THE SECOND BOOK. 1651-1653.

1651.

The year 1651 had scarce begun, when the Scots resolved, notwithstanding their overthrow, to crown their new King, which, after he had sworn to maintain the Covenant, they did in the beginning of the month called January. But leaving this,

We return again to George Fox, whom we left at Derby, in the house of correction; where about this time a trooper came to him, who said, that having been in the steeple-house, hearing the priest, exceeding great trouble came upon him, and that a voice, (which he took to be that of the Lord,) said to him, ‘Dost thou not know that my servant is in prison? Go to him for direction.’ G. Fox speaking to his condition, told him, ‘That which showed him his sins and troubled him for them, would also show him his salvation; because He that shows a man his sin, is the same that takes it away.’ Whilst he was thus speaking, the trooper’s understanding began to be opened concerning the truth, and he was sensible of God’s mercies, which made him speak boldly in his quarters among the soldiers, and others, alleging the Scriptures for what he believed to be truth. He also said, his colonel, (which I take to be Barton,) was as blind as Nebuchadnezzar, to cast the servant of the Lord into prison. This so incensed his colonel, that, when at Worcester fight, the two armies lying near one another, two from the King’s army challenged any two of the Parliament’s army to fight with them, the said colonel made choice of him and another to answer the challenge: and when in the encounter his companion was slain, he drove both his enemies within a musket-shot of the town, without firing a pistol at them. Thus he returned victorious; but then he saw the deceit of the officers, and how wonderfully the Lord had preserved him; and in process of time becoming sensible that fighting was unlawful for a true Christian, he laid down his arms, henceforth to fight under the banner of the Prince of Peace, by entering into the spiritual warfare.

Now the time of G. Fox’s commitment to the house of correction being very near out, and there being many new soldiers raised, the commissioners would have made him captain over them, and the soldiers cried, ‘They would have none but him.’ So the keeper of the house of correction was commanded to bring him up before the commissioners and soldiers in the market place; and there they proffered him that preferment, (as they called it,) asking him if he would not take up arms for the Commonwealth, against Charles Stuart. G. Fox, never having been a fighter, though it has appeared he was bold and valiant, told them, ‘That he could not do so, as well knowing from whence all wars do arise, (viz. from the lusts, according to the doctrine of the apostle James,) and that he lived in the virtue of that life and power, that took away the occasion of all wars.’ The commissioners, to fawn upon him, said, ‘They offered him the office in love and kindness, because of his virtue.’ But he not mattering those flattering words, replied, ‘If this be your love and kindness, I trample it under my feet.’ This bold answer presently showed how shallow their pretended kindness was: for it so enraged them, that they said, ‘Take him away, jailer, and put him into the dungeon amongst the rogues and felons.’ Thus G. Fox was put into a lousy stinking place amongst thirty felons, where he had no bed, and was kept almost half a year, unless that at times he was suffered to walk in the garden, for they believed of him that he would not run away. Being in this nasty prison, it was said among the people, that he never should come out: but he, trusting in God, believed the contrary, it being showed him from the Lord, (according to what he relates,) that he was not yet to be removed from that place, there being a service for him to do.

In the meanwhile it was noised abroad, that he was in Derby dungeon, and his relations came again to see him, they being much troubled about it; for they thought it a great shame to them, that he should lie thus in jail: besides, it was a strange thing then to be imprisoned for religion. But some judged him to be mad, because he maintained the doctrine of purity, righteousness, and perfection. Among others that came to see him, there was also a soldier from Nottingham, who said to him, ‘Your faith stands in a man that died at Jerusalem; and there was never any such thing.’ This so grieved G. Fox, that he said to him, ‘How! did not Christ suffer without the gates of Jerusalem, by the professing Jews, the chief priests, and Pilate?’ ‘No,’ said the other, ‘he did not suffer there outwardly.’ Then G. Fox asked him, ‘Whether there were not Jews, chief priests, and Pilate outwardly?’ This puzzled the soldier a little, so that he could not deny it. Then he told him, ‘As certainly as there was a chief priest, and Jews, and Pilate, so certainly Christ did suffer there outwardly under them.’ Yet this inconsiderate person said also, ‘That never any of the prophets or apostles, or holy men of God, suffered any thing outwardly; but that all their sufferings were inward.’ Then G. Fox instanced to him many of the prophets and apostles, how they suffered, and by whom they suffered, thereby to confound his silly imaginations. Yet such was the malice of some, that a slander was raised among the people, that the Quakers denied Christ that suffered and died at Jerusalem. This, indeed, is a singular evidence of the credulity of people, taking upon trust any story, how false soever, when it relates to those that are become the object of vulgar odium. Now as G. Fox was often visited by those that came out of curiosity, it is not to be wondered that sometimes he was contradicted by presumptuous and self-conceited persons. Once there came to him some that pretended they were triers of spirits; and these he asked, ‘What was the first step to peace: and what it was by which a man might see his salvation.’ But they, being of an airy mind, took this to be such a strange question, that they did not stick to say he was mad. Thus it appeared that these who pretended to try spirits, did not know what spirit they themselves were of, and that they had not sufficient knowledge to make a good judgment of the corporal constitution, saying he was mad, who was in no wise out of his senses.

In the time of his imprisonment, he was much exercised in mind about the proceedings of the magistrates, because men were put to death for stealing of cattle, money, &c. and he was the more troubled about it, because this practice was contrary to the law of God in old time. Wherefore he writ the following two letters to the judges.

The other letter was thus.

Whilst G. Fox was in prison among the felons, it grieved him to hear their foul language; and he often reproved them for their wicked words, and evil carriage towards each other: and people did admire that he was so preserved among this bad company, without being defiled by their conversation: but the fear of God so prevailed in his heart, that he could not be charged with any evil word or action all the time he was there: yet he perceived that it was dangerous to converse with such a naughty crew, and therefore he laid before the judges what an hurtful thing it was, that prisoners should lie long in a jail, because they learned wickedness one of another, in talking of their bad deeds; and that therefore speedy justice ought to be done.

Now whilst he was confined here, there was a young woman in the jail for robbing her master of some money; and she being to be tried for her life, he wrote concerning her to the judge and jury, showing them, how contrary it was to the law of God of old, to put people to death for stealing; and that it was an incumbent duty to show mercy. But notwithstanding his writing so, she was condemned to die, and a grave was made for her. G. Fox having heard this, writ a few words, containing, ‘A warning for all people to beware of covetousness, and to fear the Lord, and prize their time, while they have it; that so they might avoid wickedness;’ and when the woman, at the time appointed, was carried forth to execution, he gave this writing to be read at the gallows; but when she was upon the ladder, with a cloth over her face, and ready to be turned off, she was reprieved, and was brought back again to prison, where afterwards she came to be convinced of the truth, as held forth by G. Fox and his friends.

In the jail there was also detained a wicked man, who was said to be a conjurer; this man threatened G. Fox, and also the jailer, that he would raise the devil, and break the house down; so that he made the jailer afraid. But G. Fox went to him, and said, ‘Come, let us see what thou canst do, and do thy worst: the devil is raised high enough in thee already; but the power of God chains him down.’ At this undaunted speech the fellow slunk away.

Now the justices to get rid of G. Fox, resolved to press him for a soldier, seeing he would not voluntarily accept of a command; and Bennet sent constables to give him press-money: but he told him, ‘That he was brought off from outward war, and was dead to it.’ And though the commissioners over and again proffered him money, yet he would not take it; at which they grew so angry, that he was committed close prisoner. Hereupon G. Fox wrote to the justices, and those that were concerned in his commitment, the following lines.

About this time he gave forth a paper to those that were convinced of the truth, to show them the deceit of the world, and how the priests had deceived the people, viz.

He also wrote a serious exhortation to the magistrates of Derby, to consider whom they imprisoned.

During his imprisonment there, he was under a great exercise and travail in spirit, because of the wickedness of that town; for though some were convinced there of the doctrine of truth, yet generally they were a hardened people: and he seeing the visitation of God’s love pass away from them, he mourned, and wrote the following lamentation.

After he had written this, he perceived that his imprisonment there would not continue long; for the magistrates grew uneasy about him, and could not agree what to do with him: one while they would have sent him up to the Parliament, and another while they would have banished him to Ireland. At first they called him a deceiver, and a blasphemer; and afterwards, when the judgments of God befel them, they said he was an honest virtuous man. But their well or ill speaking was nothing to him; for the one did not lift him up, nor did the other cast him down. At length they turned him out of jail, about the beginning of the winter, in the year 1651, after he had been prisoner in Derby about a year: six months whereof in the house of correction, and the rest of the time in the common jail and dungeon.

Being set at liberty, he went into Leicestershire, and had meetings where he came, preaching so effectually, that several were convinced. He went after to Nottinghamshire again, and from thence into Derbyshire, where having visited his friends, he passed into Yorkshire, and coming into Doncaster, and other places, he preached repentance. Afterwards he came to Balby, where Richard Farnsworth and several others were convinced by his preaching. And coming afterwards into the parts about Wakefield, James Naylor came to him, and also acknowledged the truth of that doctrine he held forth; likewise William Dewsbury, with many more; and these three named, became in time also ministers of the gospel. But by the way, I must say that William Dewsbury was one of those that had already been immediately convinced, as G. Fox himself was, who coming to him, found himself in unity with him: and of these was also G. Fox the younger, of whom more hereafter.

But I return to the other G. Fox, who coming about Selby, passed from thence to Beverly, where he went into the steeple-house, and after he that preached there had done, George Fox spoke to the congregation, and said, that ‘they ought to turn to Christ Jesus as their teacher.’ This struck a dread amongst the people, and the mayor spoke to him; but none meddled with him. In the afternoon he went to another steeple-house, about two miles off, where, after the priest had done, he spoke to him, and the people, showing them the way of life and truth, and the ground of election and reprobation. The priest saying he could not dispute, G. Fox told him he did not come to dispute, but to hold forth the word of truth, that they might all know the one seed, to which the promise was, both in the male, and in the female. Here his speaking did so please the auditory, that he was desired to come again on another day, and to preach there. But he directed them to their teacher Christ Jesus, and so went away.

The next day he came to Cranswick, to Captain Pursloe’s, who accompanied him to Justice Hotham’s, and entering into discourse with G. Fox, told him, he had known that principle above ten years, and was glad that the Lord did publish it abroad among the people. While G. Fox was there, a great woman of Beverly came to speak with the said justice about some business, who in discourse said, that the last sabbath-day, (as she called it,) there was an angel or spirit came into the church at Beverly, and spoke the wonderful things of God, to the astonishment of all that were there: and that when it had done, it passed away, they not knowing whence it came, nor whither it went; but it astonished all, both priest and professors, and the magistrates of the town. This relation justice Hotham gave himself afterwards; and then G. Fox told him, that it was he who had been that day at Beverly steeple-house, and had declared truth there. The next First-day of the week captain Pursloe came to G. Fox, and they both went to the steeple-house, where G. Fox, when the priest had done, spoke to both priest and people, and directed them where they might find their teacher, the Lord Jesus Christ, viz. inwardly, in their hearts; which was of such effect, that some received that doctrine of truth, and continued in it. In the afternoon he went to another steeple-house, about three miles off, where one preached that bore the title of doctor: he took his text from Isaiah, lv. “Every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money, come ye, buy and eat, yea come, buy wine and milk, without money, and without price.” G. Fox stayed till the priest had done, and well knowing what kind of teacher he was, he was kindled with such a zeal, that he said, Come down thou deceiver: dost thou bid people come freely, and to take of the water of life freely, and yet thou takest three hundred pounds a year of them! mayest not thou blush with shame! did the prophet Isaiah and Christ do so, who spake the words, and gave them forth freely? did not Christ say to his ministers, whom he sent to preach, Freely ye have received, freely give? the priest being amazed, hastened away, and so gave G. Fox as much time as he could desire, to speak to the people; who then directed them to the light, and the grace of God, and to the spirit of God in their inward parts, to be taught and instructed thereby. Having thus cleared himself among the people, he returned to justice Hotham’s house that night, who embracing him, said, ‘My house is your house;’ and also signified, that he was exceedingly glad at the work of the Lord, and that his power was revealed.

From thence G. Fox went through the country, and came at night to an inn, where he bid the woman of the house, if she had any meat, to bring him some. But because he said thee and thou to her, she looked strangely on him. Then he asked her if she had any milk; and she said, no. He believing she spoke falsely, and seeing a churn stand in the room, would try her further, and asked her if she had any cream; but she denied that she had any. Then a little boy playing about the churn, put his hands into it, and pulling it down, threw all the cream on the floor. Thus the woman appeared to be a liar, and she being amazed, took up the child and whipt it sorely: but he reproved her for her lying, and going out of the house, went away, and that night lay in a stack of hay, in rain and snow. The next day he came to York, and the first day of the week being come, he went to the cathedral; when the priest had done, he said, he had something from the Lord God to speak to the priest and people. Then, (said a professor,) say on quickly; for it was very cold weather. G. Fox then told them, ‘this was the word of the Lord God unto them, that they lived in words; but God Almighty looked for fruits among them.’ As soon as these words were out of his mouth, he was hurried out, and thrown down the steps. But he got up again without hurt, and went to his lodging. Yet several of the people was so reached, that they became convinced of the truth.

He having now done his service in York, went from thence, and came the next day to Burraby, and going into a certain meeting, where there was a priest also, he had occasion to declare the truth, and many were convinced; and the priest himself confessed to the truth, though he came not to live up to it. The following day G. Fox passed to Cleaveland, where having a meeting, some were convinced. The first day of the next week he went to the steeple-house, and when the priest had done, he directed the people to their teacher within, Christ Jesus, who had bought them. The priest then coming to him, he had little discourse with him, and put him soon to silence.

From thence he went to Stath, where he had great meetings, and many received the truth he preached, among whom was Philip Scarth, a priest, that afterwards came to be a minister of the gospel among those called Quakers, who now began thereabout to increase in number, and had great meetings. It happened here, that a certain Scotch priest, walking with G. Fox, asked him many questions concerning the light and the soul: to all which he answered fully. But after they parted, this Scotch priest met Philip Scarth, and breaking his cane against the ground, said in anger, ‘If ever he met with G. Fox again, he would have his life, or Fox should have his;’ adding, ‘That he would give his head, if G. Fox was not knocked down within a month.’ Yet what is marvellous, this same Scotch priest, after some years, came to be one of the people called Quakers, and afterwards G. Fox visited him at his house. Not much unlike to this, was, that a woman of note, among the independents, being swayed by prejudice against G. Fox, said, she would willingly have gone to have seen him hanged; but when she heard him preach, was so reached, that, being convinced of the truth he declared, she came to be one of his friends. Oftentimes he had opportunity to speak with the priests, who, when they heard of his coming would hide themselves; for it was a dreadful thing to them, when it was told them, the man in leather breeches is come; for this was indeed his dress in those days, not out of any superstition, but because leather clothes being strong, it was not unsuitable for one that travelled so much as he did.

Coming to Malton he had great meetings; but it was thought such a strange thing to preach in houses, that many durst not come there, for fear of their relations; and therefore he was much desired to come and preach in the churches, as the steeple-houses are commonly called: nay, one of the priests himself, called Boyes, (who was so taken with him, that he called him brother,) did invite him to preach in his steeple-house: but G. Fox had little inclination to that, because both priests and people, called that place of worship, ‘The house of God;’ whereas the apostle said to the Athenians, “God dwelleth not in temples made with hands.” And therefore he endeavoured to draw people off from them, and to make them sensible, that God and Christ ought to dwell in their hearts, that so their bodies might be made the temples of God. Yet for that time he went into the steeple-house at Malton, where there was not above eleven hearers, to whom the priest was preaching; but after it was known in the town that G. Fox was there, it was soon filled with people. And when the priest had done, he sent the other that had invited him thither, to bring him up into the pulpit. But G. Fox sent him word, that he needed not go into the pulpit. This priest, not satisfied with this refusal, sent again, desiring him to go up unto it, for, said he, it is a better place to be seen of the people. But G. Fox answered, that he could be seen and heard well enough where he was; and that he came not there to hold up such places, nor their maintenance and trade. This created some displeasure, and it was said, that false prophets were to come in the last times. But this saying grieved many of the people, and some began to murmur at it: whereupon G. Fox stood up, and desiring all to be quiet, he stepped upon an high seat; and since somewhat had been spoken of false prophets, he declared to the auditory, the mark of those prophets; and he showed, that they were already come, and were out of the steps of the true prophets, and of Christ and his apostles. He also directed the people to their inward teacher, Christ Jesus, who would turn them from darkness to light. And having opened divers Scriptures to them, he directed them to the Spirit of God in themselves, by which they might come to God, and also to know who the false prophets were. And having thus had a large time to preach to the people, he went away without disturbance.

After some time, he came to Pickering, where the justices held their sessions in the steeple-house, justice Robinson being chairman. At the same time G. Fox had a meeting in the school-house, where many priests and professors came, and asked several questions, which were answered to their satisfaction: so that many persons, and amongst these, four chief constables, were convinced that day; and word was carried to justice Robinson, that his priest, whom he loved more than all the others, was overthrown and convinced. After the meeting was done, they went to an inn, and the said priest was very loving, and would have paid for G. Fox’s dinner: but this he would not suffer by any means. Then he offered that he should have his steeple-house to preach in; but he refused, and told him and the people, that he came to bring them off from such things to Christ. The next morning he went with the four chief constables to visit justice Robinson, who meeting him at his chamber door, G. Fox told him, he could not honour him with man’s honour: to which the justice said, he did not look for it. Then he went into his chamber, and spoke to him concerning the state of the false prophets, and of the true; and also concerning election and reprobation, showing that reprobation stood in the first birth, and election in the second; and what it was that the promise of God was to, and what the judgment of God was against. All this so pleased the said Robinson, that he not only confessed it to be truth, but when another justice that was present made some little opposition, he informed him; and at their parting, he said to G. Fox, it was very well that he did exercise that gift which God had given him. And he took the chief constables aside, and would have given them some money for G. Fox, saying, he would not have him to be at any charge in this country. But they told him, that they themselves could not get him to take any money. G. Fox passing from thence, priest Boyes went along with him: but the year being now come to an end, let us take a short view how it stood with state affairs.

It hath been said already, that Charles the II. had been crowned king by the Scots, but having been beaten, with his forces, by Cromwell, he marched afterwards with a new army into England, and took Worcester without opposition: yet, in the month of September, his forces were so entirely routed by Cromwell, that king Charles, to prevent being taken prisoner after the battle, hid himself a whole day in a hollow oak, and afterwards, being clothed like a servant, and called by the name of William, passed the country, and through many hazards escaped out of England, and arrived on the coast of Normandy in France: where we will leave him to return again to