been prisoners, +were now set at liberty, I felt a concern upon me, that none might +look too much at man, but might eye the Lord therein, from whom +deliverance comes. Wherefore I wrote an epistle to them, as +follows:— + + “FRIENDS, + + “The Lord, by his eternal power, hath opened the heart of the king + to open the prison doors, by which about fifteen or sixteen + hundred are set at liberty, and hath given a check to the + informers; so that in many places our meetings are pretty quiet. + My desires are, that both liberty and sufferings may be sanctified + to his people, that Friends may prize the mercies of the Lord in + all things, and to him be thankful, who stilleth the raging waves + of the seas, allayeth the storms and tempests, and maketh a calm. + Therefore it is good to trust in the Lord, and cast your care upon + him, who careth for you. For when ye were in jails and prisons, + the Lord did, by his eternal arm and power, uphold you, and + sanctified them to you (and unto some he made them as a + sanctuary), and tried his people as in a furnace of affliction, + both in prisons and spoiling of goods. In all this the Lord was + with his people, and taught them to know that ‘the earth is the + Lord’s and the fulness thereof;’ and that he was in all places; + ‘who crowneth the year with his goodness,’ Psal. lxv. + + Therefore let all God’s people be diligent, and careful to keep + the camp of God holy, pure, and clean, and to serve God and + Christ, and one another in the glorious, peaceable gospel of life + and salvation, which glory shines over God’s camp; and his great + Prophet, Bishop, and Shepherd is among, or in the midst of them, + exercising his heavenly offices in them; so that you his people + may rejoice in Christ Jesus, through whom you have peace with God. + For he that destroyeth the devil and his work, and bruises the + serpent’s head, is all God’s people’s heavenly Foundation and Rock + to build upon; which was the holy prophets’ and apostles’ Rock in + days past, and is now the Rock of our age; which Rock and + Foundation of God standeth sure. Upon this the Lord God establish + all his people. Amen.” + + G. F. + + London, the 25th of the 7th Month, 1686. + +Divers other epistles and papers I wrote this year; one of which was +an exhortation “to Friends to keep in unity in the truth, in which +there is no division nor separation;” it was thus:— + + “DEAR FRIENDS AND BRETHREN IN THE + LORD JESUS CHRIST, + + “In whom ye have all peace and life, and in whom there is no + division, schism, rent, strife, nor separation; for Christ is not + divided: there can be no separation in the truth, nor in the + light, grace, faith, and Holy Ghost, but unity, fellowship, and + communion. For the devil was the first that went out of the truth, + separated from it, and tempted man and woman to disobey God, and + to go from the truth into a false liberty, to do that which God + forbade. So it is the serpent now that leads men and women into a + false liberty, even the God of the world, from which man and woman + must be separated by the truth; that Christ the Truth may make + them free, and then they are free indeed. Then they are to stand + fast in that liberty, in which Christ hath made them free, and in + Him there is no division, schism, rent, or separation; but peace, + life, and reconciliation to God, and to one another. So in Christ, + male and female are all one; for whether they be male or female, + Jew or Gentile, bond or free, they are all one in Christ. And + there can be no schism, rent, or division in Him; nor in the + worship of God, in his Holy Spirit and truth; nor in the pure and + undefiled religion, that keeps from the spots of the world; nor in + the love of God that beareth and endureth all things; nor in the + Word of God’s grace, for it is pure and endureth for ever. + + “Many, you see, have lost the Word of patience and the Word of + wisdom, that is pure, and peaceable, and gentle, and easy to be + entreated: then they run into the wisdom that is below, that is + ‘earthly, sensual, and devilish,’ and very uneasy to be entreated. + They go from the love of God that beareth all things, endureth all + things, thinketh no evil, and doth not behave itself unseemly: + then they cannot bear, but grow brittle, and are easily provoked, + run into unseemly things, and are in that, that vaunteth itself, + are puffed up, rash, heady, high-minded, and fierce, and become as + sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal; but this is contrary to the + nature of the love of God. Therefore, dear Friends and brethren, + dwell in the love of God; for they who dwell in love, dwell in + God, and God in them. Keep in the Word of wisdom, that is gentle, + pure, and peaceable, and in the Word of patience, that endureth + and beareth all things; which Word of patience the devil, and the + world, and all his instruments can never wear out; it will wear + them all out; for it was before they were, and will be, when they + are gone, the pure, holy Word of God, by which all God’s children + are born again, feed on the milk thereof, and live and grow by it. + My desires are, that ye may all be of one heart, mind, soul, and + spirit in Christ Jesus. Amen.” + + G. F. + +Soon after this, finding those apostates, whom the enemy had drawn +out into division and separation from Friends, continued their +clamour and opposition against our monthly, quarterly, and yearly +meetings, it came upon me to write another short epistle to Friends, +to put them in mind of the “evidence and seal they had received in +themselves by the Spirit of the Lord, that those meetings were of +the Lord, and accepted by him,” that so they might not be shaken by +the adversaries. I wrote as follows:— + + “MY DEAR FRIENDS IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! + + “All you, that are gathered in his holy name, know, that your + meetings for worship, your quarterly, monthly and other meetings + are set up by the power and Spirit of the Lord God, and witnessed + by his Spirit and power in your hearts; and by the Spirit and + power of the Lord God they are established to you, and in the + power and Spirit of the Lord God you are established in them. The + Lord God hath with his Spirit sealed to you, that your meetings + are of his ordering and gathering, and he hath owned them, by + honouring you with his blessed presence in them; and you have had + great experience of his furnishing you with his wisdom, life, and + power, and heavenly riches from his treasure and fountain, by + which many thanks and praises have been returned in your meetings + to his holy, glorious name. He hath sealed your meetings by his + Spirit to you, and that your gathering together hath been by the + Lord, to Christ his Son, and in his name: and not by man. So the + Lord hath the glory and praise of them and in them, who hath + upheld you and them, by the arm of his power, against all opposers + and backsliders, and their slanderous books and tongues. For the + Lord’s power and Seed doth reign over them all, in which he doth + preserve his sons and daughters to his glory, by his eternal arm + and power, in his work and service, as a willing people in the day + of his power, without being weary or fainting, but strong in the + Lord, and valiant for his glorious name and precious truth, and + his pure religion; that ye may serve the Lord in Christ Jesus, + your Rock and Foundation, in your age and generation. Amen.” + + G.F. + + London, the 3rd of 11th Month, 1686-7. + +A little after it came upon me to write something concerning the +state of the true church, and of the true members thereof, as +follows:— + + “_Concerning the Church of Christ being clothed with the Sun, and + having the Moon under her feet._ + + “They are living members, living stones, built up a spiritual + household, children of the promise, and of the Seed and flesh of + Christ; and as the apostle saith, ‘Flesh of his flesh, and bone of + his bone.’ They are the good seed, the children of the everlasting + kingdom written in heaven; and have put on the Lord Jesus Christ. + They sit together in heavenly places in Christ, are clothed with + the Sun of Righteousness, Christ Jesus, and have the moon under + their feet, as Rev. xii. So all changeable things, that are in the + world, all changeable religions, worships, ways, fellowships, + churches, and teachers in the world, are as the moon; for the moon + changes, but the sun doth not change. The Sun of Righteousness + never changeth, nor goes down; but all the ways, religions, + worships, fellowships of the world, and the teachers thereof, + change like the moon. + + “The true church, which Christ is the head of, which is in God, + the Father, is called ‘the pillar and ground of truth,’ whose + conversation is in heaven; this church is clothed with the Sun, + Christ Jesus, her head, who doth not change, and hath all + changeable things under her feet. These are the living members, + born again of the Immortal Seed, by the Word of God, who feed upon + the immortal milk, and live and grow by it. Such are the new + creatures in Christ Jesus, who makes all things new, and sees the + old things pass away. His church and all his members, which are + clothed with the Sun, their worship is in Spirit, and in truth, + which doth not change; which truth the devil, the foul, unclean + spirit, is out of, and cannot get into this worship in Spirit and + in truth. Their religion is pure and undefiled before God, that + keeps from the spots of the world, &c., and their way is the new + and living way, Christ Jesus. So the church of Christ, that is + clothed with the Sun, that hath the moon and all changeable + religions and ways under her feet, hath an unchangeable worship, + religion, and way, an unchangeable Rock and Foundation, Christ + Jesus, and an unchangeable High Priest; and so are children of the + New Testament, and in the everlasting Covenant of Light and Life. + + “Now all, that profess the Scriptures both of the New and Old + Testament, and are not in Christ Jesus, the apostle tells them, + they are ‘reprobates, if Christ be not in them.’ Therefore these, + that are not in Christ, cannot be clothed with Christ, the Sun of + Righteousness, that never changes. They are under the changeable + moon, in the world, in the changeable things, changeable + religions, ways, worships, teachers, rocks, and foundations. But + Christ, the Son of God, and Sun of Righteousness, doth not change; + in whom his people are gathered, and sit together in heavenly + places in him, clothed with Christ Jesus, the Sun, who is the + mountain, that filleth the whole earth with his divine power and + light. So all his people see him, and feel him both by sea and + land. He is in all places of the earth, felt and seen of all his. + And Christ Jesus saith to the outward professors, the Jews, ‘I am + from above,’ ye are from below, ‘ye are of this world.’ So their + religions, worships, ways, teachers, faiths, beliefs, and creeds + are made by men, and are below, of this world that changeth like + the moon. You may see their religions, ways, worships, and + teachers, are all changeable, like the moon; but Christ, the Sun, + with which the church is clothed, doth not change, nor his church; + for they are spiritually minded, and their way, worship, and + religion is spiritual, from Christ, who is from above, and not of + this world. Christ hath redeemed his people from the world, and + its changeable rudiments, elements, and old things, and from its + changeable teachers, faiths, and beliefs. For Christ is the author + and finisher of his church’s faith, who is from above, and saith, + ‘Believe in the light, that ye may become children of light;’ and + it is given them not only to believe, but to suffer for his name. + So this faith and belief is above all faiths and beliefs, which + change, like the moon. God’s people are a holy nation, a peculiar + people, a spiritual household, and royal priesthood, offering up + spiritual sacrifice to God, by Jesus Christ; and are zealous of + righteous, godly, good works; and their zeal is for that which is + of God, against the evil which is not of God. + + “Christ took upon him the seed of Abraham; he doth not say, the + corrupt seed of the Gentiles: so, according to the flesh, he was + of the holy seed of Abraham and of David; and his holy body and + blood was an offering and a sacrifice for the sins of the whole + world, as a lamb without blemish, whose flesh saw no corruption. + By the one offering of himself in the New Testament or New + Covenant, he has put an end to all the offerings and sacrifices + amongst the Jews in the Old Testament. Christ, the holy Seed, was + crucified, dead, and buried, according to the flesh, and raised + again the third day; and his flesh saw no corruption. Though he + was crucified in the flesh, yet he was quickened again by the + Spirit, and is alive, and liveth for evermore; he hath all power + in heaven and in earth given to him, and reigneth over all; and is + the one Mediator between God and man, even the man Christ Jesus. + + “Christ said, ‘He gave his flesh for the life of the world:’ and + the apostle says, ‘His flesh saw no corruption:’ so that which saw + no corruption he gave for the life of the corrupt world, to bring + them out of corruption. Christ said again, ‘He that eateth my + flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life: for my flesh is + meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. And he that eateth my + flesh and drinketh my blood dwelleth in me, and I in him.’ He that + eats not his flesh and drinks not his blood, which is the life of + the flesh, hath not eternal life. As the apostle saith, all died + in Adam; then all are dead. Now all coming spiritually to eat the + flesh of Christ, the second Adam, and drink his blood, his blood + and flesh gives all the dead in Adam, life, and quickens them out + of their sins and trespasses, in which they were dead; so they + come to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, living + members of the church of Christ, that he is the head of; are + clothed with the Sun of Righteousness, the Son of God, that never + changes, and have the changeable moon under their feet, and all + changeable, worldly things and inventions, and works of men’s + hands. These see the people, how they change from one worship to + another, from one religion to another, from one way to another, + and from one church to another; and yet their hearts are not + changed. The letter of Scripture is read by the Christians like + the Jews; but the mystery is hid: they have the sheep’s clothing, + the outside, but are inwardly ravened from the Spirit, which + should bring them into the Lamb’s and Sheep’s nature. The + Scripture saith, ‘All the uncircumcised must go down into the + pit:’ and therefore all must be circumcised with the Spirit of + God, which puts off the body of death, and sins of the flesh, that + came into man and woman by their disobedience, and transgressing + of God’s commands. I say, all must be circumcised with the Spirit, + which puts off the body of death and sins of the flesh, before + they come up into Christ, their Rest, that never fell, and be + clothed with Him, the Sun of Righteousness.” + + G. F. + +Towards the latter end of this year I went to KINGSTON to visit +Friends there; and stayed some time at my son Rous’s. I wrote there +a paper concerning “the falling away” foretold by the apostle Paul, +2 Thess. ii. 3, as follows:— + + “The apostle saith that there must be ‘a falling away’ first, + before the wicked one, that man of sin, the son of perdition, be + revealed, which betrayeth Christ within, as the son of perdition + betrayed Christ without; and they that betray Christ within, + crucify to themselves Christ afresh, and put him to open shame. + Before the apostles died, this man of sin, the son of perdition, + was revealed: for they saw antichrist come, and false prophets, + false apostles, and deceivers come, having a form of godliness, + but denying the power thereof. They saw the wolves dressed in the + sheep’s clothing, and such as went in Cain’s, Korah’s, and + Balaam’s way, and Jezebel’s; and the whore of Babylon, the whore + of confusion, the mother of harlots, and such as were enemies to + the cross of Christ, that served not the Lord Jesus Christ, but + their own bellies. These Christ saw should come, and said, ‘If it + were possible, they should deceive the elect;’ and commanded his + followers not to go after them. The apostle said, ‘Turn away from + such;’ and Christ and his apostles warned the church of Christ of + such. + + “And now, in this day of Christ and his gospel, after the long + night of apostasy from the light, grace, truth, life, and Spirit + of Christ Jesus, the son of perdition, the wicked one, the man of + sin, is revealed again; and the inwardly ravening wolves in + sheep’s clothing, and the spirit of Cain, Korah, Balaam, Jezebel, + the antichrists, false prophets, and false apostles, and such as + are enemies to the cross of Christ, who serve not the Lord Jesus, + but their own bellies; and crucify Christ to themselves, and put + him to open shame. This spirit have we seen in this gospel-day of + Christ; but Christ will consume them with the Spirit of his mouth, + and destroy them with the brightness of his coming. But God’s + people, whom he hath chosen unto salvation in Christ from the + beginning, ‘through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the + truth,’ stand stedfast in Christ Jesus; and are thankful to God, + by and through his Son, their rock and salvation, who is their + happiness and eternal inheritance. + + “The apostle saith, ‘Ye were as sheep going astray; but are now + returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.’ So when people + are returned to Christ, their Shepherd, they know his voice, and + follow him; and are returned to the Bishop of their souls: then + they believe in him, and receive wisdom and understanding from + him, who is from above, heavenly and spiritual. Then they act like + spiritual and holy men and women; and come to be members of the + church of Christ. Then a spiritual care cometh upon the elders in + Christ, that all the members walk in Christ, in his light, grace, + Spirit, and truth, that they may adorn their profession of Christ; + and see that all walk in the order of the Holy Spirit, and the + everlasting gospel of peace, life, and salvation. This order keeps + out of confusion; for the gospel of peace, the power of God, was + before confusion was. And all the heirs of the gospel are heirs of + its order, and are in this gospel, which brings life and + immortality to light in them; by which all may see their work and + service in it, to look after the poor, widows, and fatherless, and + to see that nothing be lacking; and that all honour the Lord in + their lives and conversations. + + “When the whole house of Israel were in their graves and + sepulchres, and were called ‘the scattered dry bones,’ yet they + could speak, and say, ‘their bones were dry, their hope was lost,’ + or they were without hope, ‘and they were cut off.’ They were + alive outwardly, and could speak outwardly. So that which is + called Christendom may very well be called ‘the scattered dry + bones,’ and they may be said to be in their graves and sepulchres, + dead from the heavenly breath of life, the Spirit and Word of + life, that gathereth to God. Though they can speak, and are alive + outwardly, yet they remain in the congregations or churches of the + dead, that want the virtue of life. For the Jews, whom God poured + his Spirit upon, and gave them his law, when they rebelled against + the Spirit of God, and turned from God and his law, came to be dry + scattered bones, and were turned into their graves and sepulchres. + So Christendom, that is turned from the grace, truth, and light of + Christ, and the Spirit, that God poureth upon all flesh, they are + become the scattered dry bones, are in their graves and + sepulchres, and are the congregations or churches of the dead, + though they can speak, and are alive outwardly. + + “Christ saith, ‘I am come that they might have life, and that they + might have it more abundantly.’ He gave his flesh for the life of + the world. And he saith, ‘I am the resurrection and the life’; + and, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto + the Father but by me.’ Christ is the quickening Spirit. All being + dead in Adam, are to be quickened and made alive by Christ, the + second Adam. And when they are quickened and made alive by him, + they meet together in the name of Jesus Christ their Saviour, who + died for their sins, and is risen for their justification; who was + dead and is alive again, and liveth for evermore. All whom he hath + quickened and made alive (even all the living) meet in the name of + Jesus, who is alive, and He, their living Prophet, Shepherd, and + Bishop, is in the midst of them; and is their living Rock and + Foundation, and a living Mediator between them and the living God. + So the living praise the living God through Jesus Christ, through + whom they have peace with God. All the living have rest in Christ, + their life. He is their sanctification, their righteousness, their + treasure of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, which is + spiritual and heavenly. He is the spiritual tree and root, which + all the believers in the light, the life in Christ, that pass from + the death in Adam to the life in Christ, and overcome the world, + and are born of God, are grafted into; even Christ, the heavenly + tree, which beareth all the spiritual branches or grafts. These + meet in his name, are gathered in him, and sit together in + heavenly places in Christ Jesus, their life, who hath quickened + and made them alive. So all the living worship the living God in + his Holy Spirit and truth, in which they live and walk. Into this + worship, the foul, unclean spirit, the devil, cannot get; for the + Holy Spirit and truth is over him, and he is out of it. This is + the standing worship, which Christ set up in his new covenant. And + they that are quickened by Christ are the living stones, living + members, and spiritual household and church, or congregation of + Christ, who is the living head and husband. They that are made + alive by Christ are a living church, have a living head, and are + come from the congregations or churches of the dead in Adam, where + death and destruction talk of God, and of his prophets and + apostles, in their wisdom that is below, earthly and devilish; in + the knowledge that is brutish, and in the understanding that comes + to naught. For what they know is natural, by their natural + tongues, arts, sciences; in which they corrupt themselves. This is + the state of the dead in Adam: but the quickened, they that are + made alive by Christ, discern between the living and the dead.” + + G.F. + + Kingston-upon-Thames, the 12th Month, 1686-7. + +While I was at Kingston, I wrote also another paper, showing “that +the Lord, in all ages, called the righteous out from amongst the +wicked, before he destroyed them;” after this manner:— + + “Noah and his family were called into the ark, before the old + world was destroyed with the flood. And all the faithful + generation, that lived before, were taken away, and died in the + faith, before that flood of destruction came upon the wicked old + world. + + “The Lord called Lot out of Sodom, before he destroyed and + consumed it, and the wicked there. + + “Christ said, ‘It cannot be that a prophet perish out of + Jerusalem:’ and he said, ‘O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest + the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee, how often + would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen gathereth + her brood under her wings! and ye would not,’ Luke xiii. 33, 34. + And he said to the Jews, ‘Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I + will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall + slay and persecute; that the blood of all the prophets, which was + shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this + generation; from the blood of Abel, unto the blood of Zacharias, + which perished between the altar and the temple. Verily, I say + unto you, it shall be required of this generation,’ Luke xi. + 49-51. And he said to the Jews, ‘Behold your house is left unto + you desolate,’ Matt. xxiii. 34, &c. Christ told his disciples, + that the temple at Jerusalem should be thrown down, and there + should not be one stone left upon another, that should not be + thrown down, Matt. xxiv. 2. Also, that he must go to Jerusalem, + and ‘suffer many things of the Jews, elders, and chief priests, + and be killed, and raised again the third day,’ Matt. xvi. 21. And + Christ said, ‘When ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, + then know the desolation thereof is nigh.’ He foretold, that the + Jews should fall by the edge of the sword, and should be led away + ‘captive into all nations; and Jerusalem should be trodden down of + the Gentiles,’ Luke xxi. 20, 24. + + “Here you may see, how Jerusalem was often warned by Christ, and + how often he would have ‘gathered them, but they would not,’ + before they were scattered over or into all nations, their houses + left desolate, and their temple and Jerusalem besieged with + armies, destroyed, and thrown down. And though the disciples and + apostles of Christ did meet, with the elders and church, at + Jerusalem, after Christ was risen, yet Eusebius reports in his + _Ecclesiastical History_, that the Christians at Jerusalem had a + vision, or a revelation to depart out of Jerusalem. Being + forewarned also by Christ, that when they should see Jerusalem + compassed with armies, its desolation was nigh; and that the + temple should be thrown down, and not one stone left upon another; + it is said, that the Christians did depart out of bloody + Jerusalem, before it and the temple were destroyed by Titus, the + emperor, who besieged it with his armies. He was of the Gentiles, + and destroyed the temple and Jerusalem, as Christ had fore-spoken + to his disciples, because of the wickedness of the Jews, and the + innocent blood that they had shed in it. So the Lord called his + people out of bloody Jerusalem, before he destroyed it. + + “And it is said, that Titus destroyed the temple and Jerusalem + about forty-two years after Christ was crucified, and risen again; + and that with so great a destruction, that the Jews never built + the city again, nor the temple (as Sodom was never built again, + nor the cities of the old world.) But the Jews for above these + thousand years have been, and are a scattered people in all + nations to this day; and Christ (whom they crucified) and his + doctrine, is preached, and set over them; and the Gentiles, whom + they hated, have received, and do receive him and his doctrine, + and praise God for it through Jesus Christ. Amen. + + “God called his people out of Egypt, after he had poured out his + ten plagues upon the Egyptians; when he had destroyed the + first-born of Egypt, then the Lord brought his people out of + Egypt. And after the Lord had clearly brought his people out, he + destroyed Pharaoh, and all his hosts and chariots. + + “John says, he heard a voice, saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, + (to wit, out of Babylon, the false church), that ye be not + partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues; for + her sins have reached to heaven, and God hath remembered her + iniquities,’ Rev. xviii. 4, 5, Here ye may see that God called his + people out of spiritual Babylon, before he destroyed her, and cast + her down, to be utterly burnt with fire, ver. 8, 9, 21. + + “Was not Nebuchadnezzar’s empire thrown down and ended by Cyrus + and Darius, who were of the seed of the Medes, before Cyrus and + Darius gave forth their proclamation for all the Jews to go into + their own land, out of Babylon’s captivity? And was there not a + prophecy of Cyrus, ‘that he should subdue nations, and that the + Lord would loose the loins of kings before him, and break in + pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron, and + open the two-leaved gates; and that the gates should not be shut?’ + And the Lord said, ‘This is for Jacob, my servant’s sake, and for + Israel mine elect,’ Isa. xlv. Was not this fulfilled in Cyrus’s + and Darius’s time? For did not then the Jews go out of captivity + into their own land, Ezra i. 2-4; vi. 1, 12; Isa. xliv. 28; xlv. + 13. Was not this prophecy of Isaiah fulfilled when the children of + Israel came out of Babylon? Were not the Assyrians, that carried + away the ten tribes, subdued? and the Babylonians, that carried + away the two tribes, were they not subdued in the days of Cyrus + and Darius, in whose days the ‘loins of kings were loosed, and the + two-leaved gates of brass and iron were opened?’ and had not + Israel and Jacob their liberty by them in their days, to go into + their own land? + + “And here in England, was it not observed, that most of the honest + and sober people were turned out of the army, and their + commissions, offices, and places taken from them, because they + could not join with others in their cruelty and persecuting? And + others laid down their commissions themselves, and came out from + amongst those persecutors, before they were overthrown and brought + to confusion. All that are wise, see these things, and learn by + such examples and way-marks to shun such bogs. The righteous are + safe, that keep _in Christ_, their everlasting sanctuary, that + changes not in whom they have rest and peace with God. Amen.” + + G.F. + + Kingston, the 29th of the 12th Month, 1686-7. + + + + + CHAPTER XIII. + +1686-1687.—The first and the second Adam compared—the two seeds + distinguished—George Fox is daily exercised in London in + services relating to the church, visiting the sick or afflicted, + and writing in defence of Truth, or refuting error—true prayer + distinguished from the practice of the Papists—visits his + son-in-law, William Mead—a distinction between the true + offering, and sacrifice, and the false, under the old and new + covenant—a general toleration and liberty being now granted, + George Fox writes a word of counsel and caution to Friends, to + walk circumspectly in a time of liberty—how redemption by Christ + is known and witnessed—repentance must precede the reception of + the gospel, baptism, &c.—a paper showing wherein God’s people + are to be like him—the right way to Christ—the kingdom of God is + to be measurably known in this life—George Fox is benefited by + being three months in the country—has much service in London + again—at Kingston writes a paper, showing how the Jews, by + disobedience, lost the Holy City and the Holy Land, designed as + a warning to Christians—everlasting life through, and in, + Christ, to be received and witnessed in this life—the stone cut + out of the mountain signifies the kingdom and power of Christ—a + miscellaneous paper, being a collection of Scripture passages + respecting regeneration, sanctification, &c. + + +While I was at Kingston, one day, as I was meditating on the things +of God, some particular observations arose in my mind, _Concerning +the first, and the second or last Adam_. As that— + + “The first man Adam was made on the sixth day of the week; and + Christ, the second Adam, was crucified on the sixth day of the + week. + + “The first Adam was betrayed by the serpent in the garden of Eden; + Christ our Saviour, the second Adam, was betrayed by Judas in a + garden near Jerusalem. + + “Christ arose from the dead on the First-day of the week; and they + that believe on him are entered into Christ, their Rest; the + Christians meet together to worship God on the First-day of the + week; and on the First-day of the week it was that God said, ‘Let + there be light, and there was light.’ The Jews’ rest was on the + seventh-day of the week, which was given to them as a sign of the + eternal rest of the Lord, sanctifying them, after they came out of + the land of Egypt; for before that time the Lord had not given to + man and woman his outward Sabbath-day to keep, neither in the old + world, nor after in Abraham’s time, nor in Isaac’s, nor in Jacob’s + time; until the Jews came out of Egypt to Mount Sinai in the + wilderness. Then the Lord gave the law and his Sabbath, as a sign + in the old covenant, of Christ the Eternal Rest, in the new + covenant; and they that believe do enter into Christ, their Rest. + + “Adam, the first man, is the root from whence we all spring + naturally; and Christ is called the last, or second Adam, because + he is the beginning and root of all that are spiritual. + + “The first Adam was made a living soul; and Christ, the last Adam, + is a quickening spirit. + + “Christ by the grace of God tasted death for every man, that they + might all come into favour with God; and that every tongue should + confess, that ‘Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the + Father.’” + +I wrote also a paper there, _Concerning the two seeds, +distinguishing the seed wherein the blessing is received, from the +seed which the curse remains upon_. Of which the following is a +copy:— + + “The Lord said to Abraham, ‘In thy seed shall all the nations of + the earth be blessed,’ Gen. xxii. 18. ‘And thy seed shall be as + the stars of heaven, and as the sand, which is upon the sea-shore, + and as the dust of the earth, that cannot be numbered,’ chap. + xiii. 16; xv. 5; xxii. 17. In this seed all nations and families + of the earth are blessed; but not in the seed of evil-doers and of + falsehood, nor in the seed of the adulterer and the whore, Isa. i. + 4, and lvii. 3, 4; ‘for the seed of the wicked shall be cut off,’ + saith the Lord, Psal. xxxvii. 28. The Lord said to David, ‘That + his seed should endure for ever,’ Psal. lxxxix. 36. And again it + is said, Psal. cii. 28, ‘The children of thy servants shall + continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.’ Here + is a distinction between the two seeds; for the seed of + evil-doers, of the adulterer, and of the wicked, shall be cut off; + and so it is not blessed. But Christ bruises the head of the + serpent, and his seed which he soweth in them, that disobey and + transgress God’s command, and rebel against God’s good Spirit. + This wicked seed of the serpent is cursed, and is an enemy to the + Seed in whom all are blessed; but Christ bruises the head of this + cursed seed of enmity, and destroys the devil and his works; and + in his seed all are blessed, and all are in unity in this seed. + All the children of the seed are the children of the kingdom of + God, and of Christ, and are blessed with faithful Abraham. Whoever + are of the saving, divine, precious faith, are of Abraham, walk in + the steps of the seed and faith of Abraham, and are blessed with + him, yea, of all nations, and all the families of the earth. + + “And the Lord said to Abraham, ‘Thy seed shall be a stranger in a + land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall + afflict them four hundred years; and that nation whom they shall + serve, will I judge; and afterwards shall they (to wit, God’s + seed) come out with great substance,’ Gen. xv. 13, 14. Here ye may + see, that which afflicts God’s seed, he will judge, and did judge; + for he destroyed the firstborn of Pharaoh, and overthrew him and + his host. + + “A holy man said, ‘Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed + or remnant, we had been as Sodom,’ &c., that is, destroyed. But in + the Seed, which destroys the devil and his works, and bruises the + head of the serpent and his seed, are all nations and families of + the earth blessed. + + “Christ, according to the flesh, was of Abraham and of David, for + he took not on him the nature of angels, but the seed of Abraham, + in which seed all nations and families of the earth are blessed. + So they that are of his seed, are of the generation of Christ; are + ‘flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bone.’ Now, all nations and + families of the earth must be in this holy Seed, if they have the + blessings and are blessed. And ‘out of the mouth of this Seed’s + seed shall not God’s word depart;’ but shall remain and abide in + the mouth of this Seed’s seed, in which they are blessed, Isa. + lix. 21. So it is not the first-birth’s talking of the words of + Christ, the Seed, in whose mouth the word of God doth not abide; + that makes an outward profession, like the Jews who killed and + persecuted the prophets, and crucified Christ, the Seed, and + substance of the law and prophets, which the Jews professed in + words, but they denied Christ, the Seed and Life. And all + Christians (so called) that profess the Scriptures in words, and + are not in the Seed, Christ, are in the confusion, and are like + the Jews; and so, neither Jews nor Christians are blessed, except + they be in Christ, the Seed of Life. + + “But though Christ is said to be of the Seed of David, and of + Abraham, as his generation is declared by Matthew and Luke; yet + Christ was not born of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of + man, but of God. For he was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of + the Virgin, and supposed to be son of Joseph, but was the Son of + God. His name was called Jesus, because he should ‘save his people + from their sins;’ and Emmanuel, God with us. Christ took not upon + him the nature of angels, but the seed of Abraham (as I said + before) and so ‘was made of the seed of David according to the + flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to + the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead,’ Rom. + i. 4. So the generation of Christ is a mystery. Christ saw his + Seed or Word grow up in his disciples; and ‘Christ in you, the + hope of glory,’ the apostle calls ‘The mystery, which hath been + hid from ages and generations; but now is made manifest to the + saints,’ or sanctified ones, Col. i. 26, 27. ‘Whom we preach; + warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we + may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus,’ ver. 28. For in + Christ, the second Adam, all are made perfect and complete; and in + Adam in the fall, all are deformed and made imperfect; so out of + Christ all mankind are imperfect and deformed: let them paint, and + dress themselves with the sheep’s clothing, with the form of + godliness, of the prophets’, and Christ’s, and his apostles’ words + ever so much; yet if Christ be not in them, they are incomplete, + imperfect, deformed, reprobates. But the apostle tells the church + of Christ, ‘Ye are complete in Christ, which is the head of all + principality and power,’ Col. ii. 10 (for he hath all power in + heaven and in earth given to him, Matt, xxviii. 18). So all the + saints are made perfect and complete in Christ Jesus; blessed be + the Lord God over all for ever, through Jesus Christ. Amen, Amen.” + + G. F. + + Kingston, the 15th of the 1st Month, 1686-7. + +Quickly after this I returned to LONDON, and continued there a month +in the service of the Lord; being daily exercised either in public +meetings, or more particular services relating to the church of +Christ; as visiting such as were sick or afflicted, and writing +books or papers for the spreading of truth, or refuting of error. As +it was a time of general liberty, the Papists appeared more open in +their worship than formerly; and many unsettled people going to view +them at it, a great talk there was of their praying to saints, and +by beads, &c., whereupon I wrote a short paper concerning prayer; as +follows:— + + “CHRIST JESUS, when he taught his disciples to pray, said unto + them, ‘When ye pray, say, Our Father, which art in heaven, + hallowed be thy name,’ &c. Christ doth not say, that they should + pray to Mary, the mother of Christ; nor doth he say, that they + should pray to angels, or to saints, that were dead. Christ did + not teach them to pray to the dead, nor for the dead: neither did + Christ or his apostles teach the believers to pray by beads, nor + to sing by outward organs; but the apostle said he would sing and + pray in the Spirit; ‘for the Spirit itself maketh intercession; + and the Lord, that searcheth the heart, knoweth the mind of the + Spirit.’ + + “To take counsel of the dead, was forbidden by the law of God; + they were to take counsel of the Lord. And he hath given Christ in + the new covenant, in his gospel-day, to be a counsellor and a + leader to all believers in his light. Men are not to run to the + dead for the living; for the law and testimony of God forbids it. + Those Jews that refused the running waters of Shiloh, the floods + and waters of the Assyrians and Babylonians came over them, and + carried them into captivity; and they that refuse the waters of + Christ, are overflowed with the flood of the world, that lieth in + wickedness. They that asked counsel of stocks and stones, were in + the spirit of error and whoredom; they were gone a whoring from + God. Hos. iv. 12. And they that joined themselves to Baal-Peor, + and ate the sacrifices of the dead, provoked the Lord’s anger, and + brought the Lord’s displeasure upon them, Psal. cvi. 28, 29. So + here ye may see, the sacrifices of the dead were forbidden. The + living know that they shall die, but the dead know not anything, + neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is + forgotten, Eccl: ix. 5. ‘Woe to the rebellious children, saith the + Lord, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a + covering, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin,’” + Isa. xxx. 1. + + G. F. + +When I had stayed about a month in London, I got out of town +again; for by reason of the many hardships I had undergone in +imprisonments, and other sufferings for truth’s sake, my body was +grown so infirm and weak, that I could not bear the closeness of +the city long together; but was obliged to go a little into the +country, for the benefit of the fresh air. At this time I went +with my son-in-law William Mead, to his country-house called +GOOSES in ESSEX, where I stayed about two weeks; and among other +services I had there, I wrote the following paper:— + + “_A Distinction between the True Offering and Sacrifice, and the + False, in the Old and New Covenant._ + + “The Lord saith, ‘He that sacrificeth to any god, save unto the + Lord only, he shall be utterly destroyed.’ Exod. xxii. 20. So no + god is to be minded, nor sacrificed to, but the Lord God: it is + death to sacrifice to any other god, save the Lord. The Lord saith + also, ‘Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with + leavened bread.’ Exod. xxiii. 18. So that sour, heavy leaven, must + not be offered with the Lord’s sacrifice. Again the Lord saith, + ‘Thou shalt not build an altar of hewn stone: for if thou lift up + thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it,’ Exod. xx. 25. Therefore + have a care of polluting the altar with your own tools, you that + profess to offer the spiritual sacrifice. + + “Jonah said, ‘he would sacrifice unto the Lord with the voice of + thanksgiving,’ when he was in the fish’s belly; and there he + prayed unto the Lord, Jonah ii. For Jonah in the whale’s belly had + no lambs, nor rams, nor outward sacrifices to offer. + + “The Lord forbids his people to sacrifice with harlots, Hos. iv. + 14. And the Lord forbids his people to offer sacrifice of the + blind, lame, sick, or that which was deformed, or had any blemish; + as in Mal. i. and many other places. So they that offer spiritual + sacrifice, must not offer the blind, lame, blemished, or deformed + sacrifice to God. + + “The scribe saith unto Christ, ‘To love God with all the heart, + and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with + all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more + than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices,’ Mark xii. 33. And + when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him ‘Thou + art not far from the kingdom of God,’ v. 34. To love God, and + their neighbour as themselves, was more than whole burnt offerings + and sacrifices in the time of the law; therefore all offerings and + sacrifices in the time of the gospel, if there be not love to God, + and to their neighbour as themselves, avail nothing. + + “David said, ‘Let them sacrifice a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and + declare his works with rejoicing,’ Psal. cvii. 22. These are the + sacrifices that the Lord requires of his people, more than outward + sacrifices. David said, ‘Let my prayer be set forth before thee, + as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening + sacrifice,’ Psal. cxli. 2. Here David looks upon his prayer to the + Lord, and the lifting up of his hands to him, to be accepted with + the Lord, as much as the outward incense, and the outward evening + sacrifice. Again David says, ‘The sacrifices of God are a broken + spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not + despise,’ Psal. li. 17. See also Isa. lvii. 15; lxvi. 2. These are + the sacrifices that David said God would accept, and not despise; + which are beyond the unbroken spirit, and uncontrite heart, with + outward offerings and sacrifices. + + “The adversaries of the Jews would have joined with them towards + the building of the temple, saying unto them, ‘Let us build with + you, for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto + him.’ But the Jews refused them, and said, ‘You have nothing to do + with us, to build a house unto our God,’ Ezra iv. 2, 3. Here ye + may see that God’s people refused their building with them, and + their sacrifice. Solomon saith, ‘The sacrifice of the wicked is an + abomination to the Lord,’ Prov. xv. 8. See also Isa. i. 11: lxvi. + 3. Solomon also saith, ‘Better is a dry morsel, and quietness + therewith, than a house full of sacrifices with strife,’ Prov. + xvii. 1. Now let all the people consider, what good your house + full of sacrifices doth with strife, when a dry morsel and + quietness therewith is better? Consider, all people, if ye live in + wickedness, your sacrifice is an abomination to the Lord. + + “Again, Solomon speaking of the sacrifice of fools, saith, ‘They + consider not that they do evil,’ Eccl. v. 1. Fools are such as do + not walk in the Spirit of God, or begin in the Spirit, and end in + the flesh, like the foolish Galatians; for the Spirit of God is + the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, and cannot join with the + sacrifices of the dead, nor of the fools, nor of the wicked whose + sacrifice is abominable; who grieve and quench the Spirit of God; + by which the spiritual and righteous offer up spiritual + sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. + + “The apostle Paul said, he was the ‘minister of Jesus Christ to + the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up + of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy + Ghost,’ Rom. xv. 16. So ye may see, that all the acceptable + offerings and sacrifices to God must be sanctified by the Holy + Ghost. The same apostle saith to the Corinthians, ‘Ye are bought + with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your + spirit, which are God’s,’ I Cor. vi. 20. And to the Romans he + saith, ‘I beseech you, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you + present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, + which is your reasonable service,’ Rom. xii. 1. This is the duty + of all true Christians. + + “Peter also saith, in his general epistle to the Church of Christ, + ‘Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy + priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by + Jesus Christ,’ I Pet. ii. 5. So every man and woman must come to + the Spirit of God in their own hearts, if they offer up spiritual + sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. For as Christ + saith, ‘Every sacrifice shall be salted with salt,’ Mark ix. 49. + And in the Old Testament ye may see, all their outward offerings + they were to season with salt, Lev. ii. 13, a type and figure of + Christ, who gave himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to + God, for a sweet-smelling savour, Eph. v. 2. Therefore all his + people must be baptized with the Holy Ghost and with fire, that + they may be salted with fire, and every sacrifice salted with + salt, with the Spirit of grace that is poured upon all; so that + they may offer up this spiritual sacrifice, acceptable to God by + Jesus Christ. + + “Samuel said to king Saul, ‘Hath the Lord as great delight in + burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the + Lord? behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken + than the fat of rams,’ I Sam. xv. 22. So ye may see, all offerings + and sacrifices are nothing, if there be not a hearkening to the + Lord in his Spirit, and an obeying of his voice. Christ told the + Jews, that were outward sacrificers, that he would have mercy, and + not sacrifice; and bid them ‘Go and learn what that meaneth,’” + Matt. ix. 13. + + G.F. + + Gooses, the 28th of the 2nd Month, 1687. + +The beginning of the 3rd month I returned to LONDON, and continued +there till after the Yearly Meeting, which began on the 16th of the +same, and was very large, Friends having more freedom to come up out +of the counties to it, by reason of the general toleration and +liberty now granted. The meeting lasted several days; and at the +close thereof it was upon me to write the following lines, to be +dispersed amongst Friends everywhere, as—“_A word of counsel and +caution to them to walk circumspectly in this time of liberty_:”— + + “DEAR FRIENDS AND BRETHREN, IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, + + “The Lord, by his eternal arm and power, having supported you in + all your sufferings, and great spoiling of goods, and tedious + imprisonments, only for serving and worshipping the living God + that made you; who gave up wife and children, and goods, and + suffered the spoil of them, and imprisonment for his truth and + name’s sake;—the Lord, by his infinite power and mercy, having + been pleased to open the king’s heart towards you, by which you + are set at liberty from jails, and the spoilers of your goods are + stopped, whereby ye may follow your callings, confess Christ + Jesus, and call him Lord by the Holy Ghost, in your assemblies and + meetings, without being cast into jails, or having your goods + spoiled; a great concern lies upon me from the Lord to write unto + you, dear brethren, that none may abuse this liberty, nor the + mercies of the Lord, but prize them; for there is great danger in + time of liberty, of getting up into ease, looseness, and false + liberty. And now, seeing that ye have not the outward persecutors + to war with in sufferings, with the spiritual weapons keep down + that which would not be subject to Christ; that He, the Holy One, + may reign in your hearts; that your lives, conversations, and + words, may preach righteousness and truth; that ye may all show + forth good ensamples of true believers in Christ, in virtue and + holiness, answering that which may be known of God in all people, + that ye are the sons and daughters of God; standing fast in that + righteous, holy liberty in Christ, the just and holy One, that has + made you free, over the loose or false; shunning vain disputes, + and foolish questions of men of corrupt minds; for the serpent was + the first questioner of Eve, who drew her and Adam out of the + truth. + + “Therefore as ye have received Christ, live and walk in Him, who + bruises the serpent’s head, who is your safe sanctuary, in whom ye + have election, reconciliation, and peace with God. Therefore live + in the peace which ye have from Christ, which is not of this + world; be at peace one with another, and seek the peace of all men + in Christ Jesus; for blessed are the peacemakers. Labour to + exercise a good conscience towards God, in obedience to him in + what he requires; and in doing to all men the thing that is just + and honest; in your conversations and words, giving no offence to + Jew or Gentile, nor to the church of God. So ye may be as a city + set on God’s Sion-hill, which cannot be hid; and may be lights to + the dark world, that they may see your good fruits and glorify + your Father, which is in heaven; for he is glorified in your + bringing forth good fruits, as ye abide in Christ, the vine, in + this his day of life, power, and light, that shines over all. + Therefore all you that believe in the light, walk in the light, as + children of the light, and of Christ’s everlasting day; that in + the light ye may have fellowship with the Father and the Son, and + one with another; keeping in the unity of his Holy Spirit, in the + bond of his holy peace, in his church that he is head of. My + desire is, that God’s wisdom everywhere may be justified of her + children, and that it may be showed forth in meekness and in the + fear of the Lord in this his day. Amen.” + + G. F. + +By that time the Yearly Meeting was over, I was very much wearied +and spent; wherefore, about a week after the meeting, I got out of +town to a Friend’s house a little beyond EDMONTON, where, and at +SOUTH STREET, I abode some time, and had meetings amongst Friends +there; and at WINCHMORE-HILL and BURY STREET. And having my mind +continually exercised in the things of God, the sense of his +infinite goodness and mercy to mankind in visiting them after they +had transgressed and rebelled against him, and providing a way and +means for their return to him again, was very much upon me, and in +the opening of the Spirit of truth I wrote the following paper on +that subject:— + + “God, who made all mankind, though they have transgressed his + commands and laws, rebelled against him, hated his light, grieved + his Spirit, and walked despitefully against his Spirit of grace; + God, who is merciful, would yet have all to be saved, and come to + the knowledge of the truth. All that come to the knowledge of the + truth must know it in their inward parts; I say, all that know and + find the grace and truth which comes by Jesus, do know and find it + in their hearts. And such find the hidden man of the heart, the + pearl, the leaven, the lost piece of silver, and the kingdom of + heaven _within_. For until they come to the light and truth in + their hearts, all are strangers to these things,—are in Adam, in + the fall from the image of God, and from his light, power, Spirit, + and kingdom. But Christ that never fell, brings man and woman that + follow him again to know these things, to know the truth, and Him + the Saviour, and brings them into his image, and his everlasting + kingdom. + + “The devil, who is out of the truth, tempted man and woman to + disobey God; and so drew them into the fall from the truth. It is + the devil that hath stopped men’s eyes, ears, and hearts from the + truth, who is called the god of the world, who hath blinded the + eyes of infidels, or heathen. But Christ, who bruises the + serpent’s head, and destroys the devil and his works, doth open + men’s hearts, eyes, and ears. He is their Saviour and Redeemer, + and giveth life eternal to his people that obey him and his truth. + Blessed be the Lord for ever through Jesus Christ, who hath tasted + death for all men, to bring them out of the death of Adam; who is + a propitiation for the sins of the whole world, and gave himself a + ransom for all, to be testified of in due time. For as by Adam’s + transgression and disobedience death and condemnation came upon + all, so by Christ’s obedience unto death, justification of life is + come upon all; and he that believeth in Christ hath eternal life; + but he that doth not is condemned already. But God would have all + men to be saved, and come unto the knowledge of the truth as it is + in Jesus, who is their Saviour; and in him there is no + condemnation.” + + G. F. + +After I had been a while here, I went to a monthly meeting at +ENFIELD, and thence with some Friends to HERTFORD; where I stayed +three or four days, visiting Friends both at their public meetings +on First-day, and at their quarterly meetings of men and women; and +good service for the Lord I had amongst them. Then passing to +WALTHAM ABBEY, I had a very good meeting with Friends there; and +next day went thence to another place, to compose a difference, +which, for want of a right understanding of each other, had happened +between some Friends. I returned to Waltham that night; and next day +went with some Friends to William Mead’s house, in ESSEX. + +Here I stayed some weeks, yet was not idle, but often visited the +meetings thereabouts; as at WANSTEAD, BARKING, and at John +Harding’s. Between meeting and meeting I wrote many things for the +spreading of truth, and for the opening of people’s understandings +to receive it. One was a paper proving, from the Scriptures, that +people must repent before they can receive the gospel, and the Holy +Spirit, and the kingdom of God, or be baptized; after this manner:— + + “John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, + saying, ‘Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,’ Matt. + iii. 2. And when John the Baptist was cast into prison, Mark says, + 'That Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom + of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God + is at hand: Repent ye, and believe the gospel,’ Mark i. 14, 15. + Matthew also says, ‘From that time Jesus began to preach, and to + say, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,’ Matt. iv. 17. + And when Christ sent forth his twelve disciples, two and two, they + went out and preached that men should repent, Mark vi. 12. Christ + said to the Jews, ‘Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise + perish,’ Luke xiii. 3, 5. When the publicans and sinners came to + hear Christ, and the Pharisees and Scribes murmured saying, ‘This + man receiveth sinners and eateth with them,’ Luke xv. 1, 2, Christ + reproved them by a parable, and then told them, ‘Joy shall be in + heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and + nine just persons which need no repentance,’ ver. 7, adding, + ‘There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner + that repenteth,’ ver. 10. Christ, after he was risen, said unto + his disciples, ‘That repentance and remission of sins should be + preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem,’ + Luke xxiv. 47. Peter said unto the Jews, ‘Repent and be baptized, + every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission + of sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,’ Acts + ii. 38. And Paul said, ‘The times of this ignorance God winked at; + but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent,’ Acts xvii. 30. + Simon Magus was called to repentance, if he had regarded it, Acts + viii. 22. And the apostle Paul preached at Damascus, and at + Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and then to the + Gentiles (turning them from darkness to the light of Christ, and + from the power of Satan to God,) that they should ‘repent and turn + to God, and do works meet for repentance,’ Acts xxvi. 20. + + “Here ye may see that people must repent before they believe, and + are baptized, and before they receive the Holy Ghost, and the + kingdom of God. They must repent of their vain life and + conversation before they receive the gospel, be turned from + darkness to the light of Christ, and from the power of Satan unto + God, before they receive his Holy Spirit, and his gospel of life + and salvation. The Lord commands all men everywhere to repent, and + do works meet for repentance. They must show forth that their + lives and conversations are changed, and that they serve God in + newness of life, with new tongues and new hearts.” + + G. F. + + Gooses, the 6th Month, 1687. + +Another short paper I wrote about the same time, showing wherein +God’s people should be like unto him. It was thus:— + + “God is righteous; and he would have his people to be righteous, + and to do righteously. God is holy; and he would have his people + holy, and to do holily. God is just; and he would have his people + to be just, and to do justly to all. God is light; and his + children must walk in his light. God is an eternal, infinite + Spirit; and his children must walk in the Spirit. God is merciful; + and he would have his people to be merciful. God’s sun shines upon + the good and the bad, and he causes the rain to fall upon the evil + and the good; so should his people do good unto all. God is love; + and they that dwell in love, dwell in God. Love worketh no ill to + his neighbour: therefore ‘love is the fulfilling of the law,’ Rom. + xiii. 10. The apostle says, ‘All the law is fulfilled in one word, + even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,’ Gal. v. + 14. ‘As the Father hath loved me, so I have loved you; continue ye + in my love,’ John xv. 9. This should be the practice of all God’s + people.” + + G. F. + + Gooses, the 6th Month, 1687. + +And because most people would confess, that God’s people should be +thus, but few know how to come to this state; therefore in the +openings of the Spirit of truth I wrote another short paper, +directing to “_The right way and means, whereby people might come +unto Christ, and so be made like unto God_.” Thus:— + + “Christ saith, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man + cometh unto the Father, but by me,’ John xiv. 6. And again, ‘No + man can come to me, except the Father, which hath sent me, draw + him,’ John vi. 44. Now, what is the means by which God doth draw + people to his Son, but by his Holy Spirit, who ‘poureth out of his + Spirit upon all flesh.’ By this Holy Spirit, the holy and + righteous God doth draw people from their unrighteousness and + unholiness, to Christ, the righteous and holy One, the great + Prophet in his New Covenant and New Testament, whom Moses in the + Old Covenant and Testament said, God would raise up, like unto + him, and whom people should ‘hear in all things: and they that + would not hear him, should be cut off.’ + + “They that do not hear the Son of God, the great Prophet, do not + mind the drawing of the Father by his Holy Spirit to his Son; but + to them that mind the drawings of the good Spirit of the Father to + his Son, the Spirit giveth understanding to know God and Jesus + Christ, which is eternal life. Then they know that Jesus Christ is + the way, the truth, and the life, and that none can come unto God + but by and through his Son, who is their Shepherd to feed them in + his pastures and springs of life; and his sheep know his holy + voice, in whom there was no sin, and in whose mouth there was no + guile; and a hireling they will not hear, for he careth not for + the sheep; for they are not the hireling’s, but Christ’s, who hath + laid down his life for his sheep. + + “He that robs and steals his neighbour’s words, that climbeth up + another way, and entereth not by the door, is a thief and a + robber; but Christ is the door into his sheepfold, for his sheep + to enter in by. They know that Christ is the Bishop of their + souls, to see that they do not go astray from God, nor out of his + pastures of life; they know that Christ is their Mediator, and + makes their peace with God; and they know that Christ is their + High-priest, made higher than the heavens, and hath died for their + sins, doth cleanse them with his blood, is risen for their + justification; and is able to the utmost to save all that come to + God by him.” + + G.F. + + Gooses, the 6th Month, 1687. + +Before I left this place, I wrote another paper, to show, by many +instances from the Holy Scriptures, that the kingdom of God, which +most people talk of at a distance, and refer altogether to another +life, is in some measure to be known and entered into in this life; +but that none can know an entrance thereinto, but such as are +regenerated and born again. Of which paper the following is a copy:— + + “Christ saith, ‘Except a man be born again, he cannot see the + kingdom of God,’ John iii. 3. ‘That which is born of the flesh, is + flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit, is spirit,’ ver. 6. + So, ‘except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot + enter into the kingdom of God,’ ver. 5. And John, writing to the + seven churches in Asia, calls himself their brother, and companion + in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, + Rev. i. 9. Here you may see, that John was in the kingdom; so he + was born again: for he not only saw the kingdom, but was in it. + + “And John saith, ‘Behold, what manner of love the Father hath + bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; + therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not,’ 1 + John iii. 1. ‘Beloved, now are we the sons of God,’ ver. 2. ‘If ye + know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth + righteousness is born of him,’ chap. ii. 29. ‘Whosoever is born of + God, doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him, and he + cannot sin, because he is born of God,’ chap. iii. 9. Again John + saith, ‘Let us love one another; for love is of God; and every one + that loveth, is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not, + knoweth not God; for God is love,’ chap. iv. 7, 8. ‘Whosoever + believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God,’ chap. v. 1. + And, ‘Whosoever is born of God, overcometh the world; and this is + the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith,’ ver. 4. + Were not these, that were born of God, in the kingdom of God? And + seeing John says, every one that doeth righteousness, is born of + God, do not such see the kingdom of God that stands in + righteousness, and enter into it? + + “Peter, in his first general epistle to the church of Christ, + saith, ‘As new-born babes desire the sincere milk of the Word, + that ye may grow thereby,’ 1 Pet. ii. 2. And he tells them they + were a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a + peculiar people; that they should show forth the praises of Him + who had called them out of darkness into his marvellous light, + ver. 9. And that, as lively stones, they were built up a spiritual + house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, + acceptable to God by Jesus Christ, ver. 5. Did not these new-born + babes, these lively stones, spiritual household, royal priesthood, + holy nation, and chosen generation, who were called out of + darkness into Christ’s marvellous light, see, and enter into his + holy kingdom, being heirs of the same? who were born again, not of + corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which + liveth and abideth for ever, 1 Pet. i. 23. And had these not an + entrance ministered to them into the everlasting kingdom of our + Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ? + + “James, in his general epistle to the church of Christ, says, + ‘Hath not God chosen the poor of this world, to be rich in faith, + and heirs of the kingdom, which he hath promised to them that love + him?’ James ii. 5. The apostle Paul says, ‘God sent forth his Son, + made of a woman, &c., to redeem them that were under the law; that + we might receive the adoption of sons; and because ye are sons, + God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, + crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a + son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ,’ Gal. iv. + 4-7. The same apostle says, ‘As many as are led by the Spirit of + God, they are the sons of God;’ and tells the saints at Rome, ‘Ye + have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, + Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we + are the children of God; and if children, then heirs; heirs of + God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be we suffer with him, + that we may be also glorified together (namely, with Christ),’ + Rom. viii. 14-17. Now seeing they are the sons of God that are led + by the Spirit of God, and the Spirit beareth witness unto their + spirit, that they are the children of God, and heirs of God, and + joint-heirs with Christ, are not all these children of God heirs + of the righteous, glorious, kingdom of God? and do they not see + it, and enter into it? + + “The Lord saith in Hosea i. 10, ‘Where it was said unto them, Ye + are not my people; there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the + sons of the living God.’ Did not this relate to the gospel-days of + the new covenant? see Rom. ix. 26. And what the Lord said by the + prophet Jeremiah, chap. xxxi. 1, the apostle applies to the + gospel-days, and says, ‘Be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch + not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a + Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the + Lord Almighty,’ 2 Cor. vi. 18. Are not these the children that + see, and enter into the righteous kingdom of God, that separate + from that which is unclean, and touch it not? + + “The Lord saith also by Isaiah, ‘I will say to the north, Give up; + and to the south, Keep not back; bring my sons from far, and my + daughters from the ends of the earth?’ Isa. xliii. 6. Then does + not he bring them to his kingdom of glory, that stands in + righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost? + + “The Lord said to Job, ‘When the morning stars sang together, and + all the sons of God shouted for joy,’ Job xxxviii. 7, where did + these sons of God shout for joy? Was it not in his kingdom of + glory? + + “Christ saith, ‘The least in the kingdom of God is greater than + John,’ Luke vii. 28. And in chap. xvi. 16, he says, ‘The law and + the prophets were until John: since that time (viz., since the + law, and the prophets, and John) the kingdom of God is preached, + and every man presseth into it.’ + + “‘The good seed are the children of the kingdom,’ Matt. xiii. 38. + And ‘the righteous shall shine forth as the sun, in the kingdom of + their Father,’ ver. 43. Christ said unto his disciples, ‘Unto you + it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God,’ Mark iv. + 11. And Christ lifted up his eyes upon his disciples, and said, + ‘Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God,’ Luke vi. + 20. And the apostles preached the kingdom of God. These were born + again: that saw and knew the kingdom of God, and preached it. + + “Christ said to his disciples, ‘Fear not, little flock, for it is + your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom,’ Luke xii. + 32. And, ‘I appoint unto you a kingdom,’ said Christ, ‘as my + Father hath appointed unto me,’ chap. xxii. 29. The Lord said, ‘He + that overcometh, shall inherit all things: and I will be his God, + and he shall be my son,’ Rev. xxi. 7. And John saith, ‘I have + written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the Word + of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one,’ 1 + John ii. 14. And Christ, by whom are all things, is said ‘to bring + many sons to glory,’ Heb. ii. 10. + + “Christ said, ‘Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; + for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for ye neither + go in yourselves, neither suffer them that are entering, to go + in,’ Matt. xxiii. 13. He also said, ‘Woe unto you, lawyers; for + you have taken away the key of knowledge; ye enter not in + yourselves; and them that were entering in ye hindered,’ Luke xi. + 52. Christ gives unto his children the key of the kingdom, his + Spirit; but the scribes, and the Pharisees, and the lawyers, great + professors, who were erred from the Spirit, like the great + professors in our age that scoff at the Spirit, and draw people + from the Spirit of God within, these shut up the kingdom from men, + and draw people from the key of knowledge, and the key of the + kingdom. ‘For no man knows the things of God, but by the Spirit of + God; for the things of God are spiritually discerned.’ So the + Spirit is the key, by which the kingdom of God, and the things of + God, are revealed and discerned, and known, according to 1 Cor. + ii. 10, 11, 13, 14. The apostle names some in his epistle to the + Colossians, and says, ‘These are my fellow-workers unto the + kingdom of God,’ Col. iv. 11. And he tells that church, that ‘God + hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated + us into the kingdom of his dear Son,’ chap. i. 13. So ye may see + these were born again, that were translated into the kingdom of + Christ, and were fellow-workers unto the kingdom of God. + + “Christ exhorts his disciples to love and to do good, that they + might be the children of their Father which is in heaven, Matt. v. + 45. He bids them be perfect, even as their Father which is in + heaven, is perfect; ver. 48. The apostle saith to the church at + Philippi, ‘That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, + without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, + amongst whom ye shine as lights in the world, holding forth the + word of life,’ &c., Phil. ii. 15, 16. And writing to the church of + the Thessalonians, he puts them in mind how he had exhorted them + that they would ‘walk worthy of God, who had called them into his + kingdom and glory,’ 1 Thess. ii. 12. + + “The Lord had promised by the prophet Joel, that he would ‘pour + out his Spirit upon all flesh,’ and that ‘sons and daughters + should prophesy, old men should dream dreams, and young men see + visions,’ Joel ii. 28. Now the cause that sons and daughters, + handmaids, servants, young men, and old men, have not these + heavenly visions, dreams, and prophecies, is, because they are + erred from the Spirit of God, which he poureth upon them: but as + many as are led by the Spirit of God, are the sons of God. + + “John saith, Christ was the ‘true light, which lighteth every man + that cometh into the world,’ John i. 9; and that ‘As many as + received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God;’ + ver. 12, ‘which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the + flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God,’ ver. 13. Now, the + reason why people do not become the sons of God, is because they + do not receive Christ. The Jews, the great professors, who had the + promises, prophecies, figures, and shadows of him, would not + receive him when he came. And now the priests and high professors + of Christ, are so far from receiving the light of Christ, and + believing in it, that they hate the light, and scoff at it, + calling it a natural conscience; and some, Jack-in-the-lantern. + Such are not like to become the sons of God, nor to see the + glorious kingdom of Christ, which stands in righteousness, peace, + and joy in the Holy Ghost. For the light that shines in the heart, + gives ‘the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face + of Christ Jesus.’ They that do not receive Christ Jesus, but hate + his light (which is the life in him) and yet profess him in words, + neither know the children of the light, nor true fellowship in the + light, nor the kingdom of God, that stands in righteousness, + peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost; but by the light they are + condemned. ‘And this is the condemnation, that light is come into + the world, and men love darkness rather than light, because their + deeds are evil. For every one that doeth evil, hateth the light, + neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved,’ + John iii. 19, 20. But the children of the light, that walk in the + light, come to heavenly Jerusalem, and to the city of the living + God, to the innumerable company of angels, and to the general + assembly and church of the first-born, that are written in heaven, + and can sing Hallelujah!” + + G.F. + + Gooses, the 2nd of the 7th Month, 1687. + +Having been more than a quarter of a year in the country, I returned +to LONDON, somewhat better in health than formerly, having received +much benefit by the country air. And it being now a time of general +liberty, and great openness amongst the people, I had much service +for the Lord in the city; being almost daily at public meetings, and +frequently taken up in visiting Friends that were sick, and in other +services of the church. I continued at London about three months; +and then finding my strength much spent, with continual labouring in +the work of the Lord, and my body much stopped for want of fresh +air, I went down to my son Rous’s, by KINGSTON, where I abode some +time, and visited Friends at Kingston. + +While I was there, it came upon me to write a paper concerning the +Jews, showing “how by their disobedience and rebellion, they lost +the holy city and land.” By which example the professed Christians +may see what they are to expect, if they continue to disobey and +provoke the Lord. The copy here follows:— + + “The Lord gave the Jews in the Old Testament the land of Canaan, + and they built the temple at Jerusalem to worship in. It was + called ‘the holy temple;’ and Jerusalem was called ‘the holy + city;’ and Canaan ‘the holy land.’ But when the Jews rebelled + against the good Spirit, which God gave to instruct them, rebelled + against his law, set up idols and images, and defiled the land and + the city, the Lord sent his prophets to cry against them, to bring + them back again to his Spirit, and to his law, and so to God, to + serve and worship him, that they might not worship images and + idols, the works of their own hands. But instead of hearkening to + God’s prophets, they persecuted them, and at last killed his Son + Christ Jesus, and persecuted his apostles. But Christ told the + Jews, that both their city and temple should be laid waste, and + they should be scattered over all nations: and it was so. Titus + the Roman emperor came and took Jerusalem, and destroyed the city + and temple; which was a day of vengeance upon the Jews for all + their idolatries and their wickedness, and for the innocent blood + they had shed, both in the city and country; and they were driven + out of their own city and land, and scattered over all nations. + The Jews have never had power to obtain the land since, nor to + build Jerusalem, nor the temple; but the Turk hath both the land + of Canaan, and that which is called ‘the city of Jerusalem.’ + + “Now, the Turk neither makes images, nor worships images; and so + it is a just hand of the Lord, that he should be over the + persecuting, idolatrous Jews, so that they cannot defile the land + of Canaan now with images and idols, for the Turk hath it, who + neither makes images, nor idols, nor worships them. The Jews must + never hope, believe, nor expect, that ever they shall go again + into the land of Canaan, to set up an outward worship at + Jerusalem, and there for their priests to offer outward sacrifices + of rams, sheep, and heifers, &c., for burnt-offerings; for Christ, + the one offering, hath offered himself once for all, and by this + one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. + + “And Christ hath changed the priesthood of Aaron, that offered + sacrifices, that was made after the power of a carnal commandment; + but Christ was made after the power of an endless life, a Priest + for ever, who is holy, harmless, separate from sinners, and made + higher than the heavens. This is the Priest that gives power to + all that receive him, to become the sons and daughters of God: and + Jerusalem that is above, is the mother of all the sons and + daughters of God, and is free; but Jerusalem that is below, is in + bondage with her children. They that are the children of Jerusalem + that is above, do not look down at Jerusalem that is below; but + they look at Jerusalem that is above, which is their mother. + Christ said, ‘Neither at outward Jerusalem, nor in the mountain of + Samaria, should God be worshipped; but God should be worshipped in + Spirit and in truth; for he is a Spirit, and such he seeks to + worship him,’ John iv. This is the worship that Christ set up + above sixteen hundred years ago; and therefore the idolatrous Jews + must never think to offer their outward offerings and sacrifices, + nor set up their outward worship at Jerusalem, in the holy land of + Canaan more. For Christ, by the offering up of himself once for + all, for the sins of the whole world, hath ended all the Jews’ + offerings, and changed the priesthood, and the law by which it was + made; and hath blotted out the handwriting of ordinances, which + commanded both priests and offerings; and triumphed, over them. So + he is the offering and sacrifice of all the children of the New + Testament, and New Covenant, and heavenly New Jerusalem, that is + above. He is their Prophet that openeth to them; their Shepherd + that feeds them; their Bishop that oversees them; and Priest that + died for their sins, and is risen for their justification;—who + sanctifies and presents them to God. He is the one Mediator + between God and man, even the Man Christ Jesus.” + + G. F. + + Kingston, the 9th of the 10th Month, 1687. + +After this I went to GUILDFORD to visit Friends there, and stayed +three days with them; having a large and very good meeting there on +First-day. After which I came back to KINGSTON again, and tarried +about two weeks longer, visiting Friends, and having meetings +amongst them, both at their public meeting-house and in their +families. Many things I wrote while I was at Kingston; among which +was the following:— + + “‘God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that + whosoever believeth in him, shall not perish (mark, not perish,) + but have everlasting life,’ John iii. 16. Again, he saith, ‘He + that believeth on the Son of God, hath (mark, hath) everlasting + life,’ ver. 36. So these believers have everlasting life while + they are upon the earth. And ‘He that believeth on Christ is not + condemned; but he that believeth not, is condemned already, and + the wrath of God abideth on him.’ And, ‘He that heareth Christ’s + word, and believeth on God that sent him, hath (mark, hath) + everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is + passed from death,’ the death in the first Adam, ‘unto life,’ the + life in Christ, the second Adam, John v. 24. And that meat which + Christ doth give, endureth unto everlasting life, as in John vi. + 27. And the water that Christ doth give, shall be in him that + drinks it, ‘a well of water springing up into everlasting life,’ + John iv. 14. + + “Christ said to the Jews, ‘Search the Scriptures, for in them ye + think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me; + and ye will not come to me, that ye might have life,’ John v. 39, + 40. Here ye may see eternal life is to be found in Christ, and not + in the Scriptures, which testify of Him, the Life. Christ’s sheep + that hear his voice, know and follow him; he gives them eternal + life, and they shall not perish, neither shall any pluck them out + of his hand. They shall not pluck Christ’s sheep, to whom he hath + given eternal life, out of his hand. Christ said to Martha, ‘I am + the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, though he + were dead (mark, though he were dead) yet shall he live; (mark, + live, though he were dead;) and whosoever liveth, and believeth in + me, shall never die. Believest thou this? Martha said, Yea, Lord,’ + John xi. 27. This is the true and substantial belief, which they + that believe, shall not perish, but have everlasting life. John + saith, ‘This is the record, that God hath given to us eternal + life; and this life is in his Son,’ 1 John v. 11. ‘The life was + manifested, and we have seen it and bear witness, and show unto + you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was + manifested unto us,’ 1 John i. 2. So these were the believers that + had eternal life in the Son of God, and showed it unto others. ‘He + that hath the Son hath life,’ says John, ‘and he that hath not the + Son of God, hath not life,’ 1 John v. 12. Christ says, ‘Every one + that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or + mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall + receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit everlasting life,’ + Matt. xix. 29. + + “The wicked that do not receive Christ, shall go into everlasting + punishment; but the righteous into eternal life. The true servants + of God have their fruits unto holiness, and their end is + everlasting life; for ‘the wages of sin is death: but the gift of + God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ Such have a + building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the + heavens. Therefore I desire that God’s people may endure all + things, that they may obtain this salvation, which is in Jesus + Christ, with eternal glory. For Christ being made perfect, became + the Author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him. This + eternal salvation is above an external salvation; for they come to + receive an eternal inheritance, and live in the possession of the + everlasting gospel of joy, comfort, peace, and salvation, having + everlasting life in Christ Jesus.” + + G.F. + + Kingston, the 6th of the 11th Month, 1687. + +Another paper I wrote there, concerning the Stone spoken of by +Daniel, chap. ii., which became a great mountain, and filled the +whole earth; showing “that thereby was set forth the kingdom and +power of Christ:”— + + “When Christ, the Stone, that became a great mountain, and filled + the whole earth, had broken to pieces the head of gold, and the + breast of silver, and the belly of brass, and the legs of iron, + and the feet part iron part clay (which were the four monarchies, + to wit, the Babylonian and Mede, the Persian, the Grecian, and the + Roman), and had ended the outward Jews’ typical kingdom; Daniel + saith, ‘in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up + a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed,’ Dan. ii. 44. Christ + saith, ‘All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth,’ Matt. + xxviii. 18. And, ‘My kingdom is not of this world,’ John xviii. + 36. ‘Christ is the image of the invisible God, the Firstborn of + every creature. For by him were all things created, that are in + heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they + be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers,; all + things were created by him, and for him; and he is before all + things, and by him all things consist,’ Col. i. 15-17. + + “Here ye may see, all things consist by Jesus Christ, and all + things were created by Christ, and for him, whether they be + things in heaven, or things in earth, visible or invisible, they + were created by him and for him; yea, thrones, dominions, + principalities, and powers, these were all created by him and + for him. So Christ ‘is King of kings, and Lord of lords,’ Rev. + xix. 16. And the ‘Prince of the kings of the earth,’ chap. i. 5. + Out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, with which he shall smite + the nations, and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the + vessel of a potter, shall they be dashed in pieces, who do not + obey him, the King of kings and Lord of lords. This is Christ, + who said, ‘I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, + the First and the Last;’ so he is over all nations, and above + them all. We must understand this rod of iron, by which Christ + rules the nations, is a figurative speech of Christ, who is + ascended into heaven, and is at the right hand of God. All power + in heaven and in earth is given unto him, and all things were + created by him and for him; so then they are Christ’s, and he + hath power over all things, for all are his. So, as the + Scripture saith, ‘By me kings reign, and princes decree + justice,’ Prov. viii. 15. But if they abuse his power, and do + not do justice, as is decreed by Christ, the King of kings and + Lord of lords, the First and the Last, they must feel and know + the weight of his rod of iron, by which he will rule such as + abuse his power. That is decreed by Him, who hath all power in + heaven and in earth given to him, and rules in the kingdoms of + men.” + + G.F. + + Kingston, the 11th Month, 1687. + +Several other things I wrote while at KINGSTON; for my spirit being +continually exercised towards God, I had many precious openings of +divine matters; and divers portions of Scripture, both in the Old +Testament and in the New, relating to a state of regeneration, and +sanctification, &c., were brought to my remembrance by the Holy +Spirit; some of which I committed to writing, as follows— + + “They that touched the dead were unclean, and were to be cleansed + by the water of purification, Num. xix. And they who touch the + dead doctrines or faiths, and let them in, burden the pure, + defile, and make themselves unclean, until the spring of the water + of the Word do arise, and wash and cleanse them; for all the dead + in Adam in the fall are unclean, and they must be washed by + Christ, in his blood, and water of life, who quickens and makes + alive.” + + “A dwarf might not come near to offer upon God’s altar; but he + might eat of the holy bread, that he might grow, Lev. xxi. 20, &c. + So the new-born babes may eat of the milk of the Word, that they + may grow thereby and increase. He that had any blemish might not + come near to offer upon God’s altar; neither might anything be + offered upon God’s altar that had any blemish, or was unclean, + Lev. xxi. And it is said, ‘The ungodly shall not stand in the + judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous,’ Psal. + i. 5. But ‘God standeth in the congregation of the mighty,’” Psal. + lxxxii. 1. + + “The camp of God was to be kept clean and holy. That which was + unclean, or defiled, was to be kept out of God’s camp in the old + Testament. And in the New Testament all that is defiled and + unclean must be kept out of God’s kingdom, the new and heavenly + Jerusalem, that is from above. All was to pass through the fire + (even of those things that would bear the fire), and to be + purified by fire and water, before the people might come into + God’s camp, Num. xxxi. So all must be circumcised and baptized + with the Holy Ghost and with fire, and be cleansed with the blood + of Christ, and washed with the water of the Word before they come + into the kingdom of God, and into heavenly Jerusalem.” + + “The apostle Paul says, ‘We know that if our earthly house of this + tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not + made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, + earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house, which is + from heaven, that mortality might be swallowed up of life,’ 2 Cor. + v. 1, 2, 4. Here is (WE in the earthly house of this tabernacle) + which (WE) are they that have received Christ, and are become the + sons of God, new creatures, and children of the light, that + believe in Christ’s light; who have an eternal house in the + heavens, where mortality is swallowed up of life, in which house + from heaven they will not groan.” + + “Peter said, ‘I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, + to stir you up by putting you in remembrance, knowing that shortly + I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ + hath showed me,’ 2 Pet. i. 13, 14. So Peter knew he must put off + this tabernacle shortly; but as long as he was in it he stirred up + the saints to their duty in holiness, that they might remember it + after he was deceased.” + + “The apostle Paul says, ‘The first man is of the earth, earthy,’ + (mark, earthy), 1 Cor. xv. 47. ‘And as we have borne the image of + the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly’ (mark, + the heavenly), ver. 40. And, ‘We have this treasure in earthen + vessels,’ &c., 2 Cor. iv. 7. ‘Nevertheless I live,’ said he, ‘yet + not I, but Christ liveth in me,’ Gal. ii. 20, who is the life of + all God’s people.” + + “Christ said to the Jews, ‘That the dead are raised, even Moses + showed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, + and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob: for he is not the God + of the dead, but of the living; for all live unto him,’ Luke xx. + 37, 38. So, ‘None of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to + himself; for whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether + we die, we die unto the Lord. Whether we live, therefore, or die, + we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and + revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living,’ Rom. + xiv. 7-9. For all died in Adam; and Christ, by the grace of God, + tasted death for every man, that they might come out of the death + in Adam, to the eternal life in Jesus Christ, who is also a + quickening Spirit; for as in Adam all died, even so in Christ + shall all be made alive. So Christ that died and rose again is + Lord both of the living and of the dead: for the living live to + the Lord, and die in him, and are blessed.” + + “All Christendom say they believe in God and in Christ, and that + they believe Moses and the prophets, and preach Christ, Moses, and + the prophets; so their words and writings are preached and + printed; and ye say ye believe them. But what life do ye live? Are + ye through the law dead to the law, that ye may live unto God? Are + ye crucified with Christ? and doth Christ live in you? Is the life + that ye now live in the flesh by the faith of the Son of God; and + ye do not live, but Christ liveth in you, who gave himself for + you? Is this your present life? for the just live by the faith + which Christ is the author and finisher of: by which holy, divine, + and precious faith they have victory over that which is vile, + unholy, and not divine; and in this faith they please God, and + have access to God and his Son, who fulfilleth the law and the + prophets. For the law and the prophets were until John; and since + that the kingdom of God hath been preached, and men press into it: + and the least in the kingdom of God is greater than John, though + he was the greatest prophet born of a woman. See whether ye are in + the kingdom that stands in peace, and righteousness, and joy in + the Holy Ghost, or not. + + “Christ, ‘who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of + every creature, was before any creature; for by him were all + things created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible + or invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions, principalities + or powers, all things were created by him and for him; he was + before all things, and by him all things consist: and he is the + head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn + from the dead.’ So here ye may see that all things were made by + Christ Jesus, and created for him, and by him all things consist + and have their being, who is the firstborn from the dead, and + dieth no more. It pleased the Father that in him all fulness + should dwell; and by Christ to reconcile all things unto himself, + whether they be things in heaven, or things in the earth. ‘In him + are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,’ who is the + head of all principality and power; for ‘all power in heaven and + in earth is given to him,’ the first-born of every creature, and + the firstborn from the dead, who liveth for evermore in his power + over all; the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. While + the world’s spirit rules in men’s hearts, they do not know Christ, + nor the beginning nor ending of the work of God. + + “Christ was outwardly crucified and slain without the gates of + Jerusalem by the disobedient Jews; and they that hate the light of + Christ, disobey his gospel, quench his Spirit, and are erred from + his faith, crucify to themselves Christ afresh. So Adam and Eve, + and their children that disobeyed God, did slay the Lamb; and the + blind Jews, that disobeyed God, crucified Christ Jesus; and the + outward Christians, that live and walk not in Christ, but in sin + and evil, though they make an outward profession of Christ, yet + crucify to themselves Christ afresh. But as to Christ himself, he + is ‘ascended far above all principalities, thrones, powers, and + dominions,’ so that they cannot put him to death or crucify him + any more as to himself: but what the killers, crucifiers, and + persecutors do now upon the earth, is against Christ, as in + themselves, and in his members; as Christ said to Saul, ‘Why + persecutest thou me,’ Acts ix. 4. For what is done to his members + Christ takes as done to himself, Matt. xxv. 40, 45. And they that + did not visit Christ, but persecuted him in his members, + persecuted Christ in themselves first.” + + “The serpent, that enemy to man and woman, the destroyer, the god + of the world and prince of the air, that ruleth in the hearts of + the disobedient, got in by disobedience. But Christ bruises his + head, breaks his power to pieces, and destroys the devil and his + works; and through death destroys death, and the devil, the power + of death. So Christ, the light and life, hath all power in heaven + and in earth, and openeth the prison-doors, and the eyes of the + blind, and takes captive him that hath led into captivity, and + gives gifts unto men. So Christ binds the strong man of sin, + spoils his goods, and casts him out; hallelujah! For the strong + man of sin is the god of the world, and his house is the whole + world, that lieth in wickedness. And this god of the world hath + kept his house, and his goods have been in peace, until a stronger + than he comes and binds and casts him out; and then destroys him + and his goods. So Christ, the Son of God, who is stronger than the + devil, having destroyed the devil and his works, setteth up his + own house. All the believers in the light are the children of + light, are of the Son of God’s spiritual house, and the Son of God + is over his house for evermore: glory to God in the highest, + through Jesus Christ. Amen.” + + “God spoke by the mouth of all his holy prophets concerning Christ + Jesus, his Son, the Holy One; so they were holy men, and not + unholy, that God spoke by. Therefore all that name the name of the + Lord Jesus Christ are to depart from iniquity.” + + G.F. + + Kingston-upon-Thames, the 11th Month, 1687. + + + + + CHAPTER XIV. + +1687-1690.—George Fox continues to have service in London and the + neighbourhood—writes a paper respecting the gospel and the seed; + being also an incentive to diligence—a general epistle to + Friends, forewarning them of an approaching storm—Moses and + Christ both faithful under their respective dispensations—Christ + is on his throne—George Fox’s health declining, he visits + William Mead again for a few weeks—the world’s teachers and the + emptiness of their teaching—those who turn people from the + inward manifestation of Christ in the heart, remove them from + the heavenly landmark, and bring a curse on themselves—the + prophets, apostles, and holy men of old were husbandmen and + tradesmen, unlike the world’s teachers—the vanity of being too + much busied with, and spending the time in, hearing and telling + news—though still declining, George Fox attends at the + Parliament-house many days on behalf of his Friends—writes to + Peter Hendricks, and to Friends at Dantzic, to strengthen and + comfort them under their sufferings—to the magistrates and + priests at Dantzic, showing the evil of persecution, and + persuading to Christian moderation—an appendix to the Yearly + Meeting’s epistle—an epistle to the Northern Yearly Meeting to + be held at York—George Fox’s health still impaired—writes an + epistle to Friends in Barbadoes—to Friends in Pennsylvania, and + other parts of America—to all that profess the truth of God; + being a warning to the young against the world’s fashions, and + to the old against going into the earthly things—Christ is the + “Ensign,” prophesied of by Isaiah—an appendix to the Yearly + Meeting’s epistle—an epistle to Friends in the ministry—to + Friends in the ministry gone to America—to suffering Friends in + Ireland—death of George Fox in 1690—epistle written with his + hand and found sealed up—some account of the interment. + + +I returned to London towards the latter end of the 11th month, 1687, +visiting Friends in the way at CHISWICK, and at HAMMERSMITH, where I +had two meetings, one on a First-day, the other upon the occasion of +a marriage there, at which there were many people of other +denominations, amongst whom I had a very seasonable opportunity of +opening the way of truth. Being come to LONDON, I visited Friends’ +meetings in and about the city, as the Lord led me, in whose service +I continued labouring in the city until the middle of the first +month, 1687-8. At which time I went down towards ENFIELD, and +visited Friends there and thereabouts, and at BARNET, WALTHAM ABBEY, +and other places, where I had many meetings, and very good service; +in which I spent several weeks. + +I then returned to LONDON, where I continued labouring in the work +of the gospel, till after the Yearly Meeting, which this year was +about the beginning of the fourth month. A precious meeting it was; +and a very refreshing season Friends had together, the Lord +vouchsafing to honour our assemblies with his living and glorious +presence in a very plentiful manner. At the conclusion of the +meeting I felt a concern upon my spirit to give forth the following +paper, to be dispersed amongst Friends:— + + “All you believers in the light, that are become children of the + light, walk as children of the light, and of the day of Christ; as + a city set on a hill, that cannot be hid. Let your light shine, + that people may see your good works, and glorify your Father, + which is in heaven. For a good tree bringeth forth good fruit; + therefore be ye trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, + having fruits unto holiness; and then your end will be everlasting + life. Such are the wells and cisterns, that hold the living water, + which springs up in them to eternal life. Ye may all drink water + out of your own cisterns, running water out of your own wells; and + eat every one of his own fig-tree, and of his own vine: having + salt every one in yourselves, to season every one’s sacrifice, + acceptable to God by Jesus Christ; and like unto the wise virgins, + that have oil in their lamps, follow the Lamb, and enter in with + the bridegroom. Now is the time to labour, while it is day (yea, + the day of Christ), to stir up every one’s pure mind, and the gift + of God that is in them; and to improve your talents, that Christ + hath bestowed upon you, that ye may profit; and to walk every one + according to the measure that Christ hath given you; for ‘the + manifestation of the Spirit of God is given to every one to profit + withal.’ + + “Consider what you have profited in spiritual and heavenly things, + with the heavenly Spirit of God. Be not like the wicked and + slothful, that hid his talent, from whom it was taken, and he cast + into utter darkness. A dwarf, or one that had any blemish, was not + to come nigh to offer upon God’s altar; therefore mind the word of + wisdom, to keep you out of that which will corrupt and blemish + you; and that ye may grow in grace, and in faith, and in the + knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ: and feeding upon the milk of + the word, may grow by it, that ye may not be dwarfs; and so offer + your spiritual sacrifice upon God’s holy altar. For the field or + vineyard of the slothful grows over with thorns and nettles, and + his walls go down. Such are they that are not diligent in the + Spirit of God, and the power, which is the wall, a sure fence. The + Spirit of God will weed all thorns, thistles, and nettles, out of + the vineyard of the heart. + + “And you, that are keepers of others’ vineyards, see that you keep + your own vineyard clean with the Spirit and power of Christ. + Sanctify yourselves, and sanctify the Lord in your hearts, that ye + may be a holy people to the Lord, who saith, ‘Be ye holy, for I am + holy:’ that ye may be the holy members of the church of Christ, + that is clothed with the sun, and hath the moon under her feet; + the changeable world with all her changeable worships, religions, + churches, and teachers. Be ye new and heavenly Jerusalem’s + children: for new and heavenly Jerusalem, that is above, is the + mother of all the children of light, and that are born of the + Spirit. These are they that have been persecuted, and have + suffered by the false church, mystery Babylon, the mother of + harlots. + + “And now, all heavenly Jerusalem’s and Sion’s children, that are + from above, labour in the gospel, the power of God, and the Seed, + in which all nations, and all the families of the earth are + blessed: which Seed, Christ, bruises the serpent’s head, and + destroys the devil and his works, and overcomes the whore, the + false church, the beast, and the false prophet. He takes away the + curse, and the veil that is spread over all nations, and over all + the families of the earth; and brings the blessing upon all (if + they will receive it) saying, ‘In thy seed shall all nations and + all the families of the earth be blessed.’ This is the gospel of + God preached to Abraham, before Moses wrote his five books, and + was preached in the apostles’ days, and is now preached again; + which brings life and immortality to light; and is the gospel of + peace, life, and salvation, to every one that believes it. So all + nations, and all the families of the earth, must be in Christ, the + Seed, if they be blessed, and be partakers of the blessing in the + Seed. + + “This gospel was revealed by Christ unto his apostles, who + preached it; which is not of man, nor from man. Now, God and + Christ hath revealed the same gospel unto me, and many others in + this age (I say, the gospel and the Seed, in which all nations and + families of the earth are blessed;) in which gospel I have + laboured, and do labour, that all may come into this blessed Seed, + Christ, who bruises the head of the serpent, that in it they might + have peace with God. This everlasting gospel is preached again to + them that dwell upon the earth; and they that believe it, and + receive it, receive the blessing, the peace, joy, and comfort of + it; and the stability in it, and the life and immortality, which + it brings to light in them and to them. Such can praise the + everlasting God in his everlasting gospel. + + “And Friends, all seek the peace and good of all in Christ: for + truth makes no Cains, Korahs, Balaams, nor Judases; for they come + to be such that go out of the peaceable truth. Therefore walk in + the peaceable truth, and speak the truth in the love of it, as it + is in Jesus.” + + G. F. + +Some time after the Yearly Meeting, I went to my son Mead’s house, +in ESSEX, and abode there some weeks; often visiting Friends’ +meetings near, and sometimes at Barking. After I had been a while +there, I went to visit Friends at WALTHAM ABBEY, HODDESDON, ENFIELD, +SOUTH STREET, FORD GREEN, and WINCHMORE HILL; where I had several +very serviceable meetings, the Lord opening many deep and weighty +things through me, for informing the understandings of inquirers, +building up those that were gathered into the truth, and +establishing them therein. + +In the 7th month I returned to London, having been near three months +in the country for my health’s sake, which was very much impaired; +so that I was hardly able to stay in a meeting the whole time; and +often after a meeting had to lie down on a bed. Yet did not my +weakness of body take me off from the service of the Lord, but I +continued to labour in and out of meetings, in his work, as he gave +me opportunity and ability. + +I had not been long in London before a great weight came upon me, +and a sight the Lord gave me of the great bustles and troubles, +revolution and change, which soon after came to pass. In the sense +whereof, and in the movings of the Spirit of the Lord, I wrote “A +general epistle to Friends, to forewarn them of the approaching +storm, that they might all retire to the Lord, in whom safety is;” +as follows:— + + “My dear Friends and brethren everywhere, who have received the + Lord Jesus Christ, and to whom he has given power to become his + sons and daughters; in Him ye have life and peace, and in his + everlasting kingdom, that is established and cannot be shaken, but + is over all the world, and stands in his power, and in + righteousness, and joy in the Holy Ghost, into which no + unrighteousness, nor the foul, unclean spirit of the devil in his + instruments can enter. Therefore, dear Friends and brethren, every + one in the faith of Jesus, stand in His power, who has all power + in heaven and in earth given to him, and will ‘rule the nations + with his rod of iron, and dash them to pieces, like a potter’s + vessel,’ that are not subject and obedient to his power; whose + voice will shake the heavens and the earth, that that which may be + shaken may be removed, and that which cannot be shaken may appear. + Stand in Him; and all things shall work together for good to them + that love him. + + “And now, dear Friends and brethren, though these waves, and + storms, and tempests be in the world, yet you may all appear the + harmless and innocent lambs of Christ, walking in his peaceable + truth, keeping in the Word of power, wisdom, and patience; and + this Word will keep you in the day of trials and temptations, that + will come upon the whole world, to try them that dwell upon the + earth. For the Word of God was before the world, and all things + were made by it; it is a tried Word, which gave all God’s people + in all ages wisdom, power, and patience. Therefore let your + dwelling and walking be in Christ Jesus, who is called the Word of + God; and in his power, which is over all. Set your affections on + things that are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God + (mark,) on those things which are above, where Christ sits; not on + those things that are below, which will change, and pass away. + Blessed be the Lord God, who by his eternal arm and power hath + gathered a people to himself; and hath preserved his faithful to + himself through many troubles, trials, and temptations; his power + and Seed, Christ, is over all, and in Him ye have life and peace + with God. Therefore in Him all stand, and see your salvation, who + is the First and Last, the Amen. God Almighty preserve and keep + you all in Him, your ark and sanctuary; in Him you are safe over + all floods, storms, and tempests; for He was before they were, and + will be when they are all gone.” + + G.F. + + London, the 17th of the 8th Month, 1688. + +About this time great exercise and weights came upon me (as had +usually done before the great revolutions and changes of +government,) and my strength departed from me; so that I reeled, and +was ready to fall, as I went along the streets. At length I could +not go abroad at all, I was so weak, for some time, till I felt the +power of the Lord to spring over all, and had received an assurance +from him, that he would preserve his faithful people to himself +through all. + +In the time that I kept within, I wrote a paper, showing, how +“Moses, as a servant, was faithful in all his house, in the Old +Testament; and Christ, as a Son, is over his house, in the New +Testament.” + + “The house of Israel was called God’s Vineyard, in Isa. v. 7, and + all the Israelites were called the house of Israel. Israel + signifies ‘a prince with God, and a prevailer with men,’ Gen. + xxxii. 28. When Peter preached Christ to the house of Israel, he + said, ‘Let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath + made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and + Christ,’ Acts ii. 36. So they were all called the house of Israel. + And it is said, ‘Moses was faithful in all his house (to wit, this + house of Israel), as a servant, for a testimony of those things + which were to be spoken after; but Christ, as a son, over his own + house, which house are we, if we hold fast the confidence, and the + rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end,’ Heb. iii. 5, 6. Here it + is manifest, that Moses was faithful in all his house, as a + servant, viz., in the house of Israel, in the Old Testament; but + Christ Jesus, the Son of God, is over his house in his new + Testament and Covenant; and all his true believers are of his + house. + + “The apostle tells the Ephesians (who were the church of Christ,) + ‘They were fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household + of God,’ Eph. ii. 19. And the saints are called ‘the household of + faith,’ Gal. vi. 10. Peter in his general epistle tells the church + of Christ, they were ‘a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a + holy nation, a peculiar people,’ 1 Pet. ii. 9. And that as lively + stones, they were built up ‘a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, + to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus + Christ,’ ver. 5. The apostle says to the church of Christ at + Corinth, ‘If our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, + we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in + the heavens,’ 2 Cor. v. 1. And Christ said to his disciples, ‘Let + not your hearts be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in + me. In my Father’s house are many mansions (a mansion is a + dwelling, or abiding place;) if it were not so, I would have told + you; I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a + place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, + that where I am, there ye may be also,’ John xiv. 1-3. The + Psalmist saith, ‘Those that be planted in the house of the Lord, + shall flourish in the courts of our God; they shall bring forth + fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing,’ Psal. xcii. + 13, 14. Again, ‘Holiness becomes thine house, O Lord, for ever,’ + Psal. xciii. 5. + + “Isaiah also said by way of prophecy, ‘It shall come to pass in + the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be + established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted + above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it,’ Isa. ii. 2. + Is not that a great house? Is not this mountain, Christ, who is + over his house in the New Testament and New Covenant? To this + mountain and house all the children of the New Testament and New + Covenant flow in these latter days, so that it is come to pass, + which was prophesied of by Isaiah; for he said, ‘Many people shall + go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, + to the house of the God of Jacob, and he will teach us of his + ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go + forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he + shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people; and + they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears + into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, + neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come ye, + and let us walk in the light of the Lord,’ ver. 3-5. Here ye may + see, they that come to the mountain of the house of God, and to + God’s teaching, must walk in the light of the Lord; yea the house + of Jacob. Jacob signifies a supplanter; he supplanted profane + Esau, who is hated, and Jacob is loved. + + “Now these two births must be known within; and they that walk in + the light of the Lord, and come to Christ, the mountain of the + house of the Lord, established above all mountains and hills, + break their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into + pruning-hooks; and in Christ, this mountain and house of the Lord, + there are no spears, nor swords to hurt one another withal. + Christ, the Son of God, is over his house and great family, the + children of the light, that believe in it, and walk in it, the + children of the day of Christ, his holy and royal priesthood, that + offer up spiritual sacrifice to God by him. All such are of + Christ’s (the spiritual man’s) house, who are born of God, and led + by his Spirit; they are of the Lord of lords, and King of kings’ + house and family, which he is over; and are of the household of + the holy, divine, pure, and precious faith, which Christ is the + author and finisher of. And they that are of the Son’s house, are + pure, righteous, and holy, and can do nothing against the truth, + but for it, in their words, lives, and conversations; and so are a + chosen generation, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that they + should show forth the praise of Him, who hath called them out of + darkness into his marvellous light. These are Christ’s lively + stones, that build up a spiritual house, which He (Christ, the + spiritual man, the King of kings, and Lord of lords) is over.” + + G.F. + + London, the 10th Month, 1688. + +Some time after this, my body continuing weak, I went down with my +son Mead to his house in ESSEX, where I stayed some weeks. In which +time I wrote many things relating to the service of truth, of which +some were printed soon after, others were spread abroad in +manuscript; and amongst other things, a few lines to this purpose:— + + “That while men are contending for thrones here below, Christ is + on his throne, and all his holy angels are about him; who is the + Beginning and the Ending, the First and the Last, over all. And + that the Lord will make way and room for himself, and for them + that are born of his Spirit, who are heavenly Jerusalem’s + children, to come home to their free mother.” + +A few words also I wrote concerning the world’s teachers, and the +emptiness of their teaching. Which were thus:— + + “Doth not all that, which is called Christendom, live in talking + of Christ’s, and of the apostles’ and prophets’ words, and the + letter of the Scriptures? And do not their priests minister the + letter, with their own conceptions thereupon, for money, though + the Holy Scriptures were freely given forth from God and Christ, + and his prophets and apostles? Yet the apostle says, ‘The letter + killeth; but the Spirit giveth life,’ 2 Cor. iii. 6. The ministers + of the New Testament are not ministers of the letter, but of the + Spirit; and they sow to the Spirit, and of the Spirit reap life + eternal. But people spending time about old authors, and talking + of them, and of the outward letter, this doth not feed their + souls. For talking of victuals and clothes, doth not clothe the + body, nor feed it. No more are their souls and spirits fed and + clothed, except they have the bread and water of life from heaven + to feed them, and the righteousness of Christ to clothe them. + Talking of outward things and spiritual things, and not having + them, may starve both their bodies and their souls. Therefore, + quench not the Spirit of God, which will lead to be diligent in + all things.” + +With this I wrote another short paper, showing the hurt they did, +and the danger they run into, who turned people from the inward +manifestation of Christ in the heart:— + + “The Jews were commanded by the law of God, ‘Not to remove the + outward land-mark,’ Deut. xix. 14. They that did so, or that + caused the blind to wander, were cursed in the Old Covenant, Deut. + xxvii. 17. In the New Covenant the apostle saith, ‘Let him be + accursed, that preacheth any other gospel than that which he had + preached,’ Gal. i. 8. Now the gospel that he preached, was ‘The + power of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth,’ Rom. i. + 16. And the gospel that was preached to Abraham was, ‘That in his + seed all nations, and all the families of the earth should be + blessed.’ And in order to bring men to this blessed state, God + poureth out of his Spirit upon all flesh; and Christ doth + enlighten every one that cometh into the world; and the grace of + God, which bringeth salvation, hath appeared unto all men, and + teacheth Christians, the true believers in Christ; and God doth + write his law in the true Christians’ hearts, and putteth it in + their minds, that they may ‘all know the Lord, from the greatest + to the least;’ and he giveth his word in their hearts to obey and + do, and the anointing within them; so that they need not any man + to teach them, but as the anointing doth teach them. + + “Now all such as turn people from the Light, Spirit, Grace, Word, + and Anointing within, remove them from their heavenly landmark of + their eternal inheritance, and make them blind; and cause the + blind to wander from the living way to their eternal house in the + heavens, and from the new and heavenly Jerusalem. So they are + cursed, that cause the blind to wander out of their way, and to + remove them from their heavenly landmark.” + + G. F. + +I wrote also a paper to show, by instances from the Scriptures, that +“many of the holy men and prophets of God, and of the apostles of +Christ, were husbandmen and tradesmen;” by which people might see +how unlike to them the world’s teachers now are:— + + “Righteous Abel was a shepherd, ‘a keeper of sheep,’ Gen. iv. 2. + Noah was a husbandman; and he was a ‘just man, and perfect in his + generation, and walked with God,’ Gen. ix. 20; vi. 9. Abraham, the + father of the faithful, was a husbandman, and had great flocks of + cattle; and just Lot was a husbandman, and had great flocks and + herds, Gen. xiii. Isaac also was a husbandman, and had great + ‘flocks and herds of cattle, and great store of corn,’ Gen xxvi. + 12, 14. And the promise was with Isaac; for the Lord said to + Abraham, ‘In Isaac shall thy seed be called,’ Gen. xxi. 12. Jacob + was a husbandman, and his sons keepers of flocks of cattle, Gen. + xlvi. 32, 34, and God loved Jacob. Moses kept sheep, Exod. iii. 1, + and the Lord spake to him when he was keeping sheep, ver. 4, and + sent him to Pharaoh, to bring God’s people, or sheep, out of + Egypt. And by the hand and power of the Lord, he and Aaron his + brother brought them out of Egypt, a land of anguish, bondage, + darkness, and perplexity. And Moses kept the Lord’s people, or + sheep, forty years in the wilderness; a meek shepherd of God he + was, and kept his great flock of sheep: though some of them were + scabbed with the leprosy of contention and murmuring, and were + destroyed in the wilderness. + + “David (though he afterwards came to be a king) was a keeper of + his father’s sheep in the wilderness, 1 Sam. xvii. 15, 28. And the + Lord God called him from the sheepcotes to feed his sheep, the + house of Israel, and to defend them from the spiritual wolves, + bears, and lions; and he did it to purpose, who was a man after + God’s own heart. + + “Elisha was a ploughman, 1 Kings xix. 19. He was called from the + plough, to teach God’s people, the children of Israel, to plough + up the fallow ground of their hearts, that they might bring forth + seed and fruits to God, their Creator. + + “The word of the Lord came to Amos, when he was among the herdsmen + of Tekoa, Amos i. 1. And Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, said to + Amos, ‘Prophesy not again any more at Bethel; for it is the king’s + chapel, and it is the king’s court,’ chap. vii. 13. Then answered + Amos, and said to Amaziah, ‘I was no prophet, neither was I a + prophet’s son; but I was a herdsman, and a gatherer of + sycamore-fruit; and the Lord took me, as I followed the flock. And + the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel,’ ver. + 14, 15. Here ye may see, how the Lord made use of a poor man, and + how he called him from following the outward flock, and from + gathering outward fruits, to gather his fruits, and to follow his + people or flock, the children of Israel. + + “Christ called Peter and Andrew his brother, when they were + fishing, and casting their net into the sea (for they were + fishers;) ‘and he said unto them, Follow me, and I will make you + fishers of men,’ Matt. iv. 18, 19. Christ likewise called James + and John his brother, when they were ‘in a ship, with Zebedee, + their father, mending their nets; and they immediately left the + ship, and their father, and followed him,’ ver. 21, 22. He gave + them power (a net that will hold, and not want mending), and made + them fishers of men, to fish them out of the great sea, the world + of wickedness. We read, that when Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, the + sons of Zebedee, and other disciples, went a fishing together, and + that night caught nothing, in the morning Jesus appeared to them + and said, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye + shall find;’ and they did so, and caught so great a multitude, + that they were not able to draw them to shore. When thereupon one + of the other disciples said unto Peter, ‘It is the Lord,’ Peter + hearing that it was the Lord, ‘girded his fisher’s coat unto him,’ + John xxi. 2-7. This was after Christ was risen. So here ye may + see, Peter had not laid aside his fisher’s coat all the while that + he had been preaching before Christ’s death. + + “‘Jesus saw Matthew sitting at the receipt of custom, and he said + unto him, Follow me; and he arose and followed him,’ Matt. ix. 9. + And Christ employed Matthew to gather his people, that were + scattered from God; another manner of treasure than the outward + custom of the Romans. Luke was a physician, whom Christ made a + physician spiritual; which was better than outward. + + “Paul was a tent-maker; and being one of the same craft with + Aquila and Priscilla, he abode with them at Corinth, and wrought + (for by their occupation they were tent-makers), Acts xviii. 3.” + + G.F. + + Gooses, the 1st Month, 1688-9. + +It was now a time of much talk; and people busied their minds and +spent their time too much in hearing and telling news. To show them +the vanity thereof, and to draw them from it, I wrote the following +lines:— + + “In the low region, in the airy life, all news is uncertain; there + nothing is stable; but in the higher region, in the kingdom of + Christ, there all things are stable and sure, and the news always + good and certain. For Christ, who hath all power in heaven and in + earth given unto him, ruleth in the kingdoms of men; and he, who + doth inherit the heathen, and possess the utmost parts of the + earth with his divine power and light, rules all nations with his + rod of iron, and dashes them to pieces like a potter’s vessel, the + vessels of dishonour, and the leaky vessels, that will not hold + his living water; and he doth preserve his elect vessels of mercy + and honour. His power is certain, and changes not, by which he + removes the mountains and hills, and shakes the heavens and the + earth. Leaky, dishonourable vessels, the hills and mountains, and + the old heavens and the earth, are all to be shaken, and removed, + and broken to pieces, though they do not see it, nor him that doth + it; but his elect and faithful both see it and know him, and his + power, that cannot be shaken, and which changeth not.” + + G.F. + + The 5th of 1st Month, 1688-9. + +About the middle of the first month, 1688-9, I went to LONDON, the +parliament then sitting, and engaged about the bill for indulgence. +Though I was weak in body, and not well able to stir about, yet so +great a concern was upon my spirit on behalf of truth and Friends, +that I attended continually for many days, with other Friends, at +the parliament-house, labouring with the members, that the thing +might be done comprehensively and effectually. + +In this, and other services, I continued till towards the end of the +second month, when, being much spent with continual labour, I got +out of town for a little while as far as SOUTHGATE and thereabouts. +While I was there I wrote a letter to Peter Hendricks, a Friend at +Amsterdam, in which I enclosed an epistle to the Friends at Dantzic, +who at this time were under great persecution. And as I wrote to +encourage and strengthen them in their testimony, and comfort them +in their sufferings for the truth, so also I wrote a paper to their +persecutors, the magistrates of Dantzic, laying before them the evil +of persecution, and persuading them to Christian moderation, and “to +do unto others in matters of religion as they would be done unto.” +Which papers were as follows:— + + “_To Peter Hendricks at Amsterdam, and to Friends at Dantzic who + are under persecution._ + + “DEAR FRIEND P. H. + + “With my love to thee and thy wife, J. Claus, and J. Roeloffs, and + all the rest of Friends everywhere in Christ Jesus, who reigns + over all. I am glad to hear that Friends are well everywhere, + except at Dantzic; and that you were so diligent in spreading my + papers to the strengthening of Friends. I have lately printed the + life of William Caton, but have not made a collection of his + books. I think to send some of them to you, which you may + translate and print, if you will; they may be serviceable among + Friends, especially them that knew him.[63] + + “Concerning the dear Friends at Dantzic, whom the Lord hath + supported by his eternal arm and power to this day; I hope by the + same arm and power he will support them, and in it they will feel + his blessed presence with them in all their sufferings; who is + over the cruelty of their persecutors, who will hardly let them + breathe outwardly or inwardly in the common air of their native + soil. Which shows both their immorality, inhumanity, and + unchristianity, and that they want the counsel of a Gamaliel + amongst them; whose actions are below the law of God, to ‘do unto + others as they would have others to do unto them:’ God will not + bless the doings of such. I desire, however, that Friends may mind + the Lord’s power, that is over all; be valiant for his truth, and + keep upon their rock and foundation, Christ Jesus, that stands + sure in this time of the heat of persecution, which is so hot upon + you, that they will not suffer you to have so much as your houses + to work and sleep in, nor to meet, nor serve God in. The Lord + beholds all such actors and their actions. Therefore look over all + to Him, who is able to deal with them and reward them according to + their works. God Almighty preserve you all in Christ Jesus, in + whom you have rest, life, and peace. Amen.” + + G.F. + + Southgate, the 28th of the 2nd Month, 1689. + + “_To the Magistrates of Dantzic:—Christian Shroder, President of + the Council, and Emanuel Dilger, N. Gadecken, and N. Fraterus, + Deputies of the Council, and the rest of the Magistrates and + Priests._ + + “We have seen your order, and your breathing out persecution + against that little flock, the lambs of Christ, that live under + your jurisdiction in the city of Dantzic; and that you have + imprisoned and banished two by the hangman out of the government + of your city; and others you threatened to do the same to, with + great punishment, if they return. Likewise you threaten those with + punishment they rent their houses of, if they let them have them + either to live in, or meet in to serve and worship the Lord that + made them. Truly I am heartily sorry for both your magistrates and + priests, that go under the name of Christians, and show such + immoral, inhuman, and unchristian actions, below the royal law of + God, which is, to ‘do to others as you would have them do unto + you.’ For would you think it was moral, human, or Christian, or + according to the law of God, if the king of Poland, who is of + another religion than you, should banish you out of your city by + the hangman and call you murderers of souls? Could you say, but + this was according to the law of God, ‘to do unto you as you have + done unto others?’ + + “But if you say that you have the sword, the horn, and the power; + blessed be the Lord that hath shortened your sword, your power, + and your horn, that it reaches no further than your jurisdiction + at Dantzic; and you do not know how long God may suffer you to + have your horn, your power and your sword. We are sure you have + not the mind, nor the Spirit of Christ; and the apostle saith, + ‘They that have not the Spirit of Christ are none of his,’ Rom. + viii. And Christ bids Peter ‘put up his sword:’ they that draw the + sword concerning him, to defend him and his worship and faith, + should perish with the sword. Peter and the apostles never drew + the outward sword after; but said their weapons were spiritual, + not carnal; and they did not wrestle with flesh and blood. Christ + never gave any such command, that they should banish any by the + hangmen that were not of their religion, and would not receive it. + + “Are not you worse than the Turks, who let many religions be in + their country, yea, Christians, and to meet peaceably? Yea, the + Turkish patroons let our Friends that were captives meet together + at Algiers, and said, ‘it was good so to do.’ You are worse than + those barbarous people at Sallee who do not profess Christianity, + for you profess Christ in words, but in works deny him. And did + you ever find, either in Scripture or history, that any + persecutors prospered long? You are worse than they are in the + Mogul’s country, who, they say, permits sixty religions in his + dominions: and many others might be mentioned, all of whom you + exceed in your cruelty and persecution of God’s people, only for + meeting together in the name of Jesus, and serving and worshipping + God, their Creator. No, they must not breathe their natural air, + neither natural nor spiritual, in your dominions. I pray, where + had you these commands from? Neither from Christ nor his apostles. + Do not you profess the Scriptures of the New Testament to be your + rule? But, I pray you, what Scripture have you for this practice? + It is good for you to be humble, to do justly, and love mercy; + call home your banished ones, and love and cherish them: yea, + though they were your enemies, you are to obey the command of + Christ, and love them. I wonder how you and your wives and + families can sleep quietly in your beds, that do such cruel + actions, without thinking the ‘Lord may do to you the same!’ You + cannot be without sense and feeling, except you be given over to + reprobation, and your consciences seared with a hot iron. But + Christian charity hopes that you are not all in that state; but + that there may be some relenting or consideration of your actions + among some of you, either according to the law of God, or his + gospel. + + “From him that desires your temporal and eternal good and + salvation, and not destruction. Amen.” + + G.F. + + Middlesex, the 28th of the 2nd Month, 1689. + + “Peter, thou mayest translate this into high Dutch, and send them; + and you may print it, if you will, and send it abroad; and + translate that part of the letter that is to Friends into high + Dutch, and send it to them.” + +Having stayed in the country about three weeks, I returned to LONDON +a little before the Yearly Meeting, which was in the third month +this year, and was a very solemn, weighty meeting; the Lord, as +formerly, visiting his people, and honouring the assembly with his +glorious presence, to the great satisfaction and comfort of Friends. +After the business was over, it was upon me to add a few lines to +the Epistle which went from the meeting to Friends, after this +manner:— + + “DEAR FRIENDS AND BRETHREN, + + “Who have known the Lord’s eternal arm and power, that hath + preserved you upon the heavenly rock and foundation, and hath + built your house upon it; you have known many winds, tempests, and + storms, that have risen out of that sea where the beast rose; and + many raging storms that have risen by apostates of several sorts; + but the Seed that bruises the serpent’s head, and is the + foundation of God’s people, stands sure. Dear Friends and + brethren, though there be great shakings in the world, the Lord’s + power is over all, and his kingdom cannot be shaken. Therefore all + ye children of God, children of the light, and heirs of his + kingdom, a joyful, peaceable habitation keep in; keeping out of + all the contentions and disputes about things below. Lay hand on + no man, nor nothing suddenly, lest they should be puffed up with + that which fades, and so come to loss: but mind the Lord’s power, + that keeps open your heavenly eye, to see things present and to + come; and in that ye will see and handle the word of life. + + “Dear Friends everywhere, have power over your own spirits. As God + hath blessed you with his outward things, have a care of trusting + in them, or falling into difference one with another about these + outward things that are below, which will pass away. But all live + in the love of God, and in that live in peace with God, and one + with another. Follow the works of charity, and overcome evil with + good to all; for what good have all the tinklers done, with their + cymbals and sounding brass? They always bred confusion, and never + did good in any age; tinkling with their cymbals, and sounding + with their brass, to draw out the simple to follow them. + Therefore, it is good for all the children of God to keep in their + possession of life, and in the love of God, that is everlasting. + + “As for all the tumults of the world, and the apostates from the + truth, the Lord’s power is over them all, and Christ reigns; and + the Lord saith, ‘No weapon that is formed against thee shall + prosper,’ Isa. liv. 17. Now, Friends, you are not insensible how + many weapons have been formed against us, who are the sons and + daughters of God; and the Lord hath restrained them according to + his promise; they have not prospered. The Lord said, ‘Every tongue + that shall rise up in judgment against thee, thou shalt condemn:’ + so God hath given such a power to his children, to condemn all the + tongues that shall rise up in judgment against them, and this is + the heritage of the servants of the Lord; ‘their righteousness is + of me, saith the Lord.’ You are not insensible of the many tongues + that have risen up against us in judgment, yea, of apostates and + profane. But in and with the truth, the power of God, according to + the promise of God, ‘Every tongue that riseth against thee, thou + shalt condemn.’ It is not one tongue only thou shalt condemn, but + ‘every tongue that shall rise up in judgment against thee, thou + shalt condemn.’ The Lord giveth this power to his servants and + children, to judge the evil tongues; and he doth restrain the + weapons formed against them, so that they shall not prosper + against his children that he hath begotten. Praises and honour be + to his holy name for ever! Amen.” + + G.F. + +Soon after this, the Yearly Meeting began at York; which because of +the largeness of that county, and for the conveniency of Friends in +the northern parts, had for some years been held there. And inasmuch +as there had been some hurt done in that place, by some that were +gone out of the unity of Friends, it was upon me to write a few +lines to that meeting, “to exhort them to keep in the pure, heavenly +love, which brings into, and keeps in, the true unity.” Which was +thus:— + + “DEAR FRIENDS AND BRETHREN IN CHRIST JESUS, + + “Whom the Lord by his eternal arm and power hath preserved to this + day, all walk in the power and Spirit of God, that is over all, in + love and unity; for love overcomes, builds up, and unites all the + members of Christ to him the Head. Love keeps out of all strife, + and is of God. Love, or charity, never fails, but keeps the mind + above all outward things, and strife about outward things. It + overcomes evil, and casts out all false fears. It is of God, and + unites all the hearts of his people together in the heavenly joy, + concord, and unity. The God of love preserve you all, and + establish you in Christ Jesus, your life and salvation, in whom ye + have all peace with God. So walk in him, that ye may be ordered in + his peaceable, heavenly wisdom, to the glory of God, and the + comfort one of another. Amen.” + + G.F. + + London, the 27th of the 3rd Month, 1689. + +Being much wearied and spent with many large meetings, and much +business with Friends, during the time of the Yearly Meeting, and +finding my health much impaired thereby, I went out of town with my +daughter Rous, to their country-house near KINGSTON, and tarried +there most of the remaining part of the summer. In which time I +sometimes visited Friends at Kingston, and wrote divers things for +the service of truth and Friends. One was an epistle to Friends in +Barbadoes; as follows:— + + “_To all Friends in Barbadoes, that are convinced of God’s + truth._” + + “My desires are that ye may live and walk in his peaceable truth, + and show forth that ye are children of the light and of the truth; + for the heavenly, gentle, and peaceable wisdom is justified of her + children. But debate, strife, wilfulness, and laying open one + another’s nakedness and weakness, is not the practice of heavenly + wisdom’s children (but of Ham’s,) nor from the Spirit of Christ; + neither such as bite and tear one another; that is from a + devouring spirit, not from the Spirit of Jesus, which covers that + which is uncomely, and can forgive. + + “Now, my Friends, you profess that truth which is beyond all the + world’s ways; therefore see that you excel them in the heavenly, + gentle wisdom, that is easy to be entreated; for the wisdom of the + world is not easy to be entreated; and sometimes will not be + entreated at all. Pray see you excel the world in wisdom, in + virtue, in kindness, in love that is over hatred, in meekness and + humility, in sobriety, civility, and modesty, in temperance and + patience, and in all morality and humanity, which will not act + anything below men or unmanly. Show forth true Christianity, and + that ye are the converted and translated believers in Christ, + dwelling in the love of God, that beareth all things, endureth all + things, is not puffed up, and envies not. For they that are out of + this love of God and Christian charity, are nothing, but as a + tinkling cymbal and as sounding brass, and are discontented, + murmurers, and complainers, full of doubts, questions, and false + jealousies. Keep that spirit out of the camp of God; for do not + you read in the Scriptures, both of the New and Old Testament, + that the end of such was misery? Therefore, in the love of God, + build up one another; for love edifies the body of Christ, and he + commands his believers to love enemies, and to love one another; + by this they are known to be the disciples of Christ. But to live + in envy, strife, and hatred, is a mark they are no disciples of + Christ; ‘For he that loveth not his brother, abides in death; and + whosoever hates his brother, is a murderer: and ye know that no + murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. But they that love the + brethren, are passed from death to life,’ 1 John iii. 14, 15. And, + ‘if a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: + for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he + love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from + God, that he who loveth God, love his brother also,’ chap. iv. 20, + 21. ‘Therefore, love one another;’ for love is of God, and hatred + is of the devil; and every one that loveth is born of God, and + knows God. All are children of God by creation; therefore in that + state they are to love their neighbours as themselves; and to do + unto all men as they would have them do unto them. + + “Secondly, God poureth his Spirit upon all flesh (or all men and + women;) all that are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God, + heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; and are in fellowship + in the everlasting gospel; and in unity in the Spirit, the bond of + peace. They that go out of this unity, out of the bond of peace, + and do not keep it, break the King of king’s peace; but they that + keep in the unity, and fellowship in the Spirit, and walk in the + light, have fellowship one with another, and with the Father and + the Son. It is not everyone that talks of the light, of the word, + of righteousness, of Christ, and of God, but he that ‘doeth the + will of God.’ Therefore, my Friends, strive to excel one another + in love, in virtue, in good life and conversation; and strive all + to be of one mind, heart, and judgment in the Spirit of God; for + in Christ all are one, and are in peace with him. The Lord God + Almighty preserve you in him, your rock and foundation, that is + heavenly and stands sure; that ye may be valiant for the truth + upon earth, for the Lord and his glorious name; that ye may all + serve him in your generation, and in his new creation in Christ + Jesus. Amen. + + “And now, that you are come into so much favour with the + magistrates and powers, that they let you serve the office of + constable, &c., without swearing or taking any oaths, hereby + Christ’s doctrine and command, and his apostle’s is set up. + Therefore, I desire, that you may double your diligence in your + offices, in doing that which is just, and true, and righteous; so + that ye may excel and exceed all that are tied or bound by oaths + to perform their offices; and you can do it upon your Yea and Nay; + so say, and so do; according to Christ’s doctrine and command. For + Adam and Eve, by disobeying the command of God, fell under + condemnation; and they that disobey the command of Christ, in + taking oaths and swearing, go into evil and fall into + condemnation, Matt. v.; James v. My love in the Lord is to you + all.” + + G.F. + + Kingston-upon-Thames, the 10th of the 5th Month, 1689. + +I stayed at Kingston till the beginning of the seventh month, where +not only Friends came to visit me, but some considerable people of +the world, with whom I discoursed about the things of God. Then +leaving Kingston, I went to LONDON by water, visiting Friends as I +went, and taking HAMMERSMITH meeting in my way. Having recovered +some strength by being in the country, when I was come to LONDON, I +went from meeting to meeting, labouring diligently in the work of +the Lord, and opening the divine mysteries of the heavenly things, +as God by his Spirit opened them in me. But I found my body would +not long bear the city; wherefore, when I had travelled amongst +Friends there about a month, I went to TOTTENHAM-HIGH-CROSS, and +thence to Edward Mann’s country-house near WINCHMORE-HILL, and to +ENFIELD, spending three weeks among Friends thereabouts; and had +meetings at all those places. Then, being a little refreshed with +being in the country, I went back to LONDON; where I tarried, +labouring in the work of the ministry, till the middle of the ninth +month; at which time I went down with my son Mead to his house in +ESSEX, and abode there all the winter. During which I stirred not +much abroad, unless it were sometimes to the meeting, to which that +family belonged, which was about half-a-mile from thence; but I had +meetings often in the house with the family, and those Friends that +came thither. + +Many things also I wrote, while I was there; some of which follow. +One was an epistle to the quarterly and yearly meetings of Friends +in Pennsylvania, New England, Virginia, Maryland, the Jerseys, +Carolina and other plantations in America. Which was thus:— + + “MY DEAR FRIENDS AND BRETHREN IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, + + “Who, by believing in his light, are become children of his light + and of his day; my desires are, that you may all walk in the light + and in the day, and keep the feast of Christ our passover, who is + sacrificed for us, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of + malice and wickedness; but let all that be purged out, that ye may + be a new lump, keeping the feast of Christ our passover, with the + unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Let no leavened bread be + found in your houses, nor in your meetings, nor in the camp of + God, or household of faith, which are the household of Christ; but + all that old leaven, which makes people’s hearts sour, and burn + one against another, must be purged out of the camp of God, and + kept out. For the feast of Christ our passover, must be kept in + the New Covenant, with his heavenly unleavened bread of life. The + Jews’ feast in the Old Testament was kept with outward, unleavened + bread; and now in the New Testament, in the gospel day, our feast + is to be kept with the heavenly, unleavened bread of sincerity and + truth. + + “Therefore, Friends, I desire you seriously to consider and to + keep this feast, which the apostle directed the church of Christ + to keep. Do you not see Christendom, so called, keep their feasts + with the leavened bread of malice and wickedness? which makes them + so sour, and their hearts so burn one against another, that they + have destroyed, or do destroy one another about religion. + Therefore, all live in the love of God, which keeps above the love + of the world, so that none of your hearts may be choked or + surfeited with these outward things, or with the cares of the + world, which will pass away; but mind ye the world and the life + that is without end, that ye may be heirs of it. + + “And Friends, you should strive to excel all, both professor and + profane, in morality, humanity, and Christianity, modesty, + sobriety, and moderation, and in a good, godly, righteous life and + conversation, showing forth the fruits of the Spirit, and that you + are the children of the living God, children of the light, and of + the day, and not of the night. And serve God in newness of life; + for it is the life, and a living and walking in the truth, that + must answer the witness of God in all people; that ‘they, seeing + your good works, may glorify our Father, which is in heaven.’ + Therefore, be valiant for God’s holy, pure truth, and spread it + abroad, among both professors and profane, and the Indians. + + “And you should write over once a year, from all your yearly + meetings to the yearly meeting here, concerning your diligence in + the truth, and of its spreading, and of people’s receiving it, + both professors and profane, and the Indians; and concerning the + peace of the church of Christ amongst yourselves. For, blessed be + the Lord, truth gains ground in these parts, and many are made + very loving to Friends, and the Lord’s power and seed is over all; + in which God Almighty keep all his people to his glory. Amen.” + + G.F. + + Gooses, the 28th of the 11th Month, 1689. + +While I was in the city, I had a concern upon my spirit with respect +to a twofold danger that attended some who professed truth: one was +of young people’s running into the fashions of the world; and the +other was of old people’s going into earthly things. And that +concern coming now again weightily upon me, I was moved to give +forth the following paper, as a reproof to such, and an exhortation +and warning to all Friends to beware of, and keep out of those +snares:— + + “_To all that profess the Truth of God._” + + “My desires are, that you may walk in humility in it. For when the + Lord first called me forth, he let me see, that young people grew + up together in vanity and the fashions of the world; and old + people went downwards into the earth, raking it together; and to + both these I was to be a stranger. And now, Friends, I see too + many young people that profess the truth, grow up into the + fashions of the world, and too many parents indulge them; and + amongst the elder, some are going downwards, and raking after the + earth. Therefore take heed, that you are not making your graves, + while you are alive outwardly, and loading yourselves with thick + clay (Hab. ii. 6). For if you have not power over the earthly + spirit, and that which leadeth into a vain mind, and the fashions + of the world, and into the earth, though you have often had the + rain fall upon your fields, you will but bring forth thistles, + briars, and thorns, which are for the fire. Such will become + brittle, peevish, fretful spirits, that will not abide the + heavenly doctrine, the admonitions, exhortations, and reproofs of + the Holy Ghost, or heavenly Spirit of God; which would bring you + to be conformable to the death of Christ, and to his image, that + ye might have fellowship with him in his resurrection. Therefore + it is good for all to bow to the name of Jesus, their Saviour, + that all may confess him to the glory of God, the Father. + + “For I have had a concern upon me, in a sense of the danger of + young people’s going into the fashions of the world, and old + people’s going into earthly things, and many going into a loose + and false liberty, till at last they go quite out into the spirit + of the world, as some have done. The house of such hath been built + upon the sand of the sea-shore, not upon Christ, the Rock, that + they are so soon in the world again, under a pretence of liberty + of conscience. But it is not a pure conscience, nor in the Spirit + of God, nor in Christ Jesus; for in the liberty in the Spirit + there is the unity, which is the bond of peace; and all are one in + Christ Jesus, in whom is the true liberty: and this is not of the + world; for He is not of the world. Therefore all are to stand fast + in Him, as they have received Him; for in Him there is peace, who + is the Prince of Peace; but in the world there is trouble. For the + spirit of the world is a troublesome spirit; but the Spirit of + Christ is a peaceable Spirit; in which God Almighty preserve all + the faithful. Amen.” + + G.F. + + Gooses, the 1st of the 2nd Month, 1690. + +Another paper I wrote while I was here, “concerning the Ensign, +which Isaiah prophesied the Lord should set up for the Gentiles,” +which I showed was Christ. Of which follows a copy:— + + “The Lord saith, ‘They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy + mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the + Lord, as the waters cover the sea,’ Isa. xi. 9. ‘And in that day + there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an Ensign of + the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek, and his rest shall be + glorious,’ ver. 10. ‘And he shall reign over the Gentiles, and in + him shall the Gentiles trust,’ Rom. xv. 12. This Ensign is Christ, + who was prophesied of by the prophet; which prophecy the apostle, + who was a minister to the Gentiles, showeth was fulfilled in the + New Testament. And in this day of Christ, Isaiah saith, ‘The Lord + shall set his hand again the second time, to recover the remnant + of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria and from Egypt,’ + &c. ‘And he shall set up an Ensign for the nations, and shall + assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed + of Judah from the four corners of the earth,’ ver. 11, 12. This is + in the day of Christ, and his gospel of life and salvation, which + is preached to every creature under heaven; who ‘enlighteneth + every man that cometh into the world,’ both Jews and Gentiles; + that by his heavenly, divine light, they may see Christ, their + Ensign, and Captain of their salvation; so Christ is one Ensign + both to the Jews and Gentiles. + + “Isaiah saith, ‘The Redeemer shall come to Sion,’ &c., Isa. lix. + 20. And, ‘This is my covenant with them, saith the Lord, my + Spirit, that is upon thee (to wit, Christ), and my words, which I + have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out + of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, + saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever,’ ver. 21. ‘Arise, + shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen + upon thee,’ chap. lx. 1. ‘And the Gentiles shall come to thy + light,’ ver. 3. ‘And the abundance of the sea shall be converted + unto thee,’ ver. 5 (the sea is the world). ‘The Lord shall be thy + everlasting light,’ ver. 20. And, ‘Thou shalt call thy walls, + Salvation, and thy gates, Praise,’ ver. 18. And the Lord saith, ‘I + will make the place of my feet glorious,’ ver. 13. ‘Heaven is his + throne, and the earth is his footstool,’ chap. lxvi. 1. ‘And he + that puts his trust in me, saith the Lord, shall possess the land, + and shall inherit my holy mountain,’ chap. lvii. 13. Which + mountain is established above all the mountains and hills, Isa. + ii. 2. The Lord saith (speaking of Christ), ‘I have put my spirit + upon him, he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles,’ Isa + xlii. 1. And he saith of him, ‘I will give thee for a covenant of + the people, for a light of the Gentiles; to open the blind eyes, + to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in + darkness out of the prison-house. I am the Lord, that is my name, + and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to + graven images,’ ver. 6-8. So Christ the Light is come, and the + glory of the Lord is risen; and the Gentiles are come to the Light + of Christ. This prophecy of Isaiah concerning Christ, many of the + Gentiles witness fulfilled, that ‘Salvation is come to the + Gentiles,’ Rom. xi. 11. God gave his glory to his Son; and Christ + saith, ‘The glory which thou gavest me, I have given them (namely, + his believers and followers), that they may be one, even as we are + one,’ John xvii. 22. + + “Now here you may see, the promises and prophecies are fulfilled + in Christ Jesus, whom God hath given for an Ensign both to the + Jews and Gentiles, and the Captain of their salvation; and he doth + enlighten every one that cometh into the world; that with his + heavenly, divine light, they might see Christ, the Lord from + heaven, their Captain and Ensign, and trust in Him, their + Conqueror, who bruises the serpent’s head, and destroys the devil + and his works; and Christ and his followers overcome the dragon, + beast, and false prophet. Therefore all Jews, Gentiles, and + Christians, that come to believe in Christ, are to stand to their + Ensign, Christ; who is also the Captain of their salvation, above + all ensigns and captains below; for he is from above; therefore + all are to trust in him; for he is certain and able to save to the + utmost, &c. He is the same Ensign and Captain to-day that he was + yesterday, and so for ever, the First and the Last, the Beginning + and the Ending, the Lord of all lords, and King of all kings upon + the earth; and there is nothing certain to be trusted in below + Christ Jesus, who is from above. + + “You see in the Scriptures there were many ways and religions + among the heathen, as there were many sects among the Jews when + Christ came; and now there are many sects or religions among the + Christians, who believe from the Scriptures that ‘he is come,’ as + the Jews believed ‘he was to come.’ But they that close their + eyes, and stop their ears to the Light of Christ, are not likely + to see Christ, who hath enlightened them, to be their Ensign and + the Captain of their salvation, that see not with the heavenly + eye, nor hear with the heavenly ear, to see and hear their + heavenly Ensign and Captain of their salvation, to convert and + heal them; that they might follow him, and be of his holy camp, + his heavenly soldiers, to whom he gives spiritual arms and armour, + the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the + armour of light, and the shield of faith (which will quench all + the fiery darts of Satan, and give victory), and the sword of the + Spirit, the Word of God, which shall cut, hammer down, and burn up + all the strongholds of Satan. Also he clothed his soldiers with + fine linen, white and clean, his righteousness, and shoeth them + with the everlasting gospel of peace, the power of God; which + clothes and shoes will never wax old. And all that are shod with + the everlasting gospel, the power of God, will never wax old, but + will stand all storms and tempests in the world. They that are + shod with the gospel, the power of God, can in it tread upon + serpents, vipers, and scorpions, and all the venomous beasts upon + the earth, and all the thorns, briars, brambles, thistles, and + sharp rocks and mountains, and never be hurt, nor ever wear out + their shoes; but their feet are always beautiful upon the + mountains. Moses, a captain, the servant of the Lord, said unto + the people of Israel, ‘I have led you forty years in the + wilderness; your clothes are not waxen old upon you, and thy shoe + is not waxen old upon thy foot,’ Deut. xxix. 5. Here ye may see + the Jews in the Old Testament, their clothes and their shoes did + not wax old; so they who are Christ’s followers, whom he shoeth + with his everlasting gospel of peace, clothes with his fine linen, + his righteousness, and arms with his arms and armour, are clothed, + shod, and armed, with that which will never decay, or wax old, + never canker, or rust, corrupt, or grow blunt. + + “Now, all (whether Christians, or Jews, or Gentiles) that hate the + Light of Christ, and close their eyes and stop their ears to it, + are not likely to see Christ, their Ensign, and Captain of their + salvation; but are blind. As no outward captain would enlist a + company of blind and deaf men, and clothe and arm them with + outward armour; so such as are blind and deaf, whose eyes are + closed, and ears stopped to the heavenly Light of Christ, he is + not likely to clothe them with his fine linen, and arm them with + his heavenly and spiritual armour; neither are they like to be + heavenly and spiritually disciplined, to see and know his holy, + spiritual, living camp, nor to follow him, while they are deaf and + blind, and hate his Light, which is the Life in Christ. For it is + the Light that shines in the heart, which gives the knowledge of + the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus; who is the Ensign + and Captain of men’s salvation, and who hath brought, and doth + bring many sons unto glory; praises, honour, and glory be unto the + Lord over all, who liveth for ever. Amen.” + + G.F. + + Gooses, the 14th of the 2nd Month, 1690. + +A week after this I returned to LONDON; and after a little stay +there went to visit Friends at KINGSTON, where I stayed not long; +but came back to LONDON, and remained there in the Lord’s work till +after the Yearly Meeting, which was in the fourth month this year; +in which the wonted goodness of the Lord was witnessed, his blessed +presence enjoyed, and his heavenly power livingly felt, opening the +hearts of his people unto him, and his divine treasures of life and +wisdom in and unto them; whereby many useful and necessary things, +relating to the safety of Friends and to the honour and prosperity +of truth, were weightily treated of, and unanimously concluded. + +After the meeting I wrote the following paper to Friends, to be +added to the epistle which from the Yearly Meeting was sent into the +several counties:— + + “All Friends everywhere, that are alive to God through Jesus + Christ, and are living members of Christ, the holy Head, be still; + and stand still in the Lord’s camp of holiness and righteousness; + and therein see the salvation of God, and your eternal life, rest, + and peace. In it you may feel and see the Lord’s power is over + all; and how the Lord is at work in his power, ruling the nations + with his rod of iron, and breaking (in the nations) the old leaky + vessels and cisterns to pieces, like the potter’s vessels, that + will not hold his living water; who are erred from his Spirit. + + “But blessed be the Lord God of heaven and earth, who, by his + eternal arm and power hath settled all his people upon the living, + holy rock and foundation, that stands sure; whom he hath drawn by + his Spirit to his Son, and gathered into the name of Jesus Christ, + his only begotten Son, full of grace and truth; who hath all power + in heaven and in earth given to him; whose name is above every + name under the whole heaven; and all his living members know there + is no salvation given by any other name than by the name of Jesus. + He, their salvation and their living head, is felt in the midst of + them in his light, life, Spirit, grace, and truth, and his word of + patience, wisdom, and power; who is his people’s prophet, that God + hath raised up in his New Testament and Covenant, to open to them; + and their living Shepherd, that hath purchased, redeemed, and + bought them with his precious blood. + + “Christ, the living One, feeds his living sheep in his pastures of + life, and they know their living Shepherd’s voice with his living + bread and water, and follow him; and will not follow any of the + world’s hirelings, nor thieves, nor robbers, nor climbers, that + are without Christ, the door. Christ’s living children likewise + know him, the bishop of their souls, to oversee them with his + heavenly and spiritual eye, that they may be preserved in his fold + of life, and go no more forth. They also know Christ, their holy + priest, that by the grace of God tasted death for them, and for + every man, and is a propitiation for their sins; and not for + theirs only, but for the sins of the whole world: and by the one + offering up of himself he hath perfected for ever them that are + sanctified. + + “Such a High-priest becomes Christ’s sheep in his New Covenant and + Testament, who is holy, harmless, and separate from sinners, and + is made higher than the heavens; who is not made a priest after + the order of Aaron, with his tithes, offerings, &c., but makes an + end of all those things, having abolished them; and is made a + High-priest after the power of an endless life, who ever liveth to + make intercession for his people: and is able to save to the + uttermost all that come to God through him. He is the one holy + Mediator between God and man; who sanctifies his people, his + church, that he is head of, and presents them to God without spot, + or wrinkle, or blemish, or any such thing; and makes them a holy, + royal priesthood, to offer up spiritual, holy sacrifices, + acceptable to God by Jesus Christ, who is King of all kings, and + Lord of all lords in the earth; so a holy, heavenly King, who hath + all power in heaven and in earth given to him; and rules in all + the hearts of his sheep and lambs, by his holy, divine, precious + faith, that is held in all the pure consciences of his people: of + which holy faith Christ, the holy One, is the author and finisher. + By this holy faith all the just live: in which divine and precious + faith all the just and holy ones have unity; by it they quench all + the fiery darts of Satan, have access to the pure God, and in it + please him. + + “Christ, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty + in heaven, in his New Testament and New Covenant, is the minister + of the sanctuary and true tabernacle which the Lord hath pitched, + and not man. Therefore all the lambs and sheep of Christ must feel + this holy Minister in their temple and sanctuary, who ministers + spiritual, holy, and heavenly things to them in their sanctuary + and tabernacle. For all the tabernacles and sanctuaries that are + built or pitched by man, men make ministers for them; and such + ministers are of men and by men, with their worldly sanctuaries + and tabernacles of men’s pitching, by men’s hands. + + “And now, dear Friends and brethren everywhere that are of the + flock of Christ; Christ our passover is sacrificed for us. + Therefore let us all keep this heavenly feast of our passover in + his New Testament and Covenant, not with old leaven, neither of + malice nor wickedness; but let all that be purged out, with the + sour, old leavened bread, that all may become a new lump; and so + keep this heavenly feast of Christ, our heavenly Passover, with + the unleavened bread (mark, with the unleavened bread) of + sincerity and truth. My desires are, that all the flock of Christ + everywhere may keep this heavenly feast of Christ, our heavenly + passover, with his heavenly, unleavened bread of sincerity and + truth. Amen.” + + G.F. + +I stayed in town three weeks or a month after the Yearly Meeting; +and then went to TOTTENHAM-HIGH-CROSS, where was a meeting on +First-day, which I was at; and then went to Edward Mann’s house, at +FORD-GREEN, near Winchmore-Hill; and on the First-day following to +the meeting at ENFIELD, where the Lord gave me many precious +openings to declare to the people. Afterwards moving amongst Friends +thereabouts, I visited the meetings at CHESHUNT, WALTHAM ABBEY, +ENFIELD, TOTTENHAM, and WINCHMORE-HILL, frequently; the Lord being +with me, and opening many deep and weighty truths, divine and +heavenly mysteries to his people, through me, to their great +refreshment, and my joy. After some time I went to HERTFORD, to +visit Friends there; and was at their meeting on a First-day. And +having something more particular upon me to the ancient Friends of +that place, I had a meeting with some of them the next day, and +imparted what the Lord had given me for them. Then passing to WARE, +I made a little stay amongst Friends there, and was at their +meeting. After which, returning, amongst Friends about EDMONTON side +and TOTTENHAM, and taking meetings as I went, I came back to LONDON +the end of the seventh month. + +I remained at London till the beginning of the ninth month, being +continually exercised in the work of the Lord, either in public +meetings, opening the way of truth to people, and building up and +establishing Friends therein, or in other services relating to the +church of God. For the parliament now sitting, and having a bill +before them concerning oaths, and another concerning clandestine +marriages, several Friends attended the house, to get those bills so +worded, that they might not be hurtful to Friends. In this service I +also assisted, attending on the parliament, and discoursing the +matter with several of the members. + +Having stayed more than a month in London, and much spent myself in +these services, I went to TOTTENHAM; and some time after to +FORD-GREEN; at which places I continued several weeks, visiting +Friends’ meetings round about there, at TOTTENHAM, ENFIELD, and +WINCHMORE-HILL. In this time several things came upon me to write; +one was + + “_An epistle to Friends in the ministry._” + + “All Friends in the ministry everywhere, to whom God hath given a + gift of the ministry, and who travel up and down in it, do not + ‘hide your talent, nor put your light under a bushel, nor cumber + or entangle yourselves with the affairs of this world.’ For the + natural soldiers are not to cumber themselves with the world, much + less the soldiers of Christ, who are not of this world; but are to + mind the riches and glory of the world that is everlasting. + Therefore, stir up the gift of God in you, and improve it; do not + sit down, Demas-like, and embrace this present world, that will + have an end; lest ye become idolaters. Be valiant for God’s truth + upon the earth, and spread it abroad in the day-light of Christ, + you who have sought the kingdom of God, and the righteousness + thereof, and have received it, and preached it; which ‘stands in + righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.’ + + “As able ministers of the Spirit sow to the Spirit, that of the + Spirit ye may reap life everlasting. Go on in the Spirit, + ploughing with it in the purifying hope; and thrashing, with the + power and Spirit of God, the wheat out of the chaff of corruption, + in the same hope. For he that looks back from the spiritual plough + into the world, is not fit for the spiritual and everlasting + kingdom of God; and is not likely to press into it, as the + faithful do. Therefore you that are awakened to righteousness, and + to the knowledge of the truth, keep yourselves awakened in it; + then the enemy cannot sow his tares in your field; for truth and + righteousness is over him, and before he was. My desires are, that + all may fulfil their ministry, that the Lord Jesus Christ hath + committed to them; and then by the blood (or life) and testimony + of Jesus you will overcome the enemy that opposes it, within and + without. + + “All All you that preach the truth, do it as it is in Jesus, in + love: and all that are believers in Jesus, and receivers of him, + he gives them power to become the sons of God, and joint-heirs + with Christ; whom he calleth brethren; and he gives them the water + of life, which shall be a well in them, springing up as a river to + eternal life, that they may water the spiritual plants of the + living God. So that all may be spiritual planters, and spiritual + waterers; and may see with the spiritual eye the everlasting, + eternal God over all, to give the increase, who is the infinite + fountain. My desires are, that you may be kept out of all the + beggarly elements of the world, which are below the spiritual + region, to Christ, the Head; and may hold Him, who bruiseth the + head of enmity, and was before it was; that ye may all be united + together in love, in your Head, Christ, and be ordered by his + heavenly, gentle, peaceable wisdom, to the glory of God. For all + that be in Christ, are in love, peace, and unity. In Him they are + strong, and in a full persuasion; and in Him, who is the first and + the last, they are in a heavenly resolution and confidence for + God’s everlasting honour and glory. Amen. + + “From him, who is translated into the kingdom of his dear Son, + with all his saints, a heavenly salutation. Salute one another + with a holy kiss of charity, that never faileth.” + + G.F. + + Ford-Green, the 25th of the 9th Month, 1690. + +Another epistle I wrote soon after, more particularly to the Friends +in the ministry that were gone into America; after this manner:— + + “Dear Friends and Brethren, Ministers, Exhorters, and Admonishers, + that are gone into America and the islands thereaway. Stir up the + gift of God in you, and the pure mind, and improve your talents, + that ye may be the light of the world, a city set upon a hill, + that cannot be hid. Let your light shine among the Indians, the + Blacks, and the Whites, that ye may answer the truth in them, and + bring them to the standard and ensign, that God hath set up, + Christ Jesus. For from the rising of the sun to the going down of + the same, God’s name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in + every temple, or sanctified heart, incense shall be offered up to + God’s name. + + “And have salt in yourselves, that ye may be the salt of the + earth, that ye may salt it; that it may be preserved from + corruption and putrefaction; so that all sacrifices offered up to + the Lord may be seasoned, and be a good savour to God. All grow in + the faith and grace of Christ, that ye may not be like dwarfs, for + a dwarf shall not come near to offer upon God’s altar; though he + may eat of God’s bread, that he may grow by it. And Friends, be + not negligent, but keep up your negroes’ meetings and your family + meetings; and have meetings with the Indian kings, and their + councils and subjects everywhere, and with others. Bring them all + to the baptizing and circumcising Spirit, by which they may know + God, and serve and worship Him. And all take heed of having your + minds in earthly things, coveting and striving for them; for to be + carnally minded brings death, and covetousness is idolatry. There + is too much strife and contention about that idol, which makes too + many go out of the sense and fear of God; so that some have lost + morality, humanity, and true Christian charity. + + “O therefore, be awakened to righteousness, and keep awakened: for + the enemy soweth his tares, while men and women sleep in + carelessness, and security. Therefore so many slothful ones go in + their filthy rags, and have not the fine linen, the righteousness + of Christ; but are straggling, and ploughing with their ox and + their ass, in their woollen and linen garments, mixed stuff, + feeding upon torn food that dieth of itself, and drinking of the + dregs of their old bottle, and eating the sour, leavened bread, + which makes their hearts burn one against another. But all are to + keep the feast of Christ, our passover, with the unleavened bread + of sincerity and truth. This unleavened bread of life from heaven, + makes all hearts and souls glad and joyful, lightsome and + cheerful, to serve and love God, and to love, and serve one + another in the peaceable truth, and to keep in the unity of God’s + Spirit, which is the bond of peace. In this love and peace, God + Almighty keep and preserve all his people, and make them valiant + for his truth upon the earth, to spread it abroad in doctrine, + good life and conversation. Amen. + + “All the members of Christ have need one of another. For the foot + hath need of the hand, and the hand of the foot; the ear hath need + of the eye, and the eye of the ear. So that all the members are + serviceable in the body, which Christ is the head of; and the head + sees their service. Therefore, let none despise the least member. + + “Have a care to keep down that greedy, earthly mind, that raveneth + and coveteth after the riches and things of this world, lest ye + fall into the low region, like the Gentiles or heathen, and so + lose the kingdom of God, that is everlasting; but seek that first, + and God knows what things ye have need of; who takes care for all, + both in heaven and in the earth: thanks be unto God for his + unspeakable gifts, both temporal and spiritual.” + + G. F. + + Tottenham, the 11th of the 10th Month, 1690. + +Not long after I returned to LONDON, and was almost daily with +Friends at meetings. When I had been near two weeks in town, the +sense of the great hardships and sore sufferings that Friends had +been and were under in Ireland,[64] coming with great weight upon +me, I was moved to write the following epistle, as a word of +consolation unto them:— + + “Dear Friends and Brethren in the Lord Jesus Christ, whom the Lord + by his eternal arm and power hath upheld through your great + sufferings, exercises, trials, and hardships (more, I believe, + than can be uttered), up and down that nation, which I am very + sensible of; and the rest of the faithful Friends, who have been + partakers with you in your sufferings; and who cannot but suffer + with the Lord’s people that suffer. My confidence hath been in the + Lord, that he would and will support you in all your sufferings; + and that he would preserve all the faithful in his wisdom, that + they might give no just occasion to one nor other to make them + suffer; and if you did suffer wrongfully, or unjustly, that the + righteous God would assist and uphold you; and reward them + according to their works, that oppressed or wronged you. + + “And now my desire is unto the Lord, that in the same holy and + heavenly wisdom, ye may all be preserved to the end of your days, + to the glory of God, minding His supporting hand and power, who is + God All-sufficient, to strengthen, help, and refresh, in time of + need. Let none forget the Lord’s mercies and kindnesses, which + endure for ever; but always live in the sense of them. And truly, + Friends, when I consider the thing, it is the great mercy of the + Lord, that ye have not been all swallowed up, seeing with what + spirits ye have been compassed about. But the Lord carrieth his + lambs in his arms, and they are as tender to him as the apple of + his eye; and his power is his hedge about his vineyard of heavenly + plants. + + “Therefore it is good for all his children, to be given up to the + Lord with their minds and souls, hearts and spirits, who is a + faithful keeper, that never slumbers nor sleeps; but is able to + preserve and keep you, and to save to the utmost; and none can + hurt so much as a hair of your heads, except he suffer it, to try + you; for he upholds all things, in heaven and in earth, by the + Word of his power; all things were made by Christ, and by him all + things consist (mark, consist), whether they be visible or + invisible, &c. So he hath power over all; for all power in heaven + and in earth is given to him; and to you that have received him, + he hath given power to become the sons and daughters of God; so + living members of Christ, the living head, grafted into Him, in + whom ye have eternal life. Christ, the Seed, reigns, and his power + is over all; who bruises the serpent’s head, and destroys the + devil and his works, and was before he was. So all of you live and + walk in Christ Jesus; that nothing may be between you and God, but + Christ, in whom ye have salvation, life, rest, and peace with God. + + “As for the affairs of truth in this land and abroad, I hear that + in Holland and Germany and thereaway, Friends are in love, unity, + and peace; and in Jamaica, Barbadoes, Nevis, Antigua, Maryland, + and New England, I hear nothing but Friends are in unity and + peace. The Lord preserve them all, out of the world (in which + there is trouble), in Christ Jesus, in whom there is peace, life, + love, and unity. Amen. My love in the Lord Jesus Christ to all + Friends everywhere in your land, as though I named them.” + + G.F. + + London, the 10th of the 11th Month, 1690. + + ---------------------------- + +Thus, reader, thou hast had some account of the life and travels, +labours, sufferings, and manifold trials and exercises of this holy +man of God, from his youth to almost the time of his death, of which +himself kept a journal; out of which the foregoing sheets were +transcribed. It remains that an account be added of the time, place, +and manner of his death and burial, which were thus:— + +The day after he had written the foregoing epistle to Friends in +Ireland, he went to the meeting at Gracechurch Street, which was +large, being the First-day of the week; and the Lord enabled him to +preach the truth fully and effectually, opening many deep and +weighty things with great power and clearness. After which having +prayed, and the meeting being ended, he went to Henry Goldney’s, in +White-Hart-Court, near the meeting-house; and some Friends going +with him there, he told them “he thought he felt the cold strike to +his heart, as he came out of the meeting;” “yet,” he added, “I am +glad I was here; now I am clear, I am fully clear.” As soon as the +Friends withdrew, he lay down upon a bed (as he sometimes used to +do, through weariness after meeting,) but soon rose again; and in a +little time lay down again, complaining still of cold. And his +strength sensibly decaying, he was soon obliged to go into bed; +where he lay in much contentment and peace, and very sensible to the +last. + +And as, in the whole course of his life, his spirit, in the +universal love of God, was bent upon the exalting of truth and +righteousness, and the making known the way thereof to the nations +and people afar off; so now, in the time of his outward weakness, +his mind was intent upon, and (as it were) wholly taken up with +that; and some particular Friends he sent for, to whom he expressed +his mind and desire for the spreading of Friends’ books, and truth +thereby in the world. Divers Friends came to visit him in his +illness; to some of whom he said, “All is well; the Seed of God +reigns over all, and over death itself. And though,” said he, “I am +weak in body, yet the power of God is over all, and the Seed reigns +over all disorderly spirits.” + +Thus lying in a heavenly frame of mind, his spirit wholly exercised +towards the Lord, he grew weaker and weaker in his natural strength; +and on the third day of the week, between the hours of nine and ten +in the evening, he quietly departed this life in peace, and sweetly +fell asleep in the Lord, whose blessed truth he had livingly and +powerfully preached in the meeting but two days before. Thus ended +he his day in his faithful testimony, in perfect love and unity with +his brethren, and in peace and good-will to all men, on the 13th of +the 11th Month [old style], 1690, being in the 67th year of his age. + +After the death of George Fox, an epistle was found written with his +own hand, and left sealed up, with this superscription; “Not to be +opened before the time”; that is, not till after his decease. When +it was opened, it was found to be addressed to Friends, and to all +the Children of God, in all places in the world. It was afterwards +printed, and is inserted in the Appendix to this Journal. + +On the day appointed for the interment of George Fox, a very great +concourse of Friends, and others, assembled at the meeting-house in +White-Hart-Court, near Gracechurch Street, about the middle of the +day, to attend his body to the grave. The meeting held about two +hours with great and heavenly solemnity, manifestly attended with +the Lord’s blessed presence and glorious power; in which divers +living testimonies were given, from a lively remembrance and sense +of the blessed ministry of this dear and ancient servant of the +Lord, his early entering into the Lord’s work at the breaking forth +of this gospel-day, his innocent life, long and great travels, and +unwearied labours of love in the everlasting gospel, for the turning +and gathering of many thousands from darkness to the light of Christ +Jesus, the foundation of true faith; the manifold sufferings, +afflictions, and oppositions, which he met withal for his faithful +testimony, both from his open adversaries, and from false brethren; +and his preservations, deliverances, and dominion in, out of, and +over them all, by the power of God; to whom the glory and honour +always was by him, and is, and always ought to be by all, ascribed. + +After the meeting was ended, his body was borne by Friends, and +accompanied by very great numbers, to Friends’ burying-ground, near +Bunhill-Fields; where, after a solemn waiting upon the Lord, and +several living testimonies borne, recommending the company to the +guidance and protection of that Divine Spirit and power, by which +this holy man of God had been raised up, furnished, supported, and +preserved, to the end of his day, his body was committed to the +earth; but his memorial shall remain, and be everlastingly blessed +among the righteous. + +----- + +Footnote 63: + + William Caton, whose service was much in Holland, died at + Amsterdam in 1665. He was one of the earliest associates of George + Fox, being convinced by him in 1652, and is often mentioned in the + earlier part of this Journal. He was not only a literary man, but + zealous for religion; and being of a courteous and affable + disposition, was in general esteem. When about fourteen years of + age he went to reside in Judge Fell’s family at Swarthmore Hall, + as a companion for his son, sharing with him, both in instruction + and recreation. He was very early inclined to religion, and, as he + grew in years, he advanced in godliness. + + After joining Friends, he travelled considerably as a gospel + minister, and underwent many sufferings for Christ’s sake. At + Maidstone, in 1654, he and another Friend were stripped, their + necks and arms put in the stocks, and, in that condition, they + were desperately whipped. At Yarmouth he was, with seven other + Friends, taken from a religious meeting on the first day of the + week, and confined six months in prison. + + A valuable collection of letters of early Friends was met with at + Swarthmore some years ago, written nearly throughout by William + Caton, and appears to have been intended by him for publication. + It has a title page, dated Swarthmore, 23rd of 6th Month, 1659; + and a preface signed by himself, dated 7th of 2nd Month, 1660. The + life of Caton, George Fox mentions as having been printed, was + re-published in 1839, by John Barclay, forming one of the _Select + Series_, to which the reader is referred for further particulars. + +Footnote 64: + + The sufferings of Friends in Ireland at this time were very great. + The havoc and spoil they underwent were enormous, as related by + the historians Sewell and Rutty, and more minutely by Besse, in + his _Collection of Sufferings_, to which allusion has been made + before, and to which the reader is now finally referred. The loss + sustained by Friends from persecution in a single year (1689) was + estimated at £100,000, many being deprived of all their substance. + Great numbers were immured for years in prison, and many died + there for Christ’s sake. Others when there was a prospect of their + being released, because they could not satisfy the unjust demand + of fees, as having done no wrong (thus bravely, though passively, + asserting their Christian liberty,) were either detained or + stripped of their clothes, and turned out. + + Surrounded as they were with perils on every hand, they placed + their confidence in Divine protection; and in the worst times of + trial, when not in prison, they kept up their meetings for + worship, as well as discipline; collected at the latter the + accounts of the sufferings of their members, and took what care + they could for their relief. + + + + + APPENDIX; + + CONTAINING + + TESTIMONY OF MARGARET FOX RESPECTING HER HUSBAND GEORGE FOX. + + TESTIMONY OF SOME OF THE AUTHOR’S RELATIONS. + + TESTIMONY FROM THE MORNING MEETING IN LONDON. + + TESTIMONY OF THOMAS ELLWOOD. + + AN EPISTLE OF GEORGE FOX, FOUND AFTER HIS DEATH SEALED UP, + ADDRESSED TO THE CHILDREN OF GOD EVERYWHERE. + + THE APPEARANCE OF THE LORD’S EVERLASTING TRUTH, AND ITS BREAKING + FORTH AGAIN IN HIS ETERNAL POWER, IN THIS OUR DAY AND AGE, IN + ENGLAND. + + A CHRONOLOGICAL REGISTER OF THE PLACES VISITED BY THE AUTHOR. + + TEXTS OF SCRIPTURE OCCURRING IN THIS JOURNAL. + + PARTICULARS OF THE VARIOUS EDITIONS OF GEORGE FOX’S JOURNAL, ETC. + + TESTIMONY OF MARGARET FOX, + CONCERNING HER LATE HUSBAND + GEORGE FOX; + + WITH A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF SOME OF HIS TRAVELS, SUFFERINGS, AND + HARDSHIPS ENDURED FOR THE TRUTH’S SAKE. + + -------------- + +It having pleased Almighty God to take away my dear husband out of +this evil, troublesome world, who was not a man thereof, being +chosen out of it; who had his life and being in another region, and +whose testimony was against the world, that the deeds thereof were +evil, and therefore the world hated him: so I am now to give in my +account and testimony for him, whom the Lord hath taken unto his +blessed kingdom and glory. And it is before me from the Lord, and in +my view, to give a relation, and leave upon record the dealings of +the Lord with us from the beginning. + +He was the instrument in the hand of the Lord in this present age, +which he made use of to send forth into the world, to preach the +everlasting gospel, which had been hid from many ages and +generations; the Lord revealed it unto him, and made him open that +new and living way, that leads to life eternal, when he was but a +youth, and a stripling. And when he declared it in his own country +of Leicestershire, and in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and +Warwickshire, his declaration being against the hireling priests and +their practices, it raised a great fury and opposition amongst the +priests and people against him; yet there were always some that +owned him in several places; but very few that stood firm to him +when persecution came on him. He and one other were put in prison at +Derby, but the other declined, and left him in prison there, where +he continued almost a whole year; and when he was released out of +prison, he went on with his testimony abroad, and was put in prison +again at Nottingham; and there he continued a while, and after was +released again. + +He then travelled on into Yorkshire, and passed up and down that +great county, and several received him, as William Dewsbury, Richard +Farnsworth, Thomas Aldam, and others, who all came to be faithful +ministers of the Spirit for the Lord. He continued in that country, +and travelled through Holderness and the Wolds, and abundance were +convinced: and several were brought to prison at York for their +testimony to the truth, both men and women: so that we heard of such +a people that were risen, and we did very much inquire after them. +And after a while he travelled up farther towards the Dales in +Yorkshire, as Wensleydale, and Sedbergh; and amongst the hills, +dales, and mountains he came on, and convinced many of the eternal +Truth. + +In the year 1652 it pleased the Lord to draw him towards us; so he +came on from Sedbergh, and so to Westmorland, as Firbank Chapel, +where John Blakelin came with him; and so on to Preston, Grayrigg, +Kendal, Underbarrow, Poolbank, Cartmel, and Stavely; and so on to +Swarthmore, my dwelling-house whither he brought the blessed tidings +of the everlasting gospel, which I, and many hundreds in these +parts, have cause to praise the Lord for. My then husband, Thomas +Fell, was not at home at that time, but gone to the Welsh circuit, +being one of the judges of assize; and our house being a place open +to entertain ministers and religious people at, one of GEORGE FOX’S +friends brought him hither, where he stayed all night. + +The next day being a lecture, or a fast-day, he went to Ulverstone +steeple-house, but came not in till people were gathered; I and my +children had been a long time there before. And when they were +singing before the sermon, he came in; and when they had done +singing, he stood up upon a seat or form, and desired that he might +have liberty to speak; and he that was in the pulpit said he might. +And the first words that he spoke were as followeth: “He is not a +Jew that is one outward; neither is that circumcision which is +outward; but he is a Jew that is one inward; and that is +circumcision which is of the heart.” And so he went on, and said, +how that Christ was the Light of the world, and lighteth every man +that cometh into the world; and that by this light they might be +gathered to God, &c. I stood up in my pew and wondered at his +doctrine; for I had never heard such before. And then he went on, +and opened the Scriptures, and said, “the Scriptures were the +prophets’ words, and Christ’s and the apostles’ words, and what, as +they spoke, they enjoyed and possessed, and had it from the Lord:” +and said, “then what had any to do with the Scriptures, but as they +came to the Spirit that gave them forth? You will say, Christ saith +this, and the apostles say this; but what canst thou say? Art thou a +child of Light, and hast thou walked in the Light, and what thou +speakest, is it inwardly from God?” &c. This opened me so, that it +cut me to the heart; and then I saw clearly we were all wrong. So I +sat down in my pew again, and cried bitterly: and I cried in my +spirit, to the Lord, “We are all thieves; we are all thieves; we +have taken the Scriptures in words, and know nothing of them in +ourselves.” So that served me, that I cannot well tell what he spoke +afterwards; but he went on in declaring against the false prophets, +and priests, and deceivers of the people. + +And there was one John Sawrey, a justice of peace, and a professor, +that bid the churchwarden take him away; and he laid his hands on +him several times, and took them off again, and let him alone; and +then after a while he gave over, and came to our house again that +night. And he spoke in the family amongst the servants, and they +were all generally convinced; as William Caton, Thomas Salthouse, +Mary Askew, Anne Clayton, and several other servants. And I was +struck into such a sadness, I knew not what to do, my husband being +from home. I saw it was the truth, and I could not deny it; and I +did as the apostle saith, “I received the truth in the love of it:” +and it was opened to me so clear, that I had never a tittle in my +heart against it; but I desired the Lord that I might be kept in it; +and then I desired no greater portion. + +Then he went on to Dalton, Aldingham, Dendron, and Rampside chapels +and steeple-houses, and several places up and down, and the people +followed him mightily; and abundance were convinced, and saw that +what he spoke was truth; but the priests were all in a rage. About +two weeks after, James Naylor and Richard Farnsworth followed him, +and inquired him out, till they came to Swarthmore, and there stayed +a while with me at our house, and did me much good, for I was under +great heaviness and judgment. But the power of the Lord entered upon +me within about two weeks that he came; and about three weeks’ end +my husband came home; and many were in a mighty rage. And a deal of +the captains and great ones of the country went to meet my then +husband as he was coming home, and informed him “that a great +disaster was befallen amongst his family, and that they were +witches; and that they had taken us out of our religion: and that he +might either set them away, or all the country would be undone.” But +no weapon formed against the Lord shall prosper, as you may see +hereafter. + +So my husband came home greatly offended: and any may think what a +condition I was like to be in, that either I must displease my +husband, or offend God; for he was very much troubled with us all in +the house and family, they had so prepossessed him against us. But +James Naylor and Richard Farnsworth were both then at our house, and +I desired them to come and speak to him, and so they did, very +moderately and wisely; but he was at first displeased with them, +till they told him they came in love and goodwill to his house. And +after that he had heard them speak a while, he was better satisfied; +and they offered as if they would go away; but I desired them to +stay, and not to go away yet, for George Fox will come this evening. +And I would have had my husband to have heard them all, and +satisfied himself farther about them: because they had so +prepossessed him against them of such dangerous, fearful things, in +his coming first home. And then he was pretty moderate and quiet; +and his dinner being ready, he went to it; and I went in, and sat me +down by him. And whilst I was sitting, the power of the Lord seized +upon me: and he was struck with amazement, and knew not what to +think; but was quiet and still. And the children were all quiet and +still, and grown sober, and could not play on their music that they +were learning: and all these things made him quiet and still. + +At night George Fox came: and after supper my husband was sitting in +the parlour, and I asked him, if George Fox might come in; and he +said, Yes. So George came in without any compliment, and walked into +the room, and began to speak presently; and the family, and James +Naylor, and Richard Farnsworth came all in: and he spoke very +excellently as ever I heard him, and opened Christ’s and the +apostles’ practices, which they were in, in their day. And he opened +the night of apostasy since the apostles’ days, and laid open the +priests and their practices in the apostasy; that if all England had +been there, I thought they could not have denied the truth of those +things. And so my husband came to see clearly the truth of what he +spoke, and was very quiet that night, said no more and went to bed. + +The next morning came Lampitt, priest of Ulverstone, and got my +husband into the garden, and spoke much to him there; but my husband +had seen so much the night before, that the priest got little +entrance upon him. And when the priest Lampitt was come into the +house, George spoke sharply to him, and asked him “when God spoke to +him, and called him to go and preach to the people?” but after a +while the priest went away: this was on a Sixth day of the week, +about the Fifth month, 1652. And at our house divers Friends were +speaking one to another, how there were several convinced hereaways; +and we could not tell where to get a meeting; my husband also being +present, he overheard, and said of his own accord, “You may meet +here, if you will;” and that was the first meeting we had that he +offered of his own accord. And then notice was given that day and +the next to Friends, and there was a good large meeting on the day’, +which was the first meeting that was at Swarthmore; and so continued +there a meeting from 1652 till 1690. And my husband went that day to +the steeple-house, and none with him but his clerk and his groom +that rode with him; and the priest and people were all fearfully +troubled: but praised be the Lord, they never got their wills upon +us to this day. + +After a few weeks George went to Ulverstone steeple-house again, and +the said Justice Sawrey, with others, set the rude rabble upon him; +and they beat him so that he fell down as in a swoon, and was sore +bruised and blackened in his body, and on his head and arms. Then my +husband was not at home; but when he came home he was displeased +that they should do so; and spoke to Justice Sawrey, and said it was +against law to make riots. And after that he was sore beat and +stoned at Walney till he fell down; and also at Dalton was he sore +beat and abused; so that he had very hard usage in divers places in +those parts. And then when a meeting was settled there, he went +again into Westmorland, and settled meetings there; and there was a +great convincement, and abundance of brave ministers came out +thereaways, as John Camm, John Audland, Francis Howgill, Edward +Burrough, Miles Halhead, and John Blakelin, with divers others. He +also went over the sands to Lancaster, and Yealand, and Kellet, +where Robert Widders, Richard Hubberthorn, and John Lawson, with +many others, were convinced. And about that time he was in those +parts, many priests and professors rose up, and falsely accused him +of blasphemy, and did endeavour to take away his life; and got +people to swear at a sessions at Lancaster that he had spoken +blasphemy. But my then husband and Colonel West, having had some +sight and knowledge of the truth, withstood the two persecuting +justices, John Sawrey and Thompson, and brought him off, and cleared +him; for indeed he was innocent. And after the sessions there was a +great meeting in the town of Lancaster; and many of the +town’s-people came in, and many were convinced. And thus he was up +and down about Lancaster, Yealand, Westmorland, and some parts of +Yorkshire, and our parts above one year; in which time there were +above twenty-four ministers brought forth, that were ready to go +with their testimony of the Eternal Truth unto the world; and soon +after Francis Howgill and John Camm went to speak to Oliver +Cromwell. + +In the year 1653, George’s drawings were into Cumberland, by Millom, +Lamplugh, Embleton, and Brigham, Pardshaw and Cockermouth, where at +or near Embleton he had a dispute with some priests, as Larkham and +Benson; but chiefly with John Wilkinson, a preacher at Embleton and +Brigham, who was afterwards convinced, and owned the Truth, and was +a serviceable minister both in England, Ireland, and Scotland. Then +he went to Coldbeck and several places, till he came to Carlisle, +and went to their steeple-house; there they beat and abused him, and +had him before the magistrates, who examined him, and put him in +prison in the common jail among the thieves. At the assizes was one +Anthony Pearson, who had been a justice of peace, and was convinced +at Appleby (when he was upon the bench) by James Naylor and Francis +Howgill, who were then prisoners there, and brought before him; so +Anthony Pearson spoke to the justices at Carlisle, he being +acquainted with them, having married his wife out of Cumberland; and +after a while they released him. Afterwards he went into several +parts of Cumberland, and many were convinced, and owned the Truth; +and he gathered and settled meetings there amongst them, and up and +down in several parts in the North. + +In the year 1654, he went southward to his own country of +Leicestershire, visiting Friends. And then Colonel Hacker sent him +to Oliver Cromwell; and after having been kept prisoner a while, he +was brought before Oliver, and released. He then stayed a while, +visiting Friends in London, and the meetings therein; and so passed +westward to Bristol and visited Friends there. He afterwards went +into Cornwall, where they put him in prison at Launceston, and one +Edward Pyot with him, where he had a bad, long imprisonment. When he +was released, he passed into many parts of that county of Cornwall, +and settled meetings there. Then he travelled through many counties, +visiting Friends and settling meetings all along; and so came into +the North, and to Swarthmore, and to Cumberland. + +And so for Scotland he passed in the year 1657, and there went with +him Robert Widders, James Lancaster, John Grave, and others. He +travelled through many places in that nation, as Douglas, Heads, +Hamilton, Glasgow, and to Edinburgh, where they took him, and +carried him before General Monk and the council, and examined him, +and asked him his business into that nation; who answered, he came +to visit the seed of God. And after they had threatened him, and +charged him to depart their nation of Scotland, they let him go. +Then he went to Linlithgow, and Stirling, and Johnstone, and many +places, visiting the people; and several were convinced. And after +he had stayed a pretty while, and settled some meetings, he returned +into Northumberland, and into the bishopric of Durham, visiting +Friends and settling meetings as he went; and then returned back +again to Swarthmore, and stayed amongst Friends a while, and so +returned south again. In 1658, Judge Fell died. + +In 1660 he came out of the South into the North, and had a great +general meeting about Balby in Yorkshire; and so came on, visiting +Friends in many places, till he came to Swarthmore again. And King +Charles then being come in, the justices sent out warrants, and took +him at Swarthmore, charging him in their warrants, that he drew away +the king’s liege people, to the endangering the embruing the nation +in blood; and sent him prisoner to Lancaster castle. And I having a +great family, and he being taken in my house, I was moved of the +Lord to go to the king at Whitehall; and took with me a declaration, +and an information of our principles, and a long time, and much ado +I had, to get to him. But at last, when I got to him, I told him if +he was guilty of those things, I was guilty, for he was taken in my +house; and I gave him the paper of our principles, and desired that +he would set him at liberty, as he had promised that none should +suffer for tender consciences; and we were of tender consciences, +and desired nothing but the liberty of our consciences. Then with +much ado, after he had been kept prisoner near half a year at +Lancaster, we got a _habeas corpus_, and removed him to the king’s +bench, where he was released. And then would I gladly have come home +to my great family, but was bound in my spirit, and could not have +freedom to get away for a whole year. The king had promised me +several times that we should have our liberty, but then the +Monarchy-men rose; and then came the great and general imprisonment +of Friends the nation through; and so could I not have freedom nor +liberty to come home, till we had got a general proclamation for all +our Friends’ liberty. Then I had freedom and peace to come home. + +In 1663 he came North again, and to Swarthmore. Then they sent out +warrants, and took him again; and had him to Holker before the +justices, who tendered him the oath of allegiance, and sent him +prisoner to Lancaster castle. And about a month after, the justices +sent for me also out of my house, and tendered me the oath, and sent +me prisoner to Lancaster. And the next assizes they again tendered +the oath of allegiance and supremacy to us both, and premunired me; +but they had missed the date, and other things in the indictment, +and so it was quashed; but they tendered him the oath again, and +kept him prisoner a year and a half at Lancaster castle. And then +they sent him to Scarbro’ castle in Yorkshire, where they kept him +prisoner close under the soldiers much of a year and a half, so that +a Friend could scarcely have spoken to him; yet after that, it +pleased the Lord that he was released; but I continued in prison, +and a prisoner four years at that time; and an order was procured +from the council, whereby I was set at liberty. And in that time I +went down into Cornwall with my son and daughter Lower, and came +back by London to the Yearly Meeting; and there I met with him +again; and then he told me the time was drawing on towards our +marriage, but he might first go into Ireland. And a little before +this time was he prisoner in his own country at Leicester for a +while, and then released. So into Ireland he went, and I went into +Kent and Sussex, and came back to London again; and afterwards I +went to the West, towards Bristol, in 1669, and there I stayed till +he came over from Ireland, which was eleven years after my former +husband’s decease. In Ireland he had had a great service for the +Lord and his eternal truth, amongst Friends and many people there, +but escaped many dangers, and times of being taken prisoner, they +having laid in wait aforehand for him in many places. And then he +being returned, at Bristol he declared his intentions of marriage; +and there also was our marriage solemnized. Within ten days after I +came homewards, but my husband stayed up and down in the countries +amongst Friends, visiting them. + +Soon after I came home, there came another order from the council to +cast me into prison again; and the sheriff of Lancashire sent his +bailiff, and pulled me out of my own house, and had me prisoner to +Lancaster castle (upon the old premunire), where I continued a whole +year, and most part of that time was I sick and weakly; my husband +also was weak and sickly at that time. After a while he recovered, +and went about to get me out of prison, and a discharge at last was +got under the great seal; and so I was set at liberty. Then I was to +go up to London again, for my husband was intending for America. He +was full two years away, before he came back again into England; and +having arrived at Bristol, he came thence to London, intending to +come to the middle of the nation with me; but when we came into some +parts of Worcestershire, they got there information of him; and one +Justice Parker, by his warrant, sent him and my son Lower to +Worcester jail. The justices there tendered him the oath, and +premunired him, but released my son Lower, who stayed with him most +of the time he was prisoner there. + +After some time he fell sick, in a long, lingering sickness, and +many times was very ill; so they writ to me from London, that if I +would see him alive, I might go to him; which accordingly I did. +After I had tarried seventeen weeks with him at Worcester, and no +discharge likely to be obtained for him, I went up to London, and +wrote to the king an account of his long imprisonment, and how he +was taken in his travel homewards, and that he was weak and sick, +and not likely to live if they kept him long there. I went with it +to Whitehall myself, where I met with the king and gave him the +paper; and he said, I must go to the chancellor, he could do nothing +in it. Then I wrote also to the lord chancellor, and went to his +house, gave him my paper, and spoke to him, that the king had left +it wholly to him; and if he did not take pity and release him out of +that prison, I feared he would end his days there. The Lord +Chancellor Finch was a very tender man, and spoke to the judge, who +gave out an _habeas corpus_ presently. When we got it we sent it +down to Worcester, and they would not part with him at first, but +said he was premunired, and was not to go out on that manner. Then +we were forced to go to Judge North, and to the attorney-general, +and we got another order, and sent down from them; and with much +ado, and great labour and industry of William Mead and other +friends, we got him up to London, where he appeared in Westminster +Hall at the king’s bench, before Judge Hale, who was a very honest, +tender man; and he knew they had imprisoned him but in envy. So that +which they had against him was read, and our counsel pleaded that he +was taken up in his travel and journey. And there was but a little +said till he was acquitted. This was the last prison that he was in, +being freed by the court of king’s bench. + +When he was at liberty he recovered again; and then I was very +desirous to go home with him, which we did. This was the first time +that he came to Swarthmore after we were married; and he stayed here +much of two years, and then went to London again to the Yearly +Meeting; and after a while went into Holland, and some parts of +Germany, where he stayed a pretty while, and then returned to London +again at the next Yearly Meeting. And after he had stayed a while in +and about London, he came into the North to Swarthmore again, and +stayed that time near two years; and then he grew weakly, being +troubled with pains and aches, having had many sore and long +travels, beatings, and hard imprisonments. But after some time he +rode to York, and so passed on through Nottinghamshire and several +counties, visiting Friends, till he came to London to the Yearly +Meeting, and stayed there, and thereaways, till he finished his +course, and laid down his head in peace. + +And though the Lord had provided an outward habitation for him, yet +he was not willing to stay at it, because it was so remote and far +from London, where his service most lay. And my concern for God, and +his holy eternal truth, was then in the North, where God had placed +and set me, and likewise for the ordering and governing of my +children and family; so that we were very willing both of us, to +live apart for some years on God’s account, and his truth’s service, +and to deny ourselves of that comfort which we might have had in +being together, for the sake and service of the Lord and his truth. +And if any took occasion, or judged hard of us because of that, the +Lord will judge them; for we were innocent. And for my own part, I +was willing to take many long journeys, for taking away all occasion +of evil thoughts; and though I lived two hundred miles from London, +yet have I been nine times there, upon the Lord and his truth’s +account; and of all the times that I was at London, this last was +most comfortable, that the Lord was pleased to give me strength and +ability to travel that great journey, being seventy-six years of +age, to see my dear husband, who was better in his health and +strength than many times I had seen him before. I look upon it, that +the Lord’s special hand was in it, that I should go then, for he +lived but about half a year after I left him; which makes me admire +the wisdom and goodness of God, in ordering my journey at that time. + +And now he hath finished his course, and his testimony, and is +entered into his eternal rest and felicity. I trust in the same +powerful God, that his holy arm and power will carry me through, +whatever he hath yet for me to do; and that he will be my strength +and support, and the bearer up of my head unto the end, and in the +end. For I know his faithfulness and goodness, and I have experience +of his love; to whom be glory and powerful dominion for ever. Amen. + + M.F. + + + TESTIMONY OF SOME OF THE AUTHOR’S RELATIONS. + +Neither days nor length of time with us can wear out the memory of +our dear and honoured father, George Fox, whom the Lord hath taken +to himself. And though his earthly house of this tabernacle be +dissolved, and mortality put off, yet we believe he has a “building +with God eternally in the heavens, and is entered into rest,” as a +reward to those great labours, hard sufferings, and sore trials he +patiently endured for God and his truth. Of which truth he was made +an able minister, and one, if not the first promulgator of it in our +age; who, though of no great literature, nor seeming much learned, +as to the outward (being hid from the wisdom of this world), yet he +had the tongue of the learned, and could speak a word in due season +to the conditions and capacities of most, especially to them that +were weary, and wanted soul’s rest; being deep in the divine +mysteries of the kingdom of God. And the word of life and salvation +through him reached unto many souls, whereby many were convinced of +their great duty of inward retiring to wait upon God; and as they +became diligent in the performance of that service, were also raised +up to be preachers of the same everlasting gospel of peace and glad +tidings to others; who are as seals to his ministry both in this and +other nations, and may possibly give a more full account thereof. +Howbeit we knowing his unwearied diligence, not sparing, but +spending himself in the work and service whereunto he was chosen and +called of God, could not but give this short testimony of his +faithfulness therein, and likewise of his tender love and care +towards us; who, as a tender father to his children (in which +capacity we stood, being so related to him), never failed to give us +his wholesome counsel and advice. + +And not only so, but, as a father in Christ, he took care of the +whole family and household of faith, which the Lord had made him an +eminent overseer of, and endued him with an excellent spirit of +wisdom and understanding, to propose and direct such helps and +advantages to the well-ordering and establishing of affairs and +government in the church, as now are found very serviceable +thereunto; and have greatly disappointed and prevented the false, +loose, and libertine spirit of some who, to their own confusion, +have endeavoured, by separation and division, to disturb the +church’s peace. And although many of that sort have at sundry times +shot their poisonous darts at him, publicly in print, and privately +other ways, yet he has been always preserved by the heavenly power +of God, out of the reach of their envy, and all perils and +difficulties that attended on their account; who, as a fixed star in +the firmament of God’s power, did constantly abide, and held his +integrity to the last, being of a sweet, savoury life; and as to +conversation, kept his garments clean: and though outwardly dead, +yet he liveth, and his memory is right precious unto us; as it is +and will be to all that abide in the love of truth, and have not +declined the way of it. For he was one of the Lord’s worthies, +valiant for the truth upon earth, not turning his back in the day of +battle; but his bow still abiding in its strength, he, through many +hardships, brought gladness and refreshment to Israel’s camp, being +assisted by the might of that power that always put the armies of +aliens and enemies to flight. And now having finished his course, he +is removed from us into a glorious state of immortality and bliss, +and is gathered unto the Lord as a shock of corn in its full season, +and to that habitation of safety where the wicked cease from +troubling and the weary are at rest. + + JOHN ROUS, MARGARET ROUS, + WILLIAM MEAD, SARAH MEAD, + THOMAS LOWER, MARY LOWER, + WILLIAM INGRAM, SUSANNA INGRAM, + DANIEL ABRAHAM, RACHEL ABRAHAM, + ABRAHAM MORRICE, ISABEL MORRICE. + + + ------------------------------------ + + + AN EPISTLE BY WAY OF TESTIMONY, + + TO FRIENDS AND BRETHREN OF THE MONTHLY AND QUARTERLY MEETINGS + IN ENGLAND, WALES, AND ELSEWHERE, CONCERNING THE DECEASE + OF OUR FAITHFUL BROTHER, GEORGE FOX. + + From our Second-day’s Morning-Meeting in London, the 26th of 11th + Month, 1690. + +Dear and truly beloved friends, brethren and sisters in Christ +Jesus, our blessed Lord and Saviour, we sincerely and tenderly +salute you all in his free and tender love wherewith he hath +graciously visited us, and largely shed it abroad in our hearts and +souls, to our own unspeakable comfort and consolation, and towards +his whole heritage and royal offspring; blessed be his pure and +powerful name forevermore. And our souls do truly and fervently +desire, and breathe unto the God of all our mercies, that you all +may be preserved, and kept truly faithful and diligent in his work +and service, according to your heavenly calling and endowments with +his light, grace, and truth, unto the end of your days; as being +livingly engaged thereby all your appointed time to serve him, and +to wait till your change come; that none may neglect that true +improvement of your times and talents, that God has afforded you +here, for your eternal advantage hereafter, in that inheritance and +life immortal that never fades away. And that the whole flock and +heritage of Christ Jesus, which he has purchased and bought for +himself with a price incorruptible, may always be so preserved in +his own pure love and life, as to grow, increase, and prosper in the +same; and thereby be kept in love, unity, and peace with one +another, as becomes his faithful and true followers, is that which +our very hearts and souls desire, being often truly comforted and +enlarged in the living sense and feeling of the increase and +aboundings thereof, among faithful friends and brethren. + +And, dear brethren and sisters, unto this our tender salutation we +are concerned, in brotherly love and true tender-heartedness, to add +and impart unto you some account of the decease of our dear and +elder brother in Christ, namely, His and His church’s true and +faithful servant and minister, George Fox; whom it hath pleased the +Lord to take unto himself, as he hath divers others of his faithful +servants and ministers of late time; who have faithfully served out +their generation, and finished their testimony and course with joy +and peace. Howbeit, O dear brethren and friends! that so many +worthies in Israel, and serviceable instruments in the Lord’s hand, +are of late taken away and removed from us so soon one after +another, appears a dispensation that deeply and sorrowfully affects +us, and many more whose hearts are upright and tender towards God, +and one to another in the truth. The consideration of the depth, +weight, and meaning thereof is very weighty upon our spirits, though +their precious life and testimony live with us, as being of that +same body, united to one head, even Christ Jesus; in which we still, +and hope ever shall, have secret comfort and union with them, whom +the Lord has removed and taken to himself, out of their earthly +tabernacles and houses into, their heavenly and everlasting +mansions. + +This our said dear brother, George Fox, was enabled, by the Lord’s +power, to preach the truth fully and effectually in our public +meeting in White-Hart Court, by Gracechurch Street, London, on the +11th day of this instant 11th month, 1690: after which he said, “I +am glad I was here; now I am clear, I am fully clear.” Then he was +the same day taken with some illness or indisposition of body more +than usual; and continued weak in body for two days after, at our +friend Henry Goldney’s house, in the same court, close by the +meeting-house, in much contentment and peace, and very sensible to +the last. In which time he mentioned some divers Friends, and sent +for some in particular; to whom he expressed his mind for the +spreading of Friends’ books and truth in the world, and through the +nations thereof; as his spirit in the Lord’s love and power was +universally set and bent for truth and righteousness, and the making +known the way thereof to the nations and people afar off: signifying +also to some Friends, “That all is well; and the Seed of God reigns +over all, and over death itself: that though he was weak in body, +yet that the power of God is over all, and the Seed reigns over all +disorderly spirits;” which were his wonted sensible expressions, +being in the living faith and sense thereof, which he kept to the +end. And on the 13th instant, between the ninth and tenth hour in +the night, he quietly departed this life in peace; being two days +after the Lord enabled him to publish and preach the blessed truth +in the meeting as aforesaid. So that he clearly and evidently ended +his days in his faithful testimony, in perfect love and unity with +his brethren, and peace and good-will to all men; being about sixty +and six years of age (as we understand) when he departed this life. + +And on the 16th of this instant, being the day appointed for his +funeral, a very great concourse of Friends and people assembled at +our meeting-house in White-Hart Court aforesaid, about the +mid-day, in order to attend his body to our burying-place, near +Bunhill-Fields, to be interred, as Friends’ last office of love +and respect due on that account. The meeting was held about two +hours, with great and heavenly solemnity, manifestly attended with +the Lord’s blessed power and presence; and divers living +testimonies given, from a lively remembrance and sense of this his +dear ancient servant, his blessed ministry and testimony of the +breaking forth of this gospel-day; his innocent life, long and +great travels, and labours of love in the everlasting gospel, for +the turning and gathering many thousands from darkness to the +light of Christ Jesus, the foundation of true faith; also of his +manifold sufferings, afflictions, and oppositions, which he met +withal for his faithful testimony, both from his open adversaries +and false brethren; and his preservations, dominion, and +deliverances out of them all by the power of God; to whom the +glory and honour was and is ascribed, in raising up and preserving +this his faithful witness and minister to the end of his days; +whose blessed memorial will everlastingly remain. + +He loved truth and righteousness, and bore faithful testimony +against deceit and falsehood, and the mystery of iniquity; and +often, of late time especially, warned Friends against covetousness, +earthly-mindedness, against getting into the earth, and into a +brittle spirit; and the younger sort, against looseness and pride of +life, &c. + +A few days before he died, he had a great concern upon his mind +concerning some in whom the Lord’s power was working, to lead them +into a ministry and testimony to his truth; who, through their too +much entangling themselves in the things of this world, did make +themselves unready to answer the call and leadings of the power of +God, and hurt the gift that was bestowed upon them, and did not take +that regard to their service and ministry as they ought; and +mentioned the apostle’s exhortation to Timothy, to “take heed to his +ministry, and to show himself approved,” &c.: and expressed his +grief concerning such as preferred their own business before the +Lord’s business, and sought the advancing worldly concerns before +the concerns of truth: and concluded with a tender and fatherly +exhortation to all to whom God had imparted of his heavenly +treasure, that they would improve it faithfully, and be diligent in +the Lord’s work, that the earth might be sown with the seed of the +kingdom, and God’s harvest might be minded by those whom he had +called and enabled to labour therein: and that such would commit the +care of their outward concerns to the Lord, who would care for them, +and give a blessing to them. However, this is not mentioned to +encourage any to run unsent, or without being called of God. + +Many are living witnesses that the Lord raised him up by his power, +to proclaim his mighty day to the nations, and made him an effectual +instrument in our day to turn many from darkness to light, and from +Satan’s power to God; and freely to suffer and bear all reproaches, +and the manifold persecutions, bufferings, halings, stonings, +imprisonments, and cruelties, that were in the beginning, and for +some time inflicted on him and others, for the name of Christ Jesus. +He was in his testimony as a fixed star in the firmament of God’s +power, where all that be truly wise, and that turn many to +righteousness, shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and +as the stars, for ever and ever. He knew and preached the mystery of +Christ revealed, the life and substance, and the power of godliness, +above all shadows and forms. The Lord endued him with a hidden +wisdom and life. He loved peace, and earnestly laboured for +universal love, unity, peace, and good order in the churches of +Christ; and wherever he met with the contrary, it was his great +grief and burthen. He was greatly for the encouragement of faithful +labourers in the Lord’s work; and it was a great offence and grief +to him to have their testimony weakened, or labours slighted, +through prejudice in any professing truth. + +And inasmuch as the Lord suffered him not to be delivered up to the +will of his enemies and persecutors, who often heretofore breathed +out cruelty against him, and designed his destruction; but in his +good pleasure so fairly and quietly took him away in his own time, +when his testimony was so blessedly finished, and his work +accomplished: this is all remarkable, and worthy of serious and due +observation, as being by a special and Divine Providence and wisdom +of God; to whom we ascribe the glory of all, and not unto man or +creatures. Though we must needs allow, and own, that good report and +due esteem, which faithful elders, ministers, and servants of God +and Christ have by faith obtained, to the praise of that blessed +Power, that upheld them in every age in their day; many whereof are +even of late taken away from the evil to come, and are at rest in +the Lord, out of the reach of all envy and persecution, where the +wicked cannot trouble them any more. + +And we must patiently bear our parting with them, and our loss and +sorrow on that account, with respect to their unspeakable gain; yet +how can we avoid being deeply affected with sadness of spirit, and +brokenness of heart, under the sense and consideration of such loss +and revolutions, which we have cause to believe are ominous of +calamities to the wicked world, though of good to the righteous? Did +the death of plain upright Jacob, namely, Israel (who was as a +prince of God), so deeply affect both his own children and kindred, +as that they made a great and exceeding sore lamentation for him; +and even the Egyptians also, that they bewailed him seventy days? +and the death of Moses so deeply affect the children of Israel, as +that they “did weep and mourn for him in the plain of Moab thirty +days?” and the death of Stephen, that faithful martyr of Jesus, so +deeply affect certain men, fearing God, as “that they made great +lamentation for him?” and the apostle Paul, when taking his leave of +the elders of the church of Ephesus, and telling them, “they should +see his face no more?” If this did so deeply affect them, that they +“wept all abundantly, sorrowing most of all for these words, that +they should see his face no more;” with many more of this kind; how +then can we otherwise choose, but be deeply affected with sorrow and +sadness of heart, though not as those who have no hope, when so many +of our ancient, dear, and faithful brethren, with whom we have had +much sweet society, are removed from us one after another? (We pray +God raise up and increase more such!) Yet must we all contentedly +submit to the good pleasure and wisdom of the Lord our God in all +these things; who taketh away, and none can hinder him, nor may any +say unto him, What doest thou? Yet we have cause to bless the Lord +that he hath of late raised, and is raising up, more to publish his +name in the earth. And we that yet remain have but a short time to +stay after them that are gone; but we shall be gone to them also. +The Lord God of life keep us all faithful in his holy truth, love, +unity, and life, to the end. He hath a great work still to bring +forth in the earth, and great things to bring to pass, in order to +make way for truth and righteousness to take place therein; and that +his seed may come forth and be gathered, and the power and kingdom +of our God and of his Christ made known and exalted in the earth, +unto the ends thereof. + +Dear Friends and brethren, be faithful till death, that a crown of +life you may obtain. All dwell in the love of God in Christ Jesus, +in union and peace in him; to whom we tenderly commit you to keep +and strengthen you, bless and preserve you, to the end of your days. +In whose dear and tender love we remain, + + Your dear friends and brethren, + + STEPHEN CRISP, NICHOLAS GATES, DANIEL MONRO, + GEO. WHITEHEAD, FRANCIS STAMPER, JOHN HEYWOOD, + FRA. CAMFIELD, JOHN VAUGHTON, GEORGE BOWLES, + JAMES PARK, GILBERT LATEY, WILLIAM ROBINSON, + JOHN ELSON, CHARLES MARSHALL, WILLIAM BINGLEY, + PETER PRICE, RICH. NEEDHAM, JOHN BUTCHER, + JOHN FIELD, JAMES MARTIN, BENJAMIN ANTROBUS. + JOHN EDRIDGE, + +These names are since added, at the desire of the persons +following:— + + AMB. RIGG, SAM. GOODAKER, WILLIAM FALLOWFIELD. + +P.S.—Before his death he wrote a little paper, desiring all Friends, +everywhere, that used to write to him about the sufferings and +affairs of Friends in their several countries, should henceforth +write to their several correspondents in London, to be communicated +to the Second-day’s meeting, to take care that they be answered. + + + + + THOMAS ELLWOOD’S ACCOUNT OF THAT EMINENT AND HONOURABLE SERVANT OF + THE LORD, GEORGE FOX.[65] + +This holy man was raised up by God in an extraordinary manner, for +an extraordinary work, even to awaken the sleeping world, by +proclaiming the mighty day of the Lord to the nations, and +publishing again the everlasting gospel to the inhabitants of the +earth, after the long and dismal night of apostasy and darkness. For +this work the Lord began to prepare him by many and various trials +and exercises from his very childhood; and having fitted and +furnished him for it, he called him into it very young, and made him +instrumental, by the effectual working of the Holy Ghost, through +his ministry, to call many others into the same work, and to turn +many thousands from darkness to the light of Christ, and from the +power of Satan unto God. + +I knew him not till the year 1660; from that time to the time of his +death I knew him well, conversed with him often, observed him much, +loved him dearly, and honoured him truly; and upon good experience +can say, he was indeed a heavenly-minded man, zealous for the name +of the Lord, and preferred the honour of God before all things. He +was valiant for the truth, bold in asserting it, patient in +suffering for it, unwearied in labouring in it, steady in his +testimony to it; immovable as a rock. Deep he was in divine +knowledge, clear in opening heavenly mysteries, plain and powerful +in preaching, fervent in prayer. He was richly endued with heavenly +wisdom, quick in discerning, sound in judgment, able and ready in +giving, discreet in keeping counsel; a lover of righteousness, an +encourager of virtue, justice, temperance, meekness, purity, +chastity, modesty, humility, charity, and self-denial in all, both +by word and example. Graceful he was in countenance, manly in +personage, grave in gesture, courteous in conversation, weighty in +communication, instructive in discourse, free from affectation in +speech or carriage; a severe reprover of hard and obstinate sinners; +a mild and gentle admonisher of such as were tender, and sensible of +their failings; not apt to resent personal wrongs; easy to forgive +injuries; but zealously earnest, where the honour of God, the +prosperity of truth, the peace of the church, were concerned; very +tender, compassionate, and pitiful he was to all that were under any +sort of affliction; full of brotherly love, full of fatherly care; +for, indeed, the care of the churches of Christ was daily upon him, +the prosperity and peace whereof he studiously sought. Beloved he +was of God; beloved of God’s people; and (which was not the least +part of his honour) the common butt of all apostates’ envy; whose +good, notwithstanding, he earnestly sought. + +He lived to see the desire of his soul, the spreading of that +blessed principle of divine light, through many of the European +nations, and not a few of the American islands and provinces, and +the gathering many thousands into an establishment therein; which +the Lord vouchsafed him the honour to be the first effectual +publisher of, in this latter age of the world. And having fought a +good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith, his righteous +soul, freed from the earthly tabernacle, in which he had led an +exemplary life of holiness, was translated into those heavenly +mansions, where Christ our Lord went to prepare a place for his; +there to possess that glorious crown of righteousness, which is laid +up for, and shall be given by the Lord the righteous judge to all +them that love his appearance. + +Ages to come and people yet unborn shall call him blessed, and bless +the Lord for raising him up. And blessed shall we also be, if we so +walk, as we had him for an example; for whom this Testimony lives in +my heart, “He lived and died the SERVANT of the LORD.” + + T.E. + +----- + +Footnote 65: + + (It was Thomas Ellwood who first transcribed this Journal for the + press. See note at p. 211, Seventh Edition, vol. ii.) + + + + + AN EPISTLE OF GEORGE FOX’S, + +WRITTEN WITH HIS OWN HAND, AND LEFT SEALED UP WITH THIS + SUPERSCRIPTION, VIZ., “NOT TO BE OPENED BEFORE THE TIME;” WHICH + AFTER HIS DECEASE BEING OPENED, WAS THOUGHT MEET TO BE PRINTED, + VIZ.:— + + “_For the Yearly and Second-day’s Meeting in London, and to all + the Children of God in all places in the world._ + + _By and from G.F._ + + “This for all the children of God everywhere, who are led by his + Spirit, and walk in his Light, in which they have life, + unity, and fellowship with the Father, and the Son, and one + with another. + +“Keep all your meetings in the name of the Lord Jesus, that be +gathered in his name by his Light, Grace, Truth, Power, and Spirit; +by which you will feel his blessed and refreshing presence among +you, and in you, to your comfort, and God’s glory. + +“And now, Friends, all your meetings, both men’s and women’s, +monthly, quarterly, and yearly, &c., were set up by the power, and +Spirit, and wisdom of God: and in them you know, that you have felt +his power, and Spirit, and wisdom, and blessed refreshing presence +among you, and in you, to his praise and glory, and your comfort; so +that you have been ‘a city set on a hill, that cannot be hid.’ + +“And although many loose and unruly spirits have risen betimes to +oppose you and them, in print and other ways, you have seen how they +have come to nought. The Lord hath blasted them, brought their deeds +to light and made them manifest to be trees without fruit, wells +without water, wandering stars from the firmament of God’s power, +and raging waves of the sea, casting up their mire and dirt; and +many of them are like the dog turned to his old vomit, and the sow +that was washed, turned again to the mire. This hath been the +condition of many, God knoweth, and his people! + +“Therefore all stand steadfast in Christ Jesus, your Head, in whom +you are all one, male and female, and know His government, of the +increase of whose government and peace there shall be no end; but +there will be an end of the devil’s, and of all that are out of +Christ, who oppose it and him, whose judgment doth not linger, and +their damnation doth not slumber. Therefore in God and Christ’s +light, life, Spirit, and power, live and walk, that is over all (and +the seed of it) in love, in innocency, and simplicity. In +righteousness and holiness dwell, and in his power and Holy Ghost, +in which God’s kingdom doth stand. All children of New and Heavenly +Jerusalem, that is from above, and is free, with all her holy, +spiritual children, to her keep your eyes. + +“As for this spirit of rebellion and opposition, that hath risen +formerly and lately, it is out of the kingdom of God and Heavenly +Jerusalem; and is for judgment and condemnation, with all its books, +words, and works. Therefore Friends are to live and walk in the +power and Spirit of God, that is over it, and in the Seed, that will +bruise and break it to pieces. In which Seed you have joy and peace +with God, and power and authority to judge it; and your unity is in +the power and Spirit of God, that doth judge it: all God’s witnesses +in his tabernacle go out against it, and always have and will. + +“Let no man live to self, but to the Lord, as they will die in him; +and seek the peace of the church of Christ, and the peace of all men +in him: for ‘blessed are the peace-makers.’ Dwell in the pure, +peaceable, heavenly wisdom of God, that is gentle, and easy to be +entreated, that is full of mercy; all striving to be of one mind, +heart, soul, and judgment in Christ, having His mind and Spirit +dwelling in you, building up one another in the love of God, which +doth edify the body of Christ, his church, who is the holy Head +thereof. Glory to God through Christ, in this age and all other +ages, who is the Rock and Foundation, the Emmanuel, God with us, +Amen, over all, the Beginning and the Ending. In Him live and walk, +in whom you have life eternal; in whom you will feel me, and I you. + +“All children of New Jerusalem, that descends from above, the holy +city, which the Lord and the Lamb is the light of, and is the +temple; in it they are born again of the Spirit; so Jerusalem that +is above, is the mother of them that are born of the Spirit. They +that come, and are come to heavenly Jerusalem, receive Christ; and +he giveth them power to become the sons of God, and they are born +again of the Spirit; so Jerusalem that is above is their mother. +Such come to heavenly Mount Sion, and the innumerable company of +angels, to the spirits of just men made perfect; and to the church +of the Living God written in heaven, and have the name of God, and +of the city of God, written upon them. So here is a new mother, that +bringeth forth a heavenly and spiritual generation. + +“There is no schism, no division, no contention, nor strife, in +heavenly Jerusalem, nor in the body of Christ, which is made up of +living stones, a spiritual house. Christ is not divided, for in Him +there is peace. Christ saith, ‘In me you have peace.’ And He is from +above, and not of this world; but in the world below, in the spirit +of it, there is trouble: therefore keep in Christ, and walk in Him. +Amen. + +“Jerusalem was the mother of all true Christians before the +apostasy; and since the outward Christians are broken into many +sects, they have got many mothers: but all they that are come out of +the apostasy by the power and Spirit of Christ, Jerusalem that is +above, is their mother (and none below her), who doth nourish all +her spiritual children.” + + G.F. + + [This epistle was read at the Yearly Meeting in London, 1691.] + + ---------------------------- + + + + + THE APPEARANCE OF THE LORD’S EVERLASTING TRUTH, + + AND ITS BREAKING FORTH AGAIN IN HIS ETERNAL POWER, IN THIS OUR DAY + AND AGE IN ENGLAND— + + +Wherein the Lord’s mighty power and word of life hath been richly +and freely preached, to the gathering of many into reconciliation +with God by it; to the exaltation and glory of the great God, +through the bringing forth of the heavenly and spiritual fruits, +from such as have been gathered by his eternal light, power, and +Spirit, unto himself. And by the sowing to the Spirit in the hearts +of people, life eternal hath been reaped; that the flocks have been +gathered, which have the milk of the word plenteously; that the +riches of the word have flourished, and mightily abounded; and God’s +heavenly plough with his spiritual men hath gone on cheerfully, to +the overturning the fallow ground of the hearts, that had not borne +heavenly fruit to God. And God’s heavenly thrashers with his +heavenly flail, have with joy and delight thrashed out the chaff, +and the corruptions, that have been a-top of God’s seed and wheat in +man and woman. And thus have they thrashed in hope, and are made +partakers of their hope, through which God’s seed is come into his +garner. + +O! the unutterable glory, and the inexpressible excellency of the +everlasting glorious truth, gospel, and word of life, that the +infinite, invisible, and wise God (who is over all), hath revealed +and manifested! And how have the professors, priests, and powers +risen up in opposition against his children, that are born of the +immortal Seed by the word of God! And, O! how great have the +persecutions, and reproaches, and spoiling of goods been, that have +been executed upon them! But notwithstanding these sufferings from +such as have touched them, and do touch them, which are as dear to +God as the apple of his eye, how hath the Lord manifested himself to +stand by them, in overthrowing powers, priests, and states! What +changes have there been since 1644, and 1650, and 1652! How have the +jails been filled since then in this nation with the heirs of life, +God’s chosen ones, who had no helper in the earth but the Lord and +his Christ! So that truth’s faithful witnesses were scarcely to be +found, but in jails and prisons, where the righteous were numbered +among the transgressors; who had neither staff nor bag from man, but +the staff, the bread of life, and the bag that holds the treasure +that waxes not old. But the Lord Jesus Christ, that sent them forth, +was their exceeding great supporter and upholder by his eternal +power and Spirit, both then and now. + + G.F. + + + + + A CHRONOLOGICAL REGISTER OF THE PLACES VISITED + BY THE AUTHOR. + + 1643.—[Vol. I.] + He leaves home and goes to + Lutterworth, + Northampton, + Newport-Pagnell. + + 1644. + Barnet, + London, + Returns home—goes to + Coventry, + Returns home—goes to + Mancetter. + + 1645 and 1646. + Tamworth, + Coventry and other places. + + 1647. + Derbyshire, + Leicestershire, + Nottinghamshire, + Lancashire, + Dukinfield, + Manchester, + Broughton. + + 1648. + Nottingham, + Mansfield, + Derbyshire, + Leicestershire, + Warwickshire, + Leicester, + Nottinghamshire, + Vale of Beavor, + Nottinghamshire, + Mansfield, + Eaton, near Derby, + Mansfield, + Nottingham, + Clawson, in Vale of Beavor. + + 1649. + Nottingham, imprisoned, + + Mansfield-Woodhouse, + Leicestershire, + Barrow, + Bagworth, + Coventry, + Atherstone, + Market-Bosworth, + Leicestershire, + Twy-Cross, + Derbyshire, + Chesterfield, + Kidsey-Park. + + 1650. + Derby, imprisoned a year. + + 1651. + Leicestershire, + Burton-on-Trent, + Bushel-House, + Lichfield, + Nottinghamshire, + Mansfield, + Derbyshire, + Yorkshire, + Doncaster, + Balby, + Wakefield, + Selby, + Beverley, + Cranswick, + York, + Burraby, + Cleveland, + Staithes, + Whitby, + Scarbro’, + Malton, + Pickering, + The Moors, + Cranswick, + Holderness, + Oram [supposed Ottringham], + Patrington, + Hull, + + Balby, + Nottinghamshire, + Lincolnshire, + Gainsbro’, + Yorkshire, + Warmsworth, + Balby, + Doncaster, + Tickhill, + Balby. + + 1652. + Wakefield, + Hightown, + Bradford, + Pendle-Hill, + Wensleydale, + Hawes, + Grisdale, + Dent, + Sedbergh, + Firbank Chapel, + Preston-Patrick, + Kendal, + Underbarrow, + Crook, + Newton in Cartmel, + Lyndale, + Ulverstone, + Swarthmore, + Aldingham, + Rampside, + Swarthmore, + Dalton, + Isle of Walney, + Swarthmore, + Baycliff, + Gleaston, + Swarthmore, + Westmorland, + Kendal, + Grisdale, + Swarthmore, + Underbarrow, + Kellet, + Lancaster, + Kendal, + Underbarrow, + Swarthmore, + + Ulverstone, + Swarthmore, + Westmorland, + Crossland, + Lancashire, + Ulverstone, + Swarthmore, + Isle of Walney, + Cockan, + Swarthmore, + Yealand, + Lancaster, + Kellet, + Justice West’s, + Swarthmore, + Westmorland, + Grayrig, + Cartmel. + + 1653. + Swarthmore, + Gleaston, + Lancashire, + Swarthmore, + Arnside, + Cumberland, + Col. West’s, + Swarthmore, + Cumberland, + Bootle, + Nr. Cockermouth, + Millom-in-Bootle, + Cockermouth, + Brigham, + Coldbeck, + Carlisle, imprisoned, + Coldbeck, + Westmorland, + Strickland-Head, + Swarthmore, + Coldbeck, + Wigton, + Bishoprick, + Northumberland, + Derwent-Water, + Hexham, + Gilsland, + Cumberland, + Langlands, + + Brigham. + + 1654. + Swarthmore, + Lancaster, + Halifax, + T. Taylor’s (Brighouse), + Synderhill-Green + Yorkshire, + Holderness, + Thos. Taylor’s (Brighouse), + Balby, + Lincolnshire, + Derbyshire, + Nottinghamshire, + Skegby, + Kidsey-Park, + Peak Country, + Derbyshire, + Swannington, + Twy-Cross, + Warwickshire, + Drayton, + Swannington, + Leicester, + Whetstone, + Harborough, + London, + Theobald’s, near Waltham, + Whitehall, + Bedfordshire. + + 1655. + Luton (John Crook’s), + London, + Kent, + Rochester, + Cranbrook, + Rye, + Romney, + Dover, + Canterbury, + Cranbrook, + Sussex, + Horsham, + Steyning, + Reading, + London, + Essex, + Coggeshall, + + Colchester, + Ipswich, + Mendlesham, + Norfolk, + Norwich, + Yarmouth, + Lynn, + Sutton, near Isle of Ely, + Cambridge, + Bishop-Stortford, + Hertford, + London, + Bedfordshire, + Northamptonshire, + Wellingborough, + Leicestershire, + Whetstone, + Sileby, + Drayton, + Baddesley, + Nottinghamshire, + Derbyshire, + Warwickshire, + Worcestershire, + Birmingham, + Chattan, + Evesham, + Worcester, + Tewkesbury, + Warwick, + Coventry, + Dun-Cow, + Leicestershire, + Baddesley, + Swannington, + Higham, + Northamptonshire, + Bedfordshire, + Baldock, + Market Street, + Alban’s, + London, + Ryegate, + Binscomb, in Godalming, + Horsham Park, + Arundel, + Chichester, + Portsmouth, + Ringwood, + Poole, + Southampton, + + Dorchester, + Weymouth, + Honiton, + Topsham, + Totness, + Plymouth, + Cornwall, + Menheniot, + Penryn, + Helstone, + Market-Jew, + Ives, where he & Edward Pyot are taken into custody and imprisoned + in Launceston jail about eight months. + + 1656. + Humphrey Lower’s, + Loveday Hambley’s, + Thos. Mounce’s, + Launceston, + Oakhampton, + Exeter, + Collumpton, + Taunton, + Puddimore, + J. Dander’s, + Bristol, E. Pyot’s, + Slaughterford, + N. Crisp’s, + Marlbro’, + Newbury, + Reading, + Kingston-on-Thames, + London, + Buckinghamshire, + Northamptonshire, + Notts, + Lincolnshire, + Huntingdonshire, + Cambridgeshire, + Fen Country, + Crowland, + Boston (Lincolnshire), + Yorkshire, + + Holderness, + Leicestershire, + Staffordshire, + Worcestershire, + Warwickshire, + Edge-Hill, + Warwick, + Bagley, + Gloucestershire, + Oxford, + Col. Grimes’s, + Nat. Crisp’s, + Cirencester, + Evesham, + London, + Kent, + Sussex, + Surrey, + Farnham, + Basingstoke, + Bridport, + Portsmouth. + + 1657. + Poole, + Ringwood, + Weymouth, + Dorchester, + Lyme, + Exeter, + Bristol, + Wales, + The Slone, + Cardiff, + Swansea, + Brecknock, + Pontemoil, + Shrewsbury, + Wm. Gandy’s (Cheshire), + Wales, + Montgomeryshire, + Radnorshire, + Leominster, + Tenby, + Pembrokeshire, + Pembroke, + Haverford-west, + Dolgelly, + Caernarvon, + Beaumaris, + Near Wrexham, + Flintshire, + + Wrexham, and through every County in Wales, + West Chester, + Liverpool, + Richard Cubban’s, + Malpas, + Manchester, + Preston, + Lancaster, + Kellet, + Sands-Side, + Swarthmore, + Westmorland, + John Audland’s, + Kendal, + Strickland-Head, + Cumberland, + Gilsland, + Carlisle, + Abbey-Holm, + Langlands, + Pardshaw-Crag, + Scotland, + Dumfries, + Douglas, + Heads, + Badcow, + Highlands, + Heads, + Badcow, + Garshore, + Linlithgow, + Edinburgh, + Leith, + Edinburgh, + Heads, + Glasgow, + Badcow, + Highlands, + Stirling, + Burnt Island, + Johnstons, + Leith, + Edinburgh, + Johnstons, + Edinburgh, + Dunbar, + Berwick, + Morpeth, + Newcastle, + Northumberland, + Bishoprick, + + City of Durham, + A. Pearson’s, + Cleveland, + Hull, + Pontefract, + G. Watkinson’s, + Scale-House, + Swarthmore, + Yorkshire, + Cheshire, + Derbyshire. + + 1658. + + Nottinghamshire + Nottingham, + Warwickshire, + Northamptonshire, + Leicestershire, + Bedfordshire, + London, + Kingston, + Hampton-Court, + Kingston, + Isaac Penington’s + London, + Essex, + London, + Twickenham, + Reading. + + 1659. + + London, + Essex, + Suffolk, + Norfolk, + Norwich, + Huntingdonshire, + Cambridgeshire, + London, + Surrey, + Sussex, + Hampshire, + Dorsetshire, + Ringwood, + Poole, + Dorchester, + Somersetshire, + Devonshire, + Plymouth, + Cornwall. + + 1660. + + Land’s End, + + Horse-Bridge, + Devonshire, + Somersetshire, + Bristol, + Olveston, + Nailsworth, + Nat. Crisp’s, + Gloucester, + Col. Grimes’s, + Tewkesbury, + Worcester, + Baddesley, + Drayton, + Twy-Cross, + Swannington, + Derbyshire, + Derby, + Nottinghamshire, + Synderhill-Green, + Yorkshire, + Balby, + Warmsworth, + Barton-Abbey, + Thos. Taylor’s (Brighthouse), + Skipton, + Lancaster, + R. Widder’s (Kellet), + Arnside, + Kellet, + Swarthmore, apprehended and imprisoned in Lancaster jail—an Habeas + Corpus is sent down and he is liberated on parole—he visits + Swarthmore, + Lancaster, + Preston, + Wm. Gandy’s (Cheshire), + Staffordshire, + A. Bickley’s Warwickshire, + Nuneaton, + London, appears to the writ, and is liberated by the King. + + + 1661.—Visits + + Essex, + Colchester, + Coggeshall, + London. + + 1662. + + Bristol, + Wiltshire, + Berkshire, + London, + Leicestershire, + Skegby, + Barnet-Hills, + Swannington, + Leicester, imprisoned, but soon liberated. + Swannington, + Twy-cross, + Warwickshire, + Northamptonshire, + Bedfordshire, + London, + Essex, + Norfolk, + Norwich, + Sutton, + Cambridgeshire, + Little-Port, + Isle of Ely, + Lincolnshire, + Huntingdonshire. + Fen Country, + Lynn. + + 1663.—[Vol. II.] + Norfolk, + Suffolk, + Essex, + Hertfordshire, + London, + Kent, + Ashford, + Cranbrook, + Tenterden, + Newick, + Hampshire, + Southampton, + Pouner, + Wiltshire, + Dorsetshire, + Topsham, + + Totness, + Kingsbridge, + Plymouth, + Cornwall, + Falmouth, + Penryn, + Helstone, + Land’s End, + Redruth, + Truro, + Stoke, + Horse Bridge, + Devonshire, + Tiverton, + Collumpton, + Wellington, + Taunton, + Street, + Puddimore, + Bristol, + Slaughterford (Wilts), + Gloucestershire, + Herefordshire, + Hereford, + Radnorshire, + Wales, + Shropshire, + Warwickshire, + Derbyshire, + Staffordshire, + Whitehaugh, + Peak Country, + Synderhill-Green, + Holderness, + Scarbro’, + Whitby, + Malton, + York, + Boroughbridge, + Bishoprick, + Stainmoor, + Yorkshire, + Sedbergh, + Westmorland, + Lancashire, + Swarthmore, + Arnside, + Kellet, + Underbarrow, + Grayrig, + Sedbergh, + Strickland-Head, + Northumberland, + + Derwent-Water, + Cumberland, + Wigton, + Pardshaw-Crag, + Westmorland, + Keswick, + Cartmel, + Swarthmore, + Kirby-Hall, + Swarthmore, + Holker-Hall, + Swarthmore, + Lancaster, imprisoned. + + 1664 and 1665. + Removed to Scarbro’ Castle. + + 1666. + Liberated by the King, after being incarcerated nearly 3 years—he + then goes + To Whitby, + Burlington, + Oram, + Marmaduke Stor’s, + Grace Barwick’s, + Richard Shipton’s, + Malton, + Hull, + Howden-Dyke, + York, + Geo. Watkinson’s, + Thos. Taylor (Brighouse), + Synderhill-Green, + Derbyshire, + Nottinghamshire, + Skegby, + Mansfield, + Nottingham, + Leicester, + Sileby, + John Penford’s, + Warwick, + Baddesley, + Northamptonshire, + Bedfordshire, + + Buckinghamshire, + Oxfordshire, + London, + Kingston, + Reading, + Wiltshire, + Bristol, + Nat. Crisp’s, + London, + Essex, + Suffolk, + Norfolk, + Huntingdonshire, + Bedfordshire, + Nottinghamshire, + Lincolnshire, + Nottinghamshire. + + 1667. + Leicestershire, + Warwickshire, + Derbyshire, + Peak-Hills, + Staffordshire, + Cheshire, + Lancashire, + Sankey, near Warrington, + Jane Milner’s (Cheshire), + Shropshire, + Wales, + Denbighshire, + Montgomeryshire, + Merionethshire, + Shropshire, + Worcestershire, + Pashur, + Worcester, + Droitwich, + Shrewsbury, + Radnorshire, + Herefordshire, + Monmouthshire, + Ross, + Gloucestershire, + Bristol, + Wiltshire, + London, + Hertfordshire, + Baldock, + Waltham, + + Shacklewell, + London, + Buckinghamshire, + Weston, + North-Newton, near Banbury, + Gloucestershire, + Monmouthshire. + + 1668. + Swansea, + Mumbles, + Cardiff, + Newport, + Shipton, + Forest of Dean, + Olveston, + Irb’s Court, Somerset, + Portishead, + Minehead, + Barnstaple, + Appledore, + Stratton, + Truro, + Land’s End, + Tregangeeves, + Devonshire, + Plymouth, + Kingsbridge, + Topsham, + Membury, + Ilchester, + Puddimore, + Somersetshire, + Dorsetshire, + Southampton, + Hampshire, + Farnham, + Surrey, + Sussex, + Kent, + London. + + 1669. + Surrey, + Sussex, + Warwick, + Birmingham, + Baddesley, + Nottingham, + Balby, + York, + + Whitby, + Scarbro’, + Through Yorkshire, + Wolds, + Holderness, + Thos. Taylor’s (Brighouse), + Eldreth, + Staffordshire, + Cheshire, + Wm. Barnes’s (Sankey), + Liverpool, + Ireland, + Dublin, + New-Garden, + Bandon-Bridge, + Land’s End, + Bandon, + Cork, + Dublin, + Liverpool, + Lancashire, + Cheshire, + Gloucestershire, + Nailsworth, + Bristol, + Olveston, + Wiltshire, + Berkshire, + Oxfordshire, + Buckinghamshire, + London, + Essex, + Hertfordshire, + Cambridgeshire, + Huntingdonshire, + Leicestershire, + Derbyshire, + Warwickshire, + London. + + 1670. + Middlesex, + Buckinghamshire, + Oxfordshire, + Reading, + Banghurst (Hants), + Berkshire, + Surrey, + Guildford, + + Sussex, + Kent, + Deal, + Canterbury, + Isle of Sheppy, + Rochester, + Gravesend, + Essex, + Hornchurch, + Stratford, + Gerrard Roberts’s, + Enfield. + + 1671. + Gerrard Roberts’s, + Shacklewell, + London, + Kingston, + Gravesend, + Downs, + Deal, sails for + Barbadoes, + Jamaica. + + 1672. + Maryland, + Long Island, + Rhode Island, + Providence, + Narraganset, + Shelter Island, + Long Island, + East Jersey, + Maryland, + Virginia, + Carolina, + Virginia, + Maryland. + + 1673. + Old England, + Shirehampton, + Bristol, + Gloucestershire, + Wiltshire, + Slaughterford, + Marlborough, + Oare, + Hampshire, + Oxfordshire, + Reading, + Buckinghamshire, + Kingston-on-Thames, + + London, + Essex, + Middlesex, + London, + Kingston, + Surrey, + Kingston, + London, + Hendon, + Rickmansworth, + Aylesbury, + Adderbury, + Worcestershire, + Armscott, + Sent to Worcester jail, detained nearly fourteen months; at length + liberated by proclamation. + + 1674. + London, + Kingston, + London, + Dunstable. + + 1675. + Newport-Pagnell, + Northampton, + Cossall, + Warrington, + Preston, + Lancashire, + Swarthmore. + + 1676. + This year he remained at Swarthmore. + + 1677. + Poolbank (Westmorland), + Camsgill, + Brigflatts, + Sedbergh, + Garsdale, + Wensleydale, + Counterside, + Scarr-House in Langstroth-Dale, + + Bishopdale, + Middleham, + Barton, + Bedale, + Northallerton, + Burrowby, + York, + Tadcaster, + Knottingley, + Doncaster, + Balby, + Ballowfield, + Stainsby, + Skegby, + Nottingham, + Wimeswold, + Sileby, + Leicester, + Knighton, + Swannington, + Hartshorn, + Baddesley, + Whittington, + Hartshill, + Dingley, + Adingworth, + Northampton, + Olney, + Turvey, + Kempston, + Ampthill, + Bullock’s-Hill, + Luton, + Market-Street, + Kensworth, + Alban’s, + South-Mims, + Barnet, + Gutterhedge, + Highgate, + London, + Sussex, + Surrey, + Worminghurst, + Worplesdon, + Kingston, + London, + Colchester, + Harwich,—sails for + Holland-lands at + Briel,—goes to + Rotterdam, + Delft, + + Leyden, + Haarlem, + Amsterdam, + Buyckslote, + Purmerend, + Alkmaar, + Hoorn, + Enckhuysen, + Friesland, + Workum, + Harlingen, + Leeuwarden, + Dockum, + Strobus, + Groningen, + Appingdalem, + Delfziel, + Embden, + Leer, + Strikehuysen, + Deteren, + Apen, + Oldenburg, + Delmenhorst, + Bremen, + Overdeland, + Fisherholder, + Closeterseven, + Buxtehude, + Hamburg, + Elmshorn, + Itzehoe, + Hogenhorn, + Frederickstadt, + Hamburg, + Bormer-Haven, + Bremen, + Keby, + Oldenburgh, + Leer, + Embden, + Delfziel, + Groningen, + Strobus, + Dockum, + Leeuwarden, + Anderigo, + Gardick, + Leeuwarden, + Franeker, + Harlingen, + Amsterdam, + Landsmeer, + Amsterdam, + + Haarlem, + Amsterdam, + Leyden, + Hague, + Delft, + Rotterdam, + Briel,—sails for England, lands at + Harwich,—goes to + Colchester, + Halstead, + Braintree, + Felstead, + Saling, + Chelmsford, + London, + Kingston, + Buckinghamshire, + Amersham, + Hunger-Hill, + Jordans, + Hedgerly, + Wycombe, + Turville-Heath, + Wycombe, + Henley, + Corsham, + Reading, + Berkshire, + Wiltshire, + Bristol, + Winterbourne, + Sudbury, + Tedbury, + Nailsworth, + Finchcomb, + Nailsworth. + + 1678. + Cirencester, + Crown-Allins, + Cheltenham, + Stoke-Orchard, + Tewkesbury, + Worcester, + Pershore, + Evesham, + Ragley, + Stratford, + Lamcote, + Armscott, + + Oxfordshire, + Sibford, + North-Newton, + Banbury, + Adderbury, + Buckinghamshire, + Long-Crendon, + Ilmer, + Mendle, + Weston, + Cholesbury, + Chesham, + Isaac Penington’s, + Hertfordshire, + Chorleywood, + Watford, + Hemel-Hempstead, + Market-Street, + Luton, + Alban’s, + South-Mims, + Barnet, + Hendon, + London, + Hertford, + Rabley-Heath, + Stevenage, + Baldock, + Hitchin, + Ashwell, + Bedfordshire, + Huntingdon, + Ives, + Northamptonshire, + Great-Bowden, + Saddington, + Wigston, + Knighton, + Leicester, + Sileby, + Swannington, + Warwickshire, + Staffordshire, + Monyash, + Yorkshire, + Hill, + Kellet, + Arnside, + Swarthmore, where he remained about a year. + + + 1680. + Westmorland, + Lancashire, + Yorkshire, + York, + Barton, + Nottinghamshire, + Derbyshire, + Leicestershire, + Warwickshire, + Warwick, + Southam, + Radway, + North-Newton, + Banbury, + Gloucestershire, + Northamptonshire, + Biddlesden, + Lillingston-Lovel, + Bugbrook, + Stony-Stratford, + Bedfordshire, + Dunstable, + Market-Street, + Alban’s, + Mims, + Barnet, + Gutterhedge, + London, + Surrey, + Sussex, + Kingston, + Worplesdon, + Guildford, + Esher, + Capel, + Patchgate, + Worminghurst, + Bletchington, + Horsham, + Ifield, + Reigate, + Gatton, Kingston, + Hammersmith, + Battersea, + Wandsworth, + Kensington, + Hendon, + London, + + Edmonton, + Hertford, + Waltham-Abbey, + Edmonton, + Shacklewell, + London. + + 1681. + Kingston-on-Thames, + London, + Waltham-Abbey, + Flamstead-Heath, + Edmonton, + Enfield, + Winchmore-Hill, + London, + Sussex, + London, + Edmonton, + Buckinghamshire, + Henley, + Reading, + Oare, + Oxfordshire, + Warborough, + Ilmer, + Mary Penington’s, + Hunger-Hill, + Watford, + Uxbridge, + Longford, + Staines, + Sunbury, + Kingston, + Wandsworth, + Hammersmith, + London. + + 1682. + Dalston, + London, + Kingston, + London. + + 1683. + Kingston-on-Thames, + London, + Guildford, + Worminghurst, + Sussex, + + Surrey, + Kingston, + London, + Kingston-on-Thames, + London, + Kingston, + London, + Essex, + Dalston, + London, + Kingston, + London, + Enfield, + London. + + 1684. + Colchester, + Harwich—sails for + Briel in Holland, + Rotterdam, + Amsterdam, + Friesland, + Leeuwarden, + Franeker, + Harlingen, + Amsterdam, + Osan-over, + Landsmeer, + Amsterdam, + Sardam, + Alkmaar, + Amsterdam, + Haarlem, + Rotterdam, + Briel—sails for + Harwich, + Colchester, + Witham, + Hare Street, + William Mead’s, + Enfield, + Dalston, + London. + + 1685. + South Street, + Ford-Green, + Enfield, + Waltham-Abbey, + Enfield, + Edmonton-Side, + London, + + South Street, + Enfield, + London, + Epping Forest, + London, + Kingston, + Hammersmith, + London, + Bethnal-Green, + London, + Enfield. + + 1686. + London, + Bethnal-Green, + Enfield, + Chiswick, + London, + Kingston. + + 1687. + London, + Gooses (Essex), + London, + Edmonton, + South-Street, + Winchmore-Hill, + Bury-Street, + Enfield, + Hertford, + Waltham-Abbey, + Gooses (W. Mead’s), + Wanstead, + Barking, + John Harding’s, + Gooses, + London, + Kingston, + Guildford, + Kingston, + Chiswick, + Hammersmith, + London, + + 1688. + Enfield, + Barnet, + Waltham-Abbey, + London, + Gooses, + Barking, + Waltham-Abbey, + Hoddesdon, + + Enfield, + South-Street, + Ford-Green, + Winchmore-Hill, + London, + Gooses. + + 1689. + London, + Southgate, + London, + Kingston, + Hammersmith, + London, + Tottenham-High-Cross, + Winchmore-Hill, + Enfield, + London, + Gooses. + + 1690. + London, + Kingston, + Tottenham-High-Cross, + Ford-Green, + Enfield, + Cheshunt, + Waltham-Abbey, + Enfield, + Tottenham, + Winchmore-Hill, + Hertford, + Ware, + Edmonton, + Tottenham, + London, + Tottenham, + Ford-Green, + Tottenham, + Enfield, + Winchmore-Hill, + Ford-Green, + London, where he died the 13th of 11th Month, 1690, in his 67th + year. + + + + + TEXTS OF SCRIPTURE. + OCCURRING IN THIS JOURNAL. + + OLD TESTAMENT. + + + Ch. Ver. Reference. + + + Genesis. + + 4 2, ii. 480. + + 4 7, i. 355. + + 6 9, ii. 480. + + 9 20, ii. 480. + + 13 — ii. 480. + + 13 16, ii. 447. + + 15 5, ii. 447. + + 15 13, 14, ii. 448. + + 21 12, ii. 481. + + 22 17, 18, ii. 447. + + 26 12, 14, ii. 481. + + 32 28, ii. 477. + + 46 32, 34, ii. 481. + + + Exodus. + + 3 1, 4, ii. 481. + + 14 13, i. 355. + + 15 21, ii. 406. + + 20 1, ii. 157. + + 20 25, ii. 451. + + 22 20, ii. 450. + + 23 18, ii. 451. + + + Leviticus. + + 2 13, ii. 418, 452. + + 21 — ii. 468. + + + Numbers. + + 19 — ii. 468. + + 31 — ii. 469. + + + Deuteronomy. + + 19 14, ii. 480. + + 27 17, ii. 480. + + 29 5, ii. 496. + + + Judges. + + 5 1-31, ii. 406. + + + 1 Samuel. + + 2 10, ii. 406. + + 15 22, ii. 453. + + 17 15, 28, ii. 481. + + + 1 Kings. + + 19 19, ii. 481. + + + 2 Kings. + + 22 14, ii. 406. + + + 2 Chronicles. + + 34 22, ii. 406. + + + Ezra. + + 4 2, 3, ii. 452. + + + Nehemiah. + + 9 — ii. 226. + + + Job. + + 36 10-12, ii. 418. + + 38 7, ii. 461. + + + Psalms. + + 1 5, ii. 468. + + 19 2, i. 9. + + 37 28, ii. 447. + + 51 17, ii. 451. + + 76 2, ii. 418. + + 78 51, 60, ii. 418. + + 82 1, ii. 468. + + 89 36, ii. 447. + + 92 13, 14, ii. 478. + + 93 5, ii. 478. + + 102 28, ii. 447. + + 107 22, ii. 451. + + 141 2, ii. 451. + + 149 4, ii. 414. + + + Proverbs. + + 8 15, ii. 468. + + 15 8, ii. 452. + + 15 25, ii. 414. + + 17 1, ii. 452. + + + Ecclesiastes. + + 5 1, ii. 452. + + + Isaiah. + + 1 4, ii. 447. + + 1 11, ii. 452. + + 2 2, ii. 495. + + 2 5, ii. 478. + + 2 12, ii. 414. + + 5 7, ii. 477. + + 11 9-12, ii. 494. + + 19 19, 25, ii. 112. + + 23 — ii. 421. + + 32 15, i. 10. + + 42 1, 6-8, ii. 495. + + 43 6, ii. 461. + + 49 6, i. 353, 370. + + 56 — i. 203; ii. + 430. + + 57 3, 4, ii. 447. + + 57 6, ii. 421. + + 57 13, ii. 495. + + 57 15, ii. 451. + + 59 20, 21, ii. 448, 494. + + 60 1, 3, 5, 13, 18, 20, ii. 495. + + 66 1, 2, 3, ii. 451, 495. + + + Jeremiah. + + 2 24, ii. 419. + + 3 8, 9, ii. 419. + + 5 — i. 203. + + 5 7, 31, i. 109; ii. + 419. + + 13 27, ii. 419. + + 14 — i. 203. + + 22 29, i. 16. + + 23 — i. 204. + + 23 1, ii. 431. + + 28 — ii. 431. + + 31 1, ii. 460. + + 44 — ii. 419. + + + Lamentations. + + 1 — ii. 420. + + + Ezekiel. + + 13 — i. 203; ii. + 431. + + 14 — i. 203. + + 16 — ii. 420. + + 17 20, ii. 420. + + 23 — ii. 420. + + + Daniel. + + 2 44, ii. 467. + + + Hosea. + + 1 10, ii. 460. + + 2 — ii. 420. + + 4 14, ii. 451. + + 10 — ii. 420. + + + Joel. + + 2 28, i. 351; ii. 406, 462. + + + Amos. + + 1 1, ii. 481. + + 7 13-15, ii. 481. + + + Jonah. + + 2 — ii. 451. + + + Micah. + + 3 — i. 203; ii. + 431. + + + Malachi. + + 1 — ii. 451. + + 4 1, ii. 414. + + NEW TESTAMENT. + + + Ch. Ver. Reference. + + + Matthew. + + 3 2, ii. 456. + + 4 17, ii. 456. + + 4 18, 19, 21, 22, ii. 481. + + 5 — i. 523; ii. + 227, 423. + + 5 45, 48, i. 464; ii. + 462. + + 9 9, ii. 482. + + 9 13, ii. 453. + + 11 11, i. 32. + + 12 36, i. 354. + + 13 38, 39, 43, ii. 461. + + 16 27, i. 354. + + 19 29, ii. 466. + + 20 — i. 355. + + 23 — i. 175, 203. + + 23 13, ii. 461. + + 24 14, ii. 112. + + 25 15-30, i. 354. + + 25 40, 45, ii. 471. + + 26 39, i. 4. + + 27 46, i. 4. + + 28 18, 19, i. 349; ii. + 449, 467. + + + Mark. + + 1 14, 15, ii. 456. + + 4 11, ii. 461. + + 6 12, ii. 456. + + 9 49, 50, ii. 418, 452. + + 12 33, 34, ii. 451. + + 13 10, ii. 112. + + + Luke. + + 1 20, ii. 157. + + 1 41-55, ii. 407. + + 2 36-38, ii. 407. + + 6 20, ii. 461. + + 7 28, ii. 461. + + 11 52, ii. 461. + + 12 23, ii. 414. + + 12 32, ii. 461. + + 13 3, 5, ii. 456. + + 15 1, 2, 7, 10, ii. 456. + + 16 16, i. 32; ii. + 461. + + 20 37, 38, ii. 469. + + 22 19, i. 341. + + 22 29, ii. 461. + + 24 10, 11, 22, ii. 407. + + 24 47, ii. 457. + + 22 36, i. 495. + + + John. + + 1 4, i. 370. + + 1 9, i. 353. + + 1 13, 12, ii. 462. + + 1 29, ii. 156. + + 3 3, 5, 6, ii. 459. + + 3 16, 36, ii. 465. + + 3 18-20, i. 353; ii. + 113. + + 3 34, i. 350. + + 4 14, ii. 466. + + 4 23, 24, ii. 423. + + 5 24, 39, 40, ii. 466. + + 5 44, i. 38. + + 5 47, ii. 157. + + 6 44, ii. 458. + + 6 27, ii. 466. + + 8 12, i. 370. + + 10 — ii. 422. + + 11 27, ii. 466. + + 12 36, 46, i. 370. + + 14 1-3, ii. 477. + + 14 6, ii. 458. + + 16 — i. 175. + + 16 8, 13, 14, i. 351. + + 17 22, ii. 495. + + 18 36, ii. 467. + + 20 17, ii. 406. + + 21 2-7, ii. 482. + + + Acts. + + 2 17, 18, i. 406. + + 2 31, ii. 439. + + 2 36, ii. 477. + + 2 38, ii. 457. + + 3 22, 23, ii. 156. + + 5 3, ii. 426. + + 7 48, i. 91. + + 9 4, ii. 471. + + 17 24, i. 91. + + 17 30, ii. 457. + + 18 3, ii. 482. + + 18 26, ii. 406. + + 20 28, i. 131. + + 21 9, ii. 275. + + 26 20, ii. 457. + + + Romans. + + 1 — i. 254. + + 1 4, ii. 449. + + 1 16, ii. 480. + + 1 19, i. 351. + + 2 14, 15, i. 352. + + 4 15, i. 17. + + 5 6, i. 395. + + 5 14, i. 33. + + 8 2, i. 17. + + 8 9, 10, i. 354; ii. + 423. + + 8 14-17, ii. 460. + + 9 16, i. 355. + + 9 26, ii. 460. + + 11 11, ii. 495. + + 12 1, ii. 452. + + 12 3, i. 354. + + 14 7-9, ii. 469. + + 14 11, ii. 407. + + 15 12, ii. 494. + + 15 16, ii. 452. + + 16 1-4, ii. 406. + + + 1 Corinthians. + + 2 10, 11, ii. 462. + + 2 14, 15 ii. 425. + + 5 3, 12, ii. 425. + + 6 1-4, ii. 426. + + 6 20, ii. 452. + + 8 10, ii. 427. + + 11 5, ii. 406. + + 11 25, 26, i. 341. + + 12 7, i. 352. + + 14 34, ii. 405. + + 15 47, 69, ii. 469. + + + 2 Corinthians. + + 4 6, i. 371. + + 4 7, ii. 469. + + 5 1, ii. 477. + + 5 1, 2, 4, ii. 469. + + 5 15, i. 395. + + 6 14-16, ii. 427. + + 6 18, ii. 461. + + 10 4, ii. 423. + + 11 — ii. 426. + + + Galatians. + + 1 — ii. 427. + + 2 4, 5, ii. 427. + + 2 20, ii. 469. + + 3 28, ii. 407. + + 4 4-7, ii. 460. + + 4 25-27, ii. 102. + + 6 10, ii. 477. + + + Ephesians. + + 2 2, i. 353. + + 2 5, 7, i. 420. + + 2 8, i. 354. + + 2 19, ii. 477. + + 3 9, i. 354. + + 4 7, i. 353. + + 4 13, i. 354. + + 5 2, ii. 453. + + + Phillipians. + + 1 15, i. 339. + + 2 11, ii. 407. + + 2 15, 16, ii. 462. + + 4 3, ii. 405. + + + Colossians. + + 1 13, ii. 462. + + 1 26-28, ii. 449. + + 2 10, ii. 449. + + 3 6, i. 353. + + 4 11, ii. 462. + + + 1 Thessalonians. + + 2 12, ii. 462. + + 2 2, 3, ii. 440. + + + 1 Timothy. + + 2 4, ii. 112. + + 2 9, ii. 413. + + 2 12, ii. 405. + + 4 1, ii. 429. + + + 2 Timothy. + + 2 19, i. 354. + + 3 — ii. 430. + + + Titus. + + 2 3, 4, ii. 405. + + 11, 12, 15, i. 352, 395. + + + Hebrews. + + 1 — ii. 351. + + 1 1, ii. 179, 200. + + 2 10, ii. 461. + + 3 5, ii. 477. + + 3 15, ii. 201. + + 4 10, ii. 408. + + 6 1-6, ii. 430. + + 12 25, ii. 201. + + + James. + + 2 5, ii. 460. + + 3 — ii. 429. + + 4 1, 2, 3, i. 495. + + 5 — i. 523; ii. + 227. + + 5 12, i. 199. + + + 1 Peter. + + 1 14, 15, ii. 413. + + 1 23, ii. 460. + + 2 2, ii. 460. + + 2 5, ii. 452, 460. + + 2 9, ii. 477. + + 2 25, ii. 422. + + 3 3-5, ii. 412. + + 4 10, 11, i. 354. + + + 2 Peter. + + 1 13, 14, ii. 469. + + 1 19, i. 42. + + 2 4, 18, 22, ii. 427. + + + 1 John. + + 1 2, ii. 466. + + 1 8, 10, ii. 217. + + 2 26, 27, i. 307. + + 2 14, ii. 461. + + 2 27, i. 7. + + 2 29, ii. 459. + + 3 1, 2, ii. 459. + + 3 12, ii. 426. + + 4 1, ii. 426. + + 4 7, 8, ii. 459. + + 5 1, ii. 459. + + 5 11, 12, ii. 466. + + + Jude. + + 4, ii. 113. + + 6, ii. 426. + + + Revelation. + + 2 — ii. 201. + + 3, ii. 429. + + 12 — i. 175. + + 12 1, ii. 437. + + 17 — ii. 421. + + 17 4, ii. 414. + + 18 — i. 175; ii. + 421. + + 18 16, ii. 414. + + 19 — ii. 421. + + 19 16, ii. 467. + + 21 7, ii. 461. + + 22 18, ii. 157. + + + + + PARTICULARS OF THE ENGLISH EDITIONS + OF + THE JOURNAL OF GEORGE FOX. + +=A.=—FIRST EDITION, _1694_.—“A JOURNAL or Historical + Account of the Life, Travels, Sufferings, Christian + Experiences and Labour of Love in the =Work of the + Ministry=, of that Ancient, Eminent and Faithful Servant + of JESUS CHRIST, George Fox; Who departed this Life in great + Peace with the LORD, the 13_th_ of the 11_th_ Month, 1690. + =The First Volume.=”[A] + +Footnote A: + + The Second Vol. was a Collection of Epistles, etc., + published by Tace Sowle, 1698. + + Dan. 12. 3.—“_And they that turn many to Righteousness, shall + shine as the_ Stars _for ever and ever._” Verse 4.—“_Many + shall run to and fro; and Knowledge shall be Encreased._” + + 2 Tim. 2. 12.—“_If we suffer, we shall also reign with him_; + (i.e. with _Christ_.”) + + _LONDON_: Printed for =Thomas Northcott=, in _George-Yard_ + in _Lombard-Street_, M DC XCIV. Folio. + + Preface 48 pp., Testimonies pp. i-xviii, Journal pp. 1-200, + 201_*-288_*, 189-632, and 16 pages of Tables. Total number of + pages 796. + + The Tables are (i.) Names of Countries, etc.; (ii.) Names of + Friends, etc.; (iii.) Subject Matters; (iv.) Catalogue of + Epistles. + + This edition was edited by Thomas Ellwood and published with and + without the Preface by Wm. Penn (printed by Tace Sowle, 1694). + Most of the copies of this edition extant contain a reprint of + pages 309, 310, which was inserted by request, in place of the + original leaf, soon after publication of the volume. + + A circular with proposals for reprinting the Journal, issued in + 1708, states that it was “out of Print, and very Scarce these + Four or Five Years past, Advanced to, and sold for 20_s._ + _per_ Book, whereas the first Price was but 13_s._” + +_B._—SECOND EDITION.—(But not so called on title page), _1709_. + + Same title as =A=. + + _LONDON_: Printed and Sold by _J. Sowle in White-Hart-Court_ in + _Gracious-street_, 1709. In two parts, 8vo., pt. i., pp. + lxxii, 592., pt. ii., pp. 580 and 36 pages of Tables as in + _A_. + + The above-mentioned, 4to. circular of “Proposals for + Re-printing the Journal,” etc., states that the Journal + would be put to the press when the number of subscribers + amounted to 500, and that the price would be Seven Shillings + and Sixpence to subscribers,[B] “bound in Calves Leather.” + The volumes were to be “about the bigness of _R. Barclay’s_ + Apology,” and the text “Corrected from some Mistakes which + passed in the former Impression.” + +Footnote B: + + The advertised price was Ten Shillings. + +=C.=—THIRD EDITION, _1765_.—Same title as _A_, but + omitting date of death, and part of Scripture quotations. “The + Third Edition corrected.” + + LONDON: Printed by W. RICHARDSON and S. CLARK. Sold by LUKE + HINDE in George-Yard, Lombard-Street, and the Booksellers in + London and Westminster. M.DCC.LXV. Folio, pp. lix., 679 and 27 + pages of Indexes as in _A_. + + Corrected by Joseph Phipps; and in which a large number of + unnecessary words no longer appear. It is supposed that the + following folio circular, though undated, refers to this + edition, “Proposals for Printing by Subscription, in one + Volume in Folio, a New Edition of the Journal ... of ... + George Fox. ... The Conditions: I. The Book will contain + upwards of Two Hundred Sheets, and shall be printed on a + fine Paper, and with a curious new Letter of this Size. II. + The Price to the Subscribers will be twelve Shillings per + Book in Sheets, fourteen Shillings in half-binding, or + sixteen Shillings neatly bound in Calves Leather and + letter’d on the Back. But in case the Number subscrib’d for + should exceed one Thousand, then the Subscribers shall have + an Abatement of one Shilling per Book. III. Four Shillings + per Book are to be paid at the Time of subscribing, and the + Remainder on the Delivery. Subscriptions are taken in by + LUKE HINDE, in _George-Yard, Lombard-Street_, London; of + whom Proposals may be had.” + +=D.=—FOURTH EDITION.—Not known as an English edition, but + see under “American Editions.” + +=E.=—FIFTH EDITION (but not so called on title page) + _1827_.—Same title as =A=. + + =London=: Printed by W. Phillips, George Yard, Lombard + Street, 1827, _from the First Edition_, printed for Thomas + Northcott, in George Yard, in Lombard Street, 1694. In two + volumes large 8vo., vol. i. pp. lxxiv. 75-506; vol. ii. pp. + 452 and 35 pages of Tables as in =A=. Price + Twenty-four Shillings. + +=F.=—SIXTH EDITION, _1836_.—Same title as =A=, + with addition of “Sixth Edition—in two Volumes.” + + LEEDS: Printed by Anthony Pickard. M DCCC XXXVI. Small 8vo., + vol. i., pp. I.-VIII., i.-lxxxii., 83-556; vol. ii., pp. 488 + and 75 pages of Addenda and Indexes. + + Printed for Joshua Kaye and George North Tatham, Leeds. + Edition of 5,000 copies, sold at six shillings per copy. + Contains Advertisement by the Editors, who state it was + collated with the first and third editions. Special work + seems to have been done on the Indexes, which include Texts + of Scripture, Chronological Arrangement, etc. + +=G.=—SEVENTH EDITION, _1852_.—Title, “Journal of George + Fox; being an Historical Account of the Life, ... [as + =A=.] Seventh Edition—in two Volumes, with Notes + Biographical and Historical, etc., by Wilson Armistead.” + + LONDON: W. and F. G. Cash (late Gilpin), Bishopsgate Street, ... + M DCCCLII. 8vo., vol. i., pp. xiv., 409; vol. ii., pp. ix., + 354, and 58 pages of Appendix and Indexes, but omission of + Catalogue of Epistles, etc. + + Printed by W. G. Blackie and Co., Villafield, Glasgow, from + =F=. For the first time divided into chapters and + supplied with Introduction and Table of Contents. Price five + shillings. + +=H.1.=—EIGHTH (and Bi-Centenary) EDITION, _1891_.—Title + as =G=, but omitting part of Scripture quotation. + “Eighth (and Bi-Centenary) Edition, in two volumes.” + + LONDON: Friends’ Tract Association; Edward Hicks, Junr., + Publisher, 14, Bishopsgate Street Without, 1891. 8vo., vol. + i., pp. lxii., 537; vol. ii., pp. xvi., 507, and 61 pages of + Appendix and Indexes as =G=. + + Carefully collated with the earliest editions; and in other + respects a reprint of =G=. Favouring + circumstances occurring about the time of the two-hundredth + anniversary of the death of George Fox, by the gift of two + Friends deceased, and assistance from others, these volumes + were produced at much less cost to purchasers than would + otherwise have been the case. The whole was printed and + stereotyped by Headley Brothers, Ashford, Kent; and + conducted through the press under the joint supervision of + Daniel Pickard, the revising editor, and of Frederick + Goodall Cash, Hon. Secretary of Friends’ Tract Association, + London. Price five shillings net. + + 500 copies were printed, and sold at five shillings each. + +=H.2.=—EIGHTH EDITION, reprinted _1901_.—Title, “The + Journal of George Fox; being an Historical Account of his + Life, Travels, Sufferings, and Christian Experiences. In two + volumes.” + + Published for the Friends’ Tract Association, by Headley + Brothers, 14, Bishopsgate Street Without, London, E.C., + 1901. 8vo. vol. i., pp. lxxii., 537, vol. ii., pp. xvi., + 507, 31 pages of Appendix as =H.1=, and 50 pages + of Particulars of Editions, and Indexes. + + The text of this is reprinted by Headley Brothers, Ashford, + Kent, from the stereo plates of =H.1=. slightly + corrected, and has been furnished with greatly extended + Index to Persons and Places, further particulars of previous + editions and a Map, compiled by Norman Penney, Hon. Sec. of + Friends’ Tract Association. 500 copies were printed. Price + per copy five shillings net, including the map six shillings + and sixpence net. + + + NOTE.—An abridged edition of _The Journal_, under the title + “The Autobiography of George Fox,” edited, with Introduction, + by Henry Stanley Newman, was published in London and + Leominster [1886]. 4to. pp. xxxii, 406 and 16 pages of Index. + + + + + PARTICULARS OF THE AMERICAN EDITIONS + + OF + + THE JOURNAL OF GEORGE FOX. + + ---------------------------- + +1.—FOURTH EDITION, _1800_.—Title as _C_, but without Scripture + quotation. “Fourth Edition in two Volumes.” + + New York: Printed by Isaac Collins, No. 189, Pearl Street, 1800. + Large 8vo. + + It is possible that this, the first American edition, was + styled “Fourth Edition,” in sequence to the “Third Edition,” + published in England. + +2.—FIFTH EDITION, _1808_.—Title as _C_. “The Fifth Edition, + corrected. In two volumes.” + + Philadelphia. Printed for B. and T. Kite, No. 20, North Third + Street. Fry and Kammerer, Printers, 1808. Large 8vo., vol. i., + pp. 542, vol. ii., pp. 485 and Index. + + This edition rightly follows the Fourth (American) Edition, as + “The Fifth Edition,” but it was apparently not reckoned for, + when the English edition of 1836 was styled the “Sixth + Edition.” + +3.—ANOTHER EDITION, _1831_.—Title as _C_. “Corrected by the first + edition.” In two volumes, forming vols. i. and ii. of _The Works + of George Fox_ (in 8 vols.). + +Philadelphia: Marcus T. C. Gould, No. 6, North Eighth Street; New + York: Isaac T. Hopper, No. 420, Pearl Street. J. Harding, + Printer,[66] 1831. Large 8vo., vol. i., pp. 437, vol. ii., pp. 384 + and 9 pages of Index. + +4.—STEREOTYPE EDITION, no date. Title as =C=, but + incorrect reference to “Dan. xii. 1.” + +Philadelphia: Published at Friends’ Book Store, No. 84, Mulberry + Street. Large 8vo., pp. liv., 662 and 10 pages of Index. + + From a Minute of the Meeting for Sufferings of Philadelphia Yearly + Meeting, under date of 12mo. 25, 1832, it seems that the + stereotype plates of the Journal were so nearly completed that + the Treasurer of the Yearly Meeting was authorised to pay for + same, and in the following 4th month, a bill passed the + Meeting for Sufferings for printing 500 copies of same. + + Many of above particulars have been kindly supplied by + Morgan Bunting, George J. Scattergood, and Wm. C. Cowperthwaite, + of Philadelphia. + +----- + +Footnote 66: + + The second volume has “Thomas B. Town and Co., Printers.” + + + + + INDEX I. + + PERSONS AND PLACES. + + ------- + + + [Names of Persons directly connected with G. Fox, and of Places + visited by him, appear in capital letters. + + Names of Persons and Places indirectly mentioned in _The Journal_ + appear in small letters; indirect references are also preceded by + the word “mentioned.” + + Names preceded by a * have footnotes respecting them, the pages on + which such footnotes occur being given in italic letters. + + Words within [ ] represent additional information not to be found + in _The Journal_]. + + --------------------- + + ABBEY HOLM, i. 392. + *Aberdeen, ii. 233, _234_. + ABRAHAM, DANIEL, step son-in-law of G. Fox, ii. 521. + ABRAHAM, RACHEL, wife of D. Abraham, ii. 521. + _See_ FELL, RACHEL. + *ABRAHAMS, GALENUS, noted Baptist of Amsterdam, disputes with + Friends, ii. _310_; + visited by G. Fox, and partly convinced, ii. 401, 402. + + ACTON, i. 15. + + ADDERBURY, ii. 204, 319. + + ADINGWORTH [ARTHINGWORTH], ii. 260. + + ALBAN’S [ST.], i. 259; ii. 260, 319, 345. + + ALDAM, JOHN, convinced, i. xlv. + + *ALDAM, THOMAS, convinced, ii. 511; + with G. Fox at Warmsworth steeplehouse, i. 103, 106; + visits a Knight in Derbyshire, i. 198; + visits London, i. 213; + visits, with Anthony Pearson, the jails of England, i. 446; + rends his cap as a sign, i. _446_. + + Aldborough Castle, ii. 403. + + ALDINGHAM, steeplehouse visited, i. 120, ii. 513. + + Alexandria, i. 518. + + *Algiers, captives at, ii. _346_, 486. + + ALGIERS, DEY of, written to, ii. 346. + + ALKMAAR, ii. 273, 402; + Friends of, with G. Fox, ii. 268. + + [ALLENDALE]. _See_ HUTCHINSON, HUGH. + + AMERICA, i. xlviii, 338, ii. 141-196, 517; + written to, i. 1, ii. 98, 234, 345, 491, 501, 502; + Truth springs up, ii. 251, 527; + Friends of, visit London, ii. 404; + mentioned, ii. 133. + + AMERSHAM, ii. 315. + + AMOROCA RIVER, ii. 191. + + AMPTHILL, ii. 260. + + AMSTERDAM, ii. 267-272, 284, 290, 291, 292, 400, 402; + meetings for discipline settled, ii. 268, 290, 321, 400; + letters written here, ii. 268, 270, 285, 286, 288, 292, 295, + 298; + Jews would not receive visit, ii. 311; + mentioned, ii. 273, 279, 282, 283, 287, 310, 313, 326, 401, 402, + 483. + + ANAMESSIC, ii. 192. + + ANAMESSIC RIVER, ii. 191. + + ANDERIGO, ii. 282. + + ANDRIES, CORNELIUS, Friend, of Groningen, sufferer at Embden, ii. + 282. + + ANGLESEA, EARL OF, letter respecting G. Fox’s imprisonment at + Lancaster, ii. 56. + + Angrogna Protestants persecuted, i. 434. + + Antigua, visited by Thomas Briggs and William Edmundson. ii. 153; + Truth prospers, ii. 321, 504. + + ANTROBUS, BENJ. [of London], signs Testimony to G. Fox, ii. 525. + + APPINGDALEM, ii. 275. + + *APPLEBY, i. xlviii; + Jas. Naylor and Francis Howgill imprisoned here, i. _113_, 128, + 142. + + APPLEDORE, ii. 94. + + APEN, ii. 276. + + ARCHER, JUDGE, marriage trial at Nottingham, i. 520; + præmunires Friends at Exeter, ii. 94; + letter from G. Fox, ii. 94. + + ARMINIANS dispute with Friends, i. 516. + + ARMSCOTT, meeting in John Halford’s barn, ii. 204; + G. Fox sent hence to Worcester jail, ii. 205, 319. + _See_ CROWDER, DR. + + ARNSIDE, i. 158, ii. 335; + general meeting here, i. 470, ii. 15. + + ARUNDEL, i. 260. + + ASHBURNHAM, JOHN, constable, of Ulverstone, i. 472; + judgment on his wife, ii. 73. + + Ashfield, Col. [Richard], justice, of Scotland [and Staines], + convinced, i. 404. + + ASHFORD (Kent), ii. 1. + + [ASHGROVE]. _See_ FRY [WILLIAM]. + + ASHLEY, JOHN, friendly lawyer, ii. 224. + + ASHWELL, ii. 332. + + ASKEW, MARY, convinced at Swarthmore, ii. 513. + + ATHERSTONE, chapel visited, i. 48; + dispute with several priests, i. 201-206. + + Atherton, Godfrey, sent with letter to Countess of Derby, ii. 25. + + Atherton, Oliver, father of above, imprisoned for tithes by + Countess of Derby, died in prison, body carried to Ormskirk for + interment, ii. 25, 26. + + Atkins [Atkinson], Christopher, dishonoured Truth at Norwich, but + afterwards repented, i. 233. + + ATKINSON, THOMAS, Friend, of Cartmel, ii. 19. + + ATKYNS, JUDGE, his clerk visited respecting tithes, ii. 357. + + *AUDLAND, JOHN, preacher at Firbank Chapel, i. _113_; + visited by G. Fox, i. 115, 122; + comes out in the ministry, i. xlv, 128, ii. 515, and travels to + Bristol, i. 190; + attends general meeting at Swannington, i. 199; + bids Paul Gwin repent, i. 330; + general meeting at his house, i. 391. + + AUDLAND, ANN, wife of J. Audland, her house visited by constables + after G. Fox’s departure, ii. 15. + + AYLESBURY, ii. 90, 204. + + BADCOW, i. 394; + mentioned, i. 397, 404. + + BADDESLEY (BAGLEY), i. 251, 256, 258, 335, 467, ii. 79, 104, 259. + + BAGWORTH, steeplehouse visited, i. 47. + + BAILY, CHARLES, turns aside from Truth, i. 506. + + *BAILY, WM., Baptist teacher convinced, i. _261_; + in Barbadoes, ii. 159. + + Baker, Daniel, travels for Smyrna, forsakes Truth, i. 518. + + *BAKER, RICHARD, Friend, of Biddlesden, visited, ii. _344_. + + BALBY, i. 101, 104, 105, 197, ii. 104, 259; + Richard Farnsworth and others convinced here, i. 79; + yearly meeting held here, i. 476-469, ii. 516. + + BALDOCK, ii. 89, 332; + sick woman visited and convinced here, i. 258; + + BALDOCK, ——, Baptist, and his wife convinced, i. 258. + + BALL, RICHARD, of Whittington, visited, ii. 260. + + BALL, NATHANIEL, ministering Friend, of North Newton, visited, ii. + 91, 344. + + BALLOWFIELD [i. 195], ii. 259. + + *BANBURY, i. _79_, ii. 91, 319, 344. + + BANDON BRIDGE, mayor’s wife convinced here, ii. 109; + G. Fox sees a vision, ii. 109. + + BANGHURST [BAUGHURST], ii. 129. + + BAPTISTS come into contact with Friends, i. 19, 25, 46, 69, 108, + 166, 168, 179, 212, 228, 229, 231, 251, 254, 258, 261, 263, + 399, 400, 409, 516, ii. 103, 125, 203, 269, 278; + they persecute Friends, i. 199, 251, 314, 530; ii. 64. + _See_ ABRAHAMS; + BAILY, WM.; + BALDOCK; + BENNET, COLONEL; + BROWN, CAPT.; + FISHER, SAMUEL; + GRITTON; + GWIN; + HILTON; + JONES, RICE; + OATES; + PACKER; + PICKERING; + WIGGAN. + + BARBADOES, Paul Gwin met here, i. 330, ii. 152; + Friends banished to, ii. 68; + Friends here written to, ii. 98, 345, 489; + visited, ii. 144-159; + letters written here, ii. 145, 147, 150, 159; + mentioned, ii. 153, 168, 172, 176, 190, 193; + Friends prosper, ii. 321, 504; + Church order established, ii. 148. + + BARBADOES, GOVERNOR OF, visited, ii. 152, 158; + letter to him, ii. 155. + + *BARCLAY, ROBERT, disputes with students of Aberdeen, ii. 233; + travels with G. Fox in Holland, ii. 266, 268, 269; + returns to England, ii. _285_. + + BARKING, ii. 456, 475. + + BARNES, WM., meetings held in his house near Warrington, ii. 82, + 106, 114. + + BARNET, ii. 261, 319, 345, 473; + spiritual exercises here, i. 3, 4. + + BARNET [BARDON] HILLS, i. 529, 530. + + BARNSTAPLE, persecution here of Friends on returning from sea, ii. + 94; + mayor written to, ii. 94. + + BARROW (Leics.), i. 46, 47; + mentioned, i. 529. + + BARTON, COL. NATHANIEL, justice and preacher, signs mittimus + committing G. Fox to Derby House of Correction, i. 51; + letters written to him and other justices, i. 53, 54, 65, 73. + + BARTON [BURTON], (Lincs.), ii. 344. + + BARTON, (Yorks.), ii. 256. + + BARTON ABBEY, i. 469. + _See_ MONK BRETTON. + + BARWICK, GRACE, general meeting at her house [at Kelk] in + Yorkshire, ii. 75. + + [BASFORD]. See HAMMERSLEY, THOS. + + BASINGSTOKE, i. 357. + + BATEMAN, MILES, disputing at his house at Underbarrow, i. 116; + large meeting at his house, with headings of G. Fox’s address + there, i. 125. + + BATHURST, CHARLES, his country house at Epping Forest visited for + rest and air, ii. 415, and letter written there, ii. 415. + + BATTERSEA, ii. 346. + + _Battledore, The_, written, published, and presented, i. 513. + + BATTS, NATHANIEL, captain, ex-governor of Roanoke, visits G. Fox + in Carolina and asks about a woman in Cumberland who was said + to have been healed by G. Fox, ii. 184. + + BAXE, RICHARD, meeting at his house [at Capel] in Sussex, ii. 130. + + Baxter, Richard, Presbyterian, book by, referred to, ii. 414. + + BAYCLIFF [BECKLIFF], i. 121; + Leonard Fell and others convinced here, i. 121. + + *BEARD, NICHOLAS [of Rottingdean], convinced, i. _230_. + + BEATON, WM., large meetings at his house at Puddimore, i. 328, ii. + 95; + general meeting, ii. 12. + + BEAUMARIS, visited with John-ap-John, i. 378; + letter to the magistrates, i. 381. + + BEAUMONT, LORD, and soldiers arrest G. Fox at Swannington and send + him to prison at Leicester. i. 530-535. + + BEAVOR [BELVOIR], VALE OF, many convinced, G. Fox’s spiritual + exercises during some weeks’ stay, i. 26, and his various + “openings” here, i. 29. + + [BECKERINGS PARK]. _See_ CROOK, JOHN. + + BEDALE, ii. 256. + + *BEDFORDSHIRE, i. 225, 250, 258, 417, 536, ii. 79, 81, 260, 319, + 332, 345; + magistrates enraged, i. _226_. + + BENNET, COL., Baptist teacher, owner of Launceston Castle, i. 284; + releases G. Fox and fellow-prisoners, i. 321, 325. + + BENNETT, GERVASE, justice, signs G. Fox’s committal to Derby House + of Correction, i. 51; + written to, i. 52, 54; + first uses the term Quaker, i. 58; + strikes G. Fox, i. 62; + presses him for a soldier, i. 72. + + BENNETT, PRIEST, of Cartmel, i. 126, 157. + + BENSON, FRANCIS, of Westmorland, visited, ii. 17. + + *BENSON, GERVASE, justice, meeting with separated people at his + house, i. 112; + other meetings, i. 122; + his convincement, i. _139_, 142; + protects Friends, i. 156; + mentioned, i. 158, 171; + his wife visits G. Fox at Carlisle jail, she later suffers + imprisonment at York, i. 172; + he writes with Anthony Pearson to Carlisle justices, respecting + G. Fox, i. 177. + + BENSON, PRIEST, of Cumberland, G. Fox disputes with, ii. 515. + + BENTHAM, cruel treatment of G. Fox here, ii. 56, 57. + + BERKSHIRE, i. 528, ii. 119, 130, 317; + monthly meetings settled, ii. 97; + record of a trial, ii. 103; + mentioned, ii. 358. + + BERWICK, i. 413. + + BETHNAL GREEN, ii. 434; + ancient Friend visited, ii. 419; + paper written here, ii. 419. + + BEVERLEY, steeplehouse visited, i. 80; + account thereof given by noted woman of the place, i. 81. + + BEWLEY, GEORGE, was darkened through visit to Blanch Pope at Loo, + but again became serviceable, ii. 7. + + BEWLEY, THOMAS, visited at his house near Caldbeck, i. 166, 179, + 180; + a general meeting at his house, ii. 15. + + BICKLIFF [BRICKLEY], ANTHONY, great meeting at his house in + Warwickshire, i. 200; + visited, i. 484. + + BIDDLESDEN (Bucks.), large meeting at an old abbey house, attended + by many Friends, ii. 344. + + *BILLING, EDWARD, of Leith, his wife’s curious action, i. 399; + she is convinced and reunited to her husband, i. 399; + mentioned, i. _406_. + + BILLING, GRACE, convinced during visit to G. Fox and E. Pyot in + Launceston prison, i. 315. + + Bindlas, Sir Robert, his servants abuse Friends, i. 146. + + *BINGLEY, WM., accompanies G. Fox and party to Holland, ii. 398; + visits Friesland with S. Waldenfield, ii. _400_; + signs Testimony to G. Fox, ii. 525. + + BINSCOMBE, in Godalming, meeting held here, i. 260. + + BIRDET, ——, great meeting in his house, i. 95. + + BIRKENHEAD, SIR JOHN, master of requests, obtains an order for G. + Fox’s release from Scarbro’ Castle, ii. 69. + + BIRKHEAD, ABRAHAM, visited in America, ii. 182. + + BIRKHEAD, SERGEANT, meeting at his house at Twickenham, i. 442. + + BIRMINGHAM, ii. 104; + several convinced at a meeting here, i. 252. + + *BISHOP, GEORGE, captain, of Bristol, at a meeting at Reading, i. + _231_; + interview with the mayor of Bristol, i. 462; + author of _New England Judged_, i. 512. + + BISHOPDALE, ii. 256. + + BISHOPRICK. _See_ DURHAM (County). + + BISHOP-STORTFORD, i. 237. + + BLACKMORE, MAJOR, his soldiers sent to apprehend G. Fox, but miss + him, i. 360. + + BLACK ROCK, ii. 107. + + *BLAKELIN, JOHN, of Drawell in Sedbergh, a kinsman of his visited, + i. 111; + at Firbank Chapel, i. 113, ii. 512; + visited, i. _122_, ii. 15, 255, 256; + comes out in the ministry, ii. 515; + reads a paper by G. Fox to one Otway when ill, i. 391. + + BLETCHINGTON [BLETCHINGLEY], ii. 346. + + BLOCK ISLAND, ii. 172. + + BODMIN, i. 270, 284; + G. Fox and E. Pyot conveyed hither on the way to Launceston + prison, incident at the inn, i. 271. + + Bohemia, persecutions in, i. 434. + + BOHEMIA RIVER, ii. 165, 178. + + *Bolton, i. _207_, ii. 32. + + BOLTON, JOHN, and his wife attend a meeting at Binscombe through + frost and snow, i. 260. + + BOND, NICHOLAS, discourses with a Jesuit, i. 428. + + BOND, THOMAS, a prisoner at Yarmouth, i. 233. + + Bonner, Bishop, ii. 51. + + BONNER’S CREEK, ii. 184, 186. + + Booth, George, insurrectionist, i. 450. + + BOOTLE, steeplehouse visited, and rough treatment received, i. + 159, 161. + + BORMER-HAVEN, ii. 280. + + BOROUGHBRIDGE, ii. 14. + + Borwick, ii. 72. + + Boston (America), i. 509, ii. 190. + + BOSTON (Lincs.), i. 334. + + BOTTOMLEY [BAUTHUMLEY], JACOB, a great Ranter, i. 199. + + BOUSFIELD, MAJOR, visited in the Dales, i. 111. + + BOWDEN, GREAT, ii. 332. + + BOWLES, GEORGE [of Chalfont St. Giles], signs Testimony to G. Fox, + ii. 525. + + BOWLES [EDWARD], priest, spoken to in York Minster, i. 83. + + BOYES, PRIEST, of the Moors, accompanies G. Fox, i. 94. + + BRADDEN, CAPTAIN, guards G. Fox at Launceston, i. 272, 273; + converses with him, i. 279. + + BRADFORD, i. 108. + + BRADFORD, ——, cousin of G. Fox, invites him to drink beer, i. 3. + + BRADFORD, CAPTAIN, his house in Yorkshire visited, i. 195. + + BRADSHAW, JUDGE, favourable to Friends, i. xlvi, 123. + + BRAINTREE, ii. 314. + + BRAITHWAITE, JOHN, reporter, convinced at Newton in Cartmel, i. + 118. + + BRASSEY, NATHANIEL, accompanies G. Fox to Holland, ii. 397. + + BRECKNOCK, an uproar owing to preaching of Thomas Holmes and + John-ap-John, i. 361. + + BREMEN, ii. 276, 350; + spiritual travail at, ii. 281. + + BRICKLEY, ANTHONY. _See_ BICKLIFF, ANTHONY. + + BRIDGE-TOWN, general meeting here, attended by many and + influential people, ii. 152. + + BRIDPORT, i. 358. + + BRIEL, THE, ii. 312, 313, 398, 403; + mentioned, ii. 266. + + BRIERLIE, JAMES, visited at his home at Olney, ii. 260. + + BRIGFLATS, great concourse at a meeting here, ii. 256. + + *BRIGGS, THOMAS, convinced, i. _140_; + accompanies G. Fox into Kent and other counties, ii. 1, 2, 10, + to Ireland, ii. 107, 114, + into Hampshire, etc., ii. 129, + to America, ii. 141; + is taken ill in Barbadoes, ii. 153; + where he remains a while, ii. 159. + + BRIGHAM, steeplehouse visited, i. 164, 184, ii. 515. + + BRISTOL, i. 328, 329, 330, 360, 462, 527. ii. 12, 79, 87, 117, + 195, 198, 317, 517, 518; + visited by J. Camm and J. Audland, i. 190; + home of E. Pyot near here, i. 199, 261, 277, 317, 328, 463, 527, + 528, + and of G. Bishop, i. 231, 512; + mentioned, i. 301, 327, 329, 479, 529, ii. 93, 209, 219, 517; + its mayor, i. 462. + + BRISTOL HARBOUR, ii. 197. + _See_ KINGS ROAD. + + BRITLAND, PRIEST, of Chesterfield, partly convinced, i. 49. + + BROADSTREET, SIMON, magistrate, of New England, visited in + England, i. 511. + + Bromby, Thomas, sufferer in Lincoln prison, i. 225. + + BROUGHTON (Leics.), great meeting of Baptists here, i. 19. + + BROWN, ——, prophesies of G. Fox and others on his death bed, i. + 20. + + BROWN, CAPTAIN, a Baptist, of Barrow, his wife convinced, his fear + for her, his own late convincement, i. 529. + + BROWN, JOHN, of Weston, men’s monthly meetings established at his + house, ii. 90. + + BROWN, RICHARD, visited, ii. 94. + + BROWNISTS, meet with Friends, i. 516, ii. 269. + + BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, i. 333, 440, ii. 79, 90, 119, 128, 203, 260, 315, + 317, 319, 344, 358. + + BUGBROOK, ii. 344. + + BULLOCKS HILL [PULLOXHILL], ii. 260. + + BULL AND MOUTH, THE, ii. 376, 395. + + BUNHILL FIELDS, ii. 507, 523. + + BURLINGTON (Yorks.), ii. 75. + + BURNTISLAND, i. 406. + + *BURNYEAT, JOHN, convinced, i. xlv; + arrested in London, ii. 124; + meets with and accompanies G. Fox and party in America, ii. + _163_, 164; + travels in New England and Rhode Island, ii. 169-171; + accompanies G. Fox and others to William Penn’s at Worminghurst, + and with G. Fox answers a book by Roger Williams, ii. 264. + + BURRABY (BURROWBY), i. 84, ii. 256-258. + + *BURROUGH, EDWARD, reasonings with G. Fox, i. _116_; + begins his ministry, i. xlv, 128, ii. 515; + travels to London, i. 190, _258_; + attends a general meeting at Swannington, i. 199; + discourses with a Jesuit, i. 428; + interviews Charles II respecting the persecutions in New + England, i. 507; + decease, and G. Fox’s letter respecting it, i. 536. + + BURTON, JUSTICE, is too late with a warrant to arrest G. Fox, i. + 467. + + BURTON, PRIEST, of Sedbergh, written to, i. 155. + _See_ SEDBERGH. + + BURTON-ON-TRENT, i. 77. + + BURY STREET, ii. 455. + + BUSHEL-HOUSE, i. 77. + + BUSHEL, T., Ranter, his vision of G. Fox, i. 87. + + BUTCHER, JOHN, Signs Testimony to G. Fox, ii. 525. + + BUXTEHUDE, ii. 277. + + BUYCKSLOTE, ii. 273. + + [BUDOCK]. _See_ HODGES, F. + + [? CAERLEON]. _See_ SLONE, THE. + + CAERNARVON, i. 378. + + *CALDBECK, i. 166, ii. 515; + steeplehouse visited, and Robert Widders ill treated, i. _179_. + + CALVINISTS, dispute with Friends, i. 516. + + CAMBRIDGE, education at University does not make ministers of + Christ, i. 7, 11, 386; + students molest Friends, i. 236; + the mayor and his wife friendly, i. 236, 237, 503, 536, + also the ex-mayor and his wife, i. 536. + + CAMBRIDGESHIRE, i. 334, 453, 536, ii. 120. + + CAMELFORD, PRIEST, of Newton in Cartmel, his chapel visited, i. + 117. + + CAMFIELD, FRANCIS, signs Testimony to G. Fox, ii. 525. + + *CAMM, JOHN, comes out as a minister, i. xlv, _128_, ii. 515; + interview with Cromwell, ii. 515; + travels to Bristol, i. 190; + meets G. Fox, i. 256, 335. + + *CAMM, THOMAS, visited at his home at Camsgill, ii. _255_. + + CAMSGILL, ii. 255. + + Canaries, The, ii. 144. + + CANNON, RICHARD, of London, appeals for G. Fox’s liberation from + Worcester jail, ii. 217. + + CANTERBURY, i. 229, ii. 130; + the Bishop’s opinion of _The Battledore_, i. 513. + + CAPEL, ii. [130] 346. + + [CAPERNWRAY]. _See_ LEPER, THOMAS. + + CARDIFF, ii. 92; + a justice friendly, i. 360. + + CARLISLE, i. 159, 162, 392; + G. Fox imprisoned here, i. 166-178, 184, 189, ii. 515; + jailers’ cruelty, i. 171, 179; + Robert Widders imprisoned here, i. 179; + Robert Huntingdon visits the steeplehouse, i. 503; + Musgrave deputy-governor, ii. 16. + + CARLISLE BAY, illness at Richard Forstall’s near here, ii. 145. + + CAROLINA, ii. 183, 184, 186; + mentioned, ii. 187; + epistle sent to, ii. 491; + governor friendly, ii. 185. + + CARTER-FORD, i. 472. + + CARTMEL, ii. 512; + Priest Bennett’s steeplehouse visited, i. 157; + meeting at James Taylor’s, ii. 17; + home of Thomas Atkinson, ii. 19; + mentioned, i. 117, ii. 355. + + CARTWRIGHT, JOHN, informed against at Droitwich for speaking a few + words before supper at a Friend’s house, ii. 133; + accompanies G. Fox and others to America, ii. 141; + visits Jamaica, ii. 153, 159, + New England, ii. 164, 168, 170, + Rhode Island, ii. 171, + Virginia, and Barbadoes, ii. 193. + + CARY, ROBERT, meeting at his house in Plymouth, i. 264. + + CASTLE-GREEN. _See_ LAUNCESTON. + + *CATON, WILLIAM, convinced at Swarthmore, ii. 513; + travels in Kent, i. 227; + his _Journal_ and other writings, i. 227, ii. _484_; + mentioned, i. xlv. + + CEELY, PETER, major and justice, of Cornwall, apprehends G. Fox, + Edward Pyot, and Wm. Salt, and commits them to Launceston jail, + i. 267-271, 276, 284, 476; + his mittimus, i. 277; + his conduct at the trial, i. 276-280, 293, 296, 476. + + CHAMBERLAIN, COLONEL, of Barbadoes, visits G. Fox, ii. 145, 146. + + CHARING CROSS, i. 485; + imprisonment at the Mermaid here, i. 209, 211, 213, 234. + + Charles I., many of his judges executed, i. 485, 500. + + CHARLES II. (the Restoration), i. 276, 414, 445, 476, 479, 490, + 500, 503, 504, 505, 509, ii. 3, 9, 20, 27, 50, 66, 206, 210, + 213, 219, 220, 222, 251, 252, 253, 254, 391, 516; + Friends not opposed to him, i. 476; + though no plotters on his behalf, i. 445, 498, 534, ii. 3, 20, + 61, 210, 221; + he orders G. Fox’s release from imprisonment at Lancaster, i. + 487, ii. 3; + orders Friends’ release, i. 490, 500, ii. 33, 120, 140; + visited by Margaret Fell and her daughters, i. 493, 500, ii. + 120, 228, 516; + and by Thos. Moor, i. 500; + by Edward Burrough, i. 507; + by R. Hubberthorn, i. 490; + Friends present an address, i. 494, 521, ii. 225; + he grants a warrant for travel, i. 517; + stops persecution in New England, i. 507, 510; + receives a copy of _The Battledore_, i. 513, and other papers, + ii. 20, 245, 368. + _See_ JAMES II. + + CHARLES, THOMAS, visited at his house at Adingworth, ii. 260. + + CHATTAN [? CHARLTON], i. 252. + + CHELMSFORD, meeting here attended by many Friend-prisoners, ii. + 314. + + CHELTENHAM, ii. 318. + + [CHEPSTOW]. _See_ SHIPTON. + + CHESHAM, ii. 319. + + CHESHIRE, i. 363, 416, 484, ii. 83, 106, 114; + general men’s meetings, ii. 82, 374; + mentioned, i. 450; + Friends written to, ii. 374. + + CHESHUNT, ii. 499. + + CHESTER, i. 380; + mentioned, i. 503. + + CHESTER, EDWARD, of Dunstable, visited, ii. 345. + + CHESTER RIVER, ii. 165, 178. + + CHESTERFIELD, i. 49; + mentioned, ii. 78. + + CHETHAM, GEORGE, sheriff of Lancaster, his return to Charles II. + _re_ G. Fox’s imprisonment, i. 487. + + *CHEVERS, SARAH, imprisoned in the Inquisition at Malta with + Katherine Evans, and released, i. _524_, 526. + + CHICHESTER, i. 260. + + China, Friends attempt to reach, i. 517. + + CHISWICK, ii. 472; + Friends’ school here, ii. 434. + + CHOLESBURY, ii. 319. + + CHORLEYWOOD, ii. 319. + + CHOWAN RIVER, ii. 184. + _See_ MACOCOMOCOCK RIVER. + + CHRISTIANA RIVER, ii. 177. + + CIRENCESTER, i. 335, ii. 318. + + CLAUS, JACOB, accompanies Friends to Friesland as interpreter, ii. + 400. + + CLAUS, JOHN, of Amsterdam, interpreter, ii. 267, 274, 401, 402; + accompanies G. Fox and others in Holland, ii. 273, 275, 276, + 284; + visits a Baptist teacher, ii. 278; + letters from G. Fox, ii. 326, 483; + his father-in-law’s home at Embden visited, ii. 276, 281. + + CLAWSON, i. 29; + mentioned, i. 194. + + CLAYPOLE, JAMES, of London, remarkable recovery from illness, ii. + 377. + + *CLAYPOLE, LADY, written to, i. _432_. + + CLAYTON, ANNE, convinced at Swarthmore, ii. 513. + + CLEVELAND, i. 84, 415, ii. 83; + Friends of, i. 84, ii. 258. + + CLIFFS, THE, ii. 195; + general meeting held here, ii. 164; + and monthly meetings, ii. 164, 190; + another meeting held, attended by people of upper rank, ii. 183. + + CLOSTERSEVEN, ii. 276. + + COALE, HEZEKIAH, of Winterbourne, visited, ii. 317. + + *COALE, WM., of Maryland, people of quality attend meeting at his + house, ii. _182_. + + COBB, ——, Ranter, visits G. Fox at Charing Cross, i. 212. + + COBB, SIR FRANCIS, visits G. Fox in Scarborough Castle, ii. 58; + asked to assist in G. Fox’s release, ii. 66. + + COCK, ——, offers G. Fox tobacco at Kendal, i. 116. + + COCKAN, meeting here where G. Fox was threatened with a pistol, i. + 134. + + COCKERMOUTH, notable meetings in steeplehouses here, i. 161, 163, + ii. 515. + + COGGESHALL, meeting of 2,000 people, i. 231; + priest convinced near, i. 518. + + COLBURN, CAPTAIN, justice, of Maryland, visited, ii. 191. + + *COLCHESTER, i. 232, 518, ii. 265, 313, 314, 397, 398, 403; + mentioned, i. 172, _173_, ii. 313. + _See_ FURLY, BENJ.; + TALLCOAT, WM. + + COLE, ——, of Chattan, assists a convinced Independent preacher, i. + 252; + large meeting at his house, i. 252. + + COLLUMPTON, i. 328, ii. 10, 12. + + COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, i. 438, 443, 450, 498, ii. 251. + + COMMON-PRAYER-MEN, meeting of, attended by G. Fox, i. 25; + mentioned, i. 95, ii. 116. + + CONEY ISLAND, ii. 174. + + Connecticut, ii. 171. + + *CONWAY, LADY, visited at Ragley, ii. _319_. + + COOPER, EDWARD, of Northampton, accompanies G. Fox, ii. 260. + + CORBET, THOMAS, counsellor, of London, successfully defends G. + Fox, ii. 229. + + CORK, ridden through despite the mayor’s four warrants, ii. 109. + + CORNWALL, i. 265, 458, ii. 6, 9, 10, 94, 516; + Truth spreads in, i. 285, 301, 359, 461, ii. 4; + mentioned, i. 326, ii. 79, 91, 205, 207, 209; + G. Fox’s imprisonment in, i. 265-322, 476, ii. 4, 516; + wreckers written to, i. 458. + + CORSHAM [CAUSHAM], ii. 317. + + COSSALL, ii. 233; + girl reported well in answer to G. Fox’s prayer, ii. 233. + + COSSALI [COLESHILL], ii. 207. + + *Costrop, Richard, moved to go towards China, dies on shipboard, + i. _505_, 517, 518. + + Cotton, Arthur [of Plymouth and Colchester], assists Friends, + prisoners on board ship, ii. 68. + + COUNTERSIDE, ii. 256. + + COVELL, RICHARD, his ship captured by the Dutch, ii. 195. + + COVENTRY, i. 5, 6, 7, 47, 256; + mentioned, ii. 391. + + CRADOCK, DR., priest, of Coventry, visited, i. 6; + disputes with G. Fox in Scarboro' Castle, ii. 63. + + CRANBROOK, i. 227, 229, ii. 2. + + CRANES ISLAND, ii. 180. + + CRANSWICK, i. 81, 95. + + CRASTON, THOMAS, justice, written to at Carlisle, i. 174. + + CRAVEN, ROBERT, ex-sheriff of Lincoln, follows G. Fox to London, + i. 213; + is with him in Cambridgeshire, i. 334. + _See_ Lincoln. + + Creed, ii. 205. + + CRICKATROUGH, ii. 188. + + CRISP [CRIPS], NATHANIEL, ex-justice, meetings at his house at + Tedbury, i. 331, 335, 466, ii. 318; + visited, ii. 79; + monthly meetings settled, ii. 87. + + CRISP, STEPHEN, signs Testimony to G. Fox, ii. 525. + + *CROMWELL, OLIVER, Protector, mentioned, i. _68_, 158, 189, 207, + 213, 215, 248, 251, 276, 277, 285, 363, 434, 438, 453, 475, + 490, 500, 504, ii. 251; + G. Fox sent to him, i. 208, ii. 20, 515, and released, ii. 3, + 210, 515; + their interviews, i. xlviii, 210, 234, 332, 333, 401, 432, 440, + 476; + addressed by letter, i. 209, 223, 246, 268, 284, 363, 431, 432, + 445, 446, ii. 245; + grants liberty of conscience, i. 255, 292; + favourable to Friends, i. 284, 318, 333; + Friends suffer under Commonwealth, i. 490, 522, ii. 251, 252; + warned by Lady Margaret Hambleton, i. 394; + interviewed by J. Camm and F. Howgill, ii. 515; + he is petitioned against Friends, i. 398, ii. 72; + he refuses to release Friends from prison, i. 446; + his death, i. 441, 447. + + CROMWELL, RICHARD, Protector, mentioned, i. 441, 490, 522; + Friends petitioned against, ii. 72; + addressed by letter, ii. 245. + + *CROOK, JOHN, ex-justice, of Luton [and Beckerings Park], meetings + at his house, i. 225; + also a general yearly meeting, i. 418-427; + accompanies G. Fox, i. _226_, 237, 254, + and visited by him, ii. 319. + + CROOK, i. 117. + + CROSSLAND [?CROSTHWAITE], i. 128. + + CROSSLANDS, SIR JORDAN, governor of Scarborough Castle, visits G. + Fox there, ii. 58; + discharges him, ii. 70; + receives visit from him, ii. 105. + _See_ SCARBOROUGH. + + CROUCH, EDWARD, of Stevenage, visited, ii. 382. + + CROWDER, DR., priest [of Armscott], threatens Thos. Lower with an + action for defamation, ii. 211; + disputes with Geo. Fox in Worcester jail, ii. 212. + + CROWLAND, a very rude place, i. 334. + + CROWN-ALLINS [COLNE (SR.) ALWYNS], ii. 318. + + CUBBAN [CUBHAM], RICHARD, visited, and his wife convinced, i. 381; + imprisoned for tithes, ii. 26; + dispute with Major Wiggan, ii. 35. + + CUMBERLAND, i. 159, 180, 182, 392, ii. 16, 515, 516; + Truth springs up, i. 183, ii. 251; + mentioned, i. 173, 470, ii. 20; + Friends addressed by letter, ii. 83; + woman said to be healed by G. Fox’s prayers, ii. 184; + steeplehouses deserted, i. 392. + + CUMMINS, THOMAS, requests of jailer of Lancaster jail a copy of G. + Fox’s mittimus, i. 475. + + *CURTIS, THOMAS, of Reading, visits G. Fox in Launceston jail, i. + _326_; + has service in Cornwall, i. 326; + travels with G. Fox, i. 358, 471. + + *CURTIS, ANN, wife of T. Curtis, visits G. Fox in Launceston jail, + i. 326; + and in Lancaster Castle, i. 479; + her father, i. _326_, 479. + + DALES, THE (Yorks.), i. 110, 111, ii. 512. + + DALSTON, epistles written here, ii. 368, 396; + widow Stot visited, ii. 396, 404. + + DALTON, steeplehouse visited, i. 121, ii. 513, 514. + + DANDER, JOHN, meetings at his house [at Hollowtrow], in + Somersetshire, i. 328, ii. 12. + + Dantzic, magistrates written to, ii. 234, 485, and referred to, + ii. 287, 321, 422, 424, 483; + Friends written to, ii. 286, 483; + Friends of, ii. 268, 321, 422, 484; + mentioned, ii. 301, 326, 350. + + DARCY, LADY ABIGAIL, convinced, ii. 86; + speaks to G. Fox about her husband, —— Pocock, ii. 86. + + DARK-HOUSE, Lancaster jail, G. Fox imprisoned here, i. 474, 479. + + D'AUBIGNY, LORD, visited respecting imprisonment of K. Evans and + S. Chevers in Malta, i. 524. + + DAVENPORT, CAPTAIN, of Johnstons, visited, and becomes loving to + Friends, i. 409. + + *DAVIES, RICHARD, of Welchpool, assists G. Fox in Worcester + imprisonment, ii. 229; + written to, ii. _374_. + + DEAL, ii. 130, 142. + + DEAN, FOREST OF, ii. 92. + + DELAWARE, high-sheriff of, at G. Fox’s meeting, ii. 178. + + DELAWARE BAY, ii. 176, 177. + + DELAWARE RIVER, ii. 165. + + DELFT, ii. 267, 311. + + DELFZIEL, ii. 275, 282. + + DELMANHORST, ii. 276. + + Denbigh, suffering Friends written to, ii. 374. + + DENBIGHSHIRE, ii. 83. + + DENDRON, steeplehouse visited, ii. 513. + + DENMARK, KING OF, ii. 277, 311; + written to, ii. 404. + + DENNIS, COLONEL, meeting at his house [in Norfolk], i. 453. + + DENT, i. 111. + + DERBY, i. 467; + G. Fox imprisoned in House of Correction and common jail, i. + xlviii, 50-77 90, 467, 523, ii. 3, 20, 210, 511, and is + visited by various persons there, i. 56, 58 62, 67, 69, 70, + 80; + jailer of, i. 57, convinced, i. 467, 523; + _See_ SHARMAN, THOS.; + letters written here, i. 52-66, 70-76; + mentioned, i. 27, 58, 524. + + Derby, Countess of, imprisons Friends for tithes, ii. 25, 26. + + DERBYSHIRE, i. 9, 25, 27, 49, 79, 197, 199, 252, 416, 467, ii. 13, + 14, 78, 82, 120, 259, 344, 511; + Truth springs up, ii. 251; + mentioned, i. 530. + + DERWENT-WATER, i. 181, ii. 15; + “the tall white old man,” aged 122 years, mentioned, ii. 15. + + DESBOROUGH, MAJOR-GENERAL, officer concerned with G. Fox’s + imprisonment at Launceston, i. 270, 318-321. + + DETEREN, ii. 276. + + DEVONSHIRE, Truth spreads in, i. 301, 458, 461, ii. 6, 10, 94; + mentioned, i. 301, 302, 359. + + DEVONSHIRE HOUSE, ii. 375. + + DEWES, COLONEL, impressed with the Truth, in America, ii. 183. + + *DEWSBURY, WM., convinced, with his wife, i. _79_, ii. 511; + his suffering, i. 179; + visited in Northampton prison, i. 209; + accompanies G. Fox, ii. 260; + meets him in Warwickshire, ii. 319, 344; + mentioned, i. xlv, 106. + + DICKINSON, JAMES, convinced, i. 117, 122. + + DILGER, EMANUEL, magistrate, of Dantzic, written to, ii. 485. + + DINGLEY, ii. 260. + + DIXON, ALEXANDER, meeting at his house at Grayrigg, i. 156. + + DOCKUM, ii. 275, 282. + + DODGSON, RICHARD, chief-constable, his death, ii. 73. + + DOILY, BRAY, of Adderbury, visited, ii. 204, 206. + + DOLGELLY, i. 376. + + [DOLOBRAN]. _See_ LLOYD, CHAS. + + DONCASTER, i. 79, 104, ii. 259. + + *DOOMSDALE, Launceston jail, G. Fox imprisoned here, i. 282, + _283_, 284, 286, 318. + + DORCHESTER, i. 261, 359, 457. + + DORSETSHIRE, i. 456, ii. 6; + Truth spreads, i. 301; + men’s monthly meetings settled, ii. 95. + + DOUGLAS, i. 394, ii. 516. + + DOVE, LIEUT., meeting at his house, i. 414. + + DOVER, i. 229, ii. 142; + governor of the Castle mentioned, ii. 254. + + DOWES, SYBRAND, of Leeuwarden, visited, ii. 275, 282. + + DOWNER, ANN, of London, serviceable to G. Fox in Launceston jail, + i. 283. + + DOWNING, E., of Edinburgh, clerk of the Council, i. 400. + + DOWNS, THE, ii. 141, 142. + + DRAKES, JOHN, of Barbadoes, his marriage proposals thwarted by G. + Fox, ii. 146. + + DRAPER, HENRY, justice, of Bishoprick, i. 180, ii. 14. + + DRAWELL, ii. [15], 255, 256. + + DRAYTON-IN-THE-CLAY, G. Fox’s birthplace, i. 1, 5, 200, 251, 277, + 467. + + DROITWICH, ii. 84; + mentioned, ii. 133. + + DRURY, CAPTAIN, takes G. Fox to London from Leicester, i. 208-211. + + DRY [ELIZABETH], WIDOW, cares for G. Fox in illness, at Enfield, + ii. 132. + + DRY, THOMAS, accompanies G. Fox in Suffolk and Norfolk, ii. 80. + + DUBLIN, ii. 108, 113. + + DUKINFIELD, i. 18. + + DUMFRIES, i. 394. + + DUNBAR, i. 410-412. + + DUNCAN, ROBERT, Friend, of Mendlesham, i. 233, ii. 265. + + DUN-COW [DUNCHURCH], i. 255, 256. + + DUNK, CAPTAIN, convinced in Kent, i. 227. + + Dunkirk, i. 228. + + DUNSTABLE, ii. 233, 345. + + DURHAM (County), i. 180, 414, ii. 14, 83, 516; + Truth springs up, i. 183, ii. 251; + mentioned, ii. 20, 258. + + DURHAM (City), i. 414, 415, ii. 73. + + EAST FRIESLAND, ii. 276. + + EAST JERSEY, ii. 166, 175. + + EASTON, NICHOLAS, governor of Rhode Island, visited, ii. 168. + + EATON, i. 27. + + ECCLES, SOLOMON, accompanies G. Fox to America, ii. 141, 159; + left at Jamaica, ii. 160; + returns to Boston and banished to Barbadoes, ii. 190. + + EDGE-HILL, i. 335. + + EDINBURGH, i. 399, 400, 408, 410; + G. Fox called before the Council and banished from Scotland, i. + 400, ii. 516; + Council written to, i. 402; + mentioned, i. 398, 400. + + EDMONTON, ii. 346, 348, 354, 358, 409, 454, 500; + Christopher Taylor’s school here, ii. 346, 348. + + EDMUNDSON, JOHN, of Maryland, visited, ii. 178, 179. + + *EDMUNDSON, WILLIAM, of Ireland, meets G. Fox in Warwickshire, i. + _256_; + accompanies him to America, ii. 141; + visits Antigua and Nevis, ii. 153; + Jamaica, ii. 159; + Virginia, ii. 164; + Shelter Island, ii. 173; + Rhode Island and New England, ii. 190; + returns to Ireland, ii. 190. + + EDRIDGE, JOHN, signs Testimony to G. Fox, ii. 525. + + EDWARDS, EDWARD, with G. Fox in Wales, i. 375. + + Egypt, i. 189, 518. + + ELDRETH [ELDROTH], ii. 105. + + *ELIZABETH, Princess of the Rhine, addressed by letter from G. + Fox, ii. 269; + her reply, ii. _272_. + + *ELLIS, JOHN, of Land’s End, at a meeting at Exeter, i. _359_; + meeting at his house, ii. 8. + + *ELLWOOD, THOMAS, of Hunger-Hill, a disturbed men’s meeting at his + house, ii. _315_; + meeting appointed for the opposers, ii. 315; + his account of G. Fox, ii. _526_. + + ELMSHORN, ii. 277. + + ELSON, JOHN, of The Peel, meetings at his house, ii. 233, 345; + signs Testimony to G. Fox, ii. 525. + + ELY, ISLE OF, i. 236, 536. + + *EMBDEN, ii. 275, 281; + Friends sufferings here, ii. 275, 282, _301_, 321; + magistrates and priests written to, ii. 301; + mentioned, ii. 268, 276; + home of John Claus’s father-in-law, ii. 275, 276, 281, 282. + + EMBLETON, ii. 515. + + EMS RIVER, ii. 275, 276. + + ENCKHUYSEN, ii. 273. + + Endicott, John, governor of New England, i. 509, 510. + + ENFIELD, ii. 354, 396, 403, 409, 415, 434, 456, 473, 475, 491, + 499, 500; + suffering winter spent here at Widow Dry’s, ii. 132-138; + letters and papers written here, ii. 134, 137, 396, 424. + + ENGLAND, _passim_. + + EPISCOPALIANS, dispute with G. Fox, i. 516. + + EPPING FOREST, ii. 415. + + ESHER, ii. 346. + + ESSEX, i. 231, 441, 451, 518, 536, ii. 1, 80, 120, 131, 203, 314, + 396, 450, 456, 475, 479, 491; + mentioned, i. 172. + + EUROPE, Kings and rulers of, written to, i. 222; + Truth spreads in, ii. 526. + + *EVANS, KATHERINE, imprisoned at Malta with Sarah Chevers, and + released, i. _524_, 526. + + EVESHAM, i. 253, 335, ii. 319; + mentioned, ii. 228. + + EXETER, i. 327; + Thomas Rawlinson imprisoned here, i. 301; + also James Naylor and others, one of whom died, i. 327, + and two sailor-Friends, one of whom died, ii. 94; + general warrant issued, i. 304; + general meeting here, i. 359. + + EYDER, RIVER, ii. 278. + + FAIRFAX, LADY, widow, visits G. Fox in Scarborough Castle, ii. 62. + + FALCONBRIDGE, LORD, visits G. Fox in Scarborough Castle, ii. 61. + + FALKNER ISLAND, ii. 173. + + FALLOWFIELD, WILLIAM, signs Testimony to G. Fox, ii. 525. + + FALMOUTH, i. 268, ii. 7. + + FAMILISTS, dispute with G. Fox, i. 516. + + FARNHAM, i. 357, ii. 96. + + *FARNSWORTH, RICHARD, convinced at Balby, i. _79_, ii. 511; + meets G. Fox again in Yorkshire, i. 106, 108, at Swarthmore, i. + 123, ii. 513, 514, and Drayton, i. 200; + declares Truth in a steeplehouse, i. 107, with G. Fox in + Wensleydale, i. 110; + mentioned, i. xlv. + + FAUKS (FOX), THOMAS, Friend, of Derbyshire, with G. Fox in + Leicestershire, i. 530. + + FELL, THOMAS, justice of the Welsh circuit, of Swarthmore, i. 118, + 137, 141, 143, 158, 383, 472, ii. 356, 512, 513, 515; + favourable to Friends, i. xlvi, 122, 127, 136, 139; + a meeting at his house many years, i. 123, ii. 18, 514; + daughters [unnamed], i. 231; + his death, ii. 516, 517. + + *FELL, MARGARET, wife of Judge Fell, of Swarthmore, her + convincement, i. 119, 121, ii. 512; + mentioned, i, xlvi, 122, 136, 208, 471, 472, ii. 21, 516; + her letter to Lancaster magistrates respecting G. Fox, i. 478; + interviews with Charles II, i. 479, 493, 500, ii. 516; + meets G. Fox in Cornwall, ii. 6, 517, at Bristol, ii. 12, near + Warrington, ii. 83, and at Bristol, where they are married, + ii. 117, _118_, 517; + at Holker Hall, ii. 19; + imprisoned four years at Lancaster, ii. 29, 44, 45, 47, 83, 517, + and praemunired, ii. 53, 517. + _See_ FOX, MARGARET. + + [FELL, GEORGE], son of Judge Fell, ill-treated near Ulverstone, i. + 132. + + *FELL, MARGARET, daughter of Margaret Fell, ii. _198_. + _See_ ROUS, MARGARET. + + *FELL, BRIDGET, daughter of Margaret Fell, ii. _198_. + + *FELL, ISABEL, daughter of Margaret Fell, ii. _198_. + _See_ YEOMANS, ISABEL; + MORRICE, ISABEL. + + FELL, SARAH, daughter of Margaret Fell, convinced, i. 121; + interview with Charles II, on her mother’s behalf, ii. 120, 140; + mentioned, ii. 6, 12, _198_, 233. + _See_ MEAD, SARAH. + + *FELL, MARY, daughter of Margaret Fell, ii. 6, 12, _198_. + _See_ LOWER, MARY. + + *FELL, SUSAN, daughter of Margaret Fell, ii. _198_, 233. + _See_ INGRAM, SUSANNA. + + *FELL, RACHEL, daughter of Margaret Fell, with her mother + accompanies G. Fox, ii. _198_, 203, 204, 207, 209, 219, 256. + _See_ ABRAHAM, RACHEL. + + *Fell, Henry, Friend, of Lancashire, ill-treated by soldiers, i. + _491_; + travels abroad, i. 517, 518. + + *FELL, LEONARD, convinced at Baycliff, i. 121; + meets G. Fox, ii. 6, 233; + and travels with him, i. 535, ii. 15, 16, 83, 104, 256, _260_. + + FELSTEAD, ii. 314. + + FEN COUNTRY, i. 334, 537. + + FIELD, JOHN, signs Testimony to G. Fox, ii. 525. + + FIFTH-MONARCHY MEN, their rising the cause of Friends’ severe + persecution, i. 314, 490, 493, 500, 505, 516, 519, ii. 103, + 516; + written to, i. 516, 517. + + Finch, Lord Chancellor, interviewed by M. Fox in London, ii. 518. + + FINCHCOMB [? STINCHCOMB], quarterly meeting held here, ii. 318. + + FIRBANK CHAPEL, meeting of above a thousand people here, and many + convinced, i. 113, ii. 512. + + FISHER, MARTHA, with another, speaks to Chas. II. respecting M. + Fox’s imprisonment, ii. 140. + + *FISHER, SAMUEL, Baptist preacher, convinced, as also his wife, i. + 227; + travels in the ministry, i. 228, _229_. + + FISHERHOLDER, ii. 276. + + FISHER’S ISLAND, ii. 172. + + FLAMSTEAD HEATH, ii. 354. + + Fleetwood, Charles [general], warned by Lady M. Hambleton, i. 394. + + FLEMING, JUSTICE DANIEL, offers £5 for apprehension of G. Fox, ii. + 17, 22; + commits M. Fell to jail, ii. 29; + a violent persecutor, ii. 29; + written to by Friends in Lancaster jail, ii. 29; + and by G. Fox separately, ii. 33; + death of his wife, ii. 34, 72. + + Fleming, Francis, attacked by servants of Sir Robert Bindlas, i. + 146. + + FLETCHER, ——. convinced in Cumberland, ii. 16. + + FLINTSHIRE, i. 380. + + FLORIDA, GULF OF, ii. 161. + + FLOYD, MORGAN, priest of Wrexham, his messengers, sent to enquire + about Friends, convinced, i. 188; + character of his people, i. 380. + + FLUSHING, ii. 167, 174. + + FORD GREEN, ii. 409, 475, 499, 500; + letter written here, ii. 501. + + FOREST OF DEAN, ii. 92. + + FORSTALL, RICHARD, merchant, of Barbadoes, G. Fox ill three weeks + at his house, ii. 145. + + FORSTER, THOMAS, captain of the _Industry_, in which G. Fox and + companions sailed to America, ii. 141. + + FOSTER, JUDGE, Lord Chief Justice, G. Fox appears before him at + Westminster, i. 485. + + FOSTER, LIEUTENANT, visited, i. 410. + + FOSTER, WIDOW, of Gracechuroh Street, visited, ii. 387. + + FOX, CAPTAIN, governor of Pendennis Castle, i. 269, 270; + ordered by the Protector to enquire into conduct of soldiers + towards Friends, i. 284; + visits G. Fox, i. 314. + + FOX, CHRISTOPHER, father of G. Fox, i. xliv, 1, 10, 205. + + FOX, MARY, mother of G. Fox, i. xliv, 1, 10; + proposed visit by G. Fox interrupted by his imprisonment, ii. + 207, 216; + her death, ii. 216. + _See_ LAGO, MARY. + + *FOX, GEORGE, his birth, =1624=, i. xliv, 1; + parentage, i. xliv, 1; + relations, i. 1, 3, 4, 10, 62, 69, 200, 205, 206, 467, ii. 79; + early spiritual experiences, i. 2, 3, 21; + travels to obtain spiritual help =1643=, i. 3-11; + realises whence true help comes, i. 11; + travels in the Midlands, =1647=, i. 18-79; + imprisoned at Nottingham for some months, =1649=, i. + 43-45, ii. 511; + and at Derby for a year, =1650-51=, i. xlviii, 50-77, ii. 511; + refuses to bear arms, i. 68; + visits Lichfield, i. xlviii, 77; + travels in the North of England, =1651-52=, i. xlv, 79-101, + 102-118, ii. 511; + first visit to Swarthmore, =1652=, i. 118, ii. 512, 514; + trial at Lancaster Sessions, i. 137-142; + some months in Carlisle jail, =1653=, i. 169-179, ii. + 515; + resumes work in the North, i. 179-197; + sixty ministers raised up, =1654=, i. 190; + visits his home and the Midlands, i. 197-207, ii. 515; + is arrested by Col. Hacker, and taken to London, i. 207-209, ii. + 515; + first interview with Cromwell, who liberates him, i. xlviii, + 210, 211; + travels into South and West, i. 259; + arrested in Cornwall and imprisoned about 8 months in Launceston + jail, =1665-56=, i. xlviii, 267-322, ii. 516; + travels Northward, on liberation, i. 325-332; + second interview with Cromwell, i. 332; + continuous travels over England and Wales and return to London, + i. 333-335; + journeys to the South and West and through Wales to Swarthmore, + =1657=, i. 357-383, ii. 516; + visits Scotland, i. xlviii, 393-413, ii. 516; + attends a yearly meeting at John Crook’s in Bedfordshire, i. + 418-427; + third interview with Cromwell, =1658=, who dies shortly + afterwards, i. 440; + travels through many counties, i. 451-471; + attends a yearly meeting at Balby, i. 467, ii. 516; + and general meetings at Skipton and Arnside, i. 469, 470; + committed to Lancaster Castle, i. 474-484, 507, ii. 516; + ordered to appear in London and liberated after 20 weeks’ + imprisonment, =1660=, i. 484-488; + work in London, i. 489-526; + journey to Bristol, i. 527; + and thence Northward with brief detention in Leicester jail, i. + 532-535, ii. 517; + return to London, i. 536; + travels to the West and through Wales to the North, ii. 1-18; + summoned before the magistrates at Holker Hall, =1663=, + ii. 19-21, 517; + and to the Sessions at Lancaster, ii. 22, 23; + committed to Lancaster jail, where he remains a year and a half, + ii. 23-42, 517; + removed to Scarborough Castle and endures over a year’s + imprisonment there, =1665-66=, i. xlviii, ii. 42-73, 517; + returns to London on liberation to find the city in ruins after + the fire, ii. 79; + travels through the nation to recommend the setting up of + Monthly Meetings, ii. 80-106; + visit to Ireland, =1669=, i. xlviii, ii. 107-114, 517; + marriage with Margaret Fell at Bristol, =1669=, ii. 117, 118, + 517; + sails for America, =1671=, ii. 141; + letter to the Governor of Barbadoes, ii. 155-158; + returns after extensive travels, =1673=, ii. 198, 518; + arrested on the way to the North of England, and sent to + Worcester jail, i. xlviii, ii. 204-213, 518; + removed to London, ii. 213-215; + and back to Worcester, ii. 215-221; + removed again to London and attends Yearly Meeting, ii. 221; + and is sent back again to Worcester, where illness overtakes + him, ii. 221-229; + removed once more to London and liberated after 14 months’ + partial imprisonment, =1674=/5, ii. 229-231, 518; + visits the North and remains about two years at Swarthmore, much + occupied writing books and papers, ii. 232-255, 518; + again in London, =1677=, ii. 261, 518; + several months’ visit to Holland and Germany, =1677=, ii. + 264-313, 518; + visit of two of his companions to the Princess Elizabeth, ii. + 269-272; + frequent journeying after return to England, ii. 315-335; + spends a year in the North, ii. 335-343, 518; + returns to London, ii. 343-519; + pays another visit to Holland, =1684=, ii. 397-403; + much occupied in and round London, with short stays in the + country on health’s account, i. xlviii, ii. 403-505; + declining health, ii. _403_, 404, 412, 413, 421, 450, 463, + 475-477, 479, 483, 489, 491, 518, _see_ next col.; + writes many letters and papers, ii. _396_, 449; + last short illness, ii. 505, 522; + death and burial, =1690/1=, i. 1, ii. 505, 518, 521-523; + Testimonies concerning him, ii. 511-527. + *FOX, GEORGE, his fasts, i. 10, 142, 158; + his “openings,” i. 8, 9, 11-16, 19-24, 26, 28, 29, 34-37; + his discernment of spirits, i. 15, 21, 165, 166, ii. 93, 131, + 168; + his temptations, i. 4, 9, 12, 14, 19, 20, 26; + his visions, i. xlv, 106, 109, 391, 528, ii. 109; + his foresight, i. 102, 109, 110, 158, 376, 412, 445, 453, 507; + he hears an inward voice, i. 3, 11, 13, 20, 26, 35, 47, 61, 108, + 119; + is charged with blasphemy, i. 51, 101, 137, 169, 452, ii. 515; + but denies that he is Christ, i. 51, 101, 102; + his power in prayer, i. xlvii, 24, 49, 212, 330, 373, ii. 138, + 184, 233, 376; + his warnings, i. 27, 39, 49, 52-56, 62-66, 76, 78, 98, 99, 101, + 223, 268, 308, ii. 41, 42, 93, 137; + cruelties inflicted on him, i. 39, 45, 62, 84, 103, 105, 132, + 134, 136, 160, 171, 180, 268, 472, ii. 51, 69; + his forgiveness for injuries, i. 63, 98, 99, 105, 133, 136, 160, + 209, 489, 497, 512, ii. 70, 125; + his narrow escapes from injury or arrest, i. 88, 108, 134-136, + 161, 253, 360, 427, 466, 467, 528, ii. 4, 5, 13, 15, 17, 77, + 84, 143; + his personal appearance and manner, i. _89_, 98, 167, 172, 214, + 264, 268, 380, 473, ii. 28, 401, 526; + his bodily weakness and illness, ii. 51, 54, 56-58, 79, 131, + 132, 145-152, 227, 230, 234, 261, 518, _see_ previous col. + + *FOX, MARGARET, wife of G. Fox, returns home after marriage, ii. + _118_, 517; + imprisoned for a year at Lancaster, ii. 120, 140; + released by order of Chas. II., ii. 120, 140, 517; + letters from G. Fox, ii. 120, 121, 141, 159, 160, 198, 206, 258, + 314, 320; + visits G. Fox in London, ii. 141, 404, 517, in Bristol, ii. 198, + at Kingston, ii. 203, 404, in Worcester, ii. 225, 518; + her long separations from G. Fox, ii. 519; + daughters [unnamed], ii. 198, 519; + travels with G. Fox, ii. 204, 209, 219, 256; + interview with Chas. II., Lord Chancellor Finch, and Judge + North, respecting G. Fox’s imprisonment, ii. 228, 518; + sued for tithes, ii. 355; + her Testimony to her husband, ii. 511-519. + _See_ FELL, MARGARET. + FOX, JOHN, Presbyterian priest, of Mansfield, Wiltshire, taken for + G. Fox, ii. 115; + creates a disturbance, ii. 121. + FOX, JOHN, of Wimeswold, visited, ii. 259. + FOX, THOMAS. _See_ FAUKS, THOMAS. + FRANCE, KING OF, letter to, i. 222. + FRANEKER, ii. 283, 401. + FRATERUS, N., magistrate, of Dantzic, written to, ii. 485. + FRECHEVILLE, LORD, commandant of horse in charge of G. Fox, ii. + 57. + FREDERICKSTADT, ii. 278; + business meetings established here, ii. 268; + Friends of, their proposed banishment, ii. 268; + mentioned, ii. 404, 405. + FRETWELL, ELLEN, prophecies respecting her persecutor, ii. 78. + FRETWELL, JOHN, of Stainsby, committed with G. Fox to Derby House + of Correction, i. 51 [ii. 511]. + FRETWELL, RALPH, judge, of Barbadoes, convinced, ii. 152. + FRETWELL, SAMUEL, of Hartshorn, visited and a meeting held, ii. + 259. + FRIESLAND, ii. 273, 274, 275, 276, 282, 310, 401; + mentioned, ii. 326, 400. + FRIEZEN SEAS, THE, ii. 273. + Frith, Susan, of Chesterfield, warns a justice of Derbyshire, ii. + 78. + FRIZBY, JAMES, justice, of America, ii. 181. + FRONDENBERG, ABRAHAM, Friend, of Haarlem, ii. 402. + FROUZEN, WILBERT, burgomaster of Rotterdam, ii. 399. + FRY [WILLIAM, of Ashgrove], Wiltshire, visited and meeting held at + his house, ii. 5. + *FUCE, JOSEPH, ensign, met at Lynn, i. _235_, 236. + FURLY, BENJ., of [Colchester and] Rotterdam, joint-compiler of + _The Battledore_, i. 513; + met and accompanied G. Fox and party on visit to Holland, ii. + 266-310; + interpreter, ii. 267, 269. + FURLY, JOHN, of Colchester, visited and meeting held, ii. 265, + 398; + he and his brother accompany G. Fox and party to Holland, ii. + 266. + + GADECKEN, N., magistrate of Dantzic written to, ii. 485. + + GAINSBOROUGH, uproar, and opposition, i. 101. + + GAMBOLL, THOMAS, of Bullocks Hill, visited, ii. 260. + + GANDY, WILLIAM, of Cheshire, large meetings at his house, i. 363, + 484; + visited, ii. 114, 233. + + GARDICK, ii. 282. + + GARDNER’S ISLAND, ii. 172. + + Garland, Widow, prisoner at Kendal, ii. 55. + + GARSDALE, ii. 256. + + GARSHORE, outline of discourse here, i. 394. + + Garstang, ii. 25, 26. + + GATESHEAD, i. 414. + + GATES, NICHOLAS [of Alton], signs Testimony to G. Fox, ii. 525. + + GATTON, ii. 346. + + GAUL, ALDERMAN, visits G. Fox at Rotterdam, ii. 399. + + GEARY, JOHN, of America, meeting at his house, ii. 189; + visited, ii. 190. + + GERMANY, i. xlviii, ii. 518; + mentioned, ii. 325, 350; + Friends of, ii. 268, 310, 400, 504; + emperor of, ii. 292; + priest of, ii. 292; + visited by Friends, ii. 264, 269, 276, 279, 281, 284, 310. + + GERRARD, LORD, orders G. Fox’s liberation at Whitehall, i. 492. + + GIBB, HENRY, of Pashur, general men’s and monthly meetings at his + house, ii. 83. + + GIGGLESWICK, ii. 57. + + Gilpin [John], among Friends at Kendal for a short time, i. 188. + + GILSLAND, discussion with a priest, i. 182; + a meeting here, i. 392. + + GLASGOW, i. 404, ii. 516. + + GLEASTON, meeting in a chapel near, i. 122; + another meeting, i. 158. + + GLOUCESTER, meeting here and escape from some soldiers, i. 466; + breviat of sufferings delivered to judges at Assizes, ii. 318. + + GLOUCESTERSHIRE, i. 335, ii. 13, 87, 91, 114, 202, 317, 344; + mentioned, ii. 121. + + GLYNNE, JOHN, Chief Justice, discourses with G. Fox at Launceston + regarding hats, i. 272; + G. Fox writes to him, i. 287. + + GODALMING, i. 260. + + GOLDNEY, HENRY, G. Fox dies at his house in White-Hart-Court, i. + l, ii. 505, 522. + + Goldsmith, Ralph, a Friend, captain of ship, carries Charles II.'s + mandamus to New England, i. 509. + + GOODAKER, SAM., signs Testimony to G. Fox, ii. 525. + + *GOODYEAR, THOMAS, of Yorkshire, convinced, i. 79, _106_. + + GOOSES, Wm. Mead’s Essex home, ii. [403], 450, 456, 475, 479, 491; + letters and papers written here, ii. 450, 456, 457, 458, 459, + 479-483, 491-497. + + GOULDNEY, THOMAS, interview with the mayor of Bristol, i. 462. + + GOVERNOR’S ISLAND, ii. 174. + _See_ NATTON ISLAND. + + GRACECHURCH STREET, ii. 123, 127, 138, 261, 314, 319, 345, 363, + 366, 371, 372, 377, 387, 505, 506, 522. + + *GRATTON, JOHN, visited at Monyash, ii. _334_. + + GRAVE, JOHN, with G. Fox in Scotland, ii. 516. + + GRAVESEND, ii. 131, 141, 142. + + GRAVESEND (America), ii. 167, 174. + + GRAY, RICHARD, master of vessel taking G. Fox and others to + Holland, ii. 398. + + GRAYRIGG, i. 156, ii. 15, 512. + + GREAT BAY, ii. 180. + + GREAT BOWDEN, ii. 332. + + GREEN [AGNES], WIDOW, of High Town, opposes G. Fox, i. 108. + + GREEN, THOMAS, assists G. Fox during imprisonment at Lancaster, i. + 475. + + GREGORY, JUDGE, visited at his chambers, ii. 356. + + GRIMES, COLONEL, large meetings at his house, i. 335, 466. + + GRISDALE, i. 111, 122. + + GRITTON, ——, ex-Baptist, dispute with G. Fox and others, i. 226. + + GRONINGEN, ii. 275, 282. + + GRONINGLAND, ii. 275. + + GUILDFORD, ii. 130, 346, 377, 465. + + GULL’S ISLAND, ii. 172. + + GUTTERHEDGE [GUTTERSHEDGE], ii. 261, 345. + + GWIN, PAUL, Baptist, of Bristol, and afterwards of Barbadoes, + opposes G. Fox, i. 329, 330, ii. 152. + + HAARLEM, ii. 267, 402; + mentioned, ii. 268, 291, 292, 401. + + HACKER, COLONEL, troopers of his regiment arrest G. Fox at + Whetstone (or Leicester), i. 207, and near London, i. 440; + his discourse with G. Fox, i. 207, 208; + he sends him to Cromwell, i. 208, 500, 534, ii. 3, 20, 515; + his wife and his marshal convinced, i. 251; + his son, —— Needham, i. 207, 209; + his death, i. 208, 500. + + Haggert, Judge, of Bristol, his wife convinced, i. 301. + + HAGUE, THE, ii. 311. + + HAINS, ROWLAND, priest, of Hunnington, accompanies Justice Parker, + in arrest of G. Fox at Armscott, ii. 205, 206. + + HALE, CHIEF JUSTICE, liberates G. Fox, at King’s Bench, ii. 229, + 230, 518. + + HALFORD, JOHN, of Armscott, G. Fox and T. Lower arrested at his + house, ii. 204, 206. + + *Halhead, Miles, comes forth in the ministry, i. _129_, ii. 515. + + HALIFAX, i. 189; + mentioned, i. 195, 196. + + HALSTEAD, ii. 314. + + [HALTON], Priest Whitehead visited here, i. 124. + + HAMBERY, RICHARD, of Pontemoil, meeting held at his house, i. 362; + with his wife accompanies G. Fox, ii. 91. + + HAMBLETON, LADY MARGARET, convinced, i. 394; + warns Cromwell and Fleetwood of the day of the Lord, i. 394. + + HAMBLEY, LOVEDAY, aunt of Thomas Lower, i. 315; + visited, i. 326; + general meetings at her house, ii. 7, 94. + + HAMBOROW, RICHARD. _See_ HAMBERY, RICHARD. + + HAMBURG, ii. 277, 279; + Friends of, ii. 268; + woman here acknowledges her error in John Perrot’s time, ii. + 277; + G. Fox writes _A Warning_ to the city, ii. 292, 295, and a book + in answer to the priests, ii. 301. + + HAMILTON, ii. 516. + + HAMMERSLEY, THOMAS [of Basford, Staffs.], a meeting with Ranters, + i. 198; + allowed to serve as foreman of a jury without an oath, and + verdict commended, i. 199; + general men’s meeting, ii. 82. + + HAMMERSMITH, ii. 346, 359, 419, 472, 491. + + HAMPSHIRE, i. 456, ii. 3, 95, 129, 203; + mentioned, ii. 358; + magistrate and people addressed in a paper, ii. 96. + + HAMPTON COURT, Protector visited here, i. 440. + + HANDCOCK, EDWARD, of Menheriot, meeting at his house, i. 265. + + HARBOROUGH, i. 209. + + HARDING, JOHN, meeting at his house in Essex, ii. 456. + + HARDY, UNDER-JAILER, of Lancaster, rude and cruel man, i. 474. + + HARE STREET, ii. 403. + + HARLINGEN, ii. 273, 283, 401; + epistle written here, ii. 301-310; + mentioned, ii. 282, 284. + + HARRIS, GEORGE, at his house in Dorset men’s monthly meetings + settled, ii. 95. + + HARRIS, JAILER, of Worcester, ii. 228. + + HARTIS, GEORGE, of Oram, visited, i. 96. + + HARTSHILL, ii. 260. + + Hartshorn, Hugh, upholsterer of London, ii. 166. + + HARTSHORN, RICHARD, of America, brother of last named, visited, + ii. 166, 175. + + HARTSHORN, ii. 259. + + HARVEY, ——, a servant of Cromwell, i. 210, 440. + + HARWICH, ii. 265, 266, 313, 398, 403. + + HARWOOD, ROBERT, of Maryland, visited, ii. 178. + + HASTINGS, LORD, writes to G. Fox, i. 535. + + HATTON’S ISLAND, ii. 180. + + HAVERFORD WEST, i. 373; + mentioned, ii. 91. + + [HAWES ?], i. 110. + + HAWKINS, GEORGE, of Stoke, visited, ii. 9. + + HAYLEY, WIDOW, of Gutterhedge, visited, ii. 261, 345. + + HEADS, i. 394, 404, ii. 516. + + HEDGERLEY, ii. 315. + + HELLEN, JOSEPH, disowned for the matter of Blanch Pope at Loo, ii. + 7. + + HELSTON, i. 265, ii. 7. + + HEMEL-HEMPSTEAD, ii. 319. + + HEMPEN-SARMER, LAKE OF, ii. 282. + + HENDON, ii. 204, 261, 319, 345, 346. + + HENDRICKS, ELIZABETH, visits Friends at Frederickstadt, ii. 404. + + HENDRICKS, PETER, Friend, of Amsterdam, with G. Fox in Holland, + ii. 291; + letters from G. Fox, ii. 326, 483, 486; + his wife, ii. 483. + + HENLEY, ii. 317, 358. + + HEREFORD, ii. 13. + + HEREFORDSHIRE, ii. 13, 85, 87. + + HERTFORD, i. 237, ii. 330, 347, 456, 499; + letters written here, ii. 331, 332. + + HERTFORDSHIRE, i. 258, ii. 1, 89, 120, 204, 319. + + HEWES, Priest, of Plymouth, his prayer against toleration, i. 504; + removal at Restoration i. 505. + + HEXHAM, i. 181, 182. + + HEYWOOD, JOHN, signs Testimony to G. Fox, ii. 525. + + Hicks’s Hall, Sessions held here, ii. 371. + + HIGHAM, i. 258. + + HIGHGATE, ii. 233, 261. + + HIGHLANDS, THE, i. 394, 405. + + HIGH-TOWN [in Liversedge], i. 108. + + HILEY [HELY], JOAN [of Bristol], visited, i. 528. + + HILL, JOHN, English Friend, meets G. Fox at Hamburg, ii. 279, and + travels with him, ii. 280, 281, 282. + + HILL, THE, ii. 334. + + HILTON, INFORMER, ii. 365, 366. + + HITCHIN, ii. 322. + + HODDESDON, ii. 475. + + HODGES, FRANCIS, of [Budock in] Cornwall, visited, ii. 7. + + Hodgson, Dr., informed of a plot, ii. 20. + + HODGSON, PETER, of Scarbro, visited, ii. 74. + + HOGHENHORN, ii. 278. + + *HOLDER, CHRISTOPHER, visits Long Island, ii. _174_. + + HOLDERNESS, i. 96, 195, 335, 415, ii. 14, 105, 512. + + HOLES SERGEANT, G. Fox removed to his house for awhile, during + Derby imprisonment, i. 72. + + HOLKER HALL, residence of Justice Parker, i. 475; + private justices’ meeting here, ii. 18; + G. Fox’s interview with the justices, ii. 19-21, 72, 517. + + HOLLAND, Friends travel in, i. 189, 228, 517; + Friends of, ii. 263, 267, 268, 320, 400, 504; + mentioned, ii. 54, 69, 404. + G. Fox sends letters thither, ii. 98, 345, + and visits the country, i. xlviii, ii. 264-313, 401, 518, + and again, ii. 397-403. + + Hollingworth, Ralph, priest of Phillingham, persecutor for tithes, + i. 224. + + [HOLLOWTROW]. _See_ DANDER, JOHN. + + *HOLMES, THOMAS, travels into Wales as a minister, i. _190_; + meets G. Fox there, i. 361; + mentioned, i. xlv. + + HOLSTEIN, DUKE OF, persecutor of Friends, ii. 278, 404; + written to by G. Fox, ii. 404. + + HONITON, i. 263. + + *HOOKES, ELLIS, draws up account of G. Fox’s imprisonment at + Scarborough, ii. _69_. + + HOORN, ii. 273. + + *HOOTON, ELIZABETH, of Nottingham, meets G. Fox, i. _9_; + accompanies G. Fox and party to America, ii. 141, 159; + her sudden death in Jamaica, ii. 160. + + Hornby Castle, i. 479. + + HORNCHURCH, ii. 131. + + HORSE-BRIDGE, i. 461, ii. 10. + + HORSHAM, i. 229, ii. 346. + + HORSHAM PARK, i. 260. + + Horsleydown, ii. 132. + + HOTHAM, JUSTICE, of Yorkshire, a well-wisher of Friends, i. 81, + 99, ii. 105; + visited, i. 81, 95, 123, ii. 105. + + *Howard, Luke, of Dover, convinced, i. _229_. + + HOWDEN-DYKE, ii. 76. + + *HOWGILL, FRANCIS, meets with G. Fox at a fair, i. 112, and at + Firbank Chapel, i. _113_; + imprisoned in Appleby jail, i. 128; + commences as a minister, i. xlv, 128, ii. 515; + visits Friends in Cumberland, i. 183; + his work in London, i. 190; + travels from Bristol to great meeting in Leicestershire, i. 199; + with G. Fox at Swarthmore, 99, i. 471; + interview with Cromwell, ii. 515. + + HOWSIGOE, THOMAS, Independent preacher near Cranbrook, convinced, + i. 227. + + HUBBERSTY, MILES, of Underbarrow, meets G. Fox, i. 117; + travels as a minister, i. 129. + + HUBBERSTY, STEPHEN, meets G. Fox at Underbarrow, i. 117. + + *HUBBERTHORN, RICHARD, convinced, ii. 515; + comes out as a minister, i. xlv, _129_; + persecuted, i. 146; + accompanies G. Fox, i. 147, 233, 237, 485, 486, 493, 521; + travels toward Norwich, i. 190, 453; + his interview with Charles II, i. _490_. + + HULL, i. 101, 415, ii. 76. + + HULL, JOHN, goes to America with G. Fox and others, ii. 141. + + HULL, PRIEST, referred to in G. Fox’s paper _re_ Cornish wreckers, + i. 460. + + HUMBER, River, i. 335. + + HUNGER HILL, ii. 315, 358. + + HUNGER RIVER, ii. 192. + + Hunnington, ii. 205, 206. + + HUNTER, JAILER, of Lancaster, persecutor, ii. 56, 73; + his untimely end, ii. 73. + + Huntingdon, i. 236; + the mayor visits G. Fox, i. 334, 537. + + Huntingdon, Robert, appears in Carlisle steeplehouse as a sign, i. + 503. + + HUNTINGDONSHIRE, i. 233, 334, 453, 536, ii. 81, 120, 332. + + HUTCHINSON, HUGH, Friend in the ministry, of [Allendale] + Northumberland, visited, ii. 15. + + HUTCHINSON, JAMES [of Knockballymaher], G. Fox’s discourse at his + house in Ireland, ii. 112. + + HUTTON, THOMAS, visited, i. 136. + + HYDE PARK, i. 332. + + IFIELD, ii. 346. + + ILCHESTER, men’s monthly meeting settled here, ii. 95. + + ILMER, ii. 319, 358. + + *INDEPENDENTS, come into contact with Friends, i. 25, 90, 211, + 232, 234, 250, 252, 376, 397, _443_, 503, _507_, 516, ii. 64, + _81_, 103. + _See_ HOWSIGOE; + NAYLOR; + ROBINSON, ANDREW. + + *INDIANS, their Emperor, Empress and Kings, etc., attend meetings + in America, ii. 158, 164, 165, 166, 172, 178, 183, 185, 186, + 189, 193, 194, 502. + + INFORMERS, ii. 16, 124, 133, 361. + _See_ HILTON; + KNIPE, W.; + SHAD. + + INGRAM, WILLIAM, stepson-in-law of G. Fox, ii. 521. + + INGRAM, SUSANNA, wife of W. Ingram, ii. 521. + _See_ FELL, SUSAN. + + *Inquisition, in Rome, Friends preserved from, i. 189, 229; + in Malta, Friends imprisoned in, i. _524_. + + IPSWICH, i. 232; + inhabitants written to, i. 232; + visited by Friends, ii. 403. + + IRB’S [JOB’S, JUBB’S] COURT, ii. 93. + + *IRELAND, Friends of, ii. 257, 321, 421; + visited by Friends, i. 189; + Friends written to by G. Fox, i. 257, ii. 98, 503; + Friends’ sufferings, i. 432, 434, ii. _503_; + mentioned, i. l, 257, ii. 112, 190; + Truth springs up, ii. 251; + visited by G. Fox, i. xlviii, ii. 107-114, 117, 517; + rulers addressed by letter, ii. 351. + + ISLE OF ELY, i. 236, 536. + + ISLE OF SHEPPEY, ii. 130. + + Italy, visited by Friends, i. 189, 228. + + ITZEHOE, ii. 277. + + IVES [ST.], (Hunts), ii. 332. + + IVES [ST.], (Cornwall), i. 267; + G. Fox and others apprehended here, i. 267, 277. + + JACKSON, HENRY, meeting at his house in Yorkshire, ii. 105. + + JACKUS, PRIEST, opposes G. Fox at Lancaster, i. 138, 141; + mentioned, i. 140. + + JACOBS, HESSEL, of Harlingen in Friesland, ii. 274, 283, 284. + + JAMAICA, Friends banished hither, ii. 68; + visited by Friends, ii. 153, 159, 162, 190, by G. Fox, ii. + 159-162; + mentioned, i. 406, ii. 160; + governor of, ii. 160; + Truth prospers here, ii. 160, 504. + + Jamaica (Long Island), visited by Friends, ii. 174. + + James I., quoted, ii. 323. + + JAMES II., releases Friends from prison, ii. 431. + + JAY, JOHN, planter of Barbadoes, accompanies G. Fox, ii. 172; + his injury and remarkable recovery, ii. 176. + + JENKIN, WALTER, justice, of Wales, convinced, i. 251; + meets G. Fox, i. 362; + meeting at his house, ii. 87. + + JERSEY (America), ii. 174; + written to, ii. 491. + + JERSEY, EAST, ii. 166, 175. + + JERSEY, New, Friends of, ii. 175, 404; + visited by Friends, ii. 190. + + JERSEY, WEST, ii. 166. + + JESUITS, disputes with G. Fox and others in London, i. 427-431, + 515, ii. 108. + _See_ PAPISTS. + + JEWS, come into contact with Friends, ii. 278, 311; + mentioned, i. 16, 397, ii. 27, 64, 136, 204, 291, 403, 428, 457, + 462-471. + + JOBLIN, JAILER, of Durham, persecutor. cut off, ii. 73. + + JOHN, JOHN AP ——, sent from Wrexham to inquire concerning G. Fox, + and is convinced, i. 188; + travels with G. Fox, i. 361, 368, 372-381, ii. 92; + his imprisonment, i. 378, 381. + + JOHNSON, RICHARD, of Liverpool, visited, ii. 114. + + JOHNSTONS [PERTH], G. Fox and others banished the town, i. 406; + re-visited by G. Fox, i. 409, ii. 516. + + JONES, ATTORNEY, defended G. Fox, at Court of King’s Bench, ii. + 214. + + JONES, JAMES, Friend and justice, of America, visited, ii. 192. + + JONES, RICE, of Nottingham, ex-Baptist and Ranter, opposes G. Fox, + i. 194, 416; + his fall, i. 417. + + JORDANS, ii. 315. + + *JOSE, NICHOLAS [of Sennyn], convinced at Lands End, [i. _458_, + ii. 8.] + + KEAT, CAPT., takes G. Fox and E. Pyot to Launceston, i. 269; + abuses his prisoners, i. 270, 284; + his kinsman’s conduct, i. 284. + + KEBY, ii. 281. + + KEITH, GEORGE, dispute at Aberdeen, ii. 233; + his wife and he with others go with G. Fox to Holland, ii. 266, + 268, 269, 313, 401; + travels in Germany, ii. 269, 310; + further mention of his wife, ii. 269, 272, 285. + + [KELK]. _See_ BARWICK, GRACE. + + KELLET, i. 124, ii. 335, 515; + mentioned, i. 142. + + KELLETT, PRIEST, a persecutor, i. 24, 25. + + KEMPSTON, ii. 260. + + KENDAL, i. 115, 125, 156, ii. 512; + warrant awaits G. Fox here, i. 392; + mentioned, i. 122, 188, ii. 17, 55, 256. + + KENSINGTON, ii. 346. + + KENSWORTH, ii. 260. + + KENT, i. 227, 357, ii. 1, 97, 130; + account of a Kentish woman, ii. 60; + mentioned, ii. 517. + + KENT ISLAND, ii. 180, 194. + + KENTISH SHORE, ii. 178. + + KESWICK, ii. 16. + + KIDSEY (KIDSLEY) PARK, i. 50, 198. + + KILLAM, JOHN, large yearly meeting in his orchard at Balby, i. + 467. + + KING’S BENCH, G. Fox’s trials here, i. 486, ii. 213-215, 221, 229, + 518; + mentioned, i. 480, 485. + + KINGS ROAD, ii. 195. + _See_ BRISTOL HARBOUR. + + KINGSBRIDGE, i. 264, ii. 6, 95. + + KINGSTON-ON-THAMES, i. 332, 440, ii. 79, 141, 203, 204, 206, 232, + 264, 315, 345, 346, 359, 376, 378, 387, 404, 418, 446, 491, + 497; + papers written here, ii. 315, 345, 350, 371, 381, 385, 396, 440, + 443, 447, 463, 465, 467, 468, 489. + + KIRBY, WILLIAM, colonel, of Kirby Hall, visited, ii. 17; + interrupts a meeting at Swarthmore, ii. 22; + visits G. Fox there, ii. 234; + judgment on him noted, ii. 73, 77, 106; + concerned in imprisonment of G. Fox at Lancaster and + Scarborough, ii. 24, 44, 45, 51, 55, 56, 77; + mentioned, ii. 18, 29, 121, 132. + + KIRBY-HALL, ii. 17. + + KLASSEN, DIRICK, Friend, of Haarlem, ii. 292. + + KNIGHTON, ii. 259, 332. + + KNIPE, JOHN, cruel treatment of G. Fox, judgment noted, i. 118. + + KNIPE, WILLIAM, informer, ii. 19; + judgment noted, ii. 73. + + [KNOCKBALLYMAHER]. _See_ HUTCHINSON, JAMES. + + KNOTTINGLEY, ii. 259. + + LAGO, MARY, afterwards Fox, mother of G. Fox, i. 1. + _See_ FOX, MARY. + + LAMBERT [JOHN, general], i. 450, 469. + + LAMBOLL, GEORGE, of Reading, meeting in his orchard, i. 230. + + LAMCOTE, ii. 319. + + LAMPITT, WM., priest, of Ulverstone, discourses with G. Fox, i. + 118, 119, 130, ii. 514; + opposes his teaching, i. 122, 126, 130, 131, ii. 514; + mentioned, i. 134; + G. Fox writes to him and his people, i. 149, 152, 153; + his false prophecies and his death, ii. 254. + + LAMPLUGH, ii. 515. + + LANCASHIRE, i. 117, 130, 158, ii. 14, 82, 114, 335, 343; + fasting woman visited, i. 18; + mentioned, i. 109, 486, ii. 22, 64, 73, 83, 355; + Friends in, i. 161, 383, 470; + Truth springs up, i. 183, ii. 251. + + LANCASTER, i. 124, 142, 143, 189, 383, 470, 484, ii. 233, 515; + mentioned, i. 136, 141, 382, ii. 21, 121; + G. Fox at the Sessions and Assizes, i. 137, 140, 143, 480, ii. + 22, 26, 39, 42, 51, 515, 517; + mayor of the town, i. 139; + under-sheriff, ii. 73, 233; + G. Fox in the jail, i. 473-484, 487, 488, 507, 513, ii. 23-56, + 59, 67, 71, 77, 216, 233, 516, 517; + in which he writes papers, i. 475, 479, 481, 482, 483, ii. 29, + 33, 36, 41, 42, 54; + M. Fell and other Friends in the jail, ii. 29, 44, 120, 517. + + *LANCASTER, JAMES, of Walney Island, convinced, i. 121; + visited, i. 121, 135; + travels with G. Fox in England, i. 161, 162, ii. 233, in + Scotland, i. 406, ii. 516, in Ireland, ii. 107, 114, in + America, ii. 141, 172, _198_; + visits Jamaica, ii. 153, 159, and New England, ii. 164, and + elsewhere, ii. 168, 170, 174; + his wife’s opposition to G. Fox, and convincement, i. 135, 136. + + LANDSMEER, ii. 288, 402; + mentioned, ii. 307. + + LANDS END, i. 458, ii. 8, 94; + the seven parishes of, written to, i. 266; + mentioned, i. 359, 458. + + LANDS END (Ireland), ii. 109. + + LANGLANDS, i. 182, 392. + + LANGSTROTH-DALE, ii. 256. + + LARKHAM [GEORGE], PRIEST, of Cockermouth, discourses with G. Fox, + i. 163, ii. 515. + + *LATEY, GILBERT, asked by a justice to pay G. Fox’s fine, ii. 392; + signs Testimony to G. Fox, ii. 525; + mentioned, i. _103_. + + LAUNCESTON, i. 326; + G. Fox imprisoned here, i. xlviii, 269-323, 327, 335, 343, ii. + 516; + papers written here, i. 273, 302, 304, 308, 315, 319, 323, 324; + cruelties of jailer, i. 282, 283, and his punishment, i. 318; + the mayor, i. 302; + mentioned, i. 285, ii. 9. + + *LAWRENCE, CAPTAIN JOHN [of Wramplingham], Norfolk, i. 233-235, + _536_. + + LAWSON, JOHN, of Lancaster, visited, i. 124; + convinced, ii. 515; + mentioned, i. 140. + + LAWSON, THOMAS, priest, of Rampside, convinced, i. 120; + visited, i. 136. + + LAWSON, WILFRED, high-sheriff, urges G. Fox’s death at Carlisle + Assizes, i. 169. + + LAYTHES, THOMAS, of Westmorland, visited, ii. 17. + + LEDGER, ALDERMAN, of Newcastle, visited, i. 413, 414. + + LEEK, JOHN, of [Selby in] Yorkshire, convinced by visit to G. Fox + in Derby prison, i. 80; + visited, i. 80. + + LEER, ii. 276, 281. + + LEEUWARDEN, ii. 274, 275, 282, 283, 401; + mentioned, ii. 284. + + Leeward Islands, visited by several Friends, ii. 190. + + Leghorn, visited by S. Fisher, i. 228. + + LEICESTER, i. 25, ii. 79, 259, 332; + G. Fox taken hence to London, i. 207, 209, 251, 500, ii. 210; + imprisoned with others here, i. 531-535, ii. 517; + mentioned, i. 199, 214. + + LEICESTERSHIRE, i. 4, 9, 19, 25, 29, 46, 49, 77, 199, 200, 251, + 256, 335, 417, 467, 529, 530, ii. 79, 82, 120, 121, 259, 332, + 344; + G. Fox’s native county, i. 1, 277, ii. 207, 511, 515; + Truth springs up, ii. 251. + + LEITH, much convincement here, i. 399; + visited again, i. 408. + + LENTHAL, SIR JOHN, KT., marshal of King’s Bench, i. 488. + + LEOMINSTER, great meeting in a field, i. 369-371; + mentioned, ii. 85. + + LEPER, THOMAS, meeting at his house [at Capernwray], i. 145. + + LEYDEN, ii. 267, 310; + mentioned, ii. 311. + + LICHFIELD, a woe pronounced against it, i. xlviii, 77; + Christians martyred here, i. 78. + + LIDCOTT, COL., his wife convinced at Leith, i. 399. + + Light, John, Friend [of Plymouth], assists Friends imprisoned on + ship board, ii. 68. + + LILLINGSTON-LOVEL, ii. 344. + + Lincoln, sheriff convinced, i. 197; + and with G. Fox, i. 197, 213,334, ii. 81; + mentioned, i. 225. + _See_ CRAVEN, MORRICE. + + LINCOLNSHIRE, i. 101, 197, 333, 536, ii. 81, 344; + convincement in, i. 102, 197, 333. + + LINDLEY, ISAAC, letter to G. Fox, ii. 105; + visited [in Yorkshire], ii. 257. + + Line, John, constable, judgement on him for persecution, ii. 5. + + LINGARD, CAPT., meeting at his house [in Derbyshire], ii. 13, 14. + + LINLITHGOW, ii. 516; + inn keeper’s wife convinced, i. 399. + + LITTLE CHOPTANK RIVER, ii. 193. + + *Little Ease, hole in a rock in Chester prison, Richard Sale + imprisoned here, i. 503, _504_. + + LITTLE PORT, i. 536. + + LIVERPOOL, i. 381, ii. 107, 114. + + LLOYD, CHARLES, general men’s meeting at his house [at Dolobran], + in Wales, ii. 83. + + *LODGE, ROBERT, convinced, i. xlv; + travels with G. Fox in Ireland, ii. 107, 114, and Yorkshire, ii. + 257, _258_. + + LOMBARD STREET, meeting near, i. l. + + *LONDON, i. 4, 213, 225, 227, 231, 237, 250, 259, 332, 333, 335, + 343, 356, 427, 431, 441, 442, 447, 451, 453, 456, 518, 519, + 528, 536, ii. 1, 79, 87, 88, 89, 90, 97, 99, 104, 120, 121, + 138, 203, 204, 221, 232, 261, 263, 314, 315, 319, 326, 345, + 346, 348, 354, 358, 359, 366, 371, 376, 378, 387, 389, 395, + 396, 404, 415, 417, 421, 431, 449, 450, 463, 472, 475, 483, + 486, 497, 500, 503, 505, 517, 518, 519; + G. Fox brought hither from Leicester, i. 209, 476, 500, 534, ii. + 3; + removed hither from Lancaster, i. 483, 485, ii. 516, + leaves for America, ii. 141, + for Holland, ii. 264, 397, + brought up from Worcester, ii. 213, 229, 230, and returned + hither, ii. 214, 215, 224, 230, 518; + mentioned, i. 160, 174, 208, 381, 414, 479, 480, 535, ii. 17, + 18, 66, 96, 127, 141, 146, 205, 207, 208, 209, 222, 224, 229, + 356, 362, 391; + Friends visit the city, i. 190, 213, 237, 328, 443, 478, ii. 69, + 141, 228; + convincement here, i. 215, 227, 237, 259, 519, ii. 104, 251; + Friends of the city, i. 199, 260, 277, 283, ii. 33, 67, 80, 128, + 131, 132, 166, 199, 215, 217, 253, 261, 265, 335, 361, 371; + *Fire of, foreseen, i. 453, ii. 54, _70_, 71, 79, 96; + *the Plague, ii. 34, _67_; + Papers, etc., written here, i. 494, 526, ii. 119, 123, 320, 321, + 327, 354, 359, 361-363, 366, 367, 373, 374, 379, 388, 393, + 404, 408, 409, 411, 417, 422, 432-440, 449, 453, 473, 475, + 477, 487, 488, 497, 503; + Bishop receives copy of _The Battledore_, i. 513; + Yearly Meeting held, ii. 221, 235, 244, 263, 320, 337, 345, 354, + 356, 358, 378, 381, 397, 409, 432, 453, 473, 486, 488, 497, + 517, 518, 519, 527, 529, + _see_ YEARLY MEETINGS. + + LONG-CRENDON, ii. 319. + + LONG ISLAND, ii. 166, 167, 173; + mentioned, ii. 174. + + LONG, RICHARD, of America, visited, ii. 189. + + LONGFORD, ii. 359. + + Loo, mentioned, ii. 7. + + Love, John, Friend, died in prison at Rome, i. 506. + + *LOWER, HUMPHREY, ex-justice, visits G. Fox at Launceston, and is + convinced, i. _280_; + visited, i. 325, ii. 6, 9, 94; + mentioned, i. 359. + + *LOWER, THOMAS, stepson-in-law of G. Fox, convinced by visit to G. + Fox at Launceston, i. _314_; + nephew of L. Hambley, i. 315; + at a meeting at Exeter, i. 359; + assists Friends imprisoned on ship-board, ii. 68; + with G. Fox in Cornwall, i. 461, ii. 10, 517, in Bristol, ii. + 79, _198_, on his journey north, and imprisonment at + Worcester, ii. 204-213, 219, 225, 518, and at Lancaster and + Swarthmore, ii. 233; + mentioned, ii. 521. + + *LOWER, MARY, wife of T. Lower, interview with Charles II, ii. + 120, 121, 140; + mentioned, ii. _198_, 204, 207, 233, 517, 521. + _See_ FELL, MARY. + + Lower, Dr., brother of Thomas Lower, physician to Charles II, + assists Friends, ii. 208. + + Lucerne, mentioned, i. 434. + + LUGMER, LAKE, ii. 282. + + LUNEBERG, DUKE OF, his country visited, ii. 280. + + LUTHERANS, dispute with G. Fox, i. 516. + + LUTON, i. 225, ii. 260, 319. + + LUTTERWORTH, i. 3. + + LYME, i. 359. + + LYNDAL, i. 118. + + LYNE, COL., of Barbadoes, his love for Friends, ii. 153. + + LYNN, G. Fox apprehended on the way to, but liberated, i. 233; + visited, i. 235, 236, 537. + + MACHAM, PRIEST, visited, i. 6. + + MACKUM, ii. 273. + + MACOCOMOCOCK RIVER, ii. 184. + _See_ CHOWAN RIVER. + + MAESE, THE, ii. 403. + + Maidstone, mentioned, i. 227. + + MALLET, THOMAS, judge, visited at his chamber, orders G. Fox’s + liberation, i. 485-488. + + MALPAS, i. 381. + + Malta, visited by S. Chevers and K. Evans, i. 524. + _See_ Melita. + + MALTON, i. 89, 90, ii. 14, 58, 75. + + MANCETTER, ancient priest visited, i. 5. + + MANCHESTER, i. 18; + rude people oppose, i. 381, 382. + + MANN, EDWARD, of Bishopsgate St., London, mentioned, ii. 214; + his country house at Ford Green visited, ii. 491, 499. + _See_ FORD GREEN. + + Manningford? _See_ Mansfield, Wiltshire. + + MANOKIN, ii. 191. + + MANOKIN RIVER, ii. 191. + + MANSFIELD, i. 24, 79, ii. 78; + steeplehouses visited, i. 20, 27; + mentioned, i. 51, 194. + + MANSFIELD-WOODHOUSE, distracted woman spoken to here, i. 45; + steeplehouse visited, i. 45. + + Mansfield [? Marshfield, Glos., or ? Manningford, Wilts.], John + Fox priest here, ii. 115, 116, 121. + + [MARATICK RIVER]. _See_ ROANOKE RIVER. + + MARAZION, i. 265. _See_ MARKET JEW. + + Marcellinus, Pope of Rome, not infallible, ii. 59. + + MARKET BOSWORTH, i. 48. + + MARKET JEW, G. Fox and G. Pyot called before mayor and high + sheriff, i. 265; + paper written here, i. 266. + + MARKET STREET, i. 259, ii. 260, 319, 345. + + MARLBOROUGH, i. 331, ii. 203. + + *MARSH [MARCHE, RICHARD], ESQUIRE, serviceable to G. Fox and + Friends, i. 485, 486, 487, 491, 492, ii. _66_, 69, 100, 102, + 103. + + MARSHALL, CHARLES, signs Testimony to G. Fox, ii. 525. + + MARSHALL, PRIEST, of Lancaster, spokesman against G. Fox at + Sessions, i. 137, 138. + + MARSHALL, PRIEST, of Wakefield, slanders G. Fox. i. 107. + + Marshfield? _See_ Mansfield, Wiltshire. + + MARTIN, JAMES, signs Testimony to G. Fox, ii. 525. + + MARYLAND, ii. 160, 162, 163, 176, 183, 188; + visited by Friends, ii. 163, 173, 178; + Friends of, ii. 163, 179, 194, 195, 504; + written to, ii. 491. + + MAYLIN, BARTHOLOMEW, of Wiltshire, visited, ii. 203. + + MAYOR, JOHN, of America, ii. 190. + + *MEAD, WILLIAM, stepson-in-law of G. Fox, famous trial, ii. _127_; + visited at house at Highgate, ii. 261; + with G. Fox, ii. 356, 357, 403; + visited at Gooses in Essex, ii. 403, 450, 456, 475, 479, 491; + mentioned, ii. 371, _372_, 518, 521. + + MEAD, SARAH, wife of W. Mead, mentioned, ii. 521. + _See_ FELL, SARAH. + + Melita, mentioned, i. 458, 459. + _See_ Malta. + + MEMBURY, ii. 95. + + MENDLE [MEADLE], ii. 319. + + MENDLESHAM, i. 233. + + MENHERIOT, i. 265. + + MERIONETHSHIRE, ii. 83. + + MERMAID INN, THE, i. 209-213, 234. + + MERRICK, JAMES, of Ross, visited, ii. 87. + + [Mevis.] _See_ Nevis. + + MICHAEL’S RIVER, “ST.,” ii. 165, 178. + _See_ MILES RIVER. + + MIDDLEHAM, ii. 256. + + MIDDLESEX, ii. 128, 203, 204, 261, 345, 359; + mentioned, ii. 102, 486. + + MIDDLETON, SIR GEORGE, justice, of [Leighton Hall], Westmorland, + his servants abuse Friends, i. 471; + questions G. Fox at Holker Hall, ii. 19-21. + + MIDDLETOWN, ii. 166, 176. + + MIDDLETOWN HARBOUR, ii. 175, 176. + + MIERS, ELIZABETH, accompanies G. Fox and party to America, ii. + 141. + + Mile End, Friends of, i. 506. + + MILES RIVER, ii. 165, 178. + _See_ “ST.” MICHAEL’S RIVER. + + MILFORD HAVEN (America), ii. 189. + + MILLOM-IN-BOOTLE, i. 161, ii. 515. + + MILNER, JAMES [of Lancashire], his defection and return, i. 158. + + MILNER, JANE, of Cheshire, ii. 83. + + MIMS, SOUTH, ii. 261, 319, 345. + + MINEHEAD, general meeting of Somersetshire Friends near here, a + cheat discovered, ii. 93, 94; + letter written here, ii. 93. + + MONK, GEORGE, general, mentioned, i. 453; + he restrains his soldiers from disturbing Friends, i. 465; + G. Fox before him at Edinburgh, ii. 516. + + MONK BRETTON, i. 469. + _See_ BARTON ABBEY. + + Monmouth, Duke of, lands in the West, ii. 409. + + MONMOUTHSHIRE, ii. 87, 91. + + MONRO, DANIEL, signs Testimony to G. Fox, ii. 525. + + MONTAGUE, JUDGE, discourse with G. Fox concerning tithes, ii. 357. + + MONTAGUE, LADY, convinced in Yorkshire, i. 195; + visited, ii. 76. + + MONTGOMERYSHIRE, i. 367, ii. 83. + + MONYASH, ii. 334. + + MOOR, JOHN, of Eldreth, very large meeting at his house, ii. 105. + + MOOR, RICHARD, surgeon, of Shrewsbury, assaulted, ii. 84. + + *MOORE, THOMAS, justice, visited [at Hartswood] near Ryegate, i. + 260; + often interviews Charles II. on Friends’ behalf, i. _500_, ii. + 228. + + MOORS, THE, meeting in the steeplehouse here, i. 94. + + MOORFIELDS, ii. 124. + + MORICE, LEWIS, colonel, of Barbadoes, at a meeting, ii. 152; + visited, ii. 153; + travels with Friends, ii. 153. + + MORPETH, i. 413. + + MORRICE, ABRAHAM [of Lincoln], stepson-in-law of G. Fox, ii. 521. + + MORRICE, ISABEL, wife of A. Morrice, ii. 521. + _See_ FELL, ISABEL; + YEOMANS, ISABEL. + + MORRICE, PAUL, Friend, guided G. Fox through Cork, ii. 109. + + MORRIS, WM., signs Charles II’smandamus to New England, i. 511. + + MOUNCE (MOUNT, MOUNCEY), THOS., at a meeting at Menheriot, i. 265; + general meeting for Cornwall held at his house, i. 326; + visited, ii. 6, 9. + + MOUNT, CONSTABLE, of Ulverstone, his opposition, i. 472, 473; + his death, ii. 73. + + MUGGLETONIANS, dispute with Friends, i. 516. + + MUMBLES, ii. 91. + + Munster, Bishop of, his country travelled in, ii. 276; + its inhabitants, ii. 277. + + MUSGRAVE, DEPUTY GOVERNOR of Carlisle, a severe man, ii. 16. + + MYER, RICHARD, his defection, i. 158; + suddenly cured of lame arm, at Arnside, i. 159; + his disobedience and death, i. 159. + + NAILSWORTH, i. 466, ii. 114, 318. + + NANCEMOND, ii. 183; + mentioned ii. 189. + + NARRAGANSET, great meeting, at a justice’s house here, ii. 171; + visited by Friends, ii. 171. + + NATTON ISLAND, ii. 174. + See GOVERNOR’S ISLAND. + + *NAYLOR, JAMES, Independent, of Wakefield, convinced, i. 79, 107; + mentioned, i. xlv, ii. 515; + meets G. Fox in Yorkshire, i. 106, at Swarthmore, i. 123, ii. + 513, 514, in Walney Island where cruelly treated, i. 134-136, + at Lancaster Sessions of which he writes an account, i. + 140-142, in London, i. 237, 259, in Derbyshire where he + disputes with priests, i. 252, at Exeter, i. 327; + imprisoned in Appleby jail, i. 128, and Exeter, i. _327_; + his defection, i. 259, 327, 343, 360, ii. 236; + and return to Truth, i. 328. + + NEEDHAM, ——, son of Col. Hacker, speaks against G. Fox, i. 207, + 209. + + NEEDHAM, RICHARD, signs Testimony to G. Fox, ii. 525. + + Nevis, Friends banished to, ii. 68; + attempted visit by Friends, ii. 153; + the governor a persecutor, ii. 153; + Friends of, ii. 321, 504; + written to, ii. 234. + + NEW AMSTERDAM, ii. 177. + _See_ NEWCASTLE (America). + + *NEW ENGLAND, persecutions of Friends here, i. 439, 506, _507_, + 512, ii. 314, _315_; + visited by G. Fox, ii. 165, and other Friends, ii. 164, 170, + 171, 190; + written to, ii. 234, 264, 491; + yearly meeting held, ii. 168, 491; + mentioned, ii. 191; + Friends of, ii. 321, 491, 504. + + NEW GARDEN, ii. 109. + + New Jersey, Friends of, ii. 175, 404; + visited by Friends, ii. 190. + + New York, visited by William Edmundson, ii. 173; + Friends of, ii. 174. + + NEWBURY, i. 332. + + NEWCASTLE [ON TYNE], i. 413; + priests disturbed and write against Friends, i. 188, 413, 414. + + NEWCASTLE (America), ii. 165, 177. + _See_ NEW AMSTERDAM. + + NEWICK, ii. 3. + + NEWPORT (Mon.), ii. 92. + + *NEWPORT, EARL OF, Friends dispute with Jesuits at his house, i. + _427_. + + NEWPORT PAGNELL, i. 3, ii. 233. + + NEWTON [NEWINGTON], NORTH, ii. 91, 319, 344. + + NEWTON IN CARTMEL, i. 117. + + NEWTON, NATHANIEL, of Hartshill, visited, ii. 260. + + NICHOLAS, SIR EDWARD, KT., signs Charles II’s order for G. Fox’s + release from Lancaster jail, i. 488. + + *NICHOLSON, JOSEPH, of Bootle, visited, i. _160_, 161. + + NIESON, GERTRUDE DIRICK, of Amsterdam, meetings at her house, ii. + 268, 292; + visits the Princess Elizabeth, ii. 272; + visited by Friends, ii. 284, 310; + accompanies G. Fox, ii. 291, 313; + her children, ii. 313; + acts as interpreter, ii. 291. + + *Nimeguen, ambassadors gathered here written to, ii. _298_. + + NORFOLK, i. 233, 451, 453, 536, ii. 1, 80. + + North, Judge, interviewed by M. Fox in London, ii. 518. + + NORTH CAROLINA, ii. 186. + + NORTH HOLLAND, ii. 273. + + NORTH NEWTON [NORTH NEWINGTON], ii. 91, 319, 344. + + NORTHALLERTON, ii. 256. + + NORTHAMPTON, i. 3, 209, ii. 233, 260. + + NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, i. 250, 258, 333, 417, 536, ii. 79, 332, 344. + + NORTHUMBERLAND, i. 181, 414, ii. 15, 83, 516; + Truth springs up, i. 183, ii. 251. + + *NORWICH, i. 233, _536_; + mentioned, i. 235; + the Mayor issues a warrant to arrest G. Fox, i. 451; + large meeting here, i. 451; + visited by Friends, i. _190_, 453. + + NOTTINGHAM, i. 29, 416, ii. 78, 104, 259; + steeplehouse visited, i. 42; + G. Fox imprisoned and brought before mayor and others, i. 43-45, + ii. 511; + the head sheriff friendly, i. 43, ii. 78, 259, _See_ RECKLESS, + JOHN; + Baptist soldier of the town visits G. Fox in Derby dungeon, i. + 69; + mentioned, i. 194, 520. + + NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, i. 9, 26, 79, 101, 198, 251, 333, 416, 467, 469, + ii. 78, 81, 259, 344, 511, 519; + G. Fox’s “openings” here, i. 19, 23, 26; + Truth springs up, ii. 251; + mentioned, i. 51. + + NUNEATON, Priest of, dead, i. 251; + meeting at the house of a priest’s widow, i. 484. + + OARE, ii. 203, 358. + + OATES [SAMUEL], Baptist teacher meets G. Fox at Barrow, i. 46. + + OKINGTON (OAKHAMPTON), i. 326; + the mayor, i. 326. + + OLDENBURG, burnt down, ii. 276, 281; + _A Warning_ to the city written, ii. 292. + + OLDENBURG, EARL OF, met, ii. 276. + + OLNEY, ii. 260. + + OLVESTON, i. 466, ii. 93, 118. + + ORAM [ULROME], i. 96, ii. 75. + + Orange, Prince of, his court at the Hague, ii. 311; + former Prince quoted, ii. 323. + + Ormskirk, ii. 25, 26. + + OSAN-OVERTON, ii. 401. + + OSBURN, WILLIAM, colonel, of Scotland, with G. Fox, i. 393, 399; + visited in the Highlands, i. 394, 404, 405. + + OTWAY, ——, disturbs a meeting at John Audland’s, i. 391. + + Otway, Sir John, by Charles II’s command orders release of + Margaret Fox, ii. 120. + + [OUSTWICK]. _See_ STORR, M. + + OVERDELAND, ii. 276. + + OVERKIRK, ii. 267. + + OVERTON, COL., visited in Yorkshire, i. 98. + + OWEN, DR. [JOHN], vice-chancellor of Oxford, with Cromwell at + Whitehall, i. 332. + + *OXFORD, i. 335; + education at University does not make ministers of Christ, i. 7, + 11, 386; + vice-chancellor of, i. 332; + mentioned, i. _106_, _127_. + + OXFORDSHIRE, ii. 79, 91, 119, 128, 203, 204, 206, 317, 319, 344, + 358. + + OYSTER BAY, ii. 167, 168, 173, 174; + Friends here, ii. 166. + + Pachyn, Thomas, dragged out of bed to prison where he died, i. + 493. + + PACKER, COL., Baptist and justice, of Theobalds, visits G. Fox in + prison at Charing Cross, i. 212. + + PAGAN CREEK, ii. 184. + + Palatinate, Friends of the, ii. 268. + + PALL MALL, i. 490, 491. + + *PAPISTS, their contact with Friends, i. 7, 84, 131, 176, 189, + _229_, 515, 516, ii. 59, 60, 100-102, 108, 183, 204, 414, 449. + _See_ D'AUBIGNY; + JESUITS; + POPE, THE. + + PARDSHAW CRAG, i. 393, ii. 16, 515. + + PARK, JAMES, signs Testimony to G. Fox, ii. 525. + + *PARKER, ALEXANDER, with G. Fox, in Leicestershire, i. _207_, in + London, i. 213, Bedfordshire, i. 226, Cambridgeshire, i. 334, + Scotland, i. 406-410, Bristol, i. 527, ii. 87, Isle of Sheppey, + ii. 131, Holland, ii. 397-403; + mentioned, i. xlv. + + PARKER, HENRY, justice, of Evesham, arrests G. Fox at Armscott and + commits him to Worcester jail, ii. 204; + his dealings with him there, ii. 204-220, 228, 518. + + PARLIAMENT, LITTLE, writes to Carlisle respecting G. Fox’s + imprisonment, i. 174. + + PARLIAMENT, LONG, its dissolution foretold by G. Fox, i. 158; + mentioned, i. 438, ii. 251. + + *PARNELL, JAMES, his convincement, ministry and death, i. 172, + _173_, 232; + with G. Fox, i. 201, 232. + + PARNELL, THOMAS [of Ripton Regis], visited, i. 537. + + PASHUR, ii. 83. + _See_ PERSHORE. + + PATCHGATE, ii. 346. + + PATCHING, THOMAS, of Binscombe, visited, i. 260. + + PATRINGTON, town in uproar, i. 96-100. + + PATTISON, GEORGE, accompanies G. Fox to America, ii. 141, 159, + 162, 164, 165, 172, and Jamaica, ii. 153, 159; + visits New England, ii. 170. + + PATUXENT, ii. 183, 190, 195. + + PATUXENT RIVER, ii. 162, 183, 189. + + PAUL, WILLIAM, of Frederickstadt, visited, ii. 278. + + PAWAW, Indian priest, ii. 186. + + PEAK COUNTRY, i. 9, 198, ii. 14, 82. + + *PEARSON, ANTHONY, justice, visited, i. 96, 181, 415; + convinced, i. _159_, ii. 515; + with G. Fox in Cumberland, i. 159, and Northumberland, i. 413; + writes to justices respecting G. Fox’s imprisonment at Carlisle, + i. 170, 177; + refused permission to visit G. Fox, i. 171, 177; + visits the dungeon, i. 178; + obtains lists of Friends in various jails, i. 446; + his wife, i. 159, ii. 515. + + PEARSON, THOMAS, of Pool Bank, visited, ii. 255. + + PEARSON, WILLIAM, visited near Wigton, ii. 16. + + PEEL, THE, meeting attended here by G. Fox and others, ii. 345, + 371, 372, 387. + + PEMBROKE, i. 373. + + PEMBROKESHIRE, i. 373. + + Pendennis Castle, Captain Fox governor, i. 269, 270, 284, 314. + + PENDLE-HILL, mounted and vision seen, i. [xlv], 109; + spring near, i. 109. + + PENFORD, JOHN, visited in Leicestershire, ii. 79. + + *PENINGTON, ISAAC, visited in Bucks., i. 440, ii. 319; + imprisoned at Reading, ii. 128, _129_. + + PENINGTON, MARY, visited, ii. 358. + + *PENN, WM., his famous trial, ii. _127_; + with G. Fox in Bristol, ii. 199, in Surrey, ii. 264, in Holland, + ii. 266, 267, 268, 269, 283, 313, 401, in London, ii. 363, + 365; + visited, ii. 204, _263_, 264; + travels in Germany, etc., ii. 283, 284, 310, 311; + his Preface to G. Fox’s _Journal_, i. xix-lxii. + + Pennsylvania, epistle written to Friends of, ii. 491. + + Pennyman, John, his slanderous paper, ii. 154. + + PENRYN, i. 265, ii. 7. + + *PERROT, JOHN, prisoner in Rome, i. 506; + his apostacy, i. _519_, ii. 42, 80, 236, 277; + papers written respecting him, i. 519, ii. 42. + + PERSHORE, ii. 319. + _See_ PASHUR. + + [PERTH]. _See_ JOHNSTONS. + + PETERS, HUGH, a chaplain of the Protector, refers to G. Fox, i. + 285. + + PETERS, TIMON, Friend, of Landsmeer, visited, ii. 402. + + Phillingham, i. 224. + + PHILLIPS [ELIZABETH], WIDOW, of Devonshire, visited, ii. 94. + + PICKERING, large meeting with priests and professors, i. 91, 93. + + PICKERING, ——, Baptist, of London, uncle of G. Fox, i. 4. + + PITT, THE, ii. 403. + + PITTAWAY (PITWAY), EDWARD, Friend, of near Evesham, with G. Fox, + i. 253; + secures G. Fox’s greater liberty at Worcester, ii. 228. + + PLYMOUTH, i. 264, 458, ii. 6, 94; + mentioned, i. 504, ii. 68, 69; + Friends of, i. 313, 326, 360, 505, ii. 94. + _See_ LIGHT, JOHN. + + POCOCK, ——, Presbyterian, of London, husband of Lady Abigail + Darcy, ii. 86. + + POINT COMFORT, ii. 188. + + POINT JUDITH, ii. 172. + + POLAND, i. 434; + a doctor from, discourses with G. Fox, ii. 292, 422. + + POLAND, KING OF, letters written to, ii. 321, 326, 422; + mentioned, ii. 287, 485. + + POLLEXFEN, HENRY [of West Alvington], justice, imprisoned, i. 302; + visited, ii. 6; + at a general meeting at Exeter, i. 359. + + PONTEFRACT, i. 416. + + PONTEMOIL, i. 362. + + POOL BANK, ii. 255, 512. + + POOL, CAPTAIN, of Burntisland, visited, wife and he convinced, i. + 406. + + POOLE, i. 261, 359, 456; + Friends of, ii. 3. + + Pope, Blanch, of Loo, a Ranter, visited by James Hellen and George + Bewley to their hurt, ii. 7. + + POPE, THE, written to, i. 222; + book respecting, i. 518; + mentioned, i. 435, ii. 43, 100, 101, 210, 216, 220, 221, 227, + 356. + + PORTER, HENRY, mayor and justice, arrests G. Fox at Swarthmore, i. + 471; + has him before him, i. 473; + commits him to Lancaster jail, i. 474-479, 487, 488; + his fear for himself and family, i. 489; + on the bench at Lancaster Sessions, ii. [22], 72; + his death, ii. 72. + + PORTER, JOHN, visited, in America, ii. 188. + + PORTER, JUSTICE, visited in Cornwall, ii. 6. + + PORTISHEAD, ii. 93. + + PORTSMOUTH, i. 260, 359. + + POTOMAC RIVER, ii. 189. + + POUNER, ii. 3, 4. + + *PRESBYTERIANS, their contact with Friends, i. 25, 211, 250, 397, + 404, 503, 516, ii. 64, 85, 86, 125. + _See_ Baxter; FOX, JOHN; POCOCK; SIMPSON, JUSTICE; WILKINSON, + WILLIAM. + + Prester John, his country [?Malabar], Friends attempt to reach, i. + 517. + + PRESTON, i. 382, 484, ii. 233; + mentioned, ii. 25. + + PRESTON PATRICK, i. 115, ii. 512. + + PRESTON, JAMES, Friend, visited in America, ii. 183, 189, 190. + + PRESTON, THOMAS, justice, of Holker Hall, grants a warrant to + arrest G. Fox, ii. 18; + questions G. Fox when before him at Holker Hall, ii. 19; + commits M. Fell to prison, ii. 29; + his death, ii. 72; + his wife abusive, i. 475. + + PRICE, PETER, justice, of Radnorshire, convinced, i. 251; + signs Testimony to G. Fox, ii. 525. + + PROVIDENCE, ii. 170. + + PUDDIMORE, i. 328, ii. 12, 95. + + PULLOXHILL. _See_ BULLOCKS HILL. + + PURFOY, COL., Nathaniel Stevens speaks to him of G. Fox, i. 48. + + PURGATORY, bad boggy place in America, ii. 175. + + PURMEREND, ii. 273. + + PURSLOE, CAPT., of Cranswick, visited, i. 81, 95; + accompanies G. Fox to steeple-house, i. 81-83. + + PYOT, EDWARD, ex-captain of Bristol, attends a meeting at + Swannington, i. 199; + travels with G. Fox in the west, i. 261, 263; + is ill and healed, i. 264; + discourse with the mayor and alderman of Market-Jew, i. 266; + hailed before Major Ceely, i. 267; + arrested with G. Fox and imprisoned at Launceston, i. 267-322, + ii. 516; + his letters to Chief Justice Glynn, i. 287-300, and to + Major-Gen. Desborough, i. 318; + visited by G. Fox, i. 328, 330, 463, 466, 527, 528; + travels with him, i. 330, 332, 333; + interview with the Mayor of Bristol, i. 462; + his wife’s present to him, i. 317, 326. + + QUINCE’S ISLAND, ii. 189. + + RABLEY HEATH, ii. 332. + + RADNORSHIRE, ii. 13, 84; + immense meeting here, i. 367. + _See_ PRICE, PETER. + + RADWAY, ii. 344. + + RAGLEY, ii. 319. + + RAMPSIDE, chapel visited, i. 120, ii. 513. + + RANTERS, come in contact with Friends, i. 47, 48, 85-87, 195, 198, + 199, 212, 231, 263, 516, 519, ii. 95, 96, 170. + _See_ BOTTOMLEY; + BUSHEL; + COBB; + JONES, RICE; + Pope, B.; + SALMON. + + Rantzow, Earl of, monument to, ii. 277. + + RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER, ii. 189. + + RAWLINS, J., letter to, ii. 326. + + RAWLINSON, JUSTICE, chairman of magistrates at Holker Hall, ii. + 19, 22, 23; + his death, ii. 72. + + RAWLINSON, THOMAS, visits G. Fox at Launceston, is robbed, and + imprisoned at Exeter, i. 301; + with G. Fox in Scotland, i. 409. + + *READING, i. 230, 332, ii. 79, 128, 203, 317, 358; + an alderman of, convinced, i. 326; + G. Fox’s exercise of mind here, i. 444-447, 467, 489; + Friends here, i. 456, 479, _534_, ii. 128, 317. + + RECKLESS, JOHN, sheriff of Nottingham, visited, i. 43, ii. 78, + 259; + his restitution for injury, i. 44; + his wife, i. 43. + _See_ NOTTINGHAM. + + RECONOW CREEK, ii. 194. + + REDRUTH, i. 268, ii. 8. + + REEVES, CAPT., visited in Hampshire, ii. 95. + + REIGATE (RYEGATE), i. 260, ii. 346. + + RHODE ISLAND, yearly meeting held here during G. Fox’s visit, ii. + 168; + Friends of, ii. 168, 169; + visited by Friends, ii. 171, 176, 190; + mentioned, ii. 171, 172, 174. + + RICHARDSON, RICHARD, with G. Fox at Swarthmore, i. 471. + + RICHMOND, ——, of Durham, visited, ii. 14. + + RICKMANSWORTH, ii. 204. + + RIGG, AMBROSE, signs Testimony to G. Fox, ii. 525. + + RINGWOOD, i. 260, 359, 456; + mentioned, ii. 3, 4. + + RIPAN, MAJOR, mayor of Lancaster, convinced, i. 139. + + [RIPTON REGIS]. _See_ PARNELL, THOS. + + Roanoke, visited by Wm. Edmundson, ii. 173; + governor of, ii. 184. + + ROANOKE RIVER, ii. 185. + + *ROBERTS, GERRARD, of London, with G. Fox at Warwick, i. _255_, + Bristol, ii. 199, + and Worcester, ii. 215; + dispute with Papists at his house, i. 515; + visited, i. 515, ii. 127, 132, 138. + + *Robertson, Thos., imprisoned at Kendal for tithes, ii. _55_. + + ROBINSON, ANDREW, of Scotland, an Independent, his convincement, + i. 398. + + ROBINSON, COLONEL, justice, of Cornwall, opposes Friends, his + tragic death, ii. 9. + + ROBINSON, GEORGE, of Burrowby, visited, ii. 256. + + ROBINSON, JUSTICE, chairman of Sessions at Pickering, visited, i. + 92, 95, 123, ii. 76. + + ROBINSON, RICHARD, of Counterside, i. 111, 122, ii. 256. + + *Robinson, William, put to death in New England, i. _507_, 511; + his father, i. 511. + + ROBINSON, WILLIAM, signs Testimony to G. Fox, ii. 525. + + ROCHESTER, i. 227, ii. 131. + + ROELOFFS, JOHN, interpreter, of Holland, ii. 285, 483. + + *Rome, visited by Friends, i. 228, _229_, 506. + + ROMNEY, i. 227. + + ROPER, LIEUTENANT, of Yorkshire, visited, i. 106. + + ROPER, RICHARD, convinced at Cartmel, i. 158. + + ROSS., ii. 87. + + ROTTERDAM, ii. 267, 311, 399, 403; + Friends of, ii. 266-268, 312, 313, 326; + papers written here, ii. 311. + + *ROUS, JOHN, stepson-in-law of G. Fox, travels with him, ii. 131, + 141, _145_, 199; + mentioned, ii. 120, 131, 145, 159, 521; + visited at Kingston, ii. 141, 206, 396, 404, 418, 440, 463, 489. + + *ROUS, MARGARET, wife of John Rous, ii. 120, _198_, 489, 521; + her daughter [unnamed], ii. 418. + _See_ FELL, MARGARET. + + ROUS, MARGARET, daughter of J. and M. Rous, visited, ii. 396. + + *ROUS, THOMAS, of Barbadoes, father of John Rous, ii. _145_, 148, + 152, 158. + + ROUSE, COLONEL, justice, visits G. Fox at Launceston, i. 281, 282, + and at Truro, ii. 8. + + RUSH, JOHN, of Kempston, Bedfordshire, with G. Fox, i. 258, ii. + 260. + + RYE, i. 227; + its mayor, i. 227. + + Rye (America), ii. 174. + + RYEGATE (REIGATE), i. 260, ii. 346. + + SADDINGTON, ii. 332. + + *SALE, RICHARD, constable of near Chester, convinced, carries a + lantern and candle as a sign, his imprisonment and death, i. + 503, _504_. + + SALING, ii. 314. + + SALISBURY, EARL OF, his son visits G. Fox at Worcester, ii. 225. + + Sallee, ii. 142, 486. + + SALMON, JOSEPH, Ranter, visited in prison at Coventry, i. 48. + + SALT, WM., of London, imprisoned with G. Fox at Launceston, i. + 277. + + *SALTHOUSE, THOMAS, convinced at Swarthmore, i. xlv, ii. 513; + meets G. Fox in Devonshire, ii. _6_. + + SAND-SIDE, i. 383. + + SANDS, THE, i. 383, 473, ii. 14, 17, 233, 515. + + SANDS, ADAM, of Ulverstone, an opposer, written to, i. 153; + his death, i. 154. + + SANDS, CAPT., visited, his opposition, i. 122, 123; + his wife and son, i. 118. + + SANDS, COLONEL, writes to justices concerning G. Fox, ii. 208. + + SARDAM, ii. 402. + + SASSAFRAS RIVER, ii. 165, 178. + + SAUNDERS, MARY, a Friend, of Cromwell’s household, i. 332. + + Savile, Henry, of Charles II.’s bed-chamber, assists in release of + T. Lower from Worcester, ii. 208. + + Savoy, Conference, i. 441. + + Savoy, Duke of, persecutor, i. 434. + + SAVOY, meeting house here, ii. 376, 387, 390. + + SAWREY, JOHN, justice, of Ulverstone, his opposition to Friends, + i. 120, 122, 123, 131, 132, 136, 137, 139, 141, 149, ii. 513, + 514, 515; + written to, i. 147; + his death, i. 149. + + SCAFE, PHILIP, ex-priest, convinced, with G. Fox in Yorkshire, i. + 86, ii. 75; + mentioned, i. 88. + + *SCALEHOUSE, i. 416, _418_. + + SCARBOROUGH, i. 89, ii. 14; + G. Fox imprisoned in the castle, i. xlviii, ii. 58-70, 73, 74, + 77, 233, 517; + the governor, ii. 58, 70, 105, _see_ CROSSLANDS, SIR JORDAN. + + SCARHOUSE, ii. 256. + + SCOTLAND, i. xlviii, 393-413, 469; + G. Fox’s banishment, i. 401; + priests formulate curses, i. 396; + mentioned, i. 180, ii. 351; + Friends of, i. 412, ii. 83, 98, 233, 251, 263, 345; + visited by Friends, i. 189, 215, 398. + + SCOTT, JOSEPH, visited in America, ii. 185. + + SEDBERGH, ii. 14, 15, 255, 256, 512; + Friends of, i. 110, 112; + the priest of, i. 155, _see_ BURTON, PRIEST. + + *SEEKERS, come in contact with Friends, i. _443_, 516, ii. 269. + + SELBY, i. 80. + + SEVERN (America), ii. 182. + + *SHACKLEWELL, girls’ school, ii. _89_, 138, 348. + + SHAD [GABRIEL], INFORMER, at a meeting at the Savoy, ii. 390; + his career, ii. 391. + + SHARMAN, THOMAS, ex-jailer of Derby, convinced, writes to G. Fox, + i. 523. + _See_ DERBY. + + SHARP, PETER, visited in America, ii. 183. + + Shattock, Samuel, Friend, of New England, king’s messenger, i. + 509. + + SHAW, WM., of The Hill, Yorkshire, visited, ii. 334. + + SHELTER ISLAND, ii. 171-173. + + SHEPPEY, ISLE OF, ii. 130. + + SHERMAN, WM., master of vessel bringing G. Fox and others from + Holland, ii. 403. + + SHIPTON [CHEPSTOW], ii. 92. + + SHIPTON, RICHARD, of Yorkshire, visited, ii. 75, 105. + + SHIREHAMPTON, ii. 198. + + SHREWSBURY, i. 362, ii. 84. + + SHREWSBURY (America), ii. 175. + + SHRODER, CHRISTIAN, magistrate of Dantzic, written to, ii. 485. + + SHROPSHIRE, ii. 13, 83. + + SIBFORD, ii. 319. + + SIDON, HENRY, of Baddesley, visited, ii. 259. + + SILEBY, i. 251, ii. 79, 259, 332. + + SIMCOCK, JOHN, visited, ii. 233. + + SIMPSON, JUSTICE, Presbyterian, chairman of Sessions at Worcester, + ii. 209, 211, 212; + his son tried for murder, ii. 224. + + SIMPSON, WILLIAM. _See_ SYMPSON, WILLIAM. + + SKEGBY, i. 198, 469, 529, ii. 78, 259. + + *SKIPTON, general meeting here, i. _418_, 469. + + SLAUGHTERFORD, i. 330, ii. 13; + some opposition to women’s meetings, ii. 202, 203. + + SLONE, THE [?CAERLEON], i. 360. + + SMETHICK, i. 268. + _See_ FALMOUTH. + + SMITH, HUGH, visited in America, ii. 184, 186. + + *SMITH, HUMPHREY, ex-priest, visited in Evesham prison, i. _253_. + + *SMITH, STEPHEN, of Worplesdon, near Guildford, ii. 130, 203, 264; + his sufferings, ii. 264; + with G. Fox, ii. _318_. + + *SMITH, WILLIAM, of Sileby, i. 251, ii. _81_, 259; + meets G. Fox, i. 530, 532; + his sufferings, ii. 81. + + Smithfield, i. 441. + + Smyrna, i. 518. + + SNEAD, RICHARD, visited near Bristol, ii. 317; + with G. Fox, ii. 318. + + SOCINIANS, meet with Friends, i. 516, ii. 203, 269. + + Somerset House, suggested purchase as a meeting house, i. 445. + + SOMERSETSHIRE, i. 457, 458, 461; + Truth spreads in, i. 301; + general meetings held, ii. 12, 93, 95. + + SOMMERTOWN (SOMERTON), ii. 184, 187. + + SOUND, THE (America), ii. 172, 173. + + SOUTH MIMS, ii. 261, 319, 345. + + SOUTH STREET, ii. 409, 412, 415, 454, 475; + paper written here, ii. 412. + + SOUTHAM, ii. 344. + + SOUTHAMPTON, i. 261, ii. 3, 95. + + SOUTHGATE, ii. 483; + papers written here, ii. 483, 485. + + *Southwark, Friends’ sufferings in, i. _229_, ii. 253. + + SPAIN, KING OF, letter to, i. 222; + ambassador of, i. 427. + + SPEED, THOMAS, interview with the mayor of Bristol, i. 462. + + SPENCER, JUSTICE, at Lancaster Sessions, ii. 22. + + SPITALFIELDS, ii. 378. + + STACEY, THOMAS, of Ballowfield, visited, i. 195, ii. 259. + + STAFFORDSHIRE, i. 335, 484, ii. 13, 82, 106, 333; + paper written here, ii. 333. + + STAINES, ii. 359. + + STAINMOOR, ii. 14. + + STAINSBY, ii. 259; + mentioned, i. 51. + + STAITHES, meeting with Ranters, i. 86. + + STAMPER, FRANCIS, signs Testimony to G. Fox, ii. 525. + + STANLEY, JOHN, of Warwickshire, visited, ii. 319. + + STARLING, SAMUEL, mayor of London, persecutor, ii. 125, 127. + + STATEN ISLAND, ii. 175. + + STAVELY, ii. 512. + + STEPHENS, WM., visited in America, ii. 193, 194. + + STEVENAGE, ii. 332. + + STEVENS (STEPHENS), NATHANIEL, priest of Drayton, visits G. Fox, + i. 5; + meets him at Market Bosworth, i. 48, + and at Drayton, i. 200-206; + mentioned, i. 7, 8, 208. + + STEYNING, i. 229. + + [STINCHCOMB]. _See_ FINCHCOMB. + + STIRLING, i. 405, ii. 516. + + STODDARD, AMOR, captain, convinced, i. 24; + with G. Fox, i. 232, 233, 236, 255, 334; + visited by G. Fox at Enfield, ii. 132; + his death, ii. 132. + + STOKE, ii. 9. + + STOKE ORCHARD, ii. 318. + + STONY STRATFORD, ii. 344. + + STOOKS, JUSTICE, stops a warrant against G. Fox at Marlborough, i. + 331. + + STORR, MARMADUKE, visited in Northampton prison, i. 209; + visited [at Oustwick], ii. 75. + + *STORY, JOHN, the schismatic, met at Hertford, ii. _347_; + mentioned, ii. 285. + + STOT [MARY], WIDOW, of Dalston, visited, ii. 396, 404. + + STRATFORD (Essex), ii. 131. + + STRATFORD (Warwickshire), ii. 319. + + STRATTON, ii. 94. + + STREET, ii. 12. + + STREET, JUDGE, chairman of Quarter Sessions at Worcester, ii. + 219-224. + + STRICKLAND HEAD, i. 180, 392, ii. 15. + + STRIKEHUYSEN, ii. 276. + + STROBUS, ii. 275, 282. + + STROUDE, GEORGE, counseller for G. Fox in London, ii. 213, 214. + + *STUBBS, JOHN, ex-soldier, convinced, i. xlv, 189; + with G. Fox, i. 527, 529, ii. 107, 131, 141; + his travels, i. 189, 227, _229_, 517, 518, ii. 114, 159, 168, + 170, 190; + his sufferings, ii. 30, 31; + his family, ii. 30; + joint compiler of _The Battledore_, i. 513. + + STUBBS, THOMAS, with G. Fox at Brigham, i. 184. + + STUDHOLM, CUTHBERT, justice, written to, i. 174. + + SUDBURY [SODBURY], ii. 318. + + SUFFOLK, i. 233, 451, ii. 1, 80. + + SUNBURY, ii. 359. + + SUNNEMAN, AARENT, visited in Holland respecting his daughters, ii. + 399. + + SURREY, i. 260, 357, 456, ii. 104, 130, 203, 264, 345, 377, 378; + Friends of, plundered, ii. 96, 264; + men’s meetings settled, ii. 97. + + SUSSEX, i. 229, 357, 456, ii. 3, 97, 104, 130, 263, 345, 358, 377; + mentioned, ii. 517; + men’s meetings settled, ii. 97. + + SUTTON, i. 236, 536. + + SWAN ISLAND, ii. 180. + + *SWANNINGTON, i. 199, 207, 258, 467, 530, 535, ii. 259, 332; + general meeting here, i. 199, _469_. + + SWANSEA, i. 360, ii. 91. + + SWARTHMORE, i. 118, 121, 122, 126, 134, 136, 147, 158, 166, 180, + 189, 383, 391, 416, 471, 484, ii. 14, 17, 18, 21, 22, 233, + 234-255, 335-343, 512, 516-518; + papers written here, i. 147, 149, 150, 152-155, 384-391, ii. + 234-254, 335-343; + mentioned, i. 159, 166, ii. 356, 513. + + Sweden, ii. 277. + + *SYMPSON, WILLIAM, goes naked and barefoot as a sign, i. _502_; + mentioned, i. xlv, _505_. + + *SYNDERHILL-GREEN, i. _189_, 195, 467, ii. _14_, 77. + + TADCASTER, ii. 258, 259. + + TALLCOAT, WILLIAM [of Colchester], accompanies G. Fox to Holland, + ii. 266. + + TAMWORTH, priest visited here, i. 6. + + TATHAM, PRIEST, written to, i. 154. + + TAUNTON, i. 328, ii. 12. + + *TAYLOR, CHRISTOPHER, brother of Thomas Taylor, of Skipton, + convinced, i. _129_, visited at his school, at Edmonton, ii. + 346, 348; + papers written at his house, ii. 348. + + TAYLOR, JAMES, of Newton in Cartmel, visited, i. 117, ii. 17. + + *TAYLOR, JOHN, of York, visited, ii. _257_; + letter written at his house, ii. 258. + + *TAYLOR, THOMAS, priest, of Skipton, convinced at Swarthmore, i. + _127_; + travels with G. Fox, i. 128, 201, 369, 371; + mentioned, i. xlv, 129, 469, ii. 105 [?]. + + TAYLOR, THOMAS, captain, visited near Halifax, i. 189, 195, 196, + ii. 77, 105 [?]. + + TAYLOR, THOMAS, of America, visited, ii. 194. + + TEAGE, THOMAS, of Cornwall, ii. 7. + + TEDBURY, ii. 318. + + TENBY, i. 371; + the mayor of, and his wife, and others, i. 371, 372; + Friends of, ii. 91. + + TENNANT, ——, of the Dales, convinced, i. 111. + + TENNANT, WIDOW, of Scarhouse, visited, ii. 256. + + TENTERDEN, G. Fox’s detention here, ii. 2, 3. + + TEWKESBURY, i. 254, 256, 466, ii. 318. + + Thames, River, ii. 179. + + THEOBALDS, i. 212, 213. + + THOMAS, MARGARET, preaches at Bristol, i. 527. + + THOMPSON, JUSTICE, of Lancaster, grants a warrant against G. Fox, + i. 136, 137, 139, ii. 515. + + THURSTON, THOMAS, visited, in America, ii. 194. + + *TICKELL, HUGH, visited, near Keswick, ii. _16_. + + TICKHILL, steeple house visited, i. 104. + + TINICUM, UPPER, ii. 177. + + TIVERTON, ii. 10. + + Toldervey, John, of London, his convincement, defection and + return, i. 259. + + TOMBS [JOHN], PRIEST, of Leominster, argues with G. Fox, i. + 369-371. + + TOPSHAM, i. 263, ii. 6, 95. + + TOTNESS, i. 264. ii. 6. + + TOTTENHAM, ii. 491, 499, 500, 503; + epistle written here, ii. 501. + + TOWNSEND, PRIEST, at G. Fox’s meeting, at Norwich, i. 451. + + TREDHAVEN [THIRD HAVEN] CREEK, ii. 165, 179, 194. + + Tredington, ii. 205, 219, 222. + + TREGANGEEVES, ii. 94. + + TRELAWNY, ELIZABETH, of Plymouth [daughter of Sir John Trelawny, + Bart.], convinced, i. 265, 313, 360. + + TRENT, i. 101, ii. 81. + + TRIPE, NICHOLAS, of Kingsbridge, convinced, with his wife, i. 264. + + TRURO, ii. 8, 94. + + Turkey, ii. 306. + + Turks, referred to, ii. 27, 53, 64, 144, 291, 306, 307, 464, 485. + + TURNER, JUDGE, on circuit, at Lancaster, ii. 26; + G. Fox before him at Lancaster, ii. 42, 51, + and at Worcester, ii. 216. + + TURVEY, ii. 260. + + TURVILLE-HEATH, ii. 315. + + TWICKENHAM, i. 442. + + TWISDEN, JUDGE, G. Fox before him at Westminster, i. 486, + at Lancaster, ii. 26, 29, + and again at Lancaster, ii. 42, 51-53. + + TWITTEY, ——, Clerk of the Peace, at Worcester, ii. 224. + + TWO HORSE RACES (America), ii. 172. + + TWYCROSS, several visited here, i. 49, 200, 467, 536. + + Tyburn, i. 209. + + Tynemouth Castle, ii. 57; + its governor visits G. Fox, at Scarborough, ii. 61. + + [ULROME]. _See_ ORAM. + + ULVERSTONE, i. 118, 119, 130, 133, 471; + steeple house visited, i. 126, 131, ii. 512, 514; + priest and people written to, i. 149, 150, 152, 153; + mentioned, ii. 234, 254, 514. + + UNDERBARROW, i. 116, 117, 124, 125, ii. 15, 512. + + UPPER TINICUM, ii. 177. + + UXBRIDGE, ii. 359. + + VALE OF BEAVOR, i. 26, 29. + _See_ BEAVOR, VALE OF. + + VANDEWALL, JOHN, visited at Harwich, ii. 266. + + *Vane [Sir], Henry, Friends brought before him, in London, i. + _443_. + + VAUGHTON, JOHN, signs Testimony to G. Fox, ii. 525. + + *Vice, The, cell in Norwich Castle, Friends imprisoned here, i. + _536_. + + VIRGINIA, ii. 183, 188; + Friends written to, ii. 491; + mentioned. ii. 163, 189, 195; + visited by Friends, ii. 164, 173, 193. + + WAKEFIELD, i. 79; + steeple house visited, i. 107. + + *WALDENFIELD, SAMUEL, accompanies G. Fox to Holland, ii. 398; + goes to Friesland, ii. _400_. + + *WALES, i. 360, 362, 363, 367, 371, 380, 381, ii. 13, 83, 92; + visited by Friends, i. _140_, _190_; + Friends of, i. 251, 301, 362, ii. 374, + written to, ii. 374; + mentioned, i. 188, ii. 521. + + WALNEY ISLAND, i. 121, 134, ii. 514; + mentioned, i. 136. + + Walters, Thomas, of Bolton, imprisoned, ii. 32. + + *WALTHAM ABBEY, i. 213, ii. 89, 348, 354, 409, 456, 473, 475, 499; + boys’ school, ii. _89_; + mentioned, i. 212. + + WANDSWORTH, ii. 346, 359. + + WANSTEAD, ii. 456. + + WAPPING, ii. 141. + + WARBOROUGH, ii. 358. + + WARD, CAPTAIN, convinced, i. 113; + imprisoned, ii. 55. + + WARE, ii. 500. + + WARMSWORTH, i. 469; + steeplehouse visited, i. 102; + priest obtains warrant against G. Fox, i. 106. + + WARRINGTON, ii. 82, 106, 233. + + WARWICK, i. 254-256, 335, ii. 344; + Friends in prison visited, ii. 79, 104. + + WARWICKSHIRE, i. 5, 25, 200, 252, 256, 335, 417, 484, 536, ii. 13, + 82, 120, 207, 259, 319, 333, 344, 511; + mentioned, ii. 205, 206; + Truth springs up, ii. 251. + + WATERLAND, ii. 288, 401; + mentioned, ii. 307. + + WATFORD, ii. 319, 358. + + *WATKINS, MORGAN, meets G. Fox in Radnorshire, i. _368_. + + WATKINSON, GEORGE, ex-justice of Pontefract, visited, i. 416, ii. + 76. + + WATTS, GEORGE, accompanies G. Fox to Holland, ii. 266, 397-403; + visits Ipswich, ii. 403. + + WELCH, WM., his wife convinced at Leith, i. 399. + + Welchpool, ii. 229. + + WELLINGBOROUGH, i. 250. + + WELLINGTON (Somerset), ii. 10. + + WELLS, WILLIAM, of Knighton, visited, ii. 259. + + WENNINGTON, MILES, of Cumberland, visited, i. 159. + + WENSLEYDALE, i. 110, ii. 256, 512. + + WEST, COLONEL, justice, on the bench at Lancaster Sessions, i. + 138, 139, 141, ii. 22; + favourable to Friends, i. 138, 139, 143, 159, 383, ii. 515; + clerk of Assize at Lancaster, i. 143; + coroner, i. 147; + meets G. Fox privately, i. 146, 159, 383, ii. 21. + + WEST, MATTHEW, justice, of Borwick, on bench, at Lancaster + Sessions, ii. [22], 72; + his death, ii. 72. + + [WEST ALVINGTON]. _See_ POLLEXFEN, HENRY. + + [WEST CHESTER]. _See_ CHESTER. + + WEST FRIESLAND, ii. 401. + + WEST JERSEY, ii. 166. + + West Riding, i. 106. + + WESTERN SHORE, ii. 182. + + WESTMINSTER, i. xlviii, ii., 356, 387, 518. + + WESTMORLAND, i. 113, 122, 125, 128, 130, 156, 180, 391, ii. 14, + 16, 17, 255, 335, 343, 512, 515; + Friends of, i. 383, 470; + papers sent to, ii. 20, 83, 235; + Truth springs up, i. 183, ii. 251; + mentioned, i. 139, 173, ii. 22, 332. + + WESTON, BARON, of London, his bitterness towards G. Fox, and + death, ii. 358. + + WESTON (Bucks.), ii. 90, 319. + + WEYMOUTH, peaceable meeting here, i. 262, 359. + + WHEELER STREET, Meeting attended, ii. 378. + + WHETSTONE, G. Fox arrested here, i. 207, 251; + several convinced here, i. 251. + + WHISPOOL, ii. 282. + + WHITBY, i. 89, ii. 14, 75, 105. + + WHITEHALL, Cromwell visited here, i. 210, 213, 214, 332; + mentioned, i. 488, 490, 492, 510, ii. 516, 518. + + WHITE-HART-COURT, i. l, ii. 505, 522. + + WHITEHAUGH, ii. 13. + + *WHITEHEAD, GEORGE, visits Norwich, i. _190_, 453, _536_; + with G. Fox, ii. 131, 320, 332; + signs Testimony to G. Fox, ii. 525. + + *WHITEHEAD, JOHN, with G. Fox, ii. _14_, 258; + assists in release of G. Fox from Scarborough Castle, ii. 69, + and carries the order for it to him, ii. 70. + + WHITEHEAD, PRIEST, his steeplehouse [at Halton] visited, i. 124. + + WHITTINGTON, ii. 260. + + WICOMICO, RIVER, ii. 192. + + *WIDDERS, ROBERT, of Kellet, convinced, i. xlv, ii. 515; + visited, i. 124, 145, 146, 383, 470, 471, ii. 15, 335; + with G. Fox, i. _179_, 393, 405, 406, 409, 410, 485, 486, ii. + 10, 57, 83, 141, 159, 164, 165, 170, 172, 193, 198, 255, 516; + imprisoned in Carlisle, i. 179; + his wife, ii. 255. + + WIGGAN, MAJOR, reproved by G. Fox in London, i. 442; + Baptist preacher, imprisoned with G. Fox at Lancaster, ii. 34; + his doings, ii. 34-36; + death of his wife and himself, ii. 34. + + WIGSTON, ii. 332. + + WIGTON, i. 180, ii. 16. + + WILCOCK, HENRY, visited in America, ii. 178. + + WILD, JUDGE, G. Fox before him in London, ii. 213, 229; + appealed to on his behalf, ii. 225. + + WILD, MAJOR, of Worcester, a persecutor, ii. 84. + + *WILKINSON, JOHN, priest, of Cumberland, his steeplehouses + visited, i. 161, 163, 164, 184; + his convincement and death, i. _392_, 393, ii. 515. + + *WILKINSON, JOHN, the schismatic, i. _392_, ii. 285. + + WILKINSON, WM., a Presbyterian, challenges G. Fox to fight in + Scarborough Castle, ii. 67; + is cut off, ii. 67. + + WILLIAMS, EX-CAPTAIN, Friend, of Stratford, G. Fox ill at his + house, ii. 131. + + WILLIAMS, ROGER, priest, of New England, writes against Friends, + ii. 264; + is answered, ii. 264. + + WILLIAMS, WM., Friend, of Alkmaar, visited, ii. 273, 402. + + WILLOUGHBY POINT, ii. 188. + + *WILSON, GEORGE, Friend, visited in America, ii. _181_. + + *WILSON, WM., prisoner in Lancaster, ii. _30_, 31. + + WILTSHIRE, i. 331, 528, ii. 5, 6, 13, 79, 87, 119; + mentioned, ii. 115, 116, 121, 202, 317. + + WIMESWOLD, ii. 259. + + Winchester, ii. 96. + + WINCHMORE HILL, ii. 354, 455, 475, 491, 499, 500. + + WINDHAM, JUDGE, speaks against G. Fox at Lancaster Assizes and + issues a warrant, i. 143. + + WINDSOR, LORD, lord lieutenant of Worcestershire, written to, ii. + 206-208. + + WINSMORE, DR., justice, of America, convinced and visited, ii. + 193. + + WINTERBOURNE, ii. 317. + + WINTHROP, GOVERNOR, of New England, visited in England, i. 512; + mentioned, ii. 174. + + WITHAM, ii. 403. + + WITTY, DR., visits G. Fox, in Scarborough Castle, ii. 61. + + WOLDS, THE, i. 89, ii. 105, 512. + + WORCESTER, i. 253, 466, ii. 84, 318; + G. Fox imprisoned in the jail, i. xlviii, ii. 206-213, 215-220, + 221-229, 234, 318, 518, + where he writes papers, ii. 230, 231; + mentioned, ii. 3, 205, 210, 212, 213, 214, 222, 224. + + WORCESTERSHIRE, i. 252, 335, ii. 83, 204; + mentioned, ii. 205, 206. + + WORKUM, ii. 273. + + WORMINGHURST, ii. 264, 346, 377. + + WORPLESDON, ii. 264, 346. + + [WRAMPLINGHAM], i. 233, 235, 536. + _See_ LAWRENCE, CAPT. + + WREXHAM, i. 380; + mentioned, i. 188. + + WREY, SIR JOHN, of Lincolnshire, and his wife convinced, i. 197; + they attend another of G. Fox’s meetings, i. 334. + + WREY, SIR RICHARD, of Lincolnshire, convinced, i. 197; + his wife and he attend another of G. Fox’s meetings, when his + wife [?] is convinced, i. 334; + he departs from Truth, i. 197. + + WRIGHT, WIDOW, Friend, visited in America, ii. 183, 187. + + WYCOMBE, ii. 315, 316. + + WYE (America), ii. 194. + + WYE RIVER, ii. 165. + + YARMOUTH, i. 233. + + YARROW, WILLIAM, visited in America, ii. 184. + + YEALAND, i. 136, ii. 515; + Friends of, i. 471. + + *YEARLY MEETINGS, i. _418_, _469_, 491. + _See_ BALBY; + CROOK, JOHN; + LONDON; + RHODE ISLAND; + YORK. + + *YEOMANS, ISABEL, of Bristol, daughter of M. Fell, meets G. Fox at + Bristol, ii. 117, _198_; + travels with him in Holland, ii. 266, 269, 282, 285; + delivers G. Fox’s letter to the Princess Elizabeth, ii. 269. + _See_ FELL, ISABEL; + MORRICE, ISABEL. + + YEOMAN, WILLIAM, of Irb’s Court, visited, ii. 93. + + YORK, ii. 14, 57, 76, 104, 105, 257, 258, 519; + cathedral visited, i. 83; + Friends in, i. 124, 172, ii. 343, 344, 488, 512; + yearly meetings here, ii. 488; + letter written here, ii. 258; + mentioned, i. 106, 159, 195, 196. + + *YORKSHIRE, i. 79, 102, 123, 195, 335, 415, 416, 467, ii. 14, 23, + 105, 335, 343, 511, 515, 516, 517; + Truth springs up, i. 183, ii. 251; + Friends of, i. 252, ii. 33, _104_, 334; + mentioned, i. 106, ii. 20, 23, 33, 64. + + York, Duke of, his presence saves Henry Fell from death, i. 491. + + Young, Peter, told of the doings of Presbyterians in + Herefordshire, ii. 86. + + + + + INDEX II. + + PRINCIPAL SUBJECTS. + + Adam, the first and second, compared, ii. 446; + his state before the fall, attainable, i. 28, 346; + his innocency, a higher state than, even a state in Christ, + attainable, i. 28, 419, ii. 136, 200, 218, 239; + his perfection, a doctrine not endured by professors, i. 34. + + Antichrists and false Prophets, discovered, etc., i. 91, 160, 314, + 336, ii. 416, 440, 487. + + Apostacy, entered since the Apostles’ days, i. 338. + + Apostates and Professors, have Scriptures in the form, but not in + the power or Spirit, i. 11, 109; + are censorious judges, ii. 330. + + Apostles and Prophets, the power and Spirit of, attainable now, i. + 34, 262, 428, 515, ii. 153; + were husbandmen and tradesmen, ii. 480, 481. + + Apparel, pride therein testified against, ii. 412. + + Apprentices, recommended to be put forth, ii. 119. + + Atheists, confounded, i. 26. + + Backsliders, their state, ii. 245; + they return and condemn their actions, i. 328, ii. 7, 80, 94, + 164, 202, 203. + + *Banishment of Friends, ii. 68, _69_, 282, 485. + + Baptism of the Spirit, i. 340, 342. + + Baptism in water, i. 46, 262, 340; + why permitted to some of the early Christians, i. 340. + + _Battledore, The_, a short account of it, i. 513, ii. 19. + + Believers, are horn of God, and are freed from sin, i. 7, 56; + are taught by the Anointing, i. 7, 59, 307, 336, ii. 271; + enjoy everlasting life on earth, ii. 466. + + Bible. _See_ Scriptures. + + Bigamy, disowned, ii. 185. + + Birth, the first and second, distinguished, i. 200; + the true one is persecuted, but does not persecute, i. 308, ii. + 305. + + Blind and deaf men, not enlisted as soldiers, either outwardly or + inwardly, ii. 496. + + Blind, not received for sacrifice, ii. 248. + + Blood of Christ, seen spiritually, i. 24, 430; + professors will only have it without them, i. 24. + + Body and blood of Christ, i. 340, 429. + + Body of death and sin, not the outward body, i. 181. + + Burial grounds, recommended to be provided, ii. 149. + + Capital punishments for small matters, testified against, i. 70, + 72. + + Ceremonies, Jewish and Heathenish, to be departed from, i. 37, 93; + why permitted for a time under the Gospel, i. 340. + + Christ, of the seed of Abraham and the Son of God, i. 254; + his name is called “The Word of God,” i. 306; + his outward appearance, acknowledged, i. 69; + he died for all men, i. 36, 526, ii. 136, 186; + is the Ensign, prophesied of by Isaiah, ii. 494-497; + his coming, reign, and kingdom in the heart, i. 314, ii. 225. + + *Christ within, recommended to, i. 50, 102, 104, 108, 161, 167, + 335, 341, 418; + known by the Spirit, i. 51, 128, ii. 458; + speaks in man by his Spirit, i. 102, 110, ii. 201; + is preached in his Saints, i. 177; + revealed in us, is our Hope, i. 12; + is the Inward Teacher, i. 59, 81, 82, 85, 87, 91, 101, 104, 107, + 109, 110, 112, 114, 115, 121, 125, 161, 162, 164, 167, 232, + 262, 265, 331, 378, ii. 172, 199, 200, 201, 294, _see_ God + teaches; + enlightens all men, i. 30, 34, 151, 165, 173, 193, 207, 223, + 241, 244, 274, 303, 350, 353, 356, 369, 395, 437, 526, ii. + 34, 61, 62, 112, 136, 185; + the Saviour of all who believe in him, i. 110, ii. 112; + his generation is not known by man’s wit, study, or reading + history in his own will, ii. 291; + cuts off the entail of Satan, i. 389; + faith in and worship of, above all historical and man-made + faiths and worships, ii. 336; + a state in him that never fell, attainable, i. 28, 419, ii. 136, + 200, 218, 239; + his speaking since his ascension, denied by professors, ii. 200, + 201; + the belief of Friends in, stated, ii. _153_, 155, 200; + his power owned, and exercised, i. 242, 258, 281, 309, 333, 335, + 344, 385; + his cry on the cross, i. 5; + his life trampled on by professors, i. 20. + + Christening of children, an anti-Scriptural practice, i. 37, ii. + 100. + + *Church, what it is, i. _20_, 25, 99, 112, 131, 182, ii. 65, 437; + is in God, i. 345. + + Church order, supported, ii. 417. + + Circumcision, etc., permitted to some of the early Christians, and + why, i. 340. + + Cloisters and Monasteries anti-Scriptural, i. 428. + + Condemnation comes through unbelief, ii. 112. + + Conscience is the book out of which man is judged, i. 437. + + *Conventicles, seditious, disclaimed, ii. _121_. + + Crooked ways, in man’s heart, i. 16. + + Cross of Christ is the power of God, i. 18, 191, 312, 345. + + Crosses and Images denied, i. 37. + + Days and Times not to be observed now, i. 340, ii. 204. + + Deceivers, who are the greatest, i. 30, ii. 246. + + Declaration against plots and fighting, i. 494. + _See_ CHARLES II. + + Devil, not made by God, i. 231, ii. 7. + + Differences, how to be terminated, ii. 333. + + Disputes, with priests and professors, i. 25, 86-88, 116, 119, + 130, 160, 181, 182, 184, 200-206, 252, 285, 369, 376, ii. 60, + 62, 185, 212, 217. + + Dreams, distinguished and explained, i. 9. + + Drinking of healths, testified against, i. 23. + + Drinking to excess, reproved, i. 39, 334, 459. + + Dwarfs, not to offer on God’s altar, but may eat of the holy + bread, ii. 468, 473, 502. + + Election is in Christ, i. 263, ii. 113. + + Election and Reprobation, owned and explained, i. 92, ii. 113; + unconditional, priests’ doctrine thereof denied, i. 394, ii. + 113. + + Evil thoughts, how subdued, i. 58. + + Evil natures described, they are within, i. 59, ii. 135. + + + Faith, stands in the power of God and not in man, ii. 236, 239; + its powerful operation and effect, ii. 236; + stays the mind and gives access to God, i. 15, 397; + in it there is no schism, ii. 238; + without sin, and gives victory over it, i. 397. + + Fall, the, state of man therein, opened, i. 32, 125, 345, ii. 136. + + False Prophets and Antichrists, their marks, i. 91, 160, 314, 336, + ii. 416, 440, 487. + + False Liberty, judged by the Spirit, ii. 329, 417. + + Fashions of the world denounced, i. 38, 219, ii. 412, 493. + + Fasts, the true and false distinguished, i. 363, 435, ii. 303-305. + + Flesh, the, wars against the spirit, i. 18. + + *Friends, their belief in Christ and concerning the Scriptures + stated, ii. 155; + excommunicated, i. 404, ii. 64, 65; + prosper through their integrity, i. 186; + kept out of their meeting-houses, ii. 132, 375-377, 387; + their meeting-houses pulled down, ii. 132; + offer to lie in prison for one another, i. 248, 318, 439; + prophesied against, i. _134_, 185, 194, ii. 254; + their faithfulness is said by some to have preserved the nation + from debauchery, ii. 134. + + God, has given all a measure of his Spirit, i. 150, ii. 34, 217, + 418; + teaches his people himself, i. 48, 82, 84, 118, 120, 125, 150, + 152, 211, ii. 281, _see_ Christ the Inward Teacher; + his people are to be like him, in what respects, ii. 458; + his kingdom, measurably witnessed in this life, ii. 459; + his infinite love, i. 14. + + God and Christ, dwell in the heart, i. 8, 91; + are known by the Spirit, i. 12, 128, 138, 165, 235, 265, ii. + 292, 458; + are not known by study or philosophy, but by revelation in + mental silence, i. 12, 26, ii. 292. + + Good works do not of themselves bring salvation, but the grace of + God, ii. 101. + + Gospel, not the four books of the Evangelists, i. 350, ii. 9. + + Grace of God, teaches those who turn to it, i. 35, 82, 249, 331, + 526, ii. 9, 11, 35, 115. + + Grace and Truth, are in the heart, i. 35, 331, 336, ii. 359, 408, + 455; + are universal and saving, i. 36, 331, 526, ii. 9, 34, 61, 101, + 136. + + Groans of the flesh and spirit, discerned and distinguished, i. + 15. + + Hat, keeping it on in public prayer testified against, i. 519. + + Hat-honour, denied, i. 38, 92, 272, 275, 285, 290, 357, 401, 443, + 485, ii. 22, 27, 306; + Friends suffer for refusing to give it, i. 38, 39, 185, 272, + 280, 313, 372, 409, 454, 501, ii. 307. + + Hirelings, testified against, i. 42, 75, 93, 202, 203, 207, 245. + + Honour, the true and false, distinguished, i. 38, 302, ii. 22. + + Imposition denounced, yet practised by schismatics, ii. 328. + + *Imprisonment of Friends, for not swearing, i. _106_, 247, _521_, + 523, ii. 23, 24, 30, 94; + for refusing to pay tithes, and for going to steeple-houses, i. + 224, 503, ii. 25; + for preaching in the streets, i. 373, 378; + for attending meetings, ii. 24; + for opening their shops on the world’s fast-days and holidays, + ii. 204; + for offences not specified, i. 172, 493, 522, ii. 67, 128, 282, + 314, 337, 374, 378; + on a praemunire illegal, i. 221; + deaths in prison, i. 173, 232, 327, _504_, 522, 526, ii. 25, + _33_, _67_, 94, 253. + _See_ Steeplehouses; Streets and Markets. + + Jerusalem, New, what it is, ii. 135. + + Judging, i. 345, 422, 425, ii. 329, 425-431, 487. + + *Judgments, pronounced against persons and places, i. 76, 78, 102, + 147, 153, ii. 78; + overtake persecutors, i. 102, 118, 136, 149, 154, 189, 196, 197, + 209, 211, 318, 391, 398, 408, 417, 457, _458_, 469, 475, 511, + 512, ii. 5, 9, 26, 33, 34, 57, 67, 68, 72, 73, 77, 78, 96, + 133, 147, 224, 314, 358. + + Knowledge, spiritual, learned within, i. 10; + spiritual and fleshly, distinguished, i. 11. + + Law, the, its types and shadows only known by the Spirit, i. 33; + what it is, its operation and effect, i. 15, 16, 23; + is written in the heart, i. 246, 349, 355, ii. 270; + is distinguished from the Gospel, i. 16, 17. + + Liberty of conscience granted generally, ii. 453. + + Light and Darkness, how seen, i. 19. + + Light, the, obedience thereto, recommended, i. 65; + is the Law, the Power, and the image of God, i. 193; + is the Covenant, i. 194; + is a Reprover, i. 353, 356, ii. 185; + is a Judge, i. 187, 242, 267, 274, 347, 366, 408, 460, ii. 462; + is a Guide and Leader, i. 187, 435; + is the Life in Christ the Word, i. 333, 377, 397, ii. 35, 466, + 497; + gives an understanding of the things of the kingdom, i. 187; + gives a sight and sense of inward mysteries, i. 14, 187, 242, + 254, 362, 433; + gives victory over sin, i. 433; + gives the knowledge of the true fast, i. 365, 366; + comes from Christ, i. 254, 321; + convinces and converts, i. 65, 192; + manifests Christ in his various offices, i. 165; + shows us our evil deeds and our Saviour, i. 121, 165, 267; + brings out of the evil state, i. 60; + manifests that which is for judgment, i. 367; + in it God is felt revealing his secrets, and inspiring the mind, + i. 347; + by it Christ is seen, i. 191, 254, 303, 411; + without it none come to Christ, i. 304; + being felt, Christ is felt, i. 223; + those who hate it set up hirelings and idol-temples, i. 151; + they who walk in it come to God’s teaching, i. 16; + they who love it are taught of God, i. 151; + they who oppose it are apostates, i. 347; + believers in it believe in the everlasting covenant, i. 191; + believers in it come to the life of Moses and the Prophets, i. + 191; + none are God’s people who are not baptised into this principle, + i. 36, 348. + + Light, the, within, is the Light of Christ, i. 384; + is the way to God, i. 36; + its power and efficacy, i. 384, 385; + leads to salvation and the day-star, i. 397. + + Light, the, of Christ, directed to, i. 97, 124, 126, 182, 204, + 213, 238, 254, 264, 265, 336, 368, 378, 379, 408, 411, 421, + 436, 437, 460; + shows Christ to be a Redeemer, and Saviour, and Way to God, i. + 110; + gives a sight and sense of sin, i. 97, 121, 151, 303, 379; + makes all things manifest, i. 15, 17, 275, 303; + is not the natural conscience, or a natural created light, i. + 333, 370, 377, ii. 35, 463; + its universality denied by professors, i. 350, ii. 34; + in the conscience, a doctrine not endured by priests and + professors but derided by them, i. 204, 254, ii. 463; + they who believe in it are in the Election, i. 396. + + Longevity, instances of, ii. 15, 75. + + *Marriage, by a priest, anti-Scriptural, ii. 65, 75; + the principle and practice of Friends relative thereto stated, + ii. 399; + of Friends, their mode sanctioned by Scripture examples, ii. 75; + attended by G. Fox, ii. 75, 170; + of Friends, the regulations of the Society thereon, ii. 88, + _89_, 137, 148, 149, 250, 399; + of Friends, questioned at Nottingham Assizes, but declared + valid, i. 520. + + Meal time, few words spoken at, informed against, ii. 133. + _See_ CARTWRIGHT, JOHN. + + Meditation, how it ought to be exercised, ii. 368. + + Meetings of Friends, held and settled, i. 27, 29, 123, 265, 373, + 404. + + *Meetings for Discipline, established in London and throughout the + nation, i. 469, 470, ii. _80_, 97, 164, 247, 279, 283; + the order and good results thereof, ii. 90, 97; + their settlement opposed by some, ii. 81, 202, 248, 251, + 315-318, 327, 331, 347, 436. + + Ministers of Christ, preach freely, i. 41, 91, 93, 201, 223, 339, + ii. 65; + not necessarily made at colleges, i. 7, 11, 37, 48, 386, 414, + 415, 480-482; + must have his Spirit, i. 17; + advice respecting public opposition to, i. 345. + + Ministers, tried and ejected by Commonwealth, i. 223, ii. 86; + ejected by Charles II., i. 504. + + Ministry, the true and false distinguished, i. 17. + + Miracles, outward, i. 45, 46, 49, 133, 159, 252, 255, 258, ii. + 176, 179, 184, 192, 233, 377. + + Moses and Christ, compared, ii. 477. + + Natures of creatures, seen, i. 19, 28, 125. + + *Negroes, exhorted to diligence, etc., and counselled not to + rebel, ii. _149_, 157, 158; + to be instructed and in due time liberated, ii. 157, 158, 502. + + News, people are too much busied therewith, ii. 482. + + Oaths. _See_ Swearing. + + Obedience, known in the Light, i. 384; + to that which convicts of evil, recommended, i. 65; + to the grace of God, the way to receive salvation, ii. 9, 101; + keeps in the Lord’s fear, i. 65; + of faith, destroys imaginations and temptations, i. 61. + + Offering, the true and false, distinguished, ii. 450. + + Parable of the talents, commented on, i. 353. + + Peace, the first step thereto is to stand still in the Light, i. + 121, 432. + + Perfection in Christ, ii. 218, 449; + in this life attainable, i. 181, 193, 419, 465, ii. 218; + in this life denied by priests and professors to be attainable, + i. 19, 34, 50, 51, 56, 74, 181, 465, ii. 218. + + Persecution, judged and exposed, i. 147, 149, 287-303, 334, 387, + 403, 434, 481, 522, 526, ii. 24-34, 65, 69, 132, 204, 281, 314, + 320, 374-376, 387. + + Pleasure and Wantonness denied, i. 323-325. + + Plots, denied and declared against, i. 448, 493-500, ii. 216, 348, + 415. + _See_ CHARLES II. + + Popularity, that which leads to it, denied, ii. 236. + + Powers of the earth, not to be meddled with by Friends, i. 426. + + Power of the Lord makes priests and professors tremble, i. 89. + + Prayer, in man’s will denied, i. 24; + true, defined, i. 205, 390, ii. 303; + false, how discerned, i. 15, 205; + in the Spirit, approved, i. 37, ii. 449, 450. + + Priests, declared against, i. 91, 200-206, 210, 223; + their state opened, i. 29, 116; + are miserable comforters, i. 5, 6; + their objections answered, i. 336-343; + are Friends’ chief persecutors, i. 48, 137, 147, 504, ii. 211; + make a Church faith, which is answered by G. Fox, i. 441, _see_ + Savoy, Conference; + sell the Scriptures, i. 41, 114; + pray by a form, i. 205; + hunt after a fallen benefice, i. 251; + no other trade comparable to theirs, i. 41; + cannot separate spirit and letter, i. 141; + reproved by the populace, i. 139; + oppose toleration, i. 505; + likened to the Pharisees and Jews of old for their persecutions, + etc., i. 215-219; + cannot endure the doctrine of the Light, i. 254, ii. 463. + _See_ Disputes. + + *Prison, life in, i. _283_, _504_, _521_, _524_. + + Prisoners in jail, learn wickedness of each other, i. 71; + more speedy justice to them recommended, i. 71. + + Professions, the three learned ones, opened, i. 29. + + Prophecy by women concerning Chas. II. and parliament, i. 445, + 446. + _See_ ALDAM, THOMAS; + BAPTISTS; + BROWN, —-; + FIFTH-MONARCHY MEN; + FOX, G. + + *Quakers, a nickname, i. 105, 211, 242, 343, 476; + first called so by Justice Bennet, i. _58_; + the children of Light, i. 501; + not a Sect, but dwell in the power of God, i. 242, 476. + + Quaking and trembling, i. 23, 105, 126, 168, 238, 501. + + Registers and Records recommended to be kept, ii. 149. + + Revelation, immediate and objective, not ceased, i. 34. + + Riches warned against, ii. 493. + + Righteousness, attainable in this life, i. 2. + + Sabbath-day, i. 397, 414, ii. 306. + + Sacrament of the Supper (so-called) not a Christian ordinance, i. + 340-342 429. + + Saints have power to judge in the Church, ii. 327-330. + + Sanctification, how effected, i. 50. + + *Schools for Friends’ children, ii. _89_, 138, 203, 346, 348, 434. + _See_ CHISWICK, + EDMONTON, + SHACKLEWELL, + WALTHAM ABBEY. + + Scriptures, known by the Spirit, i. 33, 34, 128, 138, 162, 165, + 235, 362, 377, ii. 217; + profitable to the man of God, but not to the man of sin, i. 349; + not the “more sure word of prophecy,” i. 43; + not the _only_ rule of life, ii. 217; + not “The Word,” nor “The Word of God,” i. 156, 157, 306; + may be called “the _words_ of God,” i. 156, 157, ii. 157; + confirm the Spirit’s convictions, i. 376; + give not the knowledge of God or Christ, without the revelation + of the Spirit, i. 12, 109; + possessed by professors and apostates in form, but not in spirit + or power, i. 11, 109; + how read and understood by professors, i. 32, ii. 440; + given forth by the Light, i. 174; + eternal life is not in them, but in Christ, ii. 466; + the belief of Friends respecting them, set forth, i. 131, ii. + 156; + Bible used by Friends when preaching, i. 213, 376, 407, 443, + 531. + Sect-makers, they who deny universal grace are such, ii. 101; + love popularity, ii. 236. + + Seed, the, is Christ, i. 192, 418, 420, 468; + crucified in professors, i. 445; + is to be felt within, i. 418, 420; + bruises the head of the Serpent, i. 190, 343-345, ii. 335; + the promise is to it, and not to the law of the first covenant, + ii. 335. + + Seeds, the two, distinguished, ii. 447. + + Seeds-men of the flesh, and of the Spirit, distinguished, i. 387. + + *Separation, warned against, i. 519; + appears in the Church, ii. 42, 80, 167, 248, 268, 284, 288, 315, + 317, 327, 331, _347_, 368, 369, 393, 435. + + Serpent, the, speaks in man, i. 21, 416; + is the false teacher, ii. 199. + + Seven states explained, i. 419. + + Shadows and figures, not given till after the fall, i. 463; + not understood without the Spirit, i. 33. + + Signs to rulers, priests, and people, i. 446, 469, 502, 503, ii. + 55, 71, 131. + + Silence, in it the Lord speaks, i. 61, 336, 452, ii. 292; + of thoughts, desires, and imaginations recommended, i. 432. + + Sin and Imperfection, pleaded for by professors, i. 19; + in true believers is departed from, i. 51, 56; + its power, as well as its guilt, taken away by Christ, i. 51, + 442. + + Singing in the Spirit, approved, i. 37, 172, 406, 473, ii. 111; + by outward organs, not taught by Christ, ii. 450. + + Slanders against Friends, i. 70, 102, 107, 122, 156, 206, 214, + 234, 250, 357, 413, 496, ii. 76, 86, 154, 158. + + *Sirrah, a term of contempt, ii. 28, _36_. + + Slavery. _See_ Negroes. + + *Soldiers, disbanded for refusing to swear, i. 189; + their cruelty to Friends, i. 408, 462, 463, 465; + convinced, i. 67, _129_ 163, 167, 189, _231_ 235, _256_ 263, + 287, 328, 399, 410, 529, ii. 131, + _see_ BENSON, GERVASE; + BISHOP; + STUBBS; + FUCE; + PYOT; + EDMUNDSON; + HUBBERTHORNE; + BROWN, CAPT.; + WILLIAMS; + mentioned, i. _68_, 171. + + Spirit, the, in the inward parts, i. 355, ii. 281; + given to us by measure, but to Christ without measure, i. 351; + tries opinions, religions, and judgments, i. 43; + is still poured out on the Church, i. 428. + + Spirit, the, of God, directed unto, i. 91, 94, 101, 114, 128, 162, + 164, 213, 330, 331, 377, ii. 21, 277; + gives the true fellowship, i. 138; + the primary and universal rule, ii. 217; + gives the knowledge of good and evil, ii. 367; + gives a knowledge of the things of God, ii. 418. + + Spirit, the, of Christ, is the Quakers’ principle, its operation + and effect defined, ii. 225, 226. + + Spirit, the, of Truth, leads into all Truth, i. 236, ii. 35; + is a reprover, ii. 35. + + *Sports, Diversions, and vain Amusements testified against, i. + _39_ 40, 321, 323-325. + + States, Three, and Three Teachers explained, ii. 199. + + *Steeplehouses, idolized, i. _20_, 91, 93; + not the Church nor the Temple, i. 99, 112, ii. 64; + their sites not holier than other ground, i. 93, 112, 115. + + *Steeple-houses and Chapels, the Truth preached in them by + Friends, i. 25, 27, 42, 45, 47, 48, 80, 82, 83, 85, 86, 89, 90, + 93, 98, 99, 101, _102_ 104, 105, 107, 108, 110, 112, 113, 117, + 118, 120, 121, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 166, 168, 179, 226, + 285, 386, 410, 425. + + Streets and Markets, Truth declared in them, i. 44, 62, 79, 96, + 109, 124, 125, 130, 167, 361, 373, 375-379, 386, 407, 410, 531, + ii. 375. + + *Sufferings of Friends, i. 179, 180, 246, 247, 248, 301, 302, 386, + 387, 442, 443, 493, 501, 503, 506, 520, _521_, _524_, 530, + _534_, ii. 16, 24-26, 29, _30_, 31, _33_, _69_, 78, 84, 94, 97, + 130, 132, 251-254, 263, 282, 314, 348, 361, 374-378, 453. + _See_ Hat-honour; Imprisonments. + + Sufferings of Christ, the Prophets, and Apostles were outward, as + well as inward, i. 69. + + Swearing, judicial, proscribed, i. 189, 246, 247, 273, 280, 521, + 534, ii. 23, 27, 29, 42-50, 63, 94, 209, 216, 227, 357; + a Friend acts as foreman of a jury without an oath, i. 199, + _see_ HAMMERSLEY, THOS.; + declaration offered in lieu of oath, ii. 221; + Friends dispossessed of copyhold lands, i. 446. + + Temple where God dwells, what it is, and what it is not, i. 8, 91, + 131, 182, 207. + + Temptations, how destroyed, i. 61; + not to be looked at, but the Light which discovers them, i. 433. + + “Thou” and “Thee,” to a single person enjoined and practised, i. + 38, 83, 185, 513, ii. 62. + _See_ Sufferings. + + Tithes, testified against, i. 93, 176, 248, 338, 339, ii. 65, 262, + 355; + abolished under the Gospel, i. 176, 200, 338, 339, ii. 65; + impropriate, given up by Friends, i. 179. + _See_ Sufferings. + + Unjust dealing testified against, i. 39. + + Waiting, recommended, i. 13, 15, 85, 112, 187, 188, 193, 452; + in the Light recommended, i. 242, 385, 425, 437. + + *War denied and testified against, i. _68_, 72, 209, 448, 450, + 494, ii. 298. + + Wisdom, the true and the false, distinguished, i. 388; + is received in the Light, i. 192. + + Witness of God, is in the heart, i. 244. + + *Women’s preaching defended, i. _9_, ii. 405. + + Women’s meetings, their settlement opposed, ii. 202, 203, 248-250, + 317. + + Works of the flesh and of the Spirit, distinguished, i. 17. + + Worship, the true declared, i. 514; + the world’s renounced, i. 37; + of the beast and dragon, set up in the apostacy, i. 338. + + Yea and Nay, to be kept to, i. 2, 167, 186, ii. 49, 51, 227. + + +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + + Transcriber’s Note + + The handling of hyphenation of compound words across line breaks + is governed by the frequency with which they are hyphenated + midline. ‘Steeple-house’ is nearly always hyphenated in midline, + and the few outliers that were not have been corrected. + ‘Steeplehouse’ occurs consistently in the Index. + + The punctuation of the various indexes had a number of lapses, + which have been corrected with no further notice here. + + As one can see from the list below, the printer was not consistent + in the use of the opening quote mark in long, multi-paragraph + passages. There were also a number of occasions where a closing + quote mark either was missing or illogically added. On rarer + occasions, a single quote was employed matching a double quote + (and vice versa). These have been added where missing, removed + where they were deemed spurious, and corrected where appropriate. + + A remark at 103.15 reads more logically if a nested, single-quoted + phrase (‘whether they can swear in any other case, as for their + cow or horse;[’]...) is closed after ‘horse’, rather than two + lines later at 103.17, (...bear witness to the truth.[’]”). + + At 429.12, a close paraphrase of Rev. 16-17, is mispunctuated. The + passage is best ‘fixed’ by removing the single quote before + ‘wretched, pitiful...’. + + At 430.9 a single quote appears to have been misplaced (and + turned). So (...tithes, ‘did...) makes more sense as (...tithes,’ + did...). + + Also amended: 20.13 “Nay[,”] (added); 20.37 time.[”] (added); + 23.20 [“]I (added); 37.6 [“/‘]If (replaced); 101.10 God,[’] + (added); 148.21 evil:[”/’] (replaced); 157.14 [“/‘]Because + (replaced); 159.14 [“]My (added); 159.15 [“]To (added); 199.20 + teachers.[”] (added); 213.30 [“]The (added); 213.31 [‘]habeas + (added); 258.46 him.[”] (added); 286.3 [“]Dear (added); 288.9 + style.[”] (removed); 294.39 condemnation,[’] (added); 296.30 + “[Friends (added); 323.31 all[”/’] (replaced); 325.35 word.[’] + (removed); 355.23 [“]Therefore, (added); 342.26 [“]My (added); + 363.5 all;[”/’] (replaced); 370.17 [“]Therefore (added); + 370.44 one.[”/’] (replaced); 373.23 [“]Dear (added); 384.45 + [“/‘]It (replaced); 385.11 ashamed.[’] (added); 387.25 me[”] + (add—probable); 388.6 [‘/“]Who (replaced); 405.20 silence.[’] + (added); 412.2 [“]I read (added); 414.6 shop;’[”] (added); + 414.46 God.[’/”] (replaced); 425.17 [‘]therefore (added); + 445.10 land,[’] (removed); 456.25 [‘]The (removed); 469.24 + me,[’] (added); 480.21 least;[”/’] (replaced); 491.41 [‘]And + (added); 495.31 [“]Now (added); 496.43 “]Now (added); 501.3 + [“]As (added); 501.19 [“]All (added). + + At 396.10, the title of a ‘small book’, “The Saints’ heavenly and + spiritual worship, unity, and communion, &c., wherein...”, ends + after a lengthy subtitle beginning with ‘wherein’. The use of + ‘&c.’ could seen as an ellision of the title, with the remaining + text simply a description. Modern references replace the ‘&c.’ + with ellipses, and end there. + + At 406.28, a closing quote has no opening. However, rhe entire + phrase is a close paraphrase of Joel ii. 28, and the quote has + been removed. + + At 564.51, an index reference for Francis Howgill includes page + number without an indication of volume: ‘with G. Fox at + Swarthmore, 99, i. 471’. Howgill is not mentioned on page 99 of + either volume. + + At 590.14, the index entry for ‘Sufferings’ refers the reader to a + topic (‘Imprisonments’) which does not exist. + + At 580.37, an asterisk was added ([*]Vice, The, ...) to denote + that one of the references is to a footnote in Volume I. + + When an index topic references footnotes, the page number is + italicized. The following starred page references: (560.45) ii. + 198, (565.10) ii. 166, (577.15) i. 149, (589.11) i. 171, (590.9) + i. 530, refer to a page where there is no relevant footnote, but + the topic may be mentioned in the text itself. + + At 589.9, an index topic for ‘Soldiers’, includes a reference to + ‘Edmundson’. There are two Edmundsons, John and William, neither + of whom are characterized as ex-soldiers, unlike the others in the + list. + + Other errors, deemed most likely to be the printer’s, have been + corrected, and are noted here. The references are to the page and + line in the original. + + 36.42 in his _Dictionary_, vi[x/z]. Replaced. + 58.23 wh[e]re I had neither Inserted. + 66.14 to get money out of me[?/,] Probable. + 87.3 MONMOUTHSHIRE[./,] Replaced. + 89.14 may [h/b] referred to Replaced. + 89.33 the friends of both[./,] Replaced. + 91.20 we passed over th[e] hills Restored. + 104.25 where on First[ /-]day we had Replaced. + 143.9 he would tack about to[o] Added. + 209.5 ended his spee[e/c]h Replaced. + 231.2 “We love none but ourselves.[’,/”] Replaced. + 259.30 had a meeti[t/n]g there Replaced. + 260.29 was pretty large and peaceable[.] Added. + 272.28 _Post[s]cript._ Inserted. + 314.34 that were not Friends[.\,] Replaced + 322.23 not their work, but the angels[,’/’,] Transposed. + 378.30 imprisoned at London[.] Added. + 380.9 I give thee the th[er/re]shing-floor Tranposed. + 406.31 Acts ii[,/.] 17, 18. Replaced. + 413.41 e[x]quisite Inserted. + 451.20 the blind, [f/l]ame, blemished, or deformed Replaced. + 468.6 Prov[,/.] viii. 15. Replaced. + 476.33 preserved his[,] faithful to himself Removed. + 477.44 where I am[./,] there ye may be also Replaced. + 469.32 [“/‘]We have this treasure in earthen Replaced. + vessels,’ + 514.24 on the First[ /-]day Replaced. + 576.3 lantern and candle as a sign[,] Added. + 581.23 with G. Fox at Lanc[e/a]ster Replaced. + 584.37 [o/i]n him Replaced. + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75590 *** |