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WRITTEN BY

JAMES NAYLiER;

WITH

i\K imPa^TiaL. R¥.LaT103V

OF THE

MOST REMARKABLE TRANSACTIONS RELATING TO HIS LlPElr

Dan. 11. -35. And some of them of understanding shall fall to try them, and to purge.

and to make them white, &c. Micha. 7. 8. Rpjoice not against me,0 mine enemy, when I fall I shall rise,&n. Psal. 130. 4- With the Lord is forgiveness, that he may be feared.

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PUBLISHED BY B. C. STANTON, FROM A LONDON EDITION OF lll^

Whetstone & Buxton — Printer*

1829.

AN

£PZSTI.E TO THE SEUXOUS READER.

Containing an impartial account of the most remarJcabU transactions relating to

JAMES NAYL.ER.

Since the Lord, our most gracious God was pleased, in great mercy and love to my soi*!!, to open my eyes and make known his living truth, in the light and spirit of his dear son Christ Jesus, shining in my heart and soul, by the dawning and breaking forth of the day and power of Christ, the darkness (which I had been under with many more) came to be dispelled, and the clouds of ignorance and unbelief dispersed in a great measure. I say, after I had experienced these blessed effects of God's visita- tion by this day-spring and spiritual appearance of Christ, his light and grace, I had many deep considera- tions of the work of the Lord, and sincere desires of the prosperity thereof in my own heart, and truly loved the company and society of the faithful and upright in heart, who walked in the simplicity of truth; and both before and after some degrees of a living testimony were given me to bear for our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 made seri- ous observation of the sober conversations, conduct and testimony of my elder brethren, whom I ten- derly loved and esteemed in Christ. And by the early notice and observation I took of matters relating to the truth and to my friends and brethren, they had the deep- er impression upon my spirit, and became the more me- morable, the better and longer to be remembered ; espe- cially matters most remarkable and of greatest impor- tance, wherein our standing and steadfastness in the grace of God and faith of Christ were concerned. And when I saw any one backslide, or turn aside, or err from

( IV J

the same, it became matter of sorrow and great grief to my soul, yet in that the Lord gave me to believe and understand he had and should have a faithful people, family, church and house, built upon a sure foundation, the rock Christ Jesus, which the gates of Hell should not prevail against ; and that I should see the good- ness of the Lord in the land of the living. This faith in the Lord's power and work, and hope in his mer- cy and goodness, became a stay to my mind and anchor to my soul though manifold afflictions, sorrows and tri- als, as it hath been to many more of his faithful servants and witnesses, who have finished their course with joy and ended their days in peace. Even in our times since we were a people many such have been who in derision were first termed Quakers, because they trembled at the word and power of the Lord God.

I have long been satisfied that the truth is unchange- able, and will continue truth still, how manv soever op- pose, gainsay or turn from it, as many have done in our times, as in the primitive christian days ; there were then backsliders, apostates, and some turned bitter adversa- ries, who crucified to themselves the I^ord of life afresh, and put him to open shame and reproach. There were some that were said to tread under foot the Son of God (by their contempt against him, his light and spirit) do- ing despite to his spirit of grace, and turning the grace of God into lasciviousness. Many also there were whose condition the apostle lamented, who turned into corrupt liberty, to glory in their shame, to mind earthly things more than iieavenly, and these were enemies to the cross of Christ, and whose end was destruction, Phil. 3. 18, 19. Others caused divisions, rents, schisms and factions, and set up sect-masters, even among the primitive churches; against such the'holy apostles gave divers weighty cau- tions and testimonies. Many ways, wiles and devices has satan, the old adversary, to beguile, seduce, and lead away captive the unwatchful, unwary, unstable and unfaithful souls: howbeit, some prodigals and back- sliders (not altogether hardened in sin) have returned unto the fathers house, and some who have fallen under temptations have risen again, when they have been hum-

( V )

bled under affliction, chastisement and judgment from God, and in tlie midst of judgment he has remembered mercy, that he might be feared.

And although there has been a falling away of some, through the subtle working of satan in his various trans- formings, so as that wicked one, the son of perdition, that spiritual Judas and betrayer, that man of sin might be the more revealed and made manifest. And although some have been betrayed, vailed, clouded, captivated in their understandings, and misled for a time by that be- traying, false and treacherous spirit, yet where they have not been wholly dead, but some life and grcnmd of sin- cerity remaining, some tender desires toward God have sprung up, and he hath opened their eyes, to see and es- cape the snare of the adversary, so as such have not been led nor drawn back into perdition, to be utterly lost; but according to the mercy of God and riches of his grace in Christ Jesus, have been restored, and ob- tained salvation through faith and patience in him, and been delivered from the snares of satan and out of their afflictions, tribulations, manifold trials and temptations.

As to our early friend and brother James JVayler, his failure was not into the common pollutions or enormities of the world, for against them he testified in conversa- tion and doctrine; although some time after he came to London, an hour of deep temptation and heavy suffer- ings befel him, which were suffered to try the Lord's people in that day ; and their persecutors also who made a profession and shew of Religion and Christianity, but not in sincerity, when their severer practices of perse- cution manifested the contrary.

Some more particular account I may give from what I have really observed and understood relating to him,/ his testimony, temptation and restoration.

He came forth early in a good degree of brightness, in a Christian testimony in behalf of Christ Jesus his uni- versal light and grace, being accordingly of a very sober conversation, and a strict self-denying religious example, and appeared well read in Holy Scripture.

His imprisonment at Appleby in Westmoreland, 1652, and his testimony for truth therein, and upon his exami-

( VI )

nation at their sessions was much taken notice of in that country; and he was instrumental in convincing divers enquirers after the way of truth in and about Strickland, in the same county He was enabled by the light and spirit of Christ to vindicate his truth and gospel, and zealously to contend for the faith thereof, as delivered to the Saints against opposers and gainsayers in those days, Priests and persecutors, &c.

By a good measure of divine illumination and inward experience, he knew the ministration of jr.dgment and mercy, law and gospel, preferring the ministration of the spirit above that of the letter; and accordingly preach- ed to turn people's minds to the light, the life, the spirit and power of Christ in them, out of all empty forms, carnal observations, dead literal preachings and profes- sions, where the power of Godliness was or is denied. In these matters the said J. N. was in measure gifted, with demonstration of the spirit of Christ while the light shined upon his Tabernacle, before he was clouded and

hurt.

Some time after I was convinced, and knew the truth, I heard him at sundry meetings in Westmoreland, and Sedbergin Yorkshire, 1653. At one meeting at Draw- well I remember, he declaring upon a mysterious place in the Revelation, he proceeded not to explain the pas- sage, but made a stop, seeming to give a check to him- self, intimating, that he would not stretch or go beyond his measure, according to that saying of the Apostle, 2 Cor. X. 13. But we will not boast of things without our measure^ but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us^ a measure to reach even to you. Ver. 14. For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure,

I took great notice of this passage, and I truly wish that all who have a part in the same Ministry may take good notice of the same, so as not to stretch themselves beyond their own measures given them of God.

Afterwards he came to London, 1655, where Francis Howgill and Edward Burrough had been some time be- fore him, and by their Ministry convinced many of the blessed truth, and turned them to the light and worship

( vii )

of God in spirit and truth. The said J. N. for some time had a service in the Ministry and vindication of the truth, by his preaching and divers books written by him, and was for some time admired and much followed by many.

And some too much glorying in, and admiring the said J. N. above his brethren, tended to his hurt and loss, as soon after followed ; insomuch that he came to be ensna- red through the subtil adversary's geting advantage upon him, by means of some persons, who too much glo- ried in him, and endeavoured to exalt him above his brethren; and also to cause division between him and them: for so it came to pass, according as J, N. related to me some time after the Lord had restored him out of his bewildered and suffering state, that a few forward, conceited, imaginary women, especially one Martha Sim- mods and some others, under pretence of some divine motions, grew somewhat turbulent, and interrupting the Ministry and service of the said F. Howgill and E. Bur- rough in some public meetings, .they reproving her and her party, and manifesting their dislike thereto, seeing their forwardness, indiscretion and hurt they did in some meetings, interrupting the public service wherein those faithful and able Ministers, F. H. and E. B. were enga- ged. Whereupon the said Martha and another woman went and made their complaint to James Nayler, against the said F. H. and E. B. endeavouring to set him against them, and to draw a judgment from him against them; vvhich not obtaining from him (for he was afraid to pass judgment upon his brethren as they desired.) Where- upon the said Martha fell into a passion in a kind of mourning, or weeping, and bitterly crying out with a mournful shrill voice, saying, " I looked for judgment, but behold a cry!" and with that cried aloud in a passion- ate lamenting manner, which so entered and pierced poor James Nayler, that it smote him down into so much sorrow and sadness, that he was much dejected in spirit or disconsolate, fears and doubting then entered him, that he came to be clouded in his understanding, bewil- dered, and at a loss in his judgment. Thus, poor man, he stood not in his dominion (as he should have done)

( viii )

over that dividing, false transforming spirit, which sought to sow discord among brethren; which for a time caus- ed some estrangement and distance in him from his brethren and true friends.

The substance of the foregoing relation, how J. N. came to be ensnared and to such a loss, he himself gave me the account, as we were walking together in the field at Great Strickland in Westmoreland, 1657. After we had both been at a meeting of Friends on Strickland- Heath. And this was after he was revived, and resto- red to a measure of good understanding and judgment, and inward sense also of the great mercy and love of God therein, whereby his first love was renewed in him towards his faithful friends and brethren in Christ,

Before we parted that time the said J. N. and I had a meeting with some Friends in a Friend's house near Strickland, where he very much exhorted them to love and unity (against division and discord) much pressing them to charity, and to have fervent charity or love a- mong themselves, to put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness, &c. Which was very seasonable.

But to return to give some further hints of the sad and hard consequences which followed the said J.- N's. falling under the spirit of those persons who had com- plained and cried to him for judgment against his breth- ren. After some time they cried him up pAiblickly in di- vers places, bowing and kneeling before him, magnify- ing him with high appellations: for which their bowing and falling down before him, the example of the Shuna- mite falling down at the feet of Elisha was pleaded; though that was in a different case and condition, (2 Kings iv. 27, 37.) and no just parallel.

When many of us who were then sufferers in divers Prisons, heard of and understood their madness and su- perstitious behaviour toward J. N. we were surprised and grieved that he suffered them so to follow and ex- pose him, to make a fool and gazing-stock of him, with- out reprehending them, which gave his adversaries and persecutors the chief advantage against him upon his examination before the committee of Parliament. His forbearing in due time to testify against the folly of those

( IX )

his Followers, who magnified him, was his great weak- ness and loss of judgment, and brought the greater suf- fering upon him, poor man! Though when he was de- livered out of the snare, he did condemn all their wild and mad actions toward him, and judged himself also: Howbeit, our adversaries and persecutors unjust- ly took occasion thereupon, to triumph and insult, and to reproach and roar against Quakers, tho' as a people wholy unconcerned and clear from those occasions and offences.

But, however, the cruel and barbarous usage which the said J. N. met withal seejned to be so intolerable, as might tend to satisfy the highest revenge, and mitigate the greatest fury, and abate the loudest clamour and re- proach of tlie most invidious persecutors and adversa- ries. For a man to be sentenced " to stand two hours in the Pillory at Westminster, and from thence to be whipped by the common hangman over every kennell as far as the old Exchange with three hundred and ten stripes, and there again to stand two hours in the pillory, and bored through the tongue with a hot iron, under pretence of blasphemy, when no real proof could be made thereof against him. Which treatment and usage the said J. N. met withal. This might seem intolerable barbarity exceeding Jews or Turks. Many sober men and persons of quality were ashamed thereof, and great' ly pitied him, and some petitioned the Parliament to re- spite the execution of the last part of the sentence for one week's time, because the sufferer was in a very ill and dangerous condition of body, by the severities he had suffered from the first part of the sentence; which respite was granted. But about one hundred and ten persons presented another petition at the bar of the house of Commons, begging that the remaining part of the sentence against J. N. might be remitted. Which not producing the desired effect, they addressed Oliver, then Lord Protector, as he was termed, by petition, that he being jointly interested in the proceeding of the then Parliament and liberty of conscience (pretended) &c. ' would please to stand up for the poor people of God, and take such Course as that the intended execution.

( X )

and remaining punishment against the said J. N. might be remitted and prevented. But he slightly turned it off, rather seeming to take for granted, that the sufferer might be guilty of the crimes imputed to him, yet desi- red that the house would let him know the grounds and reasons whereupon they had proceeded ; which seemed a poor shift and evasion! Notwithstanding all which so- licitations the sentence of Parliament took place and was executed upon the said J. N." Narr. pp. 54, 55, 56.

All which severities appeared to be designed to bring odiums and reproach upon us as a people, and our holy profession: for in those days the high and proud profes- sors and persecutors were generally bitterly set against the people called Quakers, when Presbytery and inde- pendency swam and floated in profession, and with their long lectures against us cried out, these are the anti- christs come in the last times, &c. "For at that time in December, 1656, were several petitions presented to the Parliament, containing complaints against the growth and exhorbitances of the people called Quakers, from Ministers, Magistrates and others of the counties and cities following, viz. Devon and Exeter, Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle upon Tine, county of Chester and city of Chester, city of Bristol and county of Corn- wall."

" Which said petitions were all referred to a commit- tee to consider of them, and to collect such heads as might be fittest for a bill, for suppressing of the mis- chiefs and inconveniences complained of therein. Narr, p. 37.

Note, it was observable, how busy the proud, cove- tous and envious priests were in those days, to incense the magistrates against us, to make them their servants and drudges in persecution, supposing that a fit oppor- tunity given them to brand us with blasphemy, and un- der that pretence to suppress us by force of perse- cution.

How be it by all the strict inquisition made upon the said J. N. and severe proceedings against him, and re- proaches and aggravations thereupon, to make him guilty of blasphemy, I never understood that he assu-

( xi )

med,or arrogated to himself the names or titles of Jesus or Christ; but contrarywise confessed to his Inquisitors of the Committee and Parliament, that he did not call himself by that name, nor understood that they who took his part meant so of himself being a visible crea- true, not God nor Christ: but what all true christians and children of God believe and own, that God was his father, and that he knew Christ in measure to be spiritually in him by his holy spirit, light and grace, as he is in all his saints and true believers; which is no blasphemy, but true christian doctrine: and neither was this any denial of Christ come in the flesh, nor to set up any other for Jesus Christ, but the same Messiah, the very Christ the Son of the Living God, born of the Vir- gin Mary at Bethlehem in Judea, whose coming in the flesh, and revelation and coming in spirit, are both tes- tified in Holy Scripture; consequently neither blasphe- my nor anticrhistian doctrine could be proved from con- fessing Christ in either respect, seeing neither were denied, but owned accordingtoourchristian principle and doctrine.

After I and some other friends came to be released out of a close, long and hard confinement, in Edmunds- bury jail in the county of Suffolk, which was in the years 1655 and 1656, 1 came to London, and went to see the said J. N. then prisoner in the Gatehouse at West- minster, but could not get into the room where he was, but saw him and spake to him through the grate of the door, to know how he did? He looked on me, but said little: he seemed to be in a suffering condition of spirit, as well as body.

The said Martha Simmons, with some other women that had cried him up, and followed him to his preju- dice, being in another room, I went up to see them, and Martha understanding who I was, began furiously to judge me, telling me, all that I had done must come to the fire: but when I soberly questioned her judgment, she could render no reason for the same, but persisted in her rash uncivil behaviour and folly, which i testified against, and cleared my conscience before the company with her; for I was sensible a great darkness was theft over them.

( xii j

Having lately perused the narrative of the said J. N's examination before the committee and House of Com- mons in Parliament and compared matters of fact and his cruel sufferings, I find his punishment so far from be- ing Secundum qualitatew,, Sr quantitatem delicti^ that they far exceed both, consequently arbitrary, and extremely unjust and barbarous.

For 1st, he suffered chiefly for the offence of other per- sons with him, their giving him such high honor or hom- age, as they didm a public manner, esteeming him as a great and eminent prophet of the most high, replenished with Christ, or partaking of his fulness above his breth- ren, to make division between him and them.

2. He did not rebuke nor reject them therein; but quietly suffered them in their superstitious behaviour and high acclamations, which was from privation of true judgment, and his great weakness and indiscretion disowned by his true friends and brethren.

3. By confessing himself to be but a visible creature, and did not own nor attribute to himselif the name of Jesus or Christ, he did thereby endeavor to free and quit himself from their charge of blasphemy, who sought such occasion against him, to colour over and excuse their own severities.

4. It was certainly Satan in his transformings that made use of instruments to betray him into division and disunion with his brethren and friends, and it was the Devil in his great envy and malice, that made use of instruments to use him inhumanly and barbarously, as aforesaid, to bring reproach upon the Lord's people and heritage. But our God suffered these trials and hard- ships to try and discover many high professors of Chris- tianity in those days; and how far contrary thereto, their actions of cruelty did openly manifest. And also the Lord our God gave us his innocent people faitli and patience to bear them; Blessed be his name for ever.

When I understood what offence J. N. had given, and what sufferings fell upon him, and reproach upon us thereby, I often remembered and considered the prophe- cy of Daniel, Chap. 11. 35. And some of them of un-

( xiii )

derstanding shall fall to try them, and to purge, and to make them vvhite: even to the time of the end, &c. Ver. 34. Now when they shall fall they shall be holpen with a little help; but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.

Some of these things came to pass in the condition and case of J. N. He was a man of understanding, yet had a fall : flatterers did cleave unto him, but he was hol- pen with a little help, yet in great mercy and compassion to him.

When J. N. was prisoner in Old Bridewell in London, it pleased the Lord to afford him a fresh visitation, and to open his understanding, and remove the cloud that had been over him, whereupon he wrote some brief testi- monies to clear and vindicate the truth which had deep- ly suffered on this account, as before.

Serious reader (by the way) note, that there are mar- ginal notes added to the before-mentioned narrative of the parliament's proceedings against J. N. (by what hand I know not) wherein some scriptures in the mar- gin are misapplied, though the narrative itself appears impartial.

After the said J. N. was brought under suffering and contempt through the folly of that party that too highly applauded him, and his too much suffering them without teprehending them indue season; some other persons of a loose ranting spirit got up, and frequently disturbed our friends meetings in London, by their ranting, singing, bawling and reproaching us, crying out against divers of our faithful ministers and their testimonies, in this manner, viz... you have lost the power ; you have lost the power, &c. All which disorder and that wicked spirit J. N. condemned, being heartily sorry that they had any strength upon his account ; as he signified when the Lord had brought him under judgment.

And of this turbulent company was one Mildred, an impudent woman, and two or three rude boisterous fel- lows, who were Ranters; and this kind of their distur- bance continued for some weeks, until the Lord by his power stopped and confounded them, so as they carae to nought.

( XIV )

%

One Robert Rich, a merchant in London, who had been convinced of truth, he was a great admirer of J. N. and did much appear and solicit for him, when he was under prosecution and examination before the par- liament, and also stood by him on the pillory, when he suffered under the cruel sentence of boring through the tongue, and stigmatizing with an hot iron, and then pub- lickly licked his wounds, thereby shewing his great af- fection to him .

After some time the said Robert Rich went into Bar- badoes, where (as we had account) he was turbulent in our friends meetings with noisy singing, &c. to the of- fence of sober friends there. After some years lie re- turned to London, and came into some of our meetings, and walked up and down therein in a stately manner (having a very long white beard) in his black velvet coat, with a loose hanging cloth one over it. When he heard something declared that pleased him, he would cry j^men, Amen^ Amen,

After a meeting in White-Heart-Court in Gracious Street, he came up into Gerard Robert's room to some of us, and declared unto me these words, viz "I am one of the dogs that licked Lazarus his sores."

I had some discourse with the said R. R. another time, about the seed of God (the eternal word) in man and the soul of man; and he could not distinguish them, putting no difference between the soul or spirit of man, and that which saves it; to wit the ingrafted im- mortal word, which is able to save the soul. So that he seemed to leave no room for the immortality of the soul of man, but only of the immortal seed or word of God; but discoursing him a little closely upon the point, he put me otf with an evasive slight, saying, ''thou art wise in the letter, but I am in that which is above thy wis- dom;" to wit, in the mystery, &c.

As the occasion and beginning of this tragedy which fell so heavily and severely upon poor J. N. (as is before related) was introduced by a spirit of division and en- mity, it ended in a divided, loose and factious party, which at last the Lord delivered him out of and from; though some were lost in it: for I never knew any open

( XV )

schism, rent or faction made from our christian society by a partial admiring and setting up particular men or persons, as sect-masters, but some or other were scat- tered and lost in such a breach, division and faction, being turned aside from the holy commandment of love, and from the footsteps of Christ's flock and family.

Some of those followers and admirers of J. N. (when in his clouded condition) were puffed up in their ima- ginations concerning him, as vainly conceiting his growth and attainments in Christ amounted to more equality with him [when on earth] than is attainable by any particular member; probably mistaking that Scripture, Ephes. 4. 13. "Till we all meet together [or come] into the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son'of God, and to a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature [or of the age] of the fulness of Christ." — Which is not predicated of any particular member, but of the whole body or church, as united to Christ the head or principle thereof; which therefore is said to be the "fulness of him that fiUeth all in all, Ephes. 1. 23." And is not mef^^^s if every one, or any of the mem- bers in pajiiSmi^nt should be equal with the head, though every member of Christ be complete and perfect in him ; and all the members of the church, or mystical body of Christ are completed in him, as united in spirit, in true faith and love unto him, as their head, their life and nourishment, their strength and salvation, [Coloss. 2. 9, 10, 19.] It is the head that supplies all; and they are all partakers of his fulness, as they receive thereof, grace for grace. But unto every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the gift of Christ, Ephes. 4. 7. whereby we all may jointly, as one man in Christ our head, one body united to and in him, attain unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ, Ephes. Chap. 4. Ver. 13. But when any one of us, or any liv- ing member of Christ's body, receive of his grace, spirit, power or wisdom, it is by measure, as to us or our capa- cities: But he [Christ Jesus] received the spirit not by measure but in fulness; all power in Heaven and earth is given to the Son, Matth. 28. 18. It hath pleased the Father, that in him should all fullness dwell; And he is

( xvi )

the head of the body of the church, and in all things must have the preeminence, 1 Coloss. 1. 18, 19. As Christ is our head, we are all inferior to him; and his church is subject to him, Eph. 5. 24.

And if any of them who too highly admired J. N. would alledge Phil. 2. 5. Let the same mind be in you that was even in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God, thought it no robbery to be equal with God, &c. The same mind that was to be in them, was his humble, lowly, self-denying mind, wherein he made himself of no reputation, but humbled himself, and became obedient to the death of the cross. This was a mind meet for be- lievers, and not to think themselves equal with god or

CHRIST.

The Galatians, when they so highly admired the apostle Paul at first, that they received him as an angel of God ; yea, as Christ Jesus, insomuch that if it had been possible, they would have plucked out their own eyes, and have given him. Gal. 4. 14, 15. Yet for all that affection they were then but weak and unstable christians; seeing they did not per^^ere nor obey the truth, when bewitched or seduced from the^ spirit into the flesh, to observe fleshy and legal observations of' shadows and ceremonies, which Jesus Christ being cru- cified, had ended, blotted out, and nailed to his cross, [Gal. 3. 1, 2, 3. ("oloss. 2. 14.] In order to introduce and establish a more excellent dispensation of the spir- it and new covenant.

These things seriously considered, people may see and take caution, not to admire men, nor think of men above what is meet, nor to glory in men, [1 Corinth. 3. 21, 22, 23.] nor to give way to a partial indiscreet affec- tion to men or persons, that can be no safe foundation or building which is so laid or built: but Christ Jesus the sure foundation, the sure immoveable rock and chief corner stone, upon which the true church, the spiritual house must be built and established, which the gates of hell may not prevail against.

When our friends understood the Lord had in measure mercifully restored J. N. out of the snare of the adver- sary, into a right sight and sense of the light and life of

( xvii )

Christ, whereby he saw the loss and hurt he had sus- tained, many wer(3 truly comforted in the mercy of God toward him, for his name and truth's sal^e, which he had borne witness of.

Althougli I had some times heard and observed the said J. N in his ministry and solid deportment in the north of England, as before related, some time before his coming to London, yet had very little conversation with him until after he was recovered out of the fall, and delivered out of his said suffering condition in Lon- don, &c. where it so providentially fell out, that he and I for some time lodged together at William Travers his house in Watling Street, London (about Anno }6h9 and 1660.) And we had innocent, loving and comfortable conversation together, he being revived by the Lord's power, and in measure restored into his ancient testimo- ny, and to bear the same publicly in divers parts of the nation, as the Lord enabled him, both in his ministry and writings. And he walked in much brotherly love and simplicity among us until his end came: and near his departure he expressed his great care for the lambs of Christ's fold, according as was intimated to me by a dear friend and brother, and ended his days like an in- nocent lamb, in peace and quietness, and was buried by friends in Hnntingtonshire, where he died, near Thomas Parnell's, who lived at Kings-rippon.

If it should be enquired, "why was the reprinting of his books so long deferred, at least some of his [jrincipal books and writings? And how came they now to be reprinted?"

Answer, \. Because some friends were in a strait and fear about reprinting his works, because of his failure and occasion of reproach formerly given thereby; yet some of them were reprinted since.

2. Because since the same offence is removed, and reproach stopped and taken away through his unfeigned repentance, confessions, retractations and submission to the ancient truth, and reconciliation therein to faithful friends and brethren. And for the sake of many weigh- ty testimonies in his books and writings; many friewds

3

( xviii )

of late have desired, that at least some of his most ser- viceable books and writings might be reprinted.

3. The fall, miscarriages, or failings of David, Heze= kiah, Peter, (and divers others mentioned in holy Scrip- ture) being repented of, and they themselves restored, yet these did not prevent or hinder the religious, pious and christian testimonies from being published, and left upon record to posterity, that the judgments of God and his chastisements for sin, and his mercy and forgiveness upon true repentance may be remembered, and his grace and tender mercy in Christ the more magnified.

King David was deeply humbled under judgment unto repentance, for his great transgression, and his blessed testimonies, prophecies and good actions also are left upon record in the book of Psalms, &c.

King Solon)on came to see all his earthly delights and sensual pleasures to be but vanity and vexation of spirit, Eccles. Chap. 1, 2, 3. &c. Which shows a real change in his mind and affections, and many of his wri- tings, wise sayings and proverbs are left upon record.

Hezekiah king of Judah humbled himself, when God was angry with him, because his heart was lifted up with pride, when the Lord had left him to try him, that he might see all that was in his heart, 2 Chron. 32. and Chap. 25. Ver. 26. 31. And yet both the humiliation, prayer and writing of Hezekiah are recorded, and so left to posterity, 2. Kings 19. Isai. 38.

Peter wept bitterly after he had denied his Lord Christ, Mat. 26. 75. Yet he became an evangelical preacher and writer, an eminent apostle, elder and min- ister of Jesus Christ.

It was well known, that the said J. N. through deep sorrow, contrition and humiliation, made humble ac- knowledgment of the hurt and loss he had fallen under, and offence he had given to truth and his brethren, &c. of ou'"^^ocicty, and that it was the great mercy of God through Jesus Christ to restore him, as is more fully in- timated in some of his writings.

Surely it greatly behooves us to forgive and pass by trespasses and offences when God forgives them, blots them out, and remembers them no more against the tru-

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ly penitent, who enter into covenant and keep covenant with him, who is a God keeping covenant and niercy for ever to them who truly love and fear him.

Serious and friendly reader, though 1 have iiot read all J. N's books and writings, yet some I have ; and hope thou wilt find many weighty and informing truths in them. And if any thing of sentence, words, or expres- sions seem not intelligible, or well distinguished or a- dapted, or not clear to thy understanding, or mysteri- ously expressed, I hope thy charity will either pass by the same, or make the best or most favourable con- struction thereof, with respect to the general import of the matters and things in those most clear and evident truths aimed at, which every ingenious reader will ob- serve, more than nice criticisms, or carping at words, or modes of expressions.

Thou mayst find such essential and weighty truths therein, as may tend to thy profitable information in righteousness, wherein I heartily desire may be thy in- terest, peace and prosperity. * G. W.

TWO SHORT PAPERS OF CONFESSIONS, &C^

TAKEN OUT OF HIS OWN HAND WRITING.

Dear Brethren,

My heart is broken this day for the offence that I have occasioned to God's truth and people, and especially to you, who in dear love followed me, seeking me in faith- fulness to God; which I rejected, being bound wherein I could not come forth till God's hand brought me, to whose love I now confess; and I beseech you, forgive wherein I evilly requitted your love in that day, God knows my sorrow for it, since I see it, that ever I should offend that of God in any, or reject his counsel ; and now that paper you have seen lies much upon me, and I greatly fear further to offend, or do amiss, whereby the innocent truth, or people of God should suffer, or that I should disobey therein.

Unless the Lord himself keep you from me, I beseecii you let nothing else hinder your coming to rae, that I

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might have your help in the Lord; in the mercies ot Christ Jesus, this I beg of you, as if it was your own case, let me not be forgotten of you.

And I entreat you, speak to Henry Clarke, or whoever else I have most offended; and by the power of God, and in the spirit of Christ Jesus I am willing to confess the offence, that God's love may arise in all hearts, as before, if it be his will, who only can remove what stands in the way ; and nothing thereof do I intend to cover: God is witness herein.

Dear Friend^

I would not grieve thee, nor any way offend the people of the Lord, who is my witness of the daily sor- row and travail of my soul, for the offences that have been already, and that the peace of any should be bro- ken through me, who are dear to me ; and nothing have I in this world near in my heart but his innocent people, whom he hath called out of the world; and I cannot trouble you but I oppress my own life: the Lord God of peace rebuke him, who daily seeks to turn the simplici- ty out of its way, who hath long withstood me, and doth withstand me: truly my heart dreads for fear of more divisions; gladly would I see thy face, if it be the will of God ; my bowels yearn in unfeigned love towards thee, God knows I lie not, and in the spirit of meekness I know thou wilt feel me in truth. And whatever the Lord, in any of you, shall lay upon me, I am willing to suffer or do, that all breaches may be removed from the just. J. N.

Dear J, JY.

God hath heard the prayers which hath been to him, for to give unto the understanding to discern and rule over that spirit that bowed thee down, and in cap- tivity kept thee, and would not suffer thee to incline thine ear to the counsel of the brethren, who witnessed against what it did out of the wisdom of God; which in the deepest of thy captivity, when the greatest weight lay upon me, my God did hear, and not leave me with- out hope concerning thy rising again, and returning into the unity with the saints in light, and to deny that spirit

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that run out and made disturbance in tlie peaceable meetings of the Lord's people. In this Counsel of my Father I waited in the sufferings, until he in his wisdom made way to send unto thee, which was done, and he alone seen in giving it to thee, which that I feel moving in thee, from whence thou hast given forth, since I sent unto thee, hath in measure answered. Blessed be the name of the Lord, who in measure hath given thee pow- er over that spirit which the righteous seed groaned under: let this mercy be prized, and in the light wait to be kept single to the Lord, he will bring again all that hath been driven away; they returning again to his counsel, the light, in which the dear babes and children of my Father grow in the unity, and bring forth much fruit in the power of his love; and great is the increase of his flock all abroad, and his powerful presence keeps them savory and sweet in his life, to the praise and glo- ry of his name over all, who alone is worthy. Amen.

W. D. Copied from the original, in his own hand, by J. W.

To all the dearly beloved people of God^ mercy Itnd peace.

There is nothing dear and precious to me in this world but God's truth, and his life of righteousness; for which I have forsaken all the world, and whatever was dear to me therein, I have hated and counted it as an enemy, that I might obtain Christ, the fountain and spring of that eternal life of truth, the beauty whereof I can- not express, as I see it and feel it; the loveliness there- of to my soul hath so dearly united my spirit to all that bear the image and life of it, that there can be no sepa- ration, but my life suffers thereby: and I can truly say, that there is no other thing whatsoever that can unite me as one with any creature living, but this image and life, where I see it borne up, or breathing to life; but in whomsoever it be (without respect of persons) that I see the least appearance of this seed of life is, I can (by that power of love the Father hath begotten in me) lay down my life for the seed's sake. And wherein I have come short of this formerly, and have respected the

( xxii )

high more than stood only in this seed, I have been- judged of the Lord, and my evil thoughts therein con- demned; yea, and I do condemn them before all the world, to be of that which favours self, and not the things of Christ: and the lower God doth bring me, and the nearer to himself, the more doth this love and ten- derness spring and spread towards the poor, simple, and despised ones, who are poor in spirit, meek and lowly suffering lambs ; and with those I choose to suffer, and do suffer wherever they are found, and I bear my testimo- ny against that spirit by which they suffer, wherever it is found; and this lies upon me from the Lord: hearing and feeling a spirit of enmity having got head, by what the Lord hath suffered to be done with me, and now doth exercise its power against tSie peaceable meetings of the Lord's people, the burthen whereof lies heavy upon me, and I suffer under it, and have long waited with prayers, and tears of sorrow, night and day, to receive counsel from the Lord what to do in it, in that condition I am now at present: God knows, I lie not, for there is nothing of all my hardships that hath lain and doth lie upon me like this, that any of the flock of God should be offended, or suffer through me; therefore I have not ceased to warn (as God hath opened to me) such as I could speak to^ to live in peace and love; to suffer, but not to act strife and violence, and have denied that spirit, not to be of the Lamb, but an enemy to him, though the creature may not know it, but may think it is doing God service; it being got above the suffering seed in themselves, would scatter and devour it in others: and this spirit the Lord hath shewed me, and its end, and hath redeemed me from it by the spirit of the lamb; and I shall never join, as head or tail, therewith; but shall earnestly pray to the Father, that a deep search of truth may seriously pass through the hearts and reins of all contenders, that all that are guilty herein may speedily come to repentance, least they be hardened therein, and there come a time when they would give whatever is dear to them for one hour's society with the people of God, and cannot obtain it; then with lamen- table woe shall thei wrath of that be known, that is now

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^.rampled on, without the true fear of God, or life of hia love: and having at length received this favour of the Lord, I have taken this time, in the tender bowels of love (as one wounded therewith) to warn you hereof: beseeching you all, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, that you all search low for the bowels of him who loved you, and suffered for you, when you were his enemies, and put them on towards all men, but especially towards one another, who have been called by one spirit into one truth; that so the holy spirit be no more grieved, nor satan get any more advantage; whose work it is to sow dissention, even among brethren.

And the Lord God of Love give us all to see, that whatever our gifts or powers be, yet if we have not the life and power of love, it avails not with God, though men may esteem of us never so high: for only he that dwells in love, knows God, and lives in him; the rest know not what spirit they are of. And this I feelingly declare, from that dear love of God in me, begotten to all his people; whereby I am so far from taking delight in troubling the people of God, that their growth in peace and truth, upon the foundation laid already, was never so much desired; and my love to them is daily increas- ed, beyond what I can here express, yet the Lord knows it, and whence it is, whether it be received by men or no; yet the seed shall feel it [in God's time] to which it is, and in whose peace only 1 have peace; and I hope, in the power of that love, God will so strengthen me, that nothing of shame, loss, or reproach, shall ever be too hard to take up for the advancement thereof, as God shall shew and lead me therein, without whom I dare do nothing, lest I deny his work, or confound it with my own.

And concerning you, the tender plants of my Father, who have suffered through me, or with me, in what the Lord hath suffered to be done with me, in this time of great trial and temptation; the Almighty God of Love, who hath numbered every sigh, and put every tear in his bottle, reward it a thousand fold into your bosoms, in the day of your need, when you shall come to be tried and tempted; and in the mean time fulfil your joy with

C xxiv )

his love, which you seek after. The Lord knows, it was never in my heart to cause you to mourn, whose suffer- ings is my greatest sorrow that ever yet came upon me, for you are innocent herein: but the envious one hath taken his advantage, which the Lord will turn to his disadvantage, an'3 utter ruin in many souls; and in this believing is all my rest, in my great trouble of heart, concerning you or myself; and in patience I wait to see it, when the man of sin hath had his time, to be revealed. For I have seen the good hand of God working in it; whose end is good to all that love him, else had I been destroyed ere this, such hath been the violence of the enemy of my soul: but he hath number- ed my hairs, and not left me in the fire or water; when none else were with me, thou wast my comforter. O that I may never hide thy praise, by covering my sin or shame! God forbid.

By a way unexpected did the Lord open a way to de- clare thebe words, all other means of writing being ta- ken from me. Blessed be he, on whom I wait further to see his will, that I may do or suffer it.

The presence and peace of the Almighty comfort his people, whom I salute in the bowels of love.

James Nayler.

I beseech you, all that can, to receive it, even as you would be received of the Lord ; and for the rest, the Lord give me patience to suffer, till the Lord make up the breach.

TO ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE LORD, EVERY WHERE GATHERED OR SCATTERED.

In the fear of God, and love to his truth, and people, do I declare, in the spirit of meekness, what hath long oppressed my soul, concerning those unclean spirits gone out from the unity of truth and light, by which we have been called, and gathered into one in Christ Jesus, the head over all his, blessed for ever; whose name hath been greatly dishonoured through many wild actings, and his innocent spirit grieved, and many simple souls

( XXV )

deceived; many oppressed, and many offended against: the truth, because of those spirits gone out from the truth, and now secretly, under a pretence, seek daily to make it odious unto all. [For which work my soul hath been much troubled:] Who to this day raven about from place to place, amongst the people of God, seek- ing to enter where they can ; and so to strengthen them- selves into parties, to trouble such as they cannot enter, seeking to spoil the peaceable pasture of the lambs, that they should not feed in peace: and for that end, hunt af- ter the meetings of the peoi)le of God. All which prac- tices and pretences, I deny in my soul, and the spirit that acts therein.

And the more it lies upon me from the Lord, to warn the simple innocent ones of his thereof openly, in that through me these spirits have got much head and en- trance, into the minds of some who were simple towards God's truth: and this the envious one hath done, in the night of my trial, and hoar of darkness and temptation, taking advantage at my sufferings, in the day when my judgment was taken away, and I led captive under the power of darkness, which all along hath sought my life, had not the Father hid it, and with his hand upon me, stayed me in those great temptations; to whom alone I give the glory of my deliverance from that great des- truction, as his promise was to me before I came into that trial; who hath now brought me up again, and hath given me to see those evil spirits, and that the work of the murderer and devourer is therein, against the life of God in his Temple: which, though they seek entrance under pretence of humility, promising some great things, and more holiness in that way, to steal into simple minds; but being got in, exalt themselves above the seed of God, and trample the meek spirit un- der foot, and so darken the vessels, and being exalted io the imaginations, lead the creature, [as God] above that of God, and so against that of God he wars iB others, where God is above.

And this mystery of deep iniquity hath the Lord God in the spirit of the Lamb revealed unto me, whose powerful working I have found, working in me a-

4

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gainst the pure measure and unspotted life of God And though in the simplicity of Christ Jesus, had given; up my body all along, a free offering to the will of God, in life or in death, for the seeds sake, yet ungathered in the world ; [as God knoweth I lie not] yet could I often feel that exalted one above, secretly tempting to envy against the people of God already gathered, pretending a greater thing to come another way; but this, with the life of God was ever judged ; though often I was buffe- ted therev/ith, sometimes so strongly as to force words from me, above the meek and lowly principle; all which words were soon judged, with the sufferer which lay under, and with his life be they condemned for ever.

And this lies upon me to declare openly, which God hath revealed to me, for the sake of the simple ones, who may be deceived therewith, but would not, did they know his subtility: and by this shall you all perceive that spirit whatever it pretends, it will secretly withdraw your entire love from the flock of God already gathered^ and cool your affections and zeal towards their present meetings, and if you judge it not there, it will grow on with an evil eye, to spy out their failings, and delight to hear of them, and talk of them with a hidden joy whispering them to others, and adding thereunto, with a desire to see them broken, and their nakedness laid open, if any thing be amiss: and thus it hath wrought in a mystery of wickedness in some unjudged, until it be seated in the throne of open enmity and strife against the lambs of Christ, preferring the society of the pro- fane before them, and taking part therewith against them, joining with any who seek to scatter them. And whatever pretence this spirit seeks to cover itself with, this 1 declare of it [having been kept by the good hand of God, to see it revealed in its ground and end] that it is the old spirit of the Ranters, which now in a new way makes head against the light of Christ, and life of hii^ cross; which is the only thing that stands in its way, by condemning its filthiness in every consciencie; and so they in whom this is entered, being exalted above the living witness in themselves, would devour it in others.

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And lliis in the presence and fear of God I declare, without the least prejudice against the person of any man or woman; but in obedience to God, and for the seeds sake, lest any more of the simple siiould be de- ceived, and that such as are deceived already, might recover themselves out of satan's snares; no selfish end have I in it, God knoweth. And long time hath my soul been in travail, ere I could obtain power herein, so strongly hath he that letteth withstood my way.

Therefore in the bowels of tender love, I warn you all, to take heed how you ever come under that spirit under any pretence whatsoever; but let the fear of God, and sound judgment in the spirit of meekness, preserve you all above it; for wlieresoever it enters by consent, it is hardly got out again ; and if it be, it is not without much sorrow: and this I have found in the depth, which for your sakes I declare in plainness and truth, as I have learned of the Lord, labouring with him without ceas- ing, that the rest of the people of God every where may be saved from this devourer, who goeth daily about to deceive, and whosoever he takes, he casts into the earth or into the sea; for wickedness is with him where- soever he goeth.

Even the Lord God Almighty arm you all against his wiles, being warned thereof in his love, and the eter- nal power of holiness preserve you all clean to himself, who are dearer unto me than ever, and that in no other thing, but in that innocent principle in which you are kept free from all the pollutions of the world, and flesh- ly liberty, and stand witnesses for God against it, before all men, and in no other thing have I fellowship with any, which is that I seek to set up above all.

And this was I moved to give forth, to go every where, as a witness against that unclean spirit wherever it goes, feeling its work is to run to and fro to deceive; that all may be warned by what I have learned in sufferings, and that they that will not may be left without excuse.

James Nayler.

Written in Bridewell, about the beginning of 1658,

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A TESTIMONY TO CHRIST JI^SUS, DELIVERED TO THE PARLIAMEM;

WHO PERSECUTED HIM AS A BLASPHEMER: WRITTEN

IN THE TIME OF HIS IMPRISONMENT

IN BRIDEWELL.

Christ Jesus, the Immannel, [of whose sufferings the scriptures declare] him alone I confess before men; for whose sake I have denied whatever was dear to me in this world, that I might win him, and be found in him, and not in myself, whose life and virtue I find daily manifest in my mortal body, [which is my eternal joy and hope of glory] whom alone I seek to serve in spirit, soul and body, night and day, [according to the measure of grace working in me] that in me he may be glorified, whether by life or death; and for his sake I suffer all things, that he alone may have the glory of my change, whose work alone it is in me: even to that eternal spirit be glory, and to the lamb for ever.

But to ascribe this name, power and virtue to James Nayler, [or to that which had a beginning, and must return to dust] or for that to be exalted or worshipped, to me is great idolatry, and with the spirit of Christ Jesus in me it is condemned; which spirit leads to low- liness, meekness ajdd long suffering.

So having an opportunity given [with readiness] I am willing in the fear of God the Father, [in honour to Christ Jesus, and to take off all offences from every sim- ple heart] this to declare to all the world, as the truth of Christ is in me, without guile or deceit, daily finding it to be my work to seek peace in truth with all men in that spirit. James Nayler.

HIS CONFESSIONS AND ANSWER TO SOME PARTICULARS, PRINTED 1659.

Having heard that some have wronjed my words, which I spoke before the Committee of Parliament, concerning Jesus Christ, and concernmg the Old and New Testament, some have primed words which I spoke not: also some iiave printed a paper, and call it James Nayler's Recan- tation, unknown to me: to all which things I shall speak a few words, which may satisfy sucli as love the truth, and that he who is out of the truth may proceed no further.

Concerning Jesus Christ, the same Christ and no other, of whom the scriptures testify, who is the light

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of the world, and redeemer of lost man, from under the power of darkness, known of old by the name Imman- uel; that eternal spirit of truth is the same to whom I confess all power, glory, honour and worship, in Heaven and in earth: and wherein-soever this earthly vessel, or any thing therein hath been set up in the minds of any, to diminish the glory of that invisible power, or to draw any one from the measure of the same spirit in them- selves, or to offend the least measure of that pure and tender spirit in any of his people, all that I condemn and deny as a thing never intended by me; but is the work of the adversary, who seeks all occasions against the truth of God, to devour them in whom it is begotten; who took his advantage in the time of my trial and suf- ferings, to stir up enmity and despite against the spirit of truth, and with alibis power sought to dishonour the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, for which I have denied all that I loved in this world ; which name stands in the power and nature of that eternal spirit, and to the pow- er the name is given (and not to James Nayler) as Christ himself said, John 14. 26. and in the eternal seed is the son-ship, and the Lamb is he that bears all things.

And concerning his sufferings at Jerusalem, I have believed them from a child, according to the Scriptures, and I can truly say, I was never of any faith contrary; and much more I am confirmed therein daily, having found the effect and power of that suffering spirit to be all my strength in all my tribulations, who in all our af- flictions hath been afflicted, which whosoever abides in, seeks no revenge, their reward being present with them; which power and spirit whosoever feels in the deep, cannot call Jesus accursed, nor undervalue his suffer- ings, neither can any say, in truth, that h^ is Lord, but thereby.

And concerning the Old and New Testament being the word, the Old is that which was dedicated with the blood of calves and goats, enjoined for its time, imd dis- annulled for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof, because it could not make perfect, Heb. 7. 18, 19. and 9. 18, 19, 20. But the word of God is not disannulled, unprofitable nor imperfect, but quick and powerful, liv- ing and abiding for ever, Heb. 4. 12.

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And the New Testament I own, which is in the blood of Christ, Luke 22. 20. And the apostle saith, God hath made us able ministers of the New Testament, not of the letter, but of the spirit, 2 Cor. 3. 6. And these were ministers of the word, who said, they were not ministers of the letter, which word was in them, and spiritual, and they knew his voice, that liveth for ever, Rom. 10.6,7,8.

So the Scriptures I own which declare of these things, and the word I own which was before these things were written ; but my life stands in that which quickneth, liv- eth, and abideth forever; and he is the word which by the gospel is preached, and they that have him can be- lieve what is written of him, John 1. 1 Pet. 2. 23, 24, 25. Rev. 19. 13.

And as touching the printing of that paper, called J. N's Recantation, it was not done by me, nor with my knowledge in the least, nor do I yet at all know the man that hath done it; but out of the truth and against the truth he hath done it, and for evil towards me who- ever it was; the Lord God of my life, who hath kept me alive in all distress, turn it for good and forgive the evil; And though he that hath done it hath not done it in truth, nor love to it, yet what of truth there is in the paper I shall own, as stands on truths behalf; for thus it was, that after I was put into the hole at Bridewell, I heard of many wild actions done by a sort of people who pretended that they owned me, and these were ear- nestly stirred up at that day, with much violence, and many unseemly actions, to go into the meetings of the people of the Lord called Quakers^ on purpose to hinder their peaceable meetings, and yet would take that holy and pure name of God, and Christ, frequently into their mouth, whereby the name of Lord was much dishonour- ed, and his pure spirit grieved, and much disorder they caused in many places of the nation, to the dishonour of Christ Jesus, for which I felt wrath from God ; which when 1 understood that they had any strength through me, I used all means I could to declare against that evil spirit, which under the name of God and Christ, was against God and Christ, his truth and people ; and some-

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iliing I did give forth about a year and a half since in denial of these spirits, which it seems to me, he that hath done this hath got a sight of,* and hath added to it the thoughts of his own heart, and so hath brought out this darkness, that people know not what to make of it. Therefore, so far as it testifies against those unclean ranting spirits, and all the actions wherein the holy name of God hatii been dishonoured, and his spirit grieved, so far I own it; but in that it is turned as though I denied the Lord Jesus Christ, and his truth which hath called me out of the world, or his people whom he hath called into light, in that I own it not; for in the patience and tribulation of Christ Jesus, and with those who have the power this day to testify therein, against all the evils of this present world, I am one in heart and soul to the utmost of my strength, till the coming of the Lord Jesus over all, and the throne of meekness, and truth be set on the top of all enmity and deceit, in which faith and power I am given up to live or die, suffer or rejoice, as God will, even so be it, without murmuring.

James Nayler.

TO THE LIFE OF GOD IN ALL.

The love of that precious life of Christ Jesus in me, constrains me, as the light thereof arises to declare to all people, and to generations to come, how that inno- cent, just, and holy life came to suffer in me, and be be- trayed, and 1 to lose the light thereof, so far as to be taken captive again under the power of darkness, sin and death, from which, that life had once set me free, and borne me in it self for some years, above all the craft, subtility and power of satan, that old deceiver and tempter of mankind, who ceaseth not to take every occa- sion that pure life to devour, and so to take the creature captive again, who with that precious life hath once been ransomed, as once I had been by the living virtue there- of; for out of kindreds and estate, and all visible rela- tions had he once called me, and set me free, and had

That to all the people of the Lord, aforesaid.

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broken all my boncis as to all earthly things, which were strong and many, and redeemed me from all my sins past, and with his precious blood had he sprinkled my con- science before God, as though I had never sinned in his sight, anointing me with the oil of deliverance and peace towards God and man; and sent me forth in the same bovi^els to call lost and strayed souls to the same ever- lasting light, therein to wait for the appearance of the same purifying life and power in themselves, therewith to be gathered to the pure God, to whom the children of darkness and wicked workers cannot come, till with the word of life they be cleansed and made new after him- self, in whom is no iniquity.

And in this his work, by him I was preserved against all enmity, born in all afflictions, and fed above all wants within and without, though sent into a strange country without money, bag or scrip, and among a strange peo- ple that knew net God, in the north parts of this English nation; and I may truly say, as a sheep among wolves I was wherever I came; yet had none power to touch me further than what should make for his glory in whom I lived, and the advantage of that work I was about, which he daily turned to my exceeding joy and great reward; and his living presence did ever furnish me with renewed strength against all contrary spirits, and the power thereof, and in him 1 had judgment and power over them, wherever they withstood his pure work.

And in this same life and dominion did he bring me up into this great city London, into which I entered with the greatest fear that ever into any place I came, in spirit foreseeing somewhat to befal me therein, but not knowing what it might be; yet had I the same presence and power as before; into what place or service soever I was led of the spirit, in that life I never returned with- out victory in Christ Jesus, the Lord thereof.

But not minding in all things to stand single and low to the motions of that endless life, by it to be led in all things, within and without; but giving way to the rea- soning part, as to some things which in themselves had no seeming evil, by little and little drew out my mind -after trifles, vanities, and persons which took the affec-

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\ionate part, by which my mind was drawn from the constant watch, and pure fear, into which I was once begotten, and spiritual adultery was committed against that precious pure life which had purchased me unto himself alone, and is grieved with the least departure from him in body, spirit or mind, even that eternal, pure and zealous spirit from above, had drawn me near into himself, and that pure word was become my life, who said, "he that doth but look upon a woman to lust, com- mits adultery ;" and in whose sight the least coveting, or letting any visible object into the affections is idolatry: into that life I was comprehended, and the apple of that pure eye was opened in me, which admits not of an evil thought; but is wounded and bruised with the least ap- pearance of evil, even this birth was born which reigns through righteousness, and suffers till all righteousness be fullilled in every particular. And this is the Son of God for ever, and into this life and kingdom I was trans- lated ; and 1 was in him that is true, in whom there is no sin; and he alone lived and ruled in this his temple, which to himself he had purchased with his precious blood, and his delight was in me, and his presence was glorious, and not the least evil could appear, but I could feel him in spiiit lifting up his witness against it.

But when I reasoned against his tender reproof, and consulted with another, and so let the creatures into my affections, then his temple was defiled through lust, and his pure spirit was grieved, and he ceased to reprove, and he gave me up, and his light he withdrew and his judgment took away; and so the body of death and sin revived again, and I possessed afresh the iniquities of my youth, and that which had of old been buried, arose and stood against me, and so the temple was tilled with darkness and the power of death, and my heart with sorrow, and satan daily at my right hand to tempt me further to provoke the Lord, and to take away my life.

Thus having in a great measure lost my own guide, and darkness being come upon me, I sought a place where 1 might have been aione, to weep and cry before the Lord, that his face I might find, and my condition recover: but then my adversary who had long waited

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his opportunity, had got in, and bestirred himself every way, so that 1 could not be hid, and divers messages came to me in that case, some true, some false, (as I have seen since) «o I knowing some to be true, to wit, how I had lost my condition, with this I let in the false message too; and so letting go that little of the true light which I had yet remaining in my self, I gave up my life wholly to be led by others, whose work was then wholly to divide me from the children of light; which was done, though much was done by dvers of them to prevent it, and in bowels of tender love many laboured to have stayed me with them. And after I was led out from them, the Lord God of my life sent divers of his servants with his word after me, for my return: all which was rejected; yea, the provocations of that time of temptation was exceeding great against the pure love of God, yet he left me not; for after I had given myself under that power, and darkness was above, my adver- sary so prevailed, that all things were turned and per- verted against my right seeing, hearing or understanding, only a secret hope and faith I had in my God, whom I had served, that he would bring me through it, and to the end of it; and that I should again see the day of my redemption from under it all: and this quieted my soul in my greatest tribulation.

Thus was I led out from amongst the children of light and into the world, to be a sign, where I was chased as a wandering bird gone from her nest, so was my soul daily, and my body from one prison to another, till at length 1 was brought in their own way before a backsli- ding power to be judged, who had lost their first love, as I had done; so they sentenced me, but coidd not see their sign, and a sign to the nation, and a sign to the world of the dreadful day of the just God, who is come and coming to avenge for that pure life, where it is trans- gressed, and to plead the cause of that precious seed wherever it is oppressed and suffers under the fleshy lusts of this present world, and the cup is deep and very dreadful that is seen and filling, and it hath begun at God's house, but many must drink it, except there be speedy repentance.

( XXXV )

And in this time of my darkness and night of great "temptations (which darkness I had let up over my head, and my judgment being much lost) there got up many wild spirits, ranters and such like, acting many evil things against the life of truth and name of Christ, his light and people that walk therein, on purpose to bring reproach thereon, and set themselves to break and dis- quiet the meetings of the people of God, and made use of my name therein, and others rejoiced thereat, and cried, "thus would we have it, they are divided among themselves; this is that we looked for, &c." Others came to me in that time in true pity, and in sorrow of heart suffered with me for all that was befallen me, and that precious truth I had walked in.

Thus became 1 an occasion to make sad the innocent and harmless people, whose hearts were tender, and to make glad the man that delights in mischief, and such as rejoice in iniquity, and to gratify many unclean spirits: which things the pure God hates, and my soul hates, and all that name that God had formerly given me in his house, and that power, the wicked one made use on against the Lord, and his lambs, and his truth, where- in I had received that name and power. Thus I abused my power and knew not, by coming under him who seeks to pervert the right ways of God, and his truth to turn into a lie, wherever he gets above, whom the Lord had once trodden under my feet and all his instru- ments. And over the head of all this was I kept by his power, while singly 1 stood in his pure counsel, and hum- bly walked in his daily fear: the loss whereof was of myself. And this to his eternal glory I confess for ever.

So to that precious life of Christ Jesus I confess open- ly, which I have openly sinned against, which life is the light of the world, and all the good that is in man is from the virtue thereof; v^•hich whosoever goes from to feed elsewhere, forsakes their own mercies, and to this must return, and confess again, if ever they come to true peace in God: for this is the peacemaker and the Christ of God, and the lamb that takes away sin, and recon- ciles to the father of spirits, and that spirit that quick- ens the dead, of whom I testify for ever, and him I con-

C xxxvi )

fess in the iiight and in the day before God and before men, who under all hath been my help and Saviour, im- mortal praises for ever.

And he that hath this precious life hath the son of the eternal God and eternal life ; and with all that re- ceive him as king and leader, with such the father is well pleased, because he alone it is that leads in all holy ways, and out of all show of lust and uncleanness, and teaches to avoid every appearance of evil within and without; therefore the pure God loves him above all in Heaven and earth, and hath placed his fulness in him, from whom the living of all ages are to be fed, and whatever good gift any creature receives from God the father, it is in this pure life and for the sake of this un- spotted seed; and that he alone (that spirit) may be exalted in all and above all, not flesh which is grass, whose glory turns into dust. If this life withdravv^ its virtue, then all his wisdom is shame and folly, who goes out from this light and counsel: for this life is he, which being disobeyed is man's fall; and his spirit being griev- ed, is God's wrath upon every creature; but in his favour is length of days and eternal glory; and both these I have learned in the day and in the night: so I give all glory to the life for evermore, and to him it is due, and all the evil hath been from self.

This life is the root and offspring of all heavenly fruit upon earth, and in whom this is planted, as it grows it will bring forth truth and righteousness towards God and man, and the virtue that rises with it will fill the creature with springs of eternal life and heavenly pow- er, it will cover thee with health of salvation, and stay thee with immortal strength ; he will guide thee with counsel of life, and open thy mouth in that wisdom which none shall confound; yea, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Him, and the richest excellency that ever appeared in flesh in Him is sealed; for all generations that receive Him in their faith and obedience, and as he arises in his temples, he gives forth of hrs riches, gifts to adorn his habitation, and to cover^ it with his light and glory.

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But this is the evil in his sight, and that which pro- vokes his pure spirit, that vain man, in whom he thus delights, should he exalted in himself, because of the gifts, aqd glory in his strength and wisdom, and so grow wanton against the life from whence he hath it; and so through feeding on the gifts, ceases to walk hnmbly with the giver in his own vessel. Here man for- gets his God, and so withers at the root, and be the tree never so great it will fall in the end, and great will be the fall thereof.

And this is that God against whom I have sinned, and my offence I confess to the root that bore me, who rai- seth up the meek and lowly, and casteth down him that boasteth above the root, who doth what he will in the heavens, and ruleth in the kingdoms of men, the Lord of hosts is his name, and he is worthy; yea, and will be Jearedteven so be it for evermore.

And whatever of that worship or honour hath any way by any creature been given or received to my per- son, which belongs to that eternal spirit, for ever by me it is denied and condemned as idolatry; and whatever creature I have at any time gone out to, from this pure spirit, and let into my affections, or whatever I have taken counsel of without this life and against it, is for ever condemned as aduletry in my heart, and so I have found it in his pure sight, to whom I confess for my God and Saviour in all my troubles.

In' whomsoever this pure and eternal spirit of life throughout the world hath been tVoubled or offended, in man or woman, through my fall, or the advantage which the adversary got against my soul, God's truth and his people, to that in all I acknowledge my offence. Against thee have I sinned who was with me in the deep, and in so many tender hearts for my recovery and salvation, which is one in all, for ever confessed to, and the occa- sion of the grief thereof for ever condemned in the pre- sence of God, his host and people.

But against him that sought my life in that day, and rejoiced at that occasion, have 1 requited no evil in my heart, neither have I opened my mouth before the Lord,, that the cvU day should ha<5te, who rejoiced at my fall.

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and was glad at that advantage, to pursue my soul into the pit, that I might never have seen light more, nor have appeared in the assemblies of them which God hath sanctified on the earth: but in the bowels. of Him that hath borne me through all adversity, I have been kept towards them, and I know it is the spirit of Christ Jesus which thinks not evil for evil. And vi'hen all visi- ble help was removed afar off, and I in the depth of the pit, then this was with me and in me before God, which often appeared when all else was gone, and many a time stayed my soul in secret, that it sunk not under the ac- cuser; and the weight of his temptations when I was alone from any creature. And now seeing that the loving kindness of the Lord hath outlived all this enmi- ty, and the long suffering of Christ Jesus hath borne to the end thereof, and that endless life hath ministered freedom for me, thereto be glory and praise for ever- more.

And to God the Father of all be thanks for ever, who is begetting his creatures into that one pure life, and with the chords thereof hath bound up as in one bundle so many at this day, who in his living spirit and power are made at the needful time to stand before him, with cries and prayers one for another, which he hath heard and doth hear, even as he hath begotten thereto in every creature, the answer whereof makes many glad at this day, praises to God everlasting.

And to the glory of this precious life is this sent forth, that all that have sinned against him may have hope in him and return, whose judgments are right and his mercy endures for ever, and that all who have made their graves deep through disobedience, and their dark- ness thick through lust, might awake and confess to the Lord of life, and come forth, who quickeneth the dead, at his word the blind he makes to see, and hath cal- led to the great deeps, that his praises may live for ever.

And that all you in whom any measure of this pre- cious life hath been betrayed, either through this or any other thing, that to the light thereof you may return in yourselves, and there wait till the life arise, which is

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your return, and which must give you rest with the flock of God ; for it's the life that's the door and the fold, and without it you will be but wanderers, and lost in all your thoughts and niotions, and God will cross you and curse you for its sake, and plead against you till you return, if he cast you not off for often rebellion, from which the Lord keep you. And take heed of evil thoughts to which you will be tempted, you that are gone out from the true light, or an evil eye going out of your own hearts against the truth you once were called into, or them that walk in it, to spy faults in others and feed thereon; this food will but strengthen the enmity in you against you and your return, and with this you may make bonds which you cannot break when you would, and your evil thoughts are as witchcraft to the pure life, and as a canker, will eat till it have devoured all that re- mains in you, to lead you to repentance, that not so much as the place thereof you will find in the end. And this I am moved to warn you of, having been often tempted therewith, that the life of peace and truth may only live and guide in you in all, without which there can be no true unity with God or his people, which is that the devil chiefly hates, and withstands in all in whom he can prevail.

Thus having drunken a measure of that depth which cannot be measured, I cannot but confess thereto, and declare thereof to his praise, who above all excelleth in judgment and mercy, to every particular creature m their several states and conditions, that all might heat and take heed to abide in him, whose offspring they are, who hath his way in the deeps, and makes darkness as light before him ; he turns man to destruction for his dis- obedience, and the light of his word is salvation, and his life the resurrection out of the greatest depth, who hath saved my soul from death thus far, and lifted my feet out of the pit, even to him be immortal glory for ever; and let every troubled soul trust in Him, for his mercy endureth for ever.

James Nayler.

XL

AiNJO IN THE DAV WHEN MY GOD LIFTED MY FEKT OUT OF THE PIT AVAS THIS GIVEN FORTH.

It is in my heart to praise thee, O my God, let me ne- ver forget thee, what thou hast been to me in the night, by thy presence in the day of trial, when I was beset in darkness, when I was cast out as a wandering bird, when I was assaulted with strong temptations, then thy presence in secret did preserve me; and in a low estate I felt thee near me, when the floods sought to sweep me away, thou set a compass for them, how far they should pass over, when my way vvas through the sea, and when I passed under the mountains, there wast thou present with me, when the weight of the hills was upon me, thou upheld'st me, else had I sunk under the earth, when I was as one altogether helpless, when tribulation and anguish was upon me day and night, and the earth without foundation ; when I went on the way of wrath, and passed by the gates of hell; when all comforts stood a far off, and he that is mine enemy had dominion ; when I was cast into the pit, and was as on© appointed to death ; when 1 was between the millstones, and as one crushed with the weight of his adversary, as a fa- ther thou wast with me, and the rock of thy presence, when the mouths of lions roared against me, and fear took hold on my soul in the pit: then I called upon thee in the night, and my cries were strong before thee daily, who answered'st me from thy habitation, and deliver- ed'st me from thy dwelling place, saying, '*I will set thee above all thy fears, and lift up thy feet above the head of oppression:" I believed and was strengthened, and thy word was salvation. Thou didst fight on my part when I wrestled with death ; and when darkness would have shut me up, then thy light siione about me, and thy banner was over my head. When my work was in the furnace, and as I passed through the fire, by thee I was not consumed, though the flames ascended above my head: when I beheld the dreadful visions and was amongst the fiery spirits, thy iih stayed me, else through fear I had fallen: 1 saw thee and believed, so the enemy could not prevail.

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When I look back into thy works I am astonished, and see no end of thy praises: glory, glory to thee, saith my soul, and let my heart be ever filled with thanksgiv- ing; whilst tny works remain, they shall shew forth thy power; then didst thou lay the foundation of the earth, and led'st me under the waters, and in the deep did'st thou shew me wonders, and tiie forming of the world. By thy hand thou led'st me in safety till thou shewed'st me the pillars of the earth: then did the heavens show- er down, they were covered with darkness and the pow- ers thereof were shaken, and thy glory descended, thou filled'st the lower parts of the earth with gladness, and the springs of the valleys were opened ; thy showers descended abundantly, so the earth was filled with vir- tue. Thou madest thy plant to spring, and the thirsty soul became as a watered garden; then did'st th(>u lilt me out of the pit, and set me forth in the sight of my enemies: thou proclaimed'st liberty to the captive, and called'st mine acquaintance near me, they to whom I had been a wonder, looked upon me, and in thy love I obtained favour in those who had forsook me, then did gladness swallow up sorrow, and I forsook all my trou- bles; and I said, how good is it that man be proved in the night, that he may know his folly, that every mouth may become silent in thy hand, until thou makest man known to himself, and hast slain the boaster, and shewed him the vanity that vexeth thy spirit.

Printed in the year 1659.

Glory to God Almighty, who ruleth in the heavens, and in whose hands are all the kingdoms of the earth, who raiseth up and casteth down at his will, who hath ways to confound the exaltation of man and to chastise his children, and to make man to know himself to be as grass before him, whose judgments are above the highest of men, and his pity reacheth the deepest misery: and the arm of his mercy is underneath, to lift up the prison- er out of the pit, and to save such as trust in him from the great destruction, which vain man through his folly brings on himself; who hath delivered my soul out of

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darkness, and made way for my freedom out of the prison-house, ransomed me from the great captivity, who divides the seas before him, and removes the moun- tains out of his way, in the day when he takes upon him to deliver the oppressed out of the hand of him that is too mighty for him in the earth; let his name be exalted for ever, and let all flesh fear before him, whose breath is life to his own, but a consuming fire to the adversary.

And to the Lord Jesus Christ be everlasting dominion upon earth, and his kingdom above all the powers of darkness, even that Christ of whom the scriptures de- clare, which was, and is, and is to come, the light of the world to all generations, of whose coming I testify, with the rest of the children of light begotten of the immortal seed, whose truth and virtue now shine in the world unto the righteousness of eternal life, and the Saviour of all that believe therein, who hath been the rock of my salvation, and his spirit hath given quietness and patience to my soul in deep affliction, even for his name sake: praises for ever.

But condemned for ever be all those false worships, with which any have idolized my person in the night of my temptation, when the power of darkness was above; all their casting off their clothes in the way, their bow- ings and singings, and all the rest of those wild actions which did any way tend to dishonour the Lord, or draw the minds of any from the measure of Christ Jesus in themselves, to look at flesh which is grass, or to ascribe that to the visible which belongs to Christ Jesus; all that I condemn by which the pure name of the Lord hath any way been blasphemed through me in that time of temptation, or the spirits of any people grieved that truly love the Lord Jesus throughout the whole world, of what sort soever.

This offence I confess, which hath been sorrow of heart, that the enemy of man's peace in Christ should get this advantage in the night of my trial, to stir up wrath and offences in the creation of God, a thing the simplicity of my heart did not intend, the Lorrd knows, who in his endless love hath given me powe over it to

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condemn it; and also that letter sent me to Exeter, by John Stranger, when I was in prison, with these words, thy name shall be no more Jame3 Nayler, but Jesus. This I judge to be written from the imaginations, and a fear struck me when I first saw it; and so I put it in my pocket [close] not intending any should see it: which they finding on me, spread it abroad, which the simplici- ty of my heart never owned. So this I deny also, that the name of Christ Jesus^ is received instead of James JVayk)\ or be ascribed to him ; for the name is to the promised seed to all generations, and he that hath the son, hath the name which is life and power, the salva- tion and the unction, into which name all the children of light are baptized: so the name of Christ I confess before men, but not according to men; which name to me hath been a strong tower, in the night and in the day.

And this is the name of Jesus Christ which I confess, the Son and the Lamb, the promised seed, where he speaks in male or female ; but who hath not this in him- self, hath not life, neither can have by idolizing my per- son, or the person of any flesh, but in whom the heir is born and hath spoken, or doth speak, there he must not be denied the mouth to speak by, who >s head over alL and in all his own, God blessed for ever.

And all those ranting wild spirits, which then gather- ed about me in the time of darkness, and all their wild actions and wicked words against the honour of God and his pure spirit and people, I deny the spirit, the power and the works thereof, and as far as I gave ad- vantage, through want of jadgment, for that evil spirit in any to arise, I take shame to myself justly, having formerly had power over that spirit in judgment and dis- cerning wherever it was: which darkness came over me through want of watchfulness and obedience to the pure eye of God, and diligent minding the reproof of life, which condemns the adultrous spirit: so the adver- sary got advantage, who ceases not to seek to devour; and being taken captive from the true light, walked in the night, where none can work, as a wandering bird fit for the prey. And if the Lord of all my mercies had

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not rescued me, I liad perished ; for I was as one ap- pointed to death and destruction, and there was none could deliver me.

And this I confess, that God may be justified in his judgment, and magnified in his mercies without end, who did not forsake his captive in the night, even when his spirit was daily provoked and grieved ; but hath brought me forth to give glory to his name for ever. And it is in my heart to confess to God, and before men, my folly and offence in that day ; yet >vas there many things form- ed against me at that day to take away my life, and cast upon the truth, of which I am not guilty at all; as that accusation, as if I had committed adultery with some of those women who came with us from Exeter prison; and also those who were with meat Bristol the night before I suffered there. Of both which accusa- tions I am clear before God, who kept me at that day both in thought and deed, as to all women as a little child, God is my record. And this I mention in partic- ular [hearing of some who still cease not to reproach therewith Gcd's truth and people] that the mouth of enmity may be shut from evil-speaking, though this touch not my conscience.

Also that report, as though I had raised Dorcas Er- hury from death; this I deny also, and condemn that testimony to be out of the truth, though that power that quickens the dead I deny not, which is the word of eter- nal life.

And this I give forth, that it may go as far as the offence against the spirit of truth hath gone abroad, that all burthens may be taken off with the truth, and the truth cleared thereby, and the true light and all that walk therein; and the deeds of darkness be con- demned, and that all that are in darkness may not act in the night, but stay upon God who dwells in the light, who with the workers of iniquity hath not fellowship; which had I done when first darkness came upon me, and not been led by others, I had not run against that rock to be broken, which so long had borne me, and of whom I had so largely drunken, and of which I now drink in measure; to whom be the gloi-y of all, and to

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him mnst every tongue confess, as judge and Saviom^, God over all, blessed for ever.

And this further is given me to say to every particu- Icir person, to whom this writing shall come, whatever is thy condition, wait in the light which lest thee see it; there is thy counsel and thy strength to be received, to stay thee, and to recover thee. Art thou tempted to sin? Abide in that which lest thee see it, that there thou mayst come to feed on the right body, and not on the temptation ; for if thou mindest the temptation it will overcome thee, but in the light is salvation: or hav- ing sinned, art thou tempted to despair or to destroy thy self. Miud not the temptation, for it's death that sin hath brought forth; feed not on it nor mind it, least thou eatest condemnation, for that's the wrong body.

The body of Christ is felt in the light, in which is life from death, grace and truth to feed on, which will over- come for thee being followed ; but if thou foUowest the temptation, fear and condemnation will swallow thee up; if there appear to thee voices, visions and revela- tions, feed not thereon, but abide in the light and feel the body of Christ, and there wilt thou receive faith and power to judge of every appearance and spirits, the good to hold fast and obey, and the false to resist. Art thou in darkness? Mind it not; for if thou dost, it will fill thee more; but stand still and act not, and wait in patience till light arise out of darkness to lead thee. — Art thou wounded in conscience? Feed not there, but al)ide in the light, which leads to the grace and truth, which teaches to deny and put off the weight, and re- moves the cause, and brings saving health to light; yea, this I say to thee in the name of Jesus Christ, that though thou hast made thy grave as deep as the nether- most hell, or were' the afflictions as great as Job's, and thy darkness as the depth of the sea, yet if thou wilt not run to vain helps, as I have done, but stay upon the Lord, till he give thee light by his word (who commands light to shine out of darkness) from thence will he bring thee forth, and his eye shall guide thee, and thou shalt praise his name, as I do this day, glory for evermore! And this word is nigh thee which must give thee light, though darkness comprehends it not.

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And liad'st thou gifts, revelations, knowledge, wis- dom, or whatever thou canst read of the scriptures of truth, and dost not abide in the light, and feed on the body of Christ, whence the gifts spring, but feed on the gifts, thou may'st be up for a while in thy own sight, but certainly thou wilt wither and die to God, and darkness will come upon thee, and thy food will turn to thy con- demnation in the sight of God.

And this I have learned in the deeps, and in secret when I was alone, and now declare openly in the day of my mercy, glory to the highest for evermore, who hath thus far set me free to praise his righteousness and his mercy, and to the eternal, invisible, pure God over all, be fear, obedience and glory evermore. Amen.

James Nayler. [See more in his answer to the Fanatick History.]

' ^

A COLLECTION OF SUNDRY

J300KS AND PAPERS,

WRITTEN BY

JAIMEES XTAYLSa.

DIVERS PARTICULARS OF THE PERSECUTIONS OF JAMES NAYLER. BY THE PRIESTS OF WESTMORELAND.

James Nayler being raised up, and sent forth to de- clare the everlasting truth, came into Westmoreland, and being at a meeting at Edward Brigg's house on the first day, where many people met, he was desired by divers friends, to meet the day following at widow Cock's house, about a mile from Kendal; whereof the priests having notice, raised the town of Kendal against him: but being long in gathering together, the meeting was done: but spies being out upon the steeple top and other places, notice was given what way James passed from thence. And coming down towards Kendal, two priests, being accompanied with a justice of peace, and some other magistrates of the town, with an exceeding great multitude of people following them, met him, say- ing, "Nayler, I have a message from the Lord Jesus Christ to thee, but that there is not a convenient place."' To which James answered, the Lord Jesus Christ is no respecter of places. The message that he had to de- clare was this, "I conjure thee, that thou tell me, by what power thou inflictest such punishment* upon the bodies of creatures." James answered, dost thou remember who it was that did adjure Christ to tell, if it were the Son of God, and asked by what authority he did those things? For James saw him to be one of that genera- tion. But the priest still conjuring him, to tell by what power he did it? James answered, dost thou acknowl- edge it to be donet by a power? Yea, (saith he) I havfj

* What punishment not mentioned + Supposed to be trembling, &c.

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the spirit of God, and thereby know it is done by a power. James said, if thou hast the spirit of God, as thou sayest thou hast, then thou canst tell by what pow- er it is done. The priest said, when God comes, he comes to torment the souls, and not the bodies. James said, he comes to redeem the souis. But after much jangling, the priest began to accuse him before the jus- tice and magistrates of many things: as, that he taught people to burn their bibles; children to disobey their parents; wives their husbands; people to disobey the magistrates, and such like accusations: to which James answered, thou art a faI^e accuser: prove one of these things, if thou canst, here, before the magistrates. But not being able to prove any one, he began to accuse James, for holding out a light that doth convince of sin ; which, said the priest, all have not. To which James said, put out one in all this great multitude, that dare say he hath it not: saith the priest, these are all ciiris- tians, but if a Turk or Indian vA'ere here, he would deny it. James said, thou goest far for a proof, but if a Turk were here he would witness against thee.

The people beginning to fight, the priest turned away, saying, here will be a disturbance, said James, these are thy christians, and this is the fruits of thy ministry: but the justice, with some others, did endeavour to keep the rude people off him, so that they could not come to their purpose there: but he being to pass over the bridge, and through the town, they that were of the priests party ran before, swearing they would throw him otT the bridge into the water: but coming thither, and seeing their pur- pose, he was encouraged in his God, who gave him as- surance of protection, and did wonderfully keep him, and those that were with him: for when he came unto the bridge, the word of the Lord came unto him, and he was made to cry out against their rage, and tiie power of the Lord was with him, so that he received no harm, though he was made to speak all along, and in the mar- ket place, and till he came out of the town: but the raging priests continued shouting, crying, and some throwing of stones at him a quarter of a mile out of the town. But such was the power of the Lord, that

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iierther lie, nor any with lilni, received any harm. Th\i work was wonderful, and we were brought much to ad- mire it, and praise tjje Lord, who is blessed for ever and ever.

Another time, James being desired of many christian friends, to be at a meeting at Orton, there to wait upon the Lord for what he would make known to his people, went accordingly ; and many friends and brethren ac- companied him: but the priests having intelligence some days before, five of them were gathered together, and many people from all quarters. A friend in the town desired James to come to his house, and being come into his house, a message was sent from the priests, desiring him to come into the field, under pretence of a more convenient place for the great multitude. To which James answered, It is my desire that all may be edified ; and coming into the field, the j)riests caaie with a great inultitude, and asked him, by what authority he came thither, and had gathered together so many people, to break the peace? And, tempting him, said, wilt thou be bound, that none here shall break the peace? To which James answered, we came not hither to create offences: but if any break the law, let him suffer by the law. For he perceived they intended violence, as it appeared af- terwards.

But seeing they could not prevail in that, another of them desired him to go into the church, as he called it; tempting him, saying, the people may ail sit, mid hear bet- ter. But James perceiving their deceit, said, all places were alike to him, he would abide in the field; where- upon they pulled out an ordinance of parliament, forbid- ding any to speak, but such as were authorized to speak, either in church or chapel, or any public place ; anil bid him speak at his peril, as be would answer the contempt of it. To which he answered, saying, this is not a pub- lic place. No, said one of the priests, is not this a pub- lic place? the town field! And charged the constable of the town to do his office; and examined his author- ity . James answered, those that are sent to declare the things of God, have not their authority from men. But they bid him prove that. He said, Paul received not

7

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his commission liom man, nor by man. To whicii one of them answered, that was his gospel; but they would prove, that Paul had a call from man to preach; and for that end he named that place in Acts 13. 2. where the holy ghost said, separate me Barnabas and Saul : and the apostles laid their hand upon them: which, said one of them, was the laying on of hands of the presby- tery. But when he had found that place, James asked him, if that was Paul's call to the ministry? [three times] but he answered nothing: then said James, if that was his call, he had preached long without a call before that; and instanced to prove it. Gal. 1.

Whereupon that business ended: but another priest stood up, and said, thou oughtest to give an account of thy faith to everyone that asketh: whereupon he asked divers questions, whereunto James answered, ins(/much that some who stood by cried out, answer not all, but ask him some. A while after James asked him, how he would prove Jiimself a minister of the gospel, and live upon tithes; to which he would not answer: then said James, neither will I answer thee, if thou ask me twenty more.

The next question he asked was, whether Christ was ascended or no? but James said, I will not answer thee, whereupon he cried oat to the people, and said, he de- nies t.he humanity of Christ: and made a great outcry among the people of it. But the people cried out, say- ing, let us hear him; you have often told us many things against hiir. : let him speak, and then if he speak not truth, you may then reprove him. James hearing the desire of the people, began to sj^eak; and the people gave audience, and were very silent. But beginning to holdout Christ alone to be the teacher of his people in spirit and truth, one of the priests cried out, I cannot endure to hear this seducer any longer. Upon which James said, prove me a seducer before all this people, or else thou art a false accuser. But he had not one word to say against any thing that he had spoken; but said,^ "if thou wilt not answer me that question 1 as-ked thee, 1 will call thee a seducer as long as I live.

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Whereupon, seeiii-g there could be no peace there, nor liberty to speak, they desired James to go into the house: and they kept close about him, to keep him from the vi- olence of some that came along with the priest: hut they raged so, that he and some other friends re- ceived blows, and with much ado got to the house: but they, like tiie raging Sodomites waited about the door to do mischief, and kept shouting about the house all the while he was speaking: but the house being filled witii people they could not come to their purpose. And the Lord so ordered it, in the evening we came away with- out any more harm: but not long after, there came some of the priests party about the house, and asked, if Nay- ]er was gone? And when they heard he was gone, they said, he may thank God for that. Thus by the wisdom of God he escaped their violence at that time.

But the priests missing of their purpose there, the next first day after, they prepared their sermons suita- ble to wiiatthey intended, possessing the people that he was a blasphemer, and denied the resurrection and the humanity of Christ, and all authority; and -hat the par- liament iiad opened, a gap for blasphemy, and as it was said by some of their hearers, they did God good ser- vice that would knock him down. Thus having stirred up the ruder sort, the next day they prevailed with one called a justice of peace, the priest's son got him to come twelve miles from his own house, he was one that had been in actual arms against the parliament, for the bringing in of the Scots, and having armed a great mul- titude against the next morning, they came very early to tiie house where he was, where many christian friends should have met that day, and asked for Nayler, threat- ening to knock out his brains against the stones in the wall, and that they would pull down the house if he would not come out; though the door was never shut agaist them. But some of them came into the house, and commanded him to come forth, under pretence to dispute with the priest. But James seeing what they intended, answered, you did not use me so civilly the last time I was amongst you, but if any have a mind, they may come in, the doors are open. Which answei

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they told the priests; whereupon they rushed violently in, and teiking him by the throat, hauled him out of the door into the field, where was a man whom they called a justice, and with a pitchfork struck off his hat, and commanded him to answer to such questions as the priests would ask him. Whereupon the priest began to ask many questions; as concerning the resurrection, the humanity of Christ, the Scriptures, and divers other q=iestions, as the sacrament, and such like; to which he answered, and proved by Scripture. But at last being asked if Christ was in him, he said, he witnessed him in measure. The priest asked, if Chrst was in him as man? James said, Ciirist is not divided; for if he be, he is no more Christ: but I witness that Christ in me who is God and man in measure. But the priest said, Christ is in Heaven with a carnal body. To which said James, f'hrist filieth Heaven and eartii, and is not carnal, but spiritual: for if Christ be in Heaven with a carnal body, and the saints with a spiritual body, that is not proportionable or agreeable, neither was that a carnal body which came in among the disciples, the doors being shut: for Christ is a mystery, and thou know- est him not. *

Then after much jangling and tempting,the priest not having got the advantage he waited for, he cried out unto the people, not to receive him into their houses, and alledged that in the second epistle of John, ver. 10. Now how suitable that place was for his purpose, all people may see, who have eyes: for there they are for- bidden to receive any into their houses, but such who abide in the doctrine of Christ, and confess themselves that they had both the father and the son, and preach that doctrine; but the priests say that is blasphemy.

Then the priest turned away from him; upon which, the armed multitude began to be violent against divers friends that were there. James hearing friends cry out, said to the justice, you will surely set us peaceably in the house again: but seeing him to go away, and leave them in the hands of the rude multitude, he gave him- self up, saying, the will of the Lord be done.

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Upon which the justice, turned again, saying, we will see him in the house again ; and going towards the house, many friends kept close about James, exposing their own bodies to the danger of their weapons, to save him harmless: and so with much ado we got into the house, not receiving much harm. Which being done and as James was praising the Lord, for his wonderous deliver- ance from their malicious intents, some heard them say, if we let him go thus, all people will run after him. Whereupon they agre&d that he should be brought be- fore the Justice again, and came with violence, and hauled him out again. Then the Justice and the Priest getting on horseback, they caused him to run after them to an AHehouse on the other side the water, where they went in, not suffering one friend to go in with James. And when he came before the Justice, he told him, if he would not put off his hat, he would send him to pri- son; and also because he thou'd him; for the justice said, my commission runs ye. To which James answer- ed, I do it not in contempt; fori own authority, and honour it according to the scriptures: but I find none such honour commanded in scripture, but forbidden. Then they concluded to commit him for that, and also as a wandering person, and said, none there knew from whence he came; for those who knew him were kept out. Then said he to Arthur Scaife, thou knowest me; I was in the army with thee eight or nine years. It is no matter, said the justice, thou art no soldier now.

Then they writ a mittimus to send him to prison, and carried him to Kirby-stephen that night, and shut him up in a chamber, and set a guard upon him: but divers of our friends following into the town, where a great multitude were gathered together for meeting: then did the people come from the Steeplehouse, where another had been preaching; for divers of the priests were gathered together that day, some preaching, some plot- ting and some persecuting: Jezabel's fast was a prepa- ration for Naboth's death. But friends not being suffer- ed to go into the house where James was, they abode in the streets; and some of them being moved to speak to the people, the priests perceiving the people to give.

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audience to what was spoken, made complaint: where- upon some were sent forth, and with violence fetched in Francis Howgill, a friend who was speaking to the people, and brought him into the Priests hall, where were five Priests assembled, with many others of their party, but not one friend. And bringing him before the Justice, he commanded to put off his hat. He answered, I know no such law. The priest said, he will tread both min- istry and magistracy under his feet. He said, thou art a false accuser; prove wherein. But one that siood b)^ took off his hat, and cast it into the fire. Then said the Justice, what is this thou speakest against the min- isters? He answered, what hast thou to accuse me of? Whereupon one affirmed that he said, all the ministers that taught for hire, and in Steeplehouses, were enemies, and liars against Jesus Christ, and no ministers of Jesus Christ. Upon that, the Justice said, thou speakest against the law; for the law gives them their mainten- ance. He said, I meddle not of the law, but of their practice. Then said Francis to the priest, didst thou ever know a minister of Jesus Christ, that was a perse- cuter, or did labour to imprison any? And after some more discourse, he said to the priest, I have seen a great deal of tyranny and persecution in this days actions. Then said the justice to the people ; take notice, he saith, the law I act by, is tyranny and persecution. To which the people assented. Then said Francis, thou mayst give out to the people what thou wilt; but I speak not of the law, but of your actions. Upon that he was sent to prison ; a guard of eight men was set over them, who spent the night in drinking, swearing, and filthy and unclean talking; and the more they were desired by the people to beware of sin, the more filthy they did appear. But these are the fittest instruments for acting the priests intentions, being members of their churches.

The next day they were guarded to Appleby; but some friends following, could not be suffered to pass on the streets that way; so great was their envy against all that set their faces that way. And the prisoners being brought thither, much means were used, that none

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should come at them, but such as were sent to tempt them. There they were kept until the sessions; in which time they sent up and down the country, to seek for any who would witness any thing against them; and improved their utmost interest for their advantage. A jury was chosen; divers of whom were resolved on the business; so that it was told the prisoners what would become of them, btfore the day of examination came; and it was accordingly: for the day came, and judgment passed ; but the prisoners never saw their accusers, nor know who they are. But against that day, the priests had prepared three large petitions, stuffed with most filthy untruths and slanders, raised out of the bottomless pit, but not one of them proved, though one of the justices smc\ to them, it is fit they should be proved: neither was there any thing in them, which they could charge upon the prisoners, save only what the power of the Lord had manifested at their meetings in shaking proud flesh, and pouring out his spirit upon many, espe- cially, as they said, upon little children: wliich the priests concluded was sorcery and witchery, and of the devil ; hereby declaring themselves to be of that genera- tion, who called the good man of the house, Belzchub; and if they should not do the same to them of his house- hold, the words of Christ could not be fulfilled.

Likewise they had gathered up all reports, true or false, of things done by many that the prisoners had not seen the faces of. or ever knew; thinking thereby to make them odious to the people. They also brought two priests out of Lancashire, to swear things that ano- ther man had spoken in the presence of four Justices of the Peace, and for which the man had been tried and cleared. And these they brought thinking to add afflic- tions to the prisoners bonds. But he (with his fellow- prisoner) was kept in great peace and joy, having not any comfort from man, but from God, who hath appear- ed to him in this condition, and hath given him assurance of his love, in whom he rests. To whom be praise, honour, and glory for ever, .^men.

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THE EXAMINATION OF JAJIES NAYLER, UPON AN INDICTMENT OF BLAS-* PHEMY, AT THE SESSIONS AT APPEEBY, IN JANUARY, 1652.

Justice Pearson. Put off your hats.

J. Nayler. I do it not in contempt of authority ; for i honour the power as it is of God, without respecting mens persons, it being forbidden in scripture. He that respects persons, commits sin, and is convinced of the law as a transgressor.

Just. P. That is meant of respecting persons in judg- ment.

J. N. If I see one in goodly apparel, and a gold ring, and see one in poor and vile raiment; and say to him in fine apparel, sit thou in a higher place than the poor, I am partial, and judged of evil thoughts.

Col. Brigs. If thou wert in the Parliament house, wouldst thou keep it on?

J. N. If God should keep me in the same mind I am in now, I should.

Col. Brigs. I knew thou wouldst contemn authority.

J. N. I speak in the presence of God, I do not con- temn authority; but I am subject to the power as it is of God, for conscience sake.

Just. P. Now authority commands thee put off thy hat, what say St thou to it?

J. N. Where God commands one thing, and man ano- ther, I am to obey God rather than man.

Col. Benson. See whether the law commands it, or your own wills.

The indictment was read, wherein James was indic- ted for saying, that ('hrist was in him, and that there was but one word of God.

Col. Brigs. Where wast thou born?

J. N. At Ardislaw, two miles from Wakefield.

Col. Brigs. How longlivedst thou there?

J. N. Until I was married: then I went into Wake- field parish.

Col. Brigs. What profession wast thou of?

J.N. A husbandman.

Col. Brigs. Wast thou a soldier?

J. N. Yea; I was a soldier between eight and nine years.

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Co!. Brigs. Wast thou not at Burford, among the levellers'? . J. N. I was neverlhere.

Col. Brigs I charge thee by the Lord, that thou tell me whether thou wast or no.

J. N. I was then in the North, and was never taxed for any munity, or any otiier thing, while I served the Parliament.

Col Brigs. What was tiie cause of thy coming into these parts.

J, N. If I may have lil)erty,I shall declare it. I was at the plough, meditating on the things of God, and sud- denly I heard a voice, saying unto me, get thee out from thy kindred, and from thy father's house. And I had a promise given in with it. Whereupon I did exceedingly rejoice, that I had heard the voice of that God which I had professed from a ciiild, but had never known him.

Col. Brigs. Didst thou hear that voice?

J. N. Yes, 1 did hear it; and when I came at home, I gave up my estate, cast out my money; but not being obedient ingoing forth, the wrath of God was upon me, so that I was made a wonder to all; and none thought I would have lived. But [after I was made willing] 1 began to make some preparation, as apparel and other necessaries, not knowing whither I should go: but short- ly afterward, going a gate-ward with a friend from mine own house, having on an old suit, without any money, having neither taken leave of wife or children, not think- ing then of any journey, I was commanded to go into the W^est, not knowing whether I should go, nor what I was to dothere:but when I had been there a little while, I had given me what I was to declare; and ever since I have remained, not knowing to day, what I was to do to-morrow.

Col. Brigs. What was the promise that thou hadst given?

J. N. That God would be with me: which promise I find made good every day.

Col. Brigs. I never lieard such a cause as this is, in our time.

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J. N. 1 believe thee.

Just. Pears. Is Christ in thee?

J. N. I witness him in me: and if I should deny liim before men, he would deny me befcre my father which is in heaven.

Just. Pears. Spiritual you mean?

J. N. Yea, spiritual.

Just. Pears. By faith, or how?

J. N. By faith.

Just. Pears, What difference then between the minis- ters and you?

J. N. The ministers affirm Christ to be in heaven with a carnal body, but I with a spiritual.

Just. Pears. VVhich of the ministers say Christ is in heaven with a carnal body?

J. N. The minister, so called, of Kirby-stephen.

Priest Higginson stood up, and affirmed it again open- ly before all the court.

J.N. If Christ be in heaven with a carnal body, and the saints with a spiritual body, it is not proportionable ; neither was that a carnal body which appeared among the disciples, the doors being shut, and appeared in divers forms.

Quest. Was Christ man, or no?

J. N. Yea, he was, and took upon him the seed of Abraham, and was real flesh and bone; but is a myste- ry not known to the carnal man: for he is begotten of the immortal seed, and those that know him, know him to be spiritual; for it was the word that became flesh, and dwelt amongst us; and if he had not been spirit- ual, he had not wrought my redemption.

Just. Pears. Is Christ in thee as man?

J.N. Christ filleth all places, and is not divided; sep- arate God and man, and he is no more Christ.

Just. Pears. If we stand to dispute these things, we should have the Ministers.

James perceiving Priest Hig^nson offended, because he had told of his saying, that Christ was in Heaven \¥h.h a carnal body, James said, friend I had not accused thee, had I not been asked what was the difference be- tween the ministers and me. For I am not come to ac- cuse any; for I am against accusations.

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Col. Brigs. Wast thou not of a kirk about Sawrby ?

J. N. T was a member of an Independent Ciiurch at Weed Ciinrch.

Col. Brigs. Wast thou not excommunicated for thy blasphemous opinions?

J. N. I know not what they have done since I came forth; but before I was not, to my knowledge.

Col. Brigs called Mr. Coale, saying, did you e'er hear such a call as this? did you hear it?

Coale . Yea, I heard part of it.

Col. Brigs. Didst not thou write a paper, wherein was mentioned, that if thou thinkest to be saved by that Christ which died at Jerusalem, thou art deceived?

J. iV. If I cannot witness Christ nearer than Jerusalem I shall have no benefit by him ; but I own no ather Christ, but that who witnessed a good confession before Ponti- us Pilate; which Christ I witness suffering in me now (viz. spiritually.)

Col. Brigs. Wilt thou deny thy hand?

J. N. I will not deny my hand, if I may see it; and 1 desire that 1 may have so much favour, that that pa- per may be kept as an evidence, either with or against me.

A large petition being read, wherein was something a- gainst Quaking and trembling.

Just. Pears. How comes it to pass that people quake and tremble?

"J.N. The Scriptures witnes the same condition in the Saints formerly ; as David, Daniel, Habbakkuk, and di- vers others.

Just. Pears. Did they fall down?

J.N. Yea, some of them did so.

Coale. David said, all his bones were broken, but they were whole.

J N. So are these now.

Coale. Moses trembled; for he saw the face of God and all Isreal. *

J. N. Did all Isreal see the face of God? That cros- seth the Scriptures.

Coale. They saw his glory. I shall see the Lord with these eyes; putting his fingers to his eyes.

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J. N. They must first be made spiritual; he cannot be? seen with carnal eyes, for he is a spirit; and no flesh can see God and live.

Coale. That light by which I am justified, is a created light.

J. N. That. light by which I am justified, is not a crea- ted light.

Coale. That is true.

Just. Pears. To the word: what sayest thou to the scriptures? are they the word of God?

J. N. They are a true declaration of the word, that was in them who spoke them forth.

Higginson. Is there not a written word?

J. N. Where readest thou in the scriptures, that they are called the written word? The word is spiritual, not seen with carnal eyes: but as for the scriptures, they are true, and I witness them true, in measure ful- filled in me, as far as i am grown up.

Just. Pears. Why dost thou disturb the ministers in their public worships?

J. N. I haV^ not disturbed them in their public worship.

Just. Pears. Why dost thou speak against tythes, which are allowed by the states?

J. N. I meddle not with the states; I speak against them that are hirelings, as they are hirelings: those that were sent of Christ, never took tythes, nor ever sued any for wages.

Just Pears. Dost thou think we are so beggarly as the Heathens, that we cannot afford our ministers maintain- ance? We give them it freely.

J. N. Tiiey are the ministers of Christ, who abide in the doctrine of Christ.

Just. Pears. But who shall judge? How shall we know them?

J. N. By their fruits you shall know them ; they that abide not in the doctrine of Christ, make it appear they are not the ministers of Christ. Just. Pears. That is true.*

*This just Pearson was convinced at this sessions, by J. Nayler, as he sat on the bench one of his judges, being that Anthony Pearson, who afterwards wrote the book called, the great case of Tythes, &c.

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After this, there passed some discourse between jus- tice Benson, and others on the bench, concerning J. Nayler's commitment. Justice Benson alleged, that the words by him spoken, were neither within the act against blasphemy, nor against any law. Two of the justices replied, that rather than J. Nayier should go at liberty, and abroad in the country, they would stand to the haz- ard of being fined by the judges of the assize; and an- other of the justices said, that they rather committed him upon the ministers petitions (though none of the particulars therein were proved) than upon the indict- ment, there having been several petitions put up by the priests of Westmoreland to the justices of the peace, against J. N. G. Fox, F. Howgil, and others, and accor- dingly it was ordered by the justices at Appleby, that J. Nayier and F. Howgil should stay in prison till the petitions were answered: which said petitions were an- swered by G. Fox and h Nayier; see the book, entitled, several petitions answered, that were put up by the priests of Westmoreland, against J. N. and G. F. So after about 20 weeks imprisonment, they were dischar- ged ; after which J. N. continued in the service of truth in the ncrth, till he came to London about the year J6.54, as will appear hereafter by his own account.

A LETTER OF JAMES NAYLERS, TO SOME FRIENDS TX YORKSHIRE, GIVING

A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE rROCEEDINGS AT LANCASTER SESSIONS

AGAINST HIJI ANDG. FOX; AS IN A BOOK, CALLED, A BRIEF

DISCOVERY, AND ALSO IN G. f's JOURNAL, PAGE 90, &LC.

Dear friends and brethren in the Lord .Tesus Christ, my dear love is unto you all, desiring you may be kept steadfast in the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the power of his love, boldly to witness forth the truth, as it is reveal- ed in you by the mighty working of the father; to him alone be everlasting praise, and honour for ever- more. Dear friends, the Lord doth much manifest his love and power in these parts.

Upon the second day of the last week, my brother George and I were at Lancaster, there were abundance of friends from all parts, and a great sort of people who

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sided with the priests, giving out, they now hoped to see a stop put to that great work, which had gone on so fast, and with such power, that their kingdoni is much shaken.

We were called before judge Fell, Col. West, Justice Sawrey, &c.to answer what was charged against George. There were three witnesses to eight particulars, but they were much confused in themselves, which gave much light to the truth ; whereby the justices did plainly see, that it was envy, and they divers times told them so.

One of the witnesses was a young priest, who con- fessed, he had not meddled, had not another priest sent for him, and set him on work. The other witnesses were two priests sons. It was proved there, by many that heard one of them say, if he had power, he would make George deny his profession, and that he would take away his life. This was a single witness to one of the greatest untruths that were charged against George ; and the justices told him, that they saw, because he could not take away his life, he went about to take away his liberty.

There was one priest chosen out of the whole num- ber, as an orator, to plead against us; who spared no pains to show forth his envy against the truth; and when he could not prevail, he went down in a rage; and there came up a pack of them into the room, among whom was one Jacus. George was then speaking in the room, one of the justices having wished him, if he had any thing to say, he would speak: at which the said priest Jacus was in such a rage, that he broke forth into many high expressions against the truth spoken by my dear brother George; amongst which, this was one, that the letter and the spirit were inseparable. Here- upon the justices stood up, and bid him prove that, be- fore he went any further. Then he seeing himself caught, would have denied it ; and when he could not get off so, the rest of the priests would have helped him to a meaning for his words; but the justices would admit no other meaning, than the plain sense of the words, but told him, he had laid down a position, and it was fit he should prove it; pressing the matter close upon him. —

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Whereupon the priests, being put to silence, went down in a greater rage than before; and some of them, after they were gone down, being asked what they had done, lied and said, they could not get into the room ; thereby to hide their shame, and keep the people in blindness.

The justices, judge Fell and Col. West, were much convinced of the truth, and did set up justice and equity ; and have much silenced the rage of the people. Many bitter spirits were at Lancaster, to see the event; but went home and cried, the priests had lost the day: ever- lasting praises be to him, who fought the battle for us, who is our king for ever.

There were others called, who the witnesses confess- ed were in the room, whaji the things charged on George were said to have be^n spoken ; but they all as one man, denied, that any such words^vere spoken: which gave much light to the justices, and they durst trust what they had witnessed, for they said, they knew many of them to be honest men.

There was a warrant granted out against us at Ap* pleby ; but justice Benson told them, it was not according to law; and so it ceased: as I hear he is a faithful man to the truth.

The priests began to preach against the justices, and said, they were not to meddle in these things, but to end controversy betwixt neighbour and neighbour. They are not pleased with the law, because it is not in the statute to imprison us, as the priest, that pleaded against us, said, the justice bid him, go put it into the statute, if he could ; he said, it should want no will of his. They are much afraid, that they shall lose all. They are much discontented in these parts; and some of them cry, al lis gone.

Dear friends, dwell in patience, and wait upon the Lord, who will do his own work. Look not at man in the work, nor at man who opposeth the work; but rest in the will of the Lord, that so ye may be furnished with patience, both to do and to suffer what ye shall be call- ed uHto, that your end in all things may be his praise. And take up his cross freely, which keeps low the fleshy man, that Christ may be set up, and honoured in

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all things, and so the light advanced in you, and the JDdgnrient set up, which muLt give sentence against all that Ojiposeih the truth, that the captivity may be led captive, and' the prisoner set free to seek the Lord ; that righteousness may rule in }'ou, and peace and joy may dwell in you, wherein consisteth the kingdom of the fa- ther; to whom be all praise for ever.

Dear friends, meet often together, and take heed of what exalteth it self above its brother; but keep low, and serve one another in love for the Lord's sake. Let all friends know how it is with us, that God may have the praise of all.

J.N.

Written from Killet, the 30th day of the 8th month, 1652.

TRUTH CLEARED FROM SCANDALS;

BEING JAMES NAYLER's ANSWER AND DECLARATION, TOUCHING SOME THINGS CHARGED UPON HIM IN THE LANCASHIRE PETITION.

Having heard of divers untruths cast upon me by some of the priests in their high places, though I stand only to the Lord in respect of myself; yet lest any that love the truth, should be led to speak evil of the things they know not, 1 shall lay open the truth, as it is in me revealed, touching those things whereof I have been falsely accused.

I. Concerning Jesus Christ, who is the eternal word of God, by whom all things were made and are uphol- den, who was before all time, but manifested in time for the recovery of lost man ; which word became flesh, and dwelt amongst the saints, who is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever ; who did, and doth dwell in the saints; who suffered, and rose again, and ascended into Heaven, and is set at the right hand of God ; to whom all power is given in Heaven and in earth,^ who filleth all places; he is the light of the world; but known, to none, but those who receive and follow him; and those he leads up to God, out of all the ways, works, and wor- ships of the world, by his pure light in them, whereby he reveals the man of sin, and by his power casts him

aJudelO. Re. 19. 13. IJohnl. 1,2,3, 4.5. 1 Pet. 1. 25. John 1.14. Eph. 5. 30. &1.21,22. Jolm8.12. XThes. 2.8. 2 Cor. 6, 16. 1 Cor. 3. 16, 17.

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■3»it, and so prepares the bodies of the saints a fit temple for the pure God to dwell in, with whom dwells no un- clean things. And thus he reconciles God and man, and the image of God, which in purity and holiness is re- newed; and the image of satan, which is all sin and uncleanness, is defaced.'' And none can witness re- demption further than Christ is thus revealed in them, to set them free from sin:^ which (yhrist I witness to be revealed in me in measure. Gal. 1. 16. 2 Cor. 13. 5. Col. 1.27.

2. Concerning the Scriptures, that they are a true declaration of that word which was in them, that gave or spake them forth, and are of no private interpreta- tion; but were given forth to be read and fulfilled in the saints, as they w^ere given forth by the holy ghost, without adding or diminishing, and were not given forth for men to make a trade upon, to get money by;' but as they are, they are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished onto every good work. But they who trade in the letter, and ar€ ignorant of the mystery, deny all perfection. And none can rightly understand the scriptures, but they who read them with the same spirit that gave them forth, for the natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God; for they are spiritually discerned.

3. Concerning baptism. The true baptism is that of the spirit, witii the holy ghost and with fire; baptized by one spirit into one body: not the washing away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good con- science towards God, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: without which, no other baptism can save us, they being but figures or shadows; but this baptism of Christ is the substance, whereby we are baptized into his deatii; and those who are baptized into Christ, have put on Christ.

4. Concerning the Lord's supper, the true supper of the Lord, is the spiritual eating and drinking of the flesh and blood of Christ spiritually, which the spiritual man

a Cor. 5. 18, 19. Col. 3. 10. bJohn 8.34 36. clJohnl,3.5. 2 Pet. 1.21. Deaut. 4.2. Rev. 22.18. Tim. 3. 16, 17. d 1. Cor. 2. 14,15. John3.ll. Acts 1. 5. 1 Cor- 12.13. lPet.3. 2. -001.2. 12. Gal. 3. 27. Roin.K.3 Mat, 26. 26. 28. John 6. 51,53, 54. 55, 56.

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Diily eateth, and is tlTjereby nourished up unto eternal life. Without which eating there can be no life in the creature, profess what you will. And all who eat of this bread, and drink of this cup, have real communion with Christ the head, and also one with another, as members, and are all of one heart, and one mind, a com- plete body in Christ.'' Now the world, who take only the outward signs, and are not brought intp a discerning of the Lord's body, eat and drink damnation to them- selves, and become guilty of the body and blood of Christ; and calls this a communion, but lives in envy, strife and debate, fighting, and going to law one with another, for earthly things.

5. Concerning the resurrection. That all shall arise to give an account, and receive at the last day, according to their works done in the flesh, whether good or evil: these bodies that are dust, shall turn to dust, but God shall give a body as pleaseth him.'' That which is sown in corruption, shall be raised in incorrnption; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body: and as we have borne the image of the earthly, so we shall bear the image of the Heavenly: but flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of Heaven ; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption, for we shall all be changed.' But they who cannot witness the first resurrection within themselves, know nothing of the second, but by hear- says, and therefore say some of your teachers, that Christ is in Heaven with a carnal body.'' Now that Christ, who is the first fruits, should be there with a carnal body, and the saints with a spiritual body, is not proportionable.

6. Concerning magistracy; that it is an ordinance of God, ordained for the punishment of evil doers, and an encouragement of those that do well.^ Where justice and righteousness is the head, and ruleth without par- tiality, that land is kept in peace; and those who judge for the Lord, I honour as my own life,' not with a flat- tering honour of putting off the hat, and bowing of the

a 1 Cor. 10. 16. 1 Cor. 11. 24, 25. Col. 2. 10- Acts 4. 32. 1 Cor. 11. 27, 28, 29— Johns. 20. blCor. 15. 38. c Cor. 15.42, 43, 44, 46,50.51. d Rev. 20. 6. Phil. 3. 21 ICor. 15. 20, elCor. 15. 47. Col. 1. 15. fRom. 13. 3. fJi.de 16.

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knee, which is the honour of the world, having men? persons in admiration, because of advantage, for self- ends, but from my heart for conscience sake, as to the power which is of God, and not to mens persons: for the Scripture saith, he that respects* persons commits sin, and is convinced of the law, as are transgressors.^ And the apostle James commands the saints, not to have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons: and faith, such are partial in them- selves, and become judges of evil thoughts.'' And saith Paul, let every soul be subject to the higher powers; for, saith he, there is no power but of God: the powers that be, are ordained of God, not of man: and that whoso- ever resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinaace of God: and saith, we must needs be subject for conscience sake/ And therefore, though the prophets and saints were of- ten sent by the Lord, to pronounce judgment against unjust men, who had the power committed to them, and did not judge for God, but for self-ends; yet they nevei: attempted to raise any violence against them, but used all means to persuade them to do justly, love mercy, and walk humble with God, that they might be established, and the wrath of God turned away from them:*^ for those that be of God cannot rejoice in the destruction of any, but would have all to turn to God, and find mercy."

7. Concerning the ministry. The true ministers of Jesus Christ have always been, and are still, such as came not by the will of man, but by the will of God; neither are they fitted for that work by any thing of man, but by God alone; for the true ministry is the gift of Jesus Christ, given for the perfecting of the saints, and needs no addition of humane helps and learn- ing,*^ but as the work is spiritual, and of the Lord, so they are spiritually fitted only by the Lord. And therefore he chose herdsmen, fishermen and ploughmen, and such like. And as he gave them an immediate call, without the leave of inan;^ so he fitted them immediately, with- out the help of man: and as they received the gift freely, so they were to give freely. And whenever they found

aRoni. 13. 5. b James 2. 5. Ver. 1, 2,3, 4. c Rom. 13. 1, 5. d Mic. 6. 8. p 1 Pel. 1 . 23, F.ph.^ 11,12. fl Cor. 12. 7. gPet.4. 10.11. Gal. 11. 11, 12. l*?.

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any of the false ministers, who taught for lure, they en- ^d out against them, and pronounced v/oes against them, a:Dd showed them, that they lay in iniquity, because they thought that the gift of God could be bought and sold for money. And Christ calls them hirelings, and saith, they care not for the shee]3. And Micah cries out against the priests that taught for hire, and saith, they build up Sion with blood, and Jerusalem with ini- quity.^ And Jeremiah cried out against the priests in his days, that bear rule by the prophets means, and calls it an horrible tiling, and saith, that from the least of them to the greatest, they are all given to covetousness.'' — And Isaiah cried out of such in his days, and calls them greedy dogs, that can never have enough ; and, saith he, they all look for their gain from their quarter.' And Peter saith of such in his days as should come, that they through covetousness should make merchandize of the people, and saith, they have hearts exercised with covetous practices, who have forsaken the right way, and have followed the way of Balaam, who loved the wa- ges of unrighteousness. And Jude cries, woe unto them, for they go on in the way of Cain, and run greedily after the error of Balaam, for rewards. But those that were sent out by Christ, counted it their reward to make the gospel without charge; neither ever had they any set means, but went about, having no certain dwelling place ; neither were masters, but servants to all for Christ's sake ; nor ever went to law for tithes, or any other earth- ly thing, but suffered persecution.* And as always he that was after the flesh, persecuted him that was after the spirit; even so it is now.

Now all people, try your priests by the scriptures, whether they are of God, or of the world; and never think to hear the word of the Lord from their mouths, who walk contrary to the Scriptures; for such wercj never sent of God: for had they been sent of God, they > would abide in his doctrine. And John saith, such have notGod, buthe that abides in the doctrine of Christ,

aMat. 10. 8. Acts 8. 20 John 10.13. Micha. 3. 10. b Jer. 5. 30. and 6. 13. c Isai. 56.10,11. d 2 Pet, 2- 14, 15. 2Cpr. ILITt. Jude H. 1 Cor. . 16, 17, 18- e I Cor 9. 4- 11. Gal. 4.19.

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iiath both the father and the son. Anrl if there come any to you, and bring not this doctrine, you are forbidden to receive them into your iiouses, or bid them God speed : for if you do, you are partakers of their evil deeds.'' And unto the wicked, saith God, what hast thou to do to declare my statues, or that thou sliouldst lake my covenant into thy mouth ; seeing thou hatest instruction, and casteth my words behind thy back, and art a parta- ker with the thief, the adulterer, evil-speaking, slander- ing and deceit; and such as do these things, think God to be like themselves. But I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.*"

1653. J, N.

AN^ EPISTLE TO SEVERAL FRIENDS ABOUT WAKEFIELD.

James Nayler, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, unto all that love the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ every where, grace and peace be multiplied from God the father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ.

My dear hearts-, you whom the Lord hath manifested so much love unto, as to call you out of sin and death, and the world, all the delights and pleasures of the world which fade away, up to himself; where is joy^ unspeakable, pleasures and riches that endure for ever- more.

Dear friends, watch and be sober, that you may hear the voice of your beloved when he calleth, and let not the precious proffers of the love of God be tendered in vain. While you have an ear open to the world, you cannot hear the voice of God; so that you have been made to groan under it. How long have you been de- ceived by it? All your time promising peace, fulness, and satisfaction: but have been brought to cry out of oppression and deceit. And your cries are come before the Lord of Sabbaths, who is your rest; and he is now appeared to deliver you, and set you free from bondage, that you may serve him alone.

And now take heed of consulting with your old mas-

alJokn2,3,4,5,6. John9,10, 2 John 9.10, 11, b Pgalm 50, 16, 17. Psalm50,21

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ter: hath the Lord been so merciful unto you, as that he hath set your faces out of Sodom and Egypt, towards the promised land? Oh! take heed of looking back, lest you be taken captive, and led back again; and so you come short of redemption, and your faith fail you, and so you come short of the promise; for unbelief can- not enter into the rest. But you, dear friends, put on resolution, put on strength, be valiant for your freedom, cast off every weight, follow your captain, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, for the joy set before him, endured the cross, despised the shame, and so entered into rest and glory.

Take heed of halting between God and the world: what agreement can there be, or what peace while you are married to the world? Your thoughts turn in thither, and you are adulterated from God, who gives you all good things, as so many tokens of his love. Hereby is the broken language brought forth, and you cannot speak the pure language of the land of rest. And while you give way to that in you, which leads you to look back to what is behind you, you keep yourselves in the wilderness and darkness, and lose your way, and know not where you are; grieving the holy spirit of the Lord, which hath appeared unto you to guide you.

But [O friends!] mind your guide and follow him; arise, shine, your light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you ; the night is far spent, the day is at hand, even the day of Sion's deliverance: arise, come away, all you that love her, come off from the world and vvordly things, come into the life, lie no lon- ger in death and dead things. Awake, thou tiiat sleep- est, and stand up from the dead, that Christ may give thee light: come forth, come forth of all created things, witness your redemption from the world that you are redeemed from the earth up to God, out of all kindreds, tongues, people and nations, to reign as kings and priests for ever, above the world, sin and death, triumphing and treading upon all that would take you captive. This is the day of your deliverance, own it with the loss of all fading pleasures, make it appear to all the world, tliis is the day you waited for: even the day of your

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joy, but of the world's sorro^v: a day of blackness and gloominess; a day of fear and trouble to them that op- press you; a day wherein the kingdom of Jesus Christ shall be exalted, and all the kingdoms and powers of the earth shaken; a day wherein the Lord will avenge the power of him that is too strong for you. Rejoice, rejoice, ye meek of the earth, shout for joy, ye poor despised ones, whom your brethren have trodden upon, and have cast you out, and you have been made their mocking stock for the truth's sake; sing and rejoice, the voice of a king is amongst you, and he will marry you to himself in righteousness, purity and holiness, and will rejoice over you, as a bridegroom over the bride, and you shall be for a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

O my dear hearts! my desire to God for you all, is, that you might come to see what unspeakable riches is laid up for you in Jesus Christ, which is hid from all flfesh, neither can they see it who live after the flesh: and while they continue their love to the world and worldly things, they keep out the manifestation of the father's love, for their hearts cannot receive both.

Now shew yourselves wise men, choose that which is eternal: here is light and life tendered to you in Jesus Christ, freely out of the father's love: freely receive life and love, and shew forth life and love to God again, by giving up to him all you have, and all you are fof Christ's sake ; that so you may come to receive all again with Christ, who is the fulness of the father's love, and in him are all good things needful for this life, and that which is to come, even the earnest of your inheritance, which none can take from you ; which being received, you shall never hunger more, having a well spring with- in, even the witness of eternal life and love. And as Christ appears, who is our life and love; so shall life and love appear, spring, blossom, and bring forth fruit towards God and man: that so, being raised by him from death and dead works, you may henceforth live unto God: and being brought into oneness with him, and purity, and holiness, you may be one amongst your-

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felvcs, of one heart and one mind, speaking one and the self-same thing; and having the same care one for ano- ther, as for yourselves. And take heed that there be not in any of you a principle of self-love, which will lead to separation and division, casting a stumbling block in the way of the simple; and so they that are weak, may be defiled and turned back into the world.

And I beseech you, brethren, that you mark them that once set their faces towards Sion, but not being willing to deny the world, and take up the cross, have consulted with flesh and blood, and turned back into Egypt again: of such take heed, knowing, that the same spirit that hath wrought in them deceitfully, will not cease to work by them to deceive others, to maintain its own kingdom. But you, standing fast in the pure light of Christ, shall see whither those return, and the cause of their returnings, and that the end of such is worse than the beginning: but there will be such, that they who are approved may be made manifest. But you my breth- ren, be ye so far from following such, that their falling away, may cause you to watch, and search by what power you stand ; and so a pure fear may be preserved in you, by which you may be kept in the way that leads to the crown which is immortal; for it is he that over- comes that must wear the crown: wherefore faint not, nor think any thing hard the Lord calls you unto; no- thing must suffer, but that which is to die, that your souls may live. Oh! your light affliction worketh for you a far more exceeding weight of glory, while you keep your eye to that which is invisible. Wherefore give up yourselves to his will in all things.

Stand in the will of God in your present condition, you are my joy in the Lord, let my bowels be refreshed to hear of your steadfastness and growth in the truth. Take heed of propounding ends to yourselves in any thing, for that leads out of the way of God, and gives way to your own wisdom ; and so you seek to preserve that alive which is appointed for death, and so you maintain war against God, and know it not. And in this condition you can have no peace, while the ene- mies arff in arms against your peace. Oh ! dear friends,

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you are in my heart, my prayer to God for you is, that you may be kept blameless to the corning of our Lord Jesus Christ, blessed for ever.

My fellow prisoner, and dear companion in the Lord. (F. H.) salutes you all. Cease not to pray for us, that we may be kept to his praise, who hath counted us worthy to suffer for his name. We are well, and in great peace, kept in our father's love above all. We are often brought to stand, and wonder how we are kept in the midst of the fire, and not consumed ; and the more that the enemy rages, the more are we kept in peace within. Here are strange devices used to ensnare us, to get aught against us (true or false) but all is ordered by a power the world knows not. God is our strength, rejoice with us, all dear friends, and praise his name for evermore, for he is worthy, for his mercy endures for ever. James I^ayler.

A prisoner at Appleby, in Westmoreland, for the truth's sake, 1653.

TO ALL DEAR BRETHREN A^'D FRIENDS IN HOLDERNESS AND IK fll£ EAST PARTS OF YORKSHIRE.

Dear Friends, — I rejoice in you, as you are entered into the love of the truth, and have owned the voice that calls out of the darkness that is over all the earth, to set your faces towards Sion, the city of everlasting light. And now mind your way, and the light that is given to guide you in the way, to keep your eye to the light, that it may lead you through all the visible things of the world: and as you pass through, you may stand single in the mind unto God, not turning to the right or left hand, where lies the temptation; nor looking back, which lays you open to be assaulted afresh by those evils you had once escaped from; but keeping the efe towards the mark, pass on, leaving and forgetting what is behind, and treading and trampling under your feet, what the enemy shall lay as stumbling blocks in your way, which your carnal eyes, or ears, or hearts would be closing with, for the temptation lies in the carnal things, and there is the bondage of the creature to things that are corrupt: from which bondage from sin

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and corruption the Lord is now appeared, that in the light he may redeem and lead out of it all that will own and follow him.

And this light and redemption is in his son, whom he is about to exalt, in which exaltation a strange and mighty work is to be brought to pass, whereat all that stand not in his counsel and fear, and to whom he shall not reveal his secrets, shall be offended : for all that is exalted, shall be laid low and debased; the wisdom of the wise shall come to nought, and the understanding of the prudent ones shall be hid: riches and honours shall fall to dust, from whence they came, and the worship of the world shall become filthincss, the Gods of the hea- then shall be famished with looking for worship, but shall get none; and the strongest of them shall not be able to deliver himself: for the Lord will bring down all heights and mountains into the valleys; for in the val- ley of Jehosaphat he will plead with all flesh, which have scattered the seed of the covenant.

And now, dear friends, here is your peace and bles sedness, that you silence all flesh, and cease from youi own wisdom, and give over your imaginations about the things of God; come out of the love of the world, and arise out of all visible things, and prepare to meet the Lord: cast off all your idols that have had your hearts, and put off the stumbling blocks of your iniquities from before your faces, and give up all that will not that he should reign over then), that his? enemies may be your enennes: for in judgment and righteousness is he come out, to be avenged upon the unrighteous seed. And now stand in the light, that a separation may be made in you, the precious from the vile, that a true Saviour may arise, that you may know your calling and election, what is called, and what you are to come out of, lest you stay in any of that to which the plagues are; for this is the cause of your suffering, not discerning in the pure wisdom, what that antichrist or exalted spirit is, that is got into the seat of God, and shews himself to be as God, whose kingdom stands in the wisdom, glory and riches of the world, whereat all that know not the true God in spirit ask counsel.

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Therefore, dear friends, look not out into the visible things, for there he is ready to present to you false voi- ces and visions, lying wonders, to lead out the vain mind into the liberty and boasting of high things, in words without power: but vvhile such speak of liberty, they are in bondage, in mind, to corrupt and fading things. And while these are head in the creature, there is not redemption: for the bonds of iniquity are unloos- ed, and the pure seed is oppressed, and the plagues must pass upon that nature. Therefore sink down into the sufferings and death, that you may find the door whereat to enter; for there is a vale of tears to pass through. You shall find your well springs in him, where you shall drink of the water of life, and find re- freshment, and grow from strength to strength, till you come up to Sion. Stand fast, take heed of words with- out life, spoken from the comprehensions, for that feeds not the pure seed, but feeds the wisdom which is below, and the itching ears, and so the pure is covered with earth, and the fowls of the air are fed, and no fruit is brought forth to perfection. And take heed of that na- ture that would know more than God is willing to reveal: for you shall find that unwilling to obey what it knows: and take heed of that which desires to apjiear before men to be commended, for that seldom deserves praise of God. And let a godly conversation declare what is within ; and know one another in spirit, and not in word, and meet often together, and wait upon God, (for his teaching alone) in a cross to your own wills, for therein is the secrets of God revealed. Let love abound in you one towards another, without being partial.

And I beseech you by the love of God, that you halt not between God and the world ; but as you profess that you are not of the world, so let your conversation be out of its fashions, customs, traditions and covetous practices, that it may appear you are marked out for the Lord's, and that you are not ashamed to own that which differs, and so walk, as- not to cast an offence on the gospel, that you become not a scorn to fools; but let wisdom be justified of her children. And take heed of that which would be exalted above others, teaching

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and talking of things without life. And you tiiat would be counted somebody^ let such first learn to wash the feet of them they wduld be above; and he that would be greatest, let him be servant to all, for it is the hum- ble, and not the high spirits that are taught of God, and such so walk, as their lives and practices teach and judge all vain, light and haughly spirits. And mind how you grow out of the earth, and out of that which is in the enmity:, and until you be brought out of the love of all visible things, and wholly infolded into the love of God, you cannot witness redemption, nor receive the true joy that ariseth in the manifestation of the Love; for .it is only he that is brought up out of the death to reign over it, whose heart is come out of the unrighteous mammon, who is entered into the kingdom of righteous- ness, joy and peace. And as. you arise out of the earth- ly bondage, you shall witness the glorious liberty, and so come to know your own measures, every one in particu- lar to improve it, and not to boast above it in another man's line: and so you will come to see by what power you stand in your warfare, how far you are conquerors, and who is your enemy at present; and so be able to give an account in yourselves of your faith, and how you grow from faith to faith.

And, dear friends,- watch over one another, exhort, reprove, admonish in pure love and meekness of spirit, lest you also be tempted ; and all know, that you are set as a city on a hill, as signs to this generation: there- fore lift up your light to all the world, that all mouths may be stopped, and hearts convinced; so that all that see you, may see you to be children of light, and being judged by you, may be ashamed of their deeds of dark- ness: for great is the work of the Lord, and blessed are they that are found faithful in it, and what is committed to them.

Farewell, dear hearts, and the Lord God Almighty bless, prosper, and preserve you pure and clear into his kingdom, Amen.

My love in the Lord salutes you all, and if my fa- ther please, I shall be glad to see your faces in the

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tlesh ; but his will is my peace, who is blessed for ever- • more.

A lover of your souls, James Nayler.

Written from Nuby, the last day of the seventh month, 1653.

The work of the Lord is great in these parts, and he carries it on with a high hand, having got himself the victory.

Praise the Lord with us, all that know him, who is worthy, even him alone for ever.

THE POWER AND GLORY OF THE LORD, SHINING OUT OF THE NORTH,

OR, THE DAY OF THE LORD DAWNING; WHEREIN THE TRUE LIGHT

IS HOLDEN FORTH, TO ALL WHO DESIRE TO WALK IN THE DAY^.

WITH A WARNING TO THE TEOPLE OF ENGLAND, OF ALL

SORTS, NOT TO OPPOSE CHRIST IN HIS KINGDOM.

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world; he that foUoweth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life, John 8. 12.

Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this peo- ple even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid, jsai. 29. 14.

All people every where, who profess that you love God, and have a desire to walk in his ways, and are in this dark world, wandering to and fro, enquiring the way, how you may come out of this great city, which is Sodom and Egypt, where filthiness and darkness rules, and is heard, wherein the Lord is crucified, and all the righteous blood hath been shed, and yourselves are kept in bondage to sin and unrighteousness, blindness and thick darkness, and know not where you are, nor the way out of this condition; though many of you have been enquiring after the way so many years, seeking after your blind guides, who are not the way, neither in the way themselves, and so have forsaken the fountain of light, and have run after, and have been led by them who are in the same darkness with you. Now stand still a while, and see where you are, and what you have been doing. You pretend as to the kingdom of God, but you are not seeking where it is: you have been seek-

aRev. 11.8.

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>ing without, but it is within you; and there you must find it, if ever you find it. It is not to be found in forms and customs, and out side observations: but the kingdom of God is within you,^ and the way to the kingdom is within you, and the light that guides into the viay is within. Christ is the way, and know ye not that Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? And as he is tlie way, so he is the light ; I am the light of the world, and lighten every one that cometh into the v/orld. He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.'' I am the true shepherd of the sheep, and my sheep know my voice, but the voice of a stran- ger they will not hear.' And the voice of Christ is spiritual, and not carnal; and he speaks to the spirits in prison: and he that hath an ear, hears what the spirit saith. And he who comes once to hear the voice of Christ in spirit, will no more desire to hear the voice of strangers.

All your hirelings are strangers to Christ, and he knows them not: for though they may prophesy in his name, and in his name cast out devils;'' yet if they be workers of iniquity, Christ knows them not, and such know not Christ ; for he that saith, I know him, and keeps not his commandment, is a liar.^

Now all people, cease from your strange guides, and out-side lights, and return to the light of Christ in you, that whiph shows you sin and evil, and the deeds of darkness : for whatever makes manifest is light { and this is that light which shines into the conscience, which tells you, that lying, swearing, pride, envy, covetousness, back- biting and dissembling leads to condemnation: And this light checks you for sin, and would have you to do to all men, as you would be done to. And this light is not a chapter without yau, in a book, but it is that light that revealed the Scriptures to the saints, in their sev- eral measures, which they spoke forth, and which thou readest in the chapter. And this light being minded, will lead to the perfect day, which declares all things as they are.

aLukc 17.21. b John 14. 6. 2Cor.l3.5. John 1.9. & 8. 12. clPet.3.19. Rev a.7.17. John 10.11.12. d Mat. 7. 22, '23. elJohn2.4. fEph.5. 13.

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And this did the apostles exhort the saints every where to take heed onto, till the day dawned, and the day star did arise in their hearts:^ and this is a more sure word of prophesy, than that the apostles did hear in the mount, as he declared unto them. And if you take heed to this light, to obey and love it, then it will show that to you, which no outward declaration of man can show you; it will let you see all your sins done in secret, and whom you have wronged, and how you have spent your time, and will bring you to repentance, and to tenderness of heart towards all people, and will bring you to exercise a pure conscience in the fear of God, towards God and man in uprightn-ess, and so will lead np to justification and peace.^ And if you disobey it, it will condemn you in your own hearts, and will show you that God is greater than your hearts, who will render to every one according to their work. And here you are left without excuse before God, men and angels; and in this, that you know sin, and live in it. Here you have learned your condemnation, and your deceit is dis- covered, whereby with a pretence you make prayers, and say. Lord, shew us a sight of our sins;" whereas God hath given you a light within you, which being minded and obeyed, will show you all your sins and wickedness, and lead you out of them.

But this light you hate, because you love your evil deeds; and you perish not for want of light tendered, but because you turn your backs on it: for when you should bring your works to it, to be proved, then you join with the deceit, to nwke covermgsfor your sins, and hide them lest they should corae to the light, and be made manifest. And this is the cause why you stum- ble, because you walk not in the light; for your evil deeds will not abide the light: the adulterer loves the night, and the thief loves the night, and the drunkard loves the night, and all the children of darkness love the night, that they may bring forth their evil deeds un- reproved.''

And here thou art who lovest thy sins, and here wilt thou be found, profess what thou wilt; for the day wiH

a 1 Pet. 1 . 19. b AcU 24. 16. c John 3. 20- d Job 24. 15, ^- 18. 1 Thess . 5. 7,

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thoroughly declare thee what thou art, for now is the day of the Lord, which will judge thee as thou art, near at hand. And wo to thee that hidest thy sins, and cov- erest thine iniquities. Thou mayst hide from men, and make men believe thou art a christian, but God will not be mocked ( for above all he abhors the hypocrite and dissembler: wherefore take heed and turn from your deceit, and come forth, you children of darkness, and •come into the light, where there is no occasion of stumb- ling, and make it appear you are children of the light, by loving it: and make it appear you love the light, by bringing your deeds to it to be proved, that all your works may be works of the light, that your light may shine forth before all men in your works, and that true judg- ment may be set up in you, and all unrighteousness con- demned and cast out, and truth received in, that the truth may hnake you free: for while you join with the deceit, you consent to keep your sins, and while you commit sin, you are the servants of sin, and the wages of sin is death," and death reigns in you, because you will not come to Christ, who is the light, that you may have life, and your destruction is of yourselves; and God is just, and your condemnation is this, that light is come into the world, and you love darkness rather than light, because your deeds are evil : and this is that grace of God which hath appeared to all men ; which is the saints teacher, and teacheth them to deny ungodliness and wordly lusts,' which you that live in your lusts turn into wantonness, and will not be taught by it; and here you read your condemnation in every sin you commit.

O you people of England! How long will it be ere you be obedient to the kingdom of Jesus Christ*? How long will you profess him in words and forms, and yet will not own him in power? You can be content to let him have the name of a king, so that you yourselves may reign, and under the name of Christ's kingdom, act your own wills." And though you cannot bear it, to be judged by the spirit of Christ where it is in his people, which judgeth all the world, and all things, yet you can-

aEph.5.8. b John 8.-32,34. cJohn3.19. d Tit. 2.11, 12. Jude 4. e 1 Cor. 4.20 TiJ. 1. 16.

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not escape,' for you siiall be found guilty before the mighty judge of Heaven and eartii, wlien he shall appear in flames and fire, to be avenged upon all deceit and imrighteonsness of men.'' And will you be found at that day subjects in the kingdom of Christ, wherein all the saints are one, and Christ their head and lawgiver? Or are you not lords over (iod's heritage; yea, over Christ himself? And you will appear such, when tlie mystery of iniquity shall be revealed in you f you who ought to make it your whole care to observe the law of Christ in all. Things that he commands, as a rnlc for you to walk by. But are you in your duty, as servants to Christ, when you are prescribing him ways to walk by in his church? And is it not so, when you would limit him to speak only by such as you in your wisdom ap- prove of, or else he shall be silent? And to effect this, are all the powers of the earth combined together: do not you here take upon you to be lords of the vineyard, and not servants? And would not suffer him to send forth labourers into it, who is Lord of it. Is not this the way to make the heritage your own? Hath not all the 'persecution of the messengers of God, arisen from this ground? And how many times have earthly powers been broken to pieces against this rock?*" And do you walk according to the vScriptures, which you say is your rule, when you would limit the spirit of tlie Lord, not to speak in his own time, and in what place soever they who have the message are sent into? You, who are offended because the Lord sends his messengers into your idol temples, to cry against your idol worships and heathenish customs, and to call out poor ignorant people from amongst you, who have long been deceived by their blind guides:'' and to call them out of forms and like- nesses, into the substance of all worships, which is only in spirit, and not in forms and customs, and out-side ob- servations, that they may come to know what they wor- ship, even the living God, that their souls may live.' — Which was the way by which the apostles did gather

alCor.2. 15. blPet.5.3. c Mat. 28. 20. d Mat. 21. 23, to the end. 2 CEron. 36 •tv c Amos7.13. Acts5.19,20. Acts 17. 2, 3. f John ^I 21, :J2, 23, 3«.

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ihe saints out of all the idols, temples, and carnal wof- ships, into the spirit, as you may read in the Scripture.

And this (with you) is a transgression of your law, and you say, it breeds distraction in your churches: but what churches are they, which will be so soon distract- ed? And what people are those churches made up of, who no sooner hear one deliver the Lord's message in a peaceable way, but they are all on fire, beating, buffet- ing, cursing, swearing, and hauling them to prison? And were you not blind, you might plainly see what genera- tion these are, who are, and always have been offended at the will of God.

Is not the love of God to souls, to send to call them who will hear his voice, out of such churches as are thus acted by a spirit of envy, rage and murder, which is the spirit of the devil? And this is that spirit which being offended, sets the creatures one to destroy another, lest his deceit should be revealed.

And are you not blind, who cannot distinguish between that spirit which acts in the persecutor, and that spirit which acts in the sufferer, and hath so done in all ages, and come out from amongst them? And what law is. that which you say is transgressed by the creature, be- ing obedient to the creator, obeying the voice of Christ, witnessed in the Scripture, by the practice of the holy men of God, sent out by the same spirit into the world, as these are at this day? Is this a christian law, as you pretend it to be, that thus withstands Christ in his kingdom? And were you spiritual, as you pretend, would not these carnal laws, that oppose the spirit and practice of the saints, be laid aside by you?'

And now try whether that spirit act in yon, which led the apostles and saints into the temple and syna- gogues daily, there to dispute against all idolatrous worships, and to hold out to the people the true sub- stance, and thereby gathered the church into God, in the spirit, there to meet and worship ;*" or that spirit that was in them who persecuted the saints for so doing, and commanded them to be silent, and charged them with breaking their law, and turning the world upside down,

aActslT. 2,3. b Arts 16, 19,20,21.

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and counted them madmen. And if any be moved to speak a word of truth, while your parisii teachers are talking, or before their glass be run. You that execute a carnal law upon the bodies of such, are you subject to the kingdom of Christ, which is in the spirits of his own, whereby he rules the conscience, and brings them to obey him in his commands? Or will not you be found in the day of trial, to be lighters against God, under the name of professing them?" And do these whom you persecute any thing but what was the saints practice? And how are you not ashamed to profess that Scripture to be your rule, which saith, if any thing be revealed to another that sits by, let the first hold his peace. And this the apostle sets down as order, and the saints liber- ty. But what spirit acts you, who would restrain it, and call it disorder, and haul them before rulers, or to prison for so doing? And you that say, if such have their own liberty, it is reason they should be silent, and not cry out against others; know that the law of Christ is not grounded on the will and reason of men : and is your rea- son here any thing but carnal? For doth pure reason give any way, that deceit should go under the name of truth unreproved ? And is there any reason to limit the spirit of Christ, that it shall not discover the man of sin, wherever he is, who must be revealed and destroyed by the brightness of his coming in the saints, and by the sword of his mouth? And is there any reason, that the powers of the earth should make laws for the spirit of Christ in the saints to act by, though in all ages they would be meddling with it to their own hurt? And if all should be subject to your law, which you say is rea- son, how should truth bespread abroad, and deceit be brought to blush: seeing deceit hath always, and doth still wind into the earthly powers for safety? But truth seeks no corners, nor shelters from earthly powers; for all that ever were sent out by Christ to preach the gospel, were called by him alone, without the consent of earthly powers, neither stood they to the judgment or trial of any men of powers, as from them to receive or- al Cor. 14.30.

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der, whether lo preach or forbear: but by his authorit) alone, by whom they were sent, to whom alone they were to give account of their ministry, with joy or sor- row.

And in this work they denied all the learning and wisdom of the world. Few of the apostles were learn- ed, and Paul, when he tells of his bringing up in learn- ing, counts it amongst other (carnal) things, loss and dung, which before he had counted gain, that in the loss of them he might win Christ; and saith, of the knowl- edge of the gospel, that he had it not of man, nor by man, nor was he taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.'' But what rule walk you by, who must have them to such a pitch of learning, and so many years at Oxford or Cambridge, and there study so long in books and old authors? And all this to know, what unlearned men, fishermen, ploughmen and herdsmen, did mean, when they spoke forth the Scriptures, who were counted fools and madmen by the learned generation when they Spake them forth: and they who speak it by the same spirit, are so still by the same serpent's wisdom. Ajid when you have brought them to this height of learning, yet the Scripture is a book sealed to all their wisdom and learning;'' and they from whom you expect the open- ing of this mystery, are at a jar amongst themselves, what should be the meaning of it; and have been in all ages disputing, quarreling, imprisoning, killing and burn- ing one another, and would do so now had they power: for this learned generation have been the stirrers up of all strife and blood-shed, setting kingdoms, nations and people one against another, and all about standing to uphold their meanings, forms, imaginations and vain conceptions from the letter, but are all ignorant of that spirit which gave it forth ; for they who have the sub- stance, contend not about words and meanings ; and that spirit is the substance which gave it forth, and opens it again, as it ariseth in its measure. And they who have that spirit, are ministers of tiie spirit, and they manifest to the raising up of the spirit in others, and not to the

aActs4. 13, Pbil.S. 7, 8. Gal. 1.11,12. bRcv.5.2.

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serpent's wisdom ; for they know, that wiscTom which stands in the will of man must not enter; for the myste- ry is hid from it. And svich cannot persecute the bodies of men, because they know not so much as they, neither do tiiey seek to destroy the creature; but they strike at the accursed spirit, which keeps the creature in blind- ness and bondage, and so redeems the creature and reconciles him to God in the spirit. And this is the ministry of reconciliation, guided by the spirit, and by this was the scripture written forth: for holy men of God spoke forth the scriptures as they were moved by the holy ghost, without carnal learning.^ And holy men by the same spirit read and understood them again: not by carnal learning and natural tongues; for the spi- rit is the original, which first reveals the mystery to the spirit within man, and then declares it forth in words or writing to the understanding of others, to the directing their minds to wait upon God for the same free gift of the spirit.''

And here is the true worship in spirit found and per- formed, which stands in the teaching of the spirit, and not in the letter, unknown to the world, but owned of God.

But all you, who seek to find out the invisible things of God, or the way of his worship, by your learning and wisdom in the letter, you seek that which is hid from your wisdom, and you take the saints conditions to talk on;*" and they having outwardly declared their inward worship and fellowship they had with God in spirit, this you find in the letter, and every one, according to his several conceiving thereof, sets up an outward form, image, or likeness of the saints worship. And here you worship, and for this you contend by reasons and arguments, and wrest the scriptures to uphold your form;'' and if any will not worship this your image, you are greatly offended at.

And here is all the contention in the world about things without, as forms, customs and traditions, and here carnal minds contend with carnal words and wea-

a2Pet. 1,12. h 1 Cor. 2,14. Eph. 3. f?, :r rMnt.11,25. l.Tohnl,:{. d2Pet. 3,16.

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pons about carnal things: and you who are here cannot own the saints conditions in yourselves, as to witness the infallible teachings of the spirit, and the body of sin put off, and to be sanctified throughout in soul and body.^ But you will own the scriptures (as they are) as far as they will make with your form, and that you may live in the delights of the world ; and for those which cross your ways and wills, you will alter them by meanings and expositions.

And thus the scripture must bend to you, and submi*; to your wills, that the will may reign, and you live in your lusts: but to believe, that ever they shall be fulfil- led in you by Christ, as they are and were in the saints, to this your faith is reprobate." And yet you are not ashamed to profess Christ your king, and the scripture your rule, and you make a great sound in words, the kingdom of Christ, and the ordinances of Christ, and the church of Christ, and the saints practice, and the scripture rule, but is it so upon trial, or but a thing like these you speak on? And where you appear to be wanting, there you have covered with words, meanings and expositions: but the saints, whose conditions you talk on, was what they spoke without your meanings or deceit:' they were bubjects in the kingdom of Christ, and he did rule in them, and they followed him through persecutions, mockings and death: but is it so with you, who are lords over your brethren, beating, mocking, imprisoning and killing them, because they will not for- sake the commands of Christ, to be subject to yous wills and heathenish customs, as to bow down to you, and worship you, and to be silent at your will, and to speak at your wills, though Christ command the contrary? Is this to own Christ for your king?

And as for your ordinances you cry up so much, are these they, to set up a proud man, called by you master, having the highest place in the idols temple, preaching always from a verse of another man's condition, but not fulfilled in himself;' raising points, reasons, objections and uses, a divination of his own brain, but not from the mouth of the Lord ; adding and diminishing to the scrip-

a Rom. 6, 6, 7. bRom. 8,3,4. c Rev. 7, 14. d Mat.23,6, 10-

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ture; sprinkling of infants, and calling it, baptizing into Christ; singing David's conditions in rhymes; telling people of a sacrament, and observing of times, doing all for tithes or money,' living in pride, fullness andcov- etoMsness, and many more like things, never used by any that Christ sent?

And is this your church, all within such a place or parish, sprinkled when they were infants, but not yet washed from sin, but many are still liars, swearers, drunkards, whoremongers, covetous, scorners, proud, wanton, oppressors, and such like, but not one that can witness that faith which hath overcome the world, sin and the devil, or believe, that ever they shall overcome while they are here?*" and is this the church of Christ ■ (which is his body) whilst limbs of the devil, and serve him at his will? and is this the saints practice you speak of, to exalt yourselves one above another, to sue one another, to accuse falsely, to be proud and covetous, to live in the lusts of the flesh, sporting and gaming, and calling it recreation ;"" living in excess of apparel and diet, spending the creatures in your lusts, when your brethren want food and raiment, causing others to labour in wants, that they may bring it to you to spend in your lusts and vanity? And when you should hear- ken to the light of Christ in your conscience, then you join with the deceit to make coverings for your iniquities, and say it is but as your place and state requires; as though God had given out his law with respect of per* sons, and had given you a toleration to abuse the crea- ture, and live in your lusts more than others, because you have more of the earth, or a greater power com- mitted to your charge amongst men than others ;'^ not considering that the heathen exercise these things, but the saints, the greater power, the more humble, and the more careful to walk as examples to others, that so they may exalt him alone, whose ministers they are, and not themselves in pride.

And this is to be truly honourable, and herein have all the faithful been honoured ; but you who seek for the

aGaI.4.10. 11. blJohn2.4. e Mat. 20, 26, 27. Gal. 5, 24. d Jam. .'?, 1 . 2, 3, 5. Mat. 20, S.";, 26, 27. Luk. 22,26.

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worlds honour, are not of the faithful; for, saith Christ, how can vou believe, that seek for honour one of ano- ther?

Now ye that talk of the saints practice, own it in yourselves, and it will take you off from these, and many more vanities you live inf God will not be mocked, ye hypocrites, be not sayers, but doers. And you talk of the scriptures being a golden rule, but your ways prove how little you are ruled by it.

Do you seek to be perfect? for God is perfect: holy, as he is holy? Do ye love God above all, and your neighbours as yourselves, when you make them your footstool? Do you do to all as you would be done by? have you forsaken the world and the love of it? is the lusts and affections of your flesh crucified? Having food and raiment, are ye there with content? dojou live by faith, not taking thought for to-morrow, what, to eat, and what to put on? do you live as the Lord's lil- lies? do you feed the hungry, and clothe the naked, and let the oppressed go free? arc ye no respectors of per- sons in all your dealings?'' are you brought to yea and nay in all your communication, without any more, which comes of evil? do you suffer, and are hated, and have all manner of evil spoken of you falsely, for the name of Christ?" are you brought out of all the cus- toms of the heathen, and are conformable to Christ in his life and sufferings?^ prove yourselves, if you be what you profess in truth, that you be saints, sanctified and redeemed out of all worldly and earthly things, to live to God in all things, in righteousness and holiness. Oh! you take but their conditions to talk on, which were so, and so you boast in another man's line, on things that are not your own.

See if you be made the righteousness of God in Christ, as they were, and if you know him," whom you say you worship, to dwell in your bodies, as they did; and that you are taught of him in spirit, how he will be worshipped, as they were whom you talk on/

a John 5. 41,44., bHeb.13,5. ITini. 6,8,9. Mat. 6,25, to the end. Jam. 2, 1, 9. M;it.5,37. cMat.5.11. dLuke6,22. clCor.13, 10. f2Cor. 13,10. 2Cor.6,lG

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See whether these things be so in v':ubstance,or you tiave but a form of their worship, gathered out of the letter; and so you worship a likeness or image of that whereoif they had the substance. JNow, if you have but the outside, take heed ; for now is the hand of the Lord upon all the idols of the world.' And that which is not the substance, is but an image.' And now shall the sione cut out of the mountain without hands, break thee and thy image in pieces, and he that is with- out form, shall by his power, break all your forms, and formal worships in pieces.' And that worship alone shall be set up, which is in spirit, and not in form, and is accepted by that God who never was known in form, but in spirit blessed for ever.

And, you rulers of the nation, take heed how you step into the throne of Christ, or exalt yourselves in his kingdom, and mind what power you are entrusted with by the Lord, and be faithful in that, as the minis- ters of God, to whom you are to give an account. You are to punish sin in whom it is, without respect of per- sons: and if you be faithful herein, you will find work enough in the nation. And you are to encourage them that do well, and deliver them from the power of cruel and blood thirsty men that oppress them; for he that departs from iniquity is made a prey to this generation/ And you are to walk as examples to the people, in all holiness and righteousness, that God may bless you, and honour you in the doing of his commands: but as for sending out labourers into iiis vineyard, wher« hath he commanded this at your hands? or, when did he in any age reprove any for not doing it? He hath overthrown kingdoms and nations, for abusing and going about tu stop the mouths of those that he sent;" and hath re- proved kings for their sakes, saying touch them not; but these were such as he sent; for he never entrusted the powers of the earth to choose him messengers to go on his message.' And hath he now put power inio your hand, that you should not suffer him to choose his own messengers, by whom he will send to his own peo-

a Zac. 13.2. b Dan. 3. 34. c Rev. 14, 9. d 2 Sam. 23. 3. Isa. 56. 1. 1 Pet. 2, 14 Psal,82,2,3,4 Pro. 29, 2, Isa. 59, l."?. e 2 Chron. 36, 1.5,1« f Luke 10,2.

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pie? And have you the message to put into theii mouths? and must they go on your errand or his? and will not you give him leave to choose his own servants, and what he will employ them about? Will you deal so with him, as you would not have any to deal with you?

And for your tithes, augmentations and set benefits, when did ever God require any such thing from any magistrates under the gospel? And doth it serve for any other end, but to hold up an idle loitering ministry, one pulling another out of places, and setting themselves in their stead, that they may heap up riches, and live in their lusts, all running greedily after the wages of Ba- laam for gifts and rewards? and do you fear that the hand of God is shortened, that he will not raise up such as will go on his message, unless you provide them wages?* Did ever any that he sent complain to the world for want? nay, all my father's servants have bread enough, without being cared for by the world; for those who are sent by Christ take little care for such earthly things, having a better reward in durable riclies. And can you ever keep the ministers of antichrist out of pla- ces (who will conform to any thing for gain) so long as they can have you to feed them with money ? And "will not you be found guilty of keeping up the hirelings, that t!ie u oe is to, and them that hold them up, and whom Christ is come to discover and cast out, and so you be found fighters against him? and when you leave all that say they are Christ's ministers, to Christ's main- / tenance,set down in the gospel, then it will ajipear who have run unsent, and have not profited the people. And is it not the love of God, to cast out such as have called themselves teachers, and have been thus long in places, and have their people yet liars, swearers, drunkards, proud and covetous, and in all filthiness;^ but not one that is set free from sin, and brought out of tiie world; •and they who have taught them, dare not trust them for maintenance, without a law to compel them? And are you doing any acceptable service to God, in maintain.

aZacb. 11,4, 5. Ezpk.22,25. Jsn. 502,4. b Rom. 6, 7, 18.

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iiig such as these as they live? And will it not be said to you one day, who recfuires these things at youp hands," to oppress the poor, who labour hard to give their la- bours to maintain these belly-gods [contrary to their consciences] in their fulness, pride and lust, and their wives and families in idleness; and they that labour for it are many times in great want?

Oh! be wise and take heed what ye do; and as you profess yourselves to be a christian magistracy, so mind the commands of Christ, and not your own wills. It is not saying you are christians, but walking after Christ and his commands, that differs you from the heathens: and do not profess the scripture in words, but own their practice that gave them forth ; and let them who say they are ministers, make proof of their ministry in pow- er, and not in getting a few words whereby to deceive you and the people: but let them first sow spiritual things, before they reap carnal: first beget a people out of the world into the spirit, and then they shall not need to contend with them about food and raiment, nor sue them at the law: first plant, then eat.''

And this was the practice of such as Christ sent, and he always provided them a house to go to who were worthy, and meat to eat, and they never wanted what was good for them." And I witness that he is the sanm now, "and hath the same care over those that he sends into the world, with divers others, whom he hath sent out without bag or scrip, yea, into the most brutish parts in the nation : praises, praises be to our God, whose is the earth, and the fulness thereof.

And thus do we witness the scripture fulfilled, and take no thought for food and raiment, as the heathen do, but are come into the unity with all saints in their joy and sufferings, and are taught by Christ how to want, and how to abound, and in all conditions to be therewithal content.'' And we can truly say, all is for good to us, and to the church of Christ: and our kingdom and joy is not of this world, nor doth the world know us, nor our joy; glory to the highest forever, who is shaking all the wisdoms and powers of men, to establish that which is

aProv. 22, 16. bl Cor. 9,11. c\cts4,34. d Mat. 6,25. Phil. 4,11, 12-.

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of himself alone, to which all shall be made to bend anc? bow.^

And you that are in power, mind the promise of the father, at the coming of Christ to his kingdom, I will overturn, overturn, overturn, till it come into his hand whose right it is, and upon his shoulders shall the gov- ernment be established he that hath an ear to hear, let him hear.' And take notice how many have been over- turned already, who would have been limiting him by their wisdoms. And now it is come into your hands, who above all have seen his wonders done for you and the nation, and you above all have declared, that your desire is, that Christ alone may reign in his kingdom:"^ and some of you I have known to be tender towards any who looked that way. Oh! that there were such a heart in you, to lay aside all your own wills, and car- nal consultations,'' and to take counsel at the spirit of the Lord, and be guided by his pure light, shining in your conscience, which would bring you into the fear of the Lord, and to depart from self-ends, interests and exaltations, and to follow the law of God, in establish- ing laws for yourselves and others to walk by, and that you may follow the practice of the saints left in scrip- ture, without wresting it, that so you might come to have unity with them in the same spirit that gave them forth," and so be guided by the same spirit of justice and judgment, by which all were guided that ever have ruled well in all ages, whom God did bless, and hath honour- ed for ever: that so God may bless you, and establish you, and preserve the nation out of the hands of yours and the nation's enemies; and tiiat you may be honour- ed with taking away oppression, and wicked and unjust rulers, who are the cause of it, who judge not the cause of the poor and needy, and which the Lord hath been grieved at these many years/ But if you forget your- selves and what you have promised before tiie Lord, in the day when you sought unto him for deliverance, and so exalt yourselves over the poor, and set up your own laws, and not the law of God in its purity: I declare

a John 16, 22. bisa. 9. 6,7. c Amos 3, 2. dlsa.30, 1. e Psa!. 89, 14, l»t 16. fisa 1.23. Zach.7, 9, 10, tothceml.

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unto you this day from the word of the Lord, that he will overturn you, and raise up his kingdom another way;^ whether you will hear, or whether you will for- bear, the word of the Lord shall stand, for the almighty God hath been shaking the nations, that his glory may appear; and there shall be no rest, until his kingdom be established above all mountains. Hear all ye powers of the earth, the Lord alone will reign.

This I am to declare abroad, that they who are wise- hearted, may understand and fear before the Lord God almighty: the time is at hand: he that believes shall be established. James Nayler.

fUE WAY HOW ALL FLESH COiME TO KNOW THE LORD ANO FEAR

HIM, BY HIS TERRIBLE SHAKING THE EARTHLY FART IN MAN,

WITNESSED BY THE HOLY MEN OF GOD IN SCRIPTURE.

For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken; surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel, so that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the Heavens, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that are upon the face of the earth shall shake at my presence, and the moun- tains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground. Ezek. xxxviii. 19, 20.

Take heed how you speak evil of the things you know not, Jude 10. You who neither know the Lord, nor his works in yourselves, take heed how you judge it in others; you are without God in the world. And the works of God have always been strange to that na- ture which your live in, but search the Scriptures, and you shall find that the holy men of God do witness qua- king and trembling, and roaring, and weeping, and fast- ing and tears; but the world knows not the saints con- ditions: but beware therefore lest that come upon you which is spoken of in the prophets and apostles, of such despisers and scorners as you are.

Behold ye despisers, and wonder, and perish ; for I work a work in your days, a work which you shall not in any wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.