1To the Right Honorable The Councel of State: The humble Petition of ſeveral Gentlemen, Justices of Peace, Miniſters of the Goſpel, and People, within the County of Lancaſter, whoſe names are ſubſcribed.
Sheweth,
THat George Fox, and James Nayler, are perſons diſaffected to Religion, and the wholeſome Laws of this Nation; and that ſince their coming into this Country, have broached Opinions tending to the deſtruction of the relation of Subjects to their Magiſtrates, Wives to their Husbands, Children to their Parents, Servants to their Maſters, Congregations to their Miniſters, and of a People to their God: And have drawn much people after them; many whereof (men, women, and little children) at their meetings are ſtrangely wrought upon in their bodies, and brought to fall, foam at the mouth, roar, and ſwell in their bellies. And that ſome of them affirmed2 themſelves to be equal with God, contrary to the late Act, as hath been atteſted at a late Quarter-Seſſions holden at Lancaster in October laſt paſt; and ſince that time, acknowledged before many Witneſſes; beſides many other dangerous Opinions, and damnable Hereſies, as appears by a Schedule hereunto annexed, with the names of the Witneſſes ſubſcribed.
May it therefore pleaſe your Honours upon the conſideration of the Premiſſes, to provide (as your wiſdoms ſhall think fit) That ſome ſpeedy courſe may be taken for the ſpeedy ſuppreſsing of theſe evils.
And your Petitioners ſhall ever pray, as in duty bound.
1. George profeſſed and avowed that he was equal with God.
2. He profeſſed himſelf to be the Eternal Judge of the world.
3. He ſaid he was the Judge of the world.
4. He ſaid he was the Chriſt, the way, the truth, the life.
5. He ſaid, Whoſoever took a place of Scripture, and made a Sermon of it and from it, was a Conjurer, and his Preaching Conjuration.
6. He ſaid that the Scripture was carnal.
James Milner, a follower of the ſaid Fox, profeſſeth himſelf to be God and Chriſt; and gives out Prophecies,
1. That the day of Judgement ſhall be the 15 day of November.
2. That there ſhall never Judge ſit at Lancaſter again.
3. That he muſt ere long ſhake the foundations of the great Synagogue, meaning the Parliament.
Leonard Fell profeſſeth that Chriſt had never any body but his Church.
Richard Huberthorn wrote, that Chriſts coming in the fleſh was but a figure.
The Anſwer of George Fox, to the matters falſely charged upon him, by the Petition and Schedule aforeſaid.
Object. THat George Fox and James Nayler, are Perſons diſaffected to Religion.
Anſw. Whereas we are accuſed as Perſons diſaffected to Religion, it is falſe; for pure Religion we own in our ſouls, which is, to viſit the Fatherleſs and relieve the Widows, and to keep our ſelves unſpotted from the world, and dwelling in purity; this we owne in our ſouls. But he that doth ſeem to be religious,Jam. 1.26, 27. Mat. 23.27 and hath not power over his owne tongue, his Religion is vain; and that Religion we do deny: and all them that do profeſs the Scriptures in words, and live not the life of them but live in drunkenneſs and uncleanneſs, envy and maliciouſneſs;J••5.31. and all they that do profeſs Religion, and make a trade of the Scriptures, both Preiſts and People, we do deny.
Object. Diſaffected to the wholeſome laws of the Nation.
Anſw. Juſtice (the wholeſome law of God) we owne;Rom. 13 4, and this is a terrour to the unjuſt, unwholeſome, and unclean: and he that beares that Sword is a Miniſter of God;Iſa. 33.22, and who doth not obey the law of God within, then that takes hold upon him without; but who doth obey the law of God within, it brings them from under the occaſions of all laws without: for it will not let man lye, nor let him be drunk, nor proud, nor follow oathes, nor curſed ſpeaking, nor whoredoms, quarreling, fighting, wrangling,4 nor rayling: and every one who walketh in the law of God, denyes all that which is unwholeſome, and that which is according to the courſe of the world; and they be all of one heart, and are all one in unity, if ten thouſand; and have all one law written in their hearts; which thoſe that live in uncleanneſs caſt behind their backs; and yet they profeſs a law in words, but are not ſubject to the power of God: and ſuch are they who do accuſe their brethren which walk in the law of God; and yet they pretend juſtice; but their ſouls are not ſubject; for that ſoul that is ſubject to the higher power which is of God, denyes all filthineſs and corruption.
Object. That ſince their coming into this Countrey, they have broached Opinions tending to the deſtruction of the relation of Subjects to their Magiſtrates, Wives to their Huſbands, Children to their Parents, Servants to their Maſters, Congregations to their Miniſters, and of a People to their God.
Anſw. We were moved to come into this Country, of the Lord; and the Lord did let us ſee, that he had a people here, before we came in it. But as for broaching Opinions, We deny; but thoſe that profeſs truth, and walk in it up to God, we owne. Opinions do tend to break the relation of Subjects to their Magiſtrates, Wives to their Husbands, Children to their Parents, Servants to their Maſters, Congregations to their Miniſters, and of a People to their God; but Opinions we deny; for they are without God; and there you are: and juſtice and purity is but one, and that we ſet up and owne: purity and walking in the Spirit, doth make a ſeparation from all uncleanneſs, and can have no fellowſhip with them who are unfruitful workers of darkneſs;Rom. 1.2. but there is a ſeparation from them; the one hath fellowſhip with God, and the other hath fellowſhip with darkneſs, which be unfruitful: the one is ſeparated to God, the other is ſeparated from God.
Object. Have drawn much people after them; many whereof, Men, Women, and Little-Children, at their meetings, are ſtrangely wrought upon in their bodies, and brought to fall, foam at the mouth, roar, and ſwell in their bellies.
5Anſw. The meetings of the people of God,1 Pet. 4.12 Pſa. 71.7. were ever ſtrange to the world; for it was as though ſome ſtrange thing had happened to the Saints, as ye read in the Scripture; which ſhew ye are in the ſame generation,Act. 13.41. wondring and ſtranging at the work of the Lord, deſpiſing, and caſting ſcandals, ſlanders, and falſe reports upon them: and where the works of God are now, they think them ſtrange things now, as was then who are alive in the fleſh. Act. 9.4, 5.It would be a ſtrange thing to ſee one now fall downe,Dan. 10.9 as Paul fell downe and trembled, and as Daniel fell down and trembled; and to ſee one as Habakkuk his belly to tremble, and his lips to quiver,Hab. 3.16. and as David, to lye roaring all the day long, who cryed till his ſight was grown dim, and his fleſh failed of fatneſs ▪ and till he could number his bones; and to ſee one as Iſaiah, to rent his garment and his mantle, and pluck his hair off his head, and off his beard, and ſit down aſtoniſhed:Iſa. 66.5. and would it not be ſtrange to ſee ſuch an Aſſembly as came to Iſaiah ▪ which had all trembling hearts? Hear the word of the Lord, all ye that tremble at his word; Work out your ſalvation with fear and trembling: Before their faces the people ſhall be much pained:Joel 2.6. all faces ſhall gather blackneſs. The Prophets and Miniſters of God have all one Spirit (according to meaſure) and did encourage thoſe that did tremble; wherein it ſhews that you have not the ſame Spirit, but ſeek to perſecute, and fix ſcandals, and accuſe them falſly. The Miniſtery of truth ever drew from all the Miniſtry of the world, and from under all the laws of the world, up to God, and from all the Gods of the earth and then they witneſſed that the Lord was their Law-giver, the Lord was their King, the Lord was their Judge.
Object. George Fox profeſſed and avowed that he was equal with God.
Anſw. It was not ſo ſpoken, as George Fox was equal with God: but the Father and the Son is one:John 14.9, 10. I and my Father are one; and where the ſame is revealed, this is witneſſed: but where the ſame is not made manifeſt and revealed, Chriſt is perſecuted; for the world knows him not. Let the ſame minde be in you,Phil. 2.5, 6, 7. that was alſo, in Chriſt Jeſus, who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, and yet made himſelf6 of no reputation: And this I witneſs to be fulfilled; for the ſame Spirit where it is, is equal with God: for he that ſanctifieth, and they that are ſanctified, are all of one; and it is God that ſanctifieth:Heb 2.11. Jude 1. Joh. 1.1. 1 Cor. 15.47, 48. 1 Joh. 3.7. He that hath the Word hath God, for God is the Word; and our fellowſhip is with God. There is a natural man, and there is a ſpiritual man: the the firſt is of the earth earthly, the ſecond is the Lord from heaven: the new man, which is created after God in righteouſneſs and true holineſs; and he that doth righteouſneſs is righteous, even as he is righteous. And this I witneſs, what the Scripture ſaith, Let no man deceive you.
Object. He profeſſeth himſelf to be the eternal Judge of the world.
Anſw. He that was a Miniſter of God, ſaid, that the Saints ſhould judge the world,1 Cor. 6.2, 3. yea, Angels: herein they do ſhew themſelves to be no Miniſters of God, who ſeek to perſecute them who are judged of God, and juſtified by him; where judgement is brought forth unto victory,Mat. 12.20 and ſet in the earth; and that which is eternal, hath judged all the carnal nature in himſelf; and where it is judged, thereis no unity with it, where it is alive; and he that hath not true judgement,Mat. 5.13, 14. and Salt in himſelf to ſavour withall, is good for nothing, and he cannot endure that Chriſt ſhould ſpeak where he is made manifeſt. I am the way, ſaith Chriſt; Chriſt is but one in all his Saints,1 Cor. 11.3 Mar. 13.11 and he ſpeaks in them; but he doth not ſay that George Fox is Chriſt: I am the way, the truth, & the life: Chriſt is the light, and ye are the light, and Chriſt liveth in you, and Chriſt is the head of the man; and it is the Spirit of the Father that ſpeaketh in you, and ſpoke in Chriſt, and he is but one in in all his Saints:Iſa. 5.20. without are many Chriſts; Lo here, and lo there; but know you not that Chriſt is in you except ye be Reprobates? and if Chriſt be in you, the body is dead becauſe of ſin; and there Chriſt Jeſus ſpeaks, the ſame Chriſt to day, yeſterday, and for ever. And thy judgement, which is not eternal, is carnal; and with evil thoughts thou judgeſt: thou putteſt darkneſs for light, and light for darkneſs; and here thou ſheweſt thy judgement to be carnal, and no Miniſter of God, but a Miniſter of the Letter, and not of the Spirit; for the Miniſters of the Spirit7 have true judgement, and did impriſon none, nor perſecute, as you do: but it is, that fools may utter forth their folly.
Object. He ſaid he was the way, the truth, the life.
Anſw. The old man cannot endure to hear the new man ſpeak,John 14.6. which is Chriſt; and Chriſt is the way: and if Chriſt be in you, muſt not he ſay. I am the way, the truth, and the life? John 10.4.Now if Antichriſt ſpeak, he is owned of the world; but he cannot witneſs it; while the old man raignes, the voice of God is not known, nor Chriſt himſelf to ſpeak in man, but Chriſts ſheep know his voyce.
Object. He ſaid, Whoſoever took a place of Scripture, and made a Sermon of it, or from it, was a Conjurer, and his preaching was Conjuration.
Anſw. He that puts the Letter for the light,John 8.12. when the Letter ſaith that Chriſt is the light, he is blind; and they that ſay the Letter and the Spirit are inſeparable, when the Spirit ſaith the Letter is death, and killeth, and all that do ſtudy to raiſe a living thing out of a dead, to raiſe the Spirit out of the Letter, are Conjurers, and draw points, and reaſons,Jer. 23.16. Jer. 27.9, 10. and ſo ſpeak a divination of their own brain: they are Conjurers and Diviners, and their teaching is from Conjuration, which is not ſpoken from the mouth of the Lord and the Lord is againſt all ſuch; and who are of God, are againſt all ſuch; for that doctrine doth not profit the people at al, for it ſtands not in the councel of God, but is a doctrine of the Devil, and draws people from God; but he that ſpeaks from the mouth of the Lord, turnes people from their wickedneſs:Heb. 8.11. but that Miniſtery which God hath not ſent, and that Aſſembly muſt be diſaffected: for the Lord is coming to teach his people himſelf, by his Spirit.
Object. George Fox ſaid the Scripture was carnal.
Anſw. The Letter of the Scripture is carnal, and the Letter is death, and killeth, but the Spirit giveth life,Heb. 7.16. which was in them that gave forth the Scriptures and that I witneſs, which is eternal and not carnal: for the Jewes which had the Letter, perſecuted Jeſus Chriſt the Subſtance: and ſo do you now, which have the Letter, and not the Subſtance; there were Miniſters of the Letter then, and Miniſters of the Spirit, ſo is there is now; the ſame8 Chriſt being made manifeſt,Col. 1.27. is unknown to the world; for the whole world lyeth in wickedneſs; and Chriſt Jeſus is a Myſtery to the world, and is hid, though you may profeſs him, becauſe the Letter ſpeaketh of him;1 Joh. 3.8. but ye perſecute him where he is made manifeſt; and where he is made manifeſt, the works of the Devil are deſtroyed, and there he ſpeaks, and is King, and is the way, and is the truth,1 Joh. 5.12. Rom. 8.11. 1 Cor. 6.17 2 Cor. 6.16. and is the life; and he that hath the Son, hath life, and he that hath not the Son, hath not life; and he that hath the ſame Spirit that raiſed up Jeſus Chriſt, is equal with God: and the Scripture ſaith, that God will dwell in man, and walk in man; as Jeſus Chriſt, which is the myſtery, hath paſſed before, ſo the ſame Spirit takes upon it the ſame ſeed, and is the ſame where it is made manifeſt: According to the fleſh, I am the ſon of Abraham; according to the Spirit, the ſon of God, ſaith Chriſt. Col. 1.27. Heb. 2.16.All the plotting of the Prieſts is, and ever was, againſt Chriſt where he is made manifeſt: and the Beaſt ſhall make war with the Saints, and with the Lamb; but the Lamb ſhall get the victory: praiſes, praiſes be to our God for ever, for evermore.
Object. Richard Hubethorne writ, that Chriſts coming in the fleſh, was but a figure.
Anſw. Chriſt in his people, is the ſubſtance of all figures, types, and ſhadows, fulfilling them in them, and ſetting them free from them; but, as he is held forth in the Scripture-Letter without them, and in the fleſh without them, he is their example or figure, which is both one, that the ſame things might befulfilled in them, that was in Chriſt Jeſus:1 Pet. 2.21 1 Pet. 4.1. for even hereunto were ye called, becauſe Chriſt hath ſuffered for us, leaving us an example that we ſhould follow his ſteps: foraſmuch as Chriſt hath ſuffered for us, arm your ſelves likewiſe with the ſame mind. 1 Pet. 1.15.Chriſt was our example in ſuffering, and in holineſs; and as he which hath called you is holy,Joh. 13.15. ſo be ye holy in all manner of converſation, becauſe it is written, Be ye holy as I am holy. He is our example in humility: I have given you an example (ſaith Chriſt) that ye ſhould do even as I have done unto you; And as he is, ſo are we in this world; He is our forerunner, Captain of our Salvation, and in all things our example. Tit. 16.As they have done unto me, ſo ſhall they do unto you. But all they who have not Chriſt dwelling in9 them go about to perſecute him in all them in whom he is made manifeſt; they neither follow him as an example themſelves, nor ſuffer others to follow him as an example and walk in the ſame ſteps; but deny him both as the ſubſtance and example, of his people: but they who are taught of him, do confeſs him both as he is the ſubſtance of all things, and their example in all things; for without me ye can do nothing, ſaith Chriſt: and it is ſo I witneſs it.
And as for James Millner, though his minde did run out from his condition, and from minding that light of God which is in him, whereby the world takes occaſion to ſpeak againſt the truth, and many friends ſtumble at it; yet there is a pure ſeed in him.
Object. Leonard Fell ſaid that Chriſt had no Body but his Church.
Anſw. There is one Body, and one Spirit,Eph. 4.4. Col. 1.18. 2 Cor. 5.19 even as ye are called into one hope of your calling; and Chriſt Jeſus is the head of the Body the Church, and ye are made free from ſin by the Body of Chriſt; and Chriſt came to redeem his Church; God was in Chriſt reconciling the world to himſelf, for his body's ſake,Col. 1.24. Eph. 5.30, 32. Eph. 22.23 which is his Church. For we are members of his Body, of his Fleſh, and of his Bones: this is a great Myſtery: but I ſpeak concerning Chriſt and his Church. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church, which is his body, The fulneſs of him that filleth all in all. In whom alſo we are builded up together, for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
10More Objections againſt George Fox, charged upon him, by the Contrivers of the foreſaid Petition; and Anſwered by him, as followeth.
Object. 1. THat he did affirm that he had the Divinity eſſentially in him.
Anſw. 2 Cor. 6.1. Eph. 4.6. 2 Pet. 1.4.For the word eſſential, it is an expreſſion of their own: but that the Saints are the Temples of God and God doth dwell in them, that the Scriptures do witneſs; and if God dwell in them, then the Divinity dwels in them; and the Scripture ſaith, Ye ſhall be partakers of the divine nature: and this I witneſs; but where this is not, they cannot witneſs it.
Object. 2. That both Baptiſm and the Lords Supper are unlawful.
Anſw. As for that word unlawful, it was not ſpoken by me; but, the Baptiſm of Infants I deny; and there is no Scripture that ſpeaks of a Sacrament, but that Baptiſm that is into Chriſt, with one ſpirit,Gal. 3.27. into one body; that I confeſs according to Scripture: and the Lords Supper I confeſs, and that the bread the Saints break,Iob. 6.53, 55. is the body of Chriſt; and that cup which they drink, is the blood of Chriſt; this I witneſs.
Object. 3. He did diſſwade men from reading the Scriptures, telling them that it is carnal.
Anſw. For diſſwading men from reading the Scriptures, that is falſe, for they were given to be read as they are, but not to make a Trade upon;1 Cor. 2.10, 16. the Letter is carnal, and killeth; but that which gave it forth, is ſpiritual, eternal, and giveth life; and this I witneſs.
Oject. 4. That he was equal with God.
Anſw. Heb. 2.11.That was not ſo ſpoken; but that He that ſanctifieth, and they that are ſanctified, are of one, and the Saints are11 all one in the Father and the Son, of his fleſh and of his bone; this the Scripture doth witneſs: And ye are the ſons of God;Eph. 5.30. and the Father and the Son are one; and they that are joyned to the Lord, are one ſpirit; and they that are joyned to an Harlot are one fleſh.
Object. That God taught deceit.
Anſw. That is falſe, and was never ſpoken by me; God is pure.
Object. That the Scriptures are Antichriſt.
Anſw. That is falſe; but that they which profeſs the Scriptures, and live not in the life and power of them, as they did that gave them forth, that I witneſs to be Antichriſt.
Object. That he was the Judg of the world. 1 Cor. 6.2, 3.
Anſw. That the Saints ſhall judge the world, the Scripture witneſs it ▪ whereof I am one, and I witneſs the Scripture fulfilled.
Object. That he was as upright as Chriſt.
Anſw. Thoſe words were not ſo ſpoken by me;1 Joh. 4.17. 2 Cor. 5.21. Ioh. 17.21, 22. Eph. 4.11, 12, 13. but that as he is, ſo are we in this preſent world; That the Saints are made the righteouſneſs of God; That the Saints are one in the Father and the Son, that we ſhall be like him, 1 Joh. 3.2. and that all teaching which is given forth by Chriſt, is to bring the Saints to perfection, even to the meaſure of the ſtature, of the fulneſs of Chriſt; This the Scripture doth witneſs, and this I witneſs. Where Chriſt dwels, muſt not he ſpeak in his Temple?
12Quaeries propounded to George Fox, by ſome of the Contrivers of the Petition, and by him Anſwered.
Querie. WHether there be one individual God, diſtinguiſhed into the Father, Son and Holy Ghoſt, or not?
Anſw. Herein thou wouldeſt know, whether God be individual, yea or no which is but a buſie minde; for had'ſt thou the witneſs in thy ſelf, thou wouldſt know what he is; but the Heathen know not God, and all that know him not, are Heathen, living in the wicked imaginations of their own hearts; and that is thy condition: For God is a Spirit, and none know him, but the Son, and he to whom the Son is revealed; the Son and Word is one. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit ſaith; for thou, natural man, thou know'ſt not the things of God.
Qu. Whether a believer be juſtified by Chriſts righteouſneſs imputed, yea, or no?
Anſw. He that believeth, is born of God; and he that is born of God, is juſtified by Chriſt alone, without imputation.
Qu. Whether he that believeth that Chriſt hath taken away his ſin, is clean without ſin in this life, as Chriſt himſelf, or not?
Anſw. He that believeth, is born of God; and he that is born of God ſins not, neither can he ſin, becauſe his ſeed remaineth in him; as he is, ſo are we, in this preſent evil world.
Qu. Whether a believer be without all ſin in this life, or not?
Anſw. Chriſt being made manifeſt, is made manifeſt to take away ſin, and in him is no ſin at all; he that abideth in him, ſins not; he that ſins, is of the Devil, and hath not ſeen him,13 neither known him: herein are the children of God made manifeſt, and the children of the Devil. All you that read theſe Queries, read theſe things in your ſelves, whether ye be the children of God, or the children of the Devil; and whether ye underſtand what ye write, yea, or no.
Qu. Whether his works, as well as his perſon, be perfectly holy and good, or no?
Anſw. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; and if the root be holy, the branches will be holy alſo; and every one that doth righteouſneſs, is righteous, even as he is righteous. But as for that perſon, it is a buſie minde in thee, that askſt thou knowſt not what; for God is no reſpecter of perſons: he that reſpecteth perſons, commits ſin; and he that commits ſin, tranſgreſſeth the Law.
Qu. Whether Saints in this life, without any addition hereafter, are perfectly juſt, perfectly holy, compleatly glorious, in this life, and are not capable of any addition after death, in the leaſt degree, but only of manifeſtation?
Anſw. If that thou know'ſt what a Saint is, thou would'ſt know a Saints life, for they paſſed thorow death to life; but thou art yet alive to ſin, and dead to righteouſneſs; ſee if it be not ſo: but he that is dead to ſin, is alive to righteouſneſs, and lives in God, and God in him. The Lord is our righteouſneſs, and he ſaith, Be ye holy, as I am holy: for, without holineſs, no man ſhall ſee the Lord. Be not deceived. God will not be mocked. Thou hypocrite, diſſemble not with him: he that is perfectly holy, is perfectly juſt: where this is revealed, there needs no addition; for the man of God is perfect.
Qu. Whether the two Sacraments, Baptiſm, and the breaking of Bread, ought neceſſarily to continue in the Church, or not?
Anſw. Thou askeſt thou know'ſt not what, concerning two Sacraments, which there is no Scripture for: Thou askeſt a queſtion, which is an addition to the Scripture; and thou that doeſt add, the plagues of God are added to thee. Who come into the true Church, are baptized with one Spirit, into one body; but as for ſprinkling Infants, there's no Scripture for it: I deny it in14 the true Church of God there is no talk of ſuch carnal things. Thou Sot, the bread which the Saints break, is of the body of Chriſt; he is the bread of life. The Church is not the ſteeplehouſe, but the Church is in God, and thoſe that eat the bread of life, live for ever: the Church is in God, and the bread of life is there; and it ſhall continue for ever.
Qu. Whether Chriſt in the fleſh, be a figure or not; and if a figure, how, and in what?
Anſw. Chriſt is the ſubſtance of all figures; and his fleſh is a figure; for every one paſſeth through the ſame way as he did, who comes to know Chriſt in the fleſh; there muſt be a ſuffering with him, before there be a rejoycing with him. Chriſt is an example for all to walk after; and if thou knew'ſt what an example is, thou wouldſt know what a figure is, to come up to the ſame fulneſs.
Qu. Whether there be any heaven or hell, for the Elect or Reprobate after death, but in man in this life, or not?
Anſw. There is no knowledge of Heaven or Hell; but through death the wicked ſhall be turned into hell, and all them that forget God there to be tormented; there is a hell, thou ſhalt finde it: Heaven is Gods Throne; and heavenly notions within ſhall be ſhaken; for God is pure, and nothing that is unclean ſhall ſtand before him; and he hath ſaid he will dwell in man.
Qu. Whether the miniſtration of the Miniſtery by man, is to continue till the end, or not?
Anſw. The miniſtration of the world, is the Miniſtery of man, and doth not lead to an end, but keeps in time, and that muſt have an end; for it is not of God. The Miniſtery of God, is to draw people up to himſelf; but that is not of man, nor by man, nor according to man; for Paul was made a Miniſter according to the will of God; who had not received it of man, neither was it taught him of man; and was a Miniſter of the Spirit: but the Miniſters of the world receive their learning at Oxford and Cambridge, and are taught of men, and ſpeak a divination of their own brain, which is conjuring; and bewitch the people with thoſe things which are carnal: as, to ſprinkle Infants, and tell them of a Sacrament which there is no Scripture for; and ſaying they are15 the Miniſters of Chriſt, and act thoſe things which he forbids, as, to have the chiefeſt place in the Aſſemblies, the uppermoſt room at feaſts, the greetings in markets, and to be called of men Maſters; and with pretence make long prayers, which Chriſt forbids; and profeſs and ſay, they are the Miniſters of Chriſt: wherein they ſhew themſelves to be Antichriſts. And ſee if thou do not uphold theſe Antichriſts, and ſay they are the Miniſters of Chriſt.
Qu. Whether the written Word, I mean the Scriptures, be the power of God unto ſalvation, to every one that believes, or not?
Anſw. The written Word is not the power of God, nor the Scriptures are not the ſalvation; but he that doth believe, hath the life of them. Who is born of God, ſhall never die, as it is written; he that believeth, is born of God; and he that is born of God, hath the witneſs in himſelf, that God is the cauſe of mans ſalvation, and not the Scripture, nor the Letter.
James Nayler's Anſwer, and Declaration, touching ſome things charged upon him, by the men aforeſaid.
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 my ſelf; yet leſt any that love the truth ſhould be led on, by theſe falſe reports to ſpeak evil of theſe things they know not; I ſhall lay open the truth, as it is revealed in me, touching thoſe things whereof I have been falſly accuſed. Jude 1•.
Firſt, Concerning Jeſus Chriſt, That he is the eternal Word of16 God,Revel. 19.13. 1 Joh. 1.2, 3, 4, 5. Joh. 1.14. by whom all things were made, and are upholden; which were before all time, but manifeſted to the world in time, for the recovery of loſt man: Which Word became fleſh, and dwelt amongſt the Saints; who is the ſame yeſterday 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;Eph. 1.20. to whom all power is given, in heaven and in earth; who filleth all places, is the light of the world, but known to none, but to thoſe that receive and follow him,Joh. 8.12. and thoſe he leads up to God, out of all the Wayes, Works, and Worſhips of the world, by his pure light in them,2 Theſ. 2.8 whereby he reveals the man of ſin; and by his power caſts him out and ſo prepares the bodies of the Saints a fit Temple for the pure God to dwel in; with whom dwels no unclean thing: and thus he reconciles God and man; and the image of God,1 Cor. 3.16, 17. which is in purity and holineſs, is renewed: and the image of Satan, which is all ſin and uncleanneſs, is defaced: and none can witneſs Redemption,2 Cor. 5.18, 19. Col. 3.10. further then Chriſt is thus revealed in them, to ſet them free from ſin: which Chriſt, I witneſs to be revealed in me in meaſure, Gal. 1.16. 2 Cor. 13.5. Coloſ. 1.27.
2. 2 Pet. 1.20, 21.Concerning the Scriptures, That they are a true Declaration of that Word which was in them that ſpoke them forth, and are of no private interpretation, but were given forth to be read and fulfilled in the Saints,Rev. 22.18. as they were given forth by the Holy Ghoſt, without adding or diminiſhing; and were not given forth for men to make a Trade on to get mony by: but as they are, they are profitable for Doctrine,2 Tim 3.16, 17. for Reproof, for Correction, for Inſtruction in righteonſneſs, that the man of God may be perfect, thorowly furniſhed unto every good work. But they who trade in the Letter, and are 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;1 Cor. 2.14, 15. for the natural man underſtands not the things of God: for they are ſpiritually diſcerned.
3. Concerning Baptiſm: The true Baptiſm is that of the Spirit, with the Holy Ghoſt, and with fire: Baptized by one Spirit, into one Body; not the waſhing away the filth of the fleſh, but17 the anſwer of a good conſcience towards God by the reſurrection of Jeſus Chriſt;Acts 1.5. without which, no other Baptiſm can ſave us,Gal. 3.27. they being but figures or ſhadows; but this Baptiſm of Chriſt is the ſubſtance, whereby we are Baptized into his death; and thoſe that are baptized into Chriſt have put on Chriſt.
4. Concerning the Lords Supper:Matth. 26.26, 28. Joh. 6.51, 53, 54, 55, 56. 1 Cor. 11.24, 25. Col. 2.10. The true Supper of the Lord is the Spiritual eating and drinking of the fleſh and blood of Chriſt, Spiritually; which the Spiritual man only eateth, and is thereby 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 in Chriſt the head, and alſo one with another, as members; and are of one heart, and one minde, a compleat body in Chriſt. Now the world, who take only the outward ſignes,1 Cor. 11.27, 28, 29. and are not brought in diſcerning of the Lords body, eat and drink damnation to themſelves, 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:Joh. 5.29. That all ſhall ariſe to give an account and receive at the laſt day according to their works,1 Cor. 15.38. 1 Cor. 15.42, 43, 44. 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 incorruption; it is ſown a natural body, it is raiſed a ſpiritual body;Phillip. 3.21. Rev. 2.6. and as we have born 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 muſt be changed. 1 Cor. 15.20.But they who cannot witneſs the firſt Reſurrection within themſelves, know nothing of the ſecond, but by hear-ſay; and therefore, ſay ſome of your Teachers, that Chriſt is in Heaven with a carnal body. Now that Chriſt,1 Cor. 15.47. who is the firſt fruits, ſhould be in Heaven with a carnal body, and the Saints with a ſpiritual body, is not proportionable.
6. Concerning Magiſtracy: It is an Ordinance of God, Ordained for the puniſhment of evil doers, and an incouragement for them that do well; Where Juſtice and Righteouſneſs is the18 head, and ruleth without partiality, that Land is kept in peace; and thoſe that judge for the Lord, I honor as my own life, not with a flattering honor, putting off the hat and bowing of the knee, which is the honor of the world having mens perſons in admiration becauſe of advantage for ſelf ends;Jude 16. 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,Jam. 2.9. Jam. 2.1, 2, 3, 4. and is convinced of the Law, as a tranſgreſſor; and the Apoſtle Iames commands the Saints not to have the faith of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt the Lord of glory, with reſpect of perſons; for ſaith he ſuch are partial in themſelves, and become Judges of evil thoughts. Rom. 13.1, 2.And ſaith Paul, Let every ſoul be ſubject to the higher power; for, ſaith he there is no power but of God: the powers that be, are ordained of God; and that whoſoever reſiſteth the power, reſiſteth the Ordinance of God: and ſaith, We muſt needs be ſubject,Rom. 13.5. for Conſcience ſake: and therefore, though the Prophets were often ſent by the Lord, to pronounce Judgment againſt unjuſt men, who had the power committed to them and did not judg for God,Hoſea 5.12 but for ſelf-ends; yet they never attempted any violence againſt them but uſed all means to perſwade them to love mercy,Mica. 6.8. do juſtice, & walk humbly with God, that they might be eſtabliſhed and the wrath of God turned from them; for thoſe that be of God, cannot rejoyce in the ſufferings of any, but would have all to turne, and finde mercy.
7. Concerning the Miniſtery: The true Miniſtery of Jeſus Chriſt have always been,2 Pet. 1.21 Eph. 4.7.8, 11. and are ſtill, ſuch as come not by the will of man, but by the will of God; neither are they fitted for the work, by any thing of man, but by God alone: for the true Miniſtery is the gift of Jeſus Chriſt, and needs no addition of humane help and learning;1 Cor. 12.7. 1 Pet. 4.10, 11. but as the work is ſpiritual, and of the Lord; ſo they are ſpiritually fitted only by the Lord, and therefore he chuſed Herdſ-men. Fiſher-men, and Plow-men, and ſuchlike; and as he gave them an immediate call, without the leave of man; ſo he fitted them immediately, without the help of man; and as they received the gift freely,Matth. 10.8. ſo they were to give freely; And whenever they found any of the falſe Miniſtery, that taught for hire, they cryed out againſt them, and pronounced woes againſt19 them, and ſhewed them that they lay in iniquity,Act. 8.20 Joh. 10.13 Mic. 3.10. 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 ſheep:Jer. 5.30, 31. Jer. 6.13. and Micah cryes out againſt the Prieſts that taught for hire; and (ſaith he) they build up Sion with blood, and Jeruſalem with iniquity: and Jeremiah cryed out againſt the Prieſts in his dayes, that bare rule by their means and calls it a horrible thing; and ſaith, that from the leaſt of them to the greateſt: they are all given to covetouſneſs:Iſa. 56.10, 11. And Iſaiah cryes out againſt thoſe in his dayes, 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 as ſhould come,2 Pet. 2.3. that they through covetouſneſs ſhould make merchandiſe of the people;2 Pet. 2.14, 15. and ſaith they have hearts exerciſed with covetous practiſes, who have forſaken the right way, and have followed the way of Balaam, who loved the wages of unrighteouſneſs:2 Cor. 11 15. And Iude cryes Wo unto them, for they go on in the way of Cain in his murder,Jude 11. and run greedily after the error of Balaam for reward. But thoſe that were ſent out by Chriſt,1 Cor. 9.16, 17, 18 counted it their gain to make the Goſpel without charge; neither eve•had they any ſet means, but went about, having no certain dwelling place; never were maſters, but ſervants to all for Chriſts ſake;1 Cor. 4. ii. nor ever went to Law for Tythes, or any other carthly thing.
Now all people, try your Prieſts by the Scriptures,1 Joh. 2.3, 4, 5, 6. 2 Joh. 9.11 whether they be 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 were never ſent of God: for had they been ſent of God, they would abide in his doctrine:2 John. 9.10, 11. and ſaith Iohn Such have not God: but he that abideth in the Doctrine of Chriſt, hath both the Father and the Son. And if there come any to you, and bring not this Doctrine, you are forbidden to receive them into your houſe, 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 Statutes,Pſal. 50.16, 17. or that thou ſhouldeſt take my Covenant into thy mouth? ſeeing thou hateſt inſtruction, and caſteſt my words behinde thy back and art a partaker with the Thief, the Adulterer Evil-ſpeaking,Pſal. 50.21. Slandering, and Deceit; and ſuch as theſe, think God to be like themſelvs.
20Divers particulars of the perſecutions of James Nayler, by the Prieſts of Weſtmerland.
I Ames being at a meeting at Edward Briggs houſe on the firſt day where many people met, he was deſired by divers friends to meet the day following at Widow Cocks 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, ſaying, 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 declare, 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 he were the Son of God and asked by what Authority he did thoſe things? for James ſaw him to be one of that Generation. But the Prieſt ſtill conjuring him to tell by what power he did it; James anſwered, Doſt thou acknowledge it to be done by a power? Yea (ſaith he) I have the Spirit of God, and thereby I know it is done by a power. James ſaid, If thou have the Spirit of God, as thou ſayeſt thou haſt, then thou canſt tell by what power it is done. The Prieſt ſaid, When God21 comes, he comes to torment the ſouls and not the bodies. Iames ſaid, He comes to redeem the ſouls.
But after much jangling, the Prieſt began to accuſe him before the Juſtice 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 falſe 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, ſaith 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 Chriſtians; but if a Turk or Indian were here, he would deny it. Iames 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 Iames. Theſe are thy Chriſtians, and this is the fruits of thy Miniſtery. 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 off the Bridge into the Water; but coming thither, and ſeeing their purpoſe, he was encouraged in his God, who gave him aſſurance 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 the power of the Lord was with him, ſo that he rereceived no harm, though he was made to ſpeak all along, and in the Market-place, and till he came out of the Town. But the raging Prieſts continued ſhouting, crying, and throwing ſtones at him, a quarter of a mile out of the Town: But ſuch was the power of the Lord, that neither he, nor any with him, received any harm. The work was wonderful, and we were brought much to admire it, and praiſe the Lord, who is bleſſed for ever and ever.
22Another time, Iames being deſired of many Chriſtian Freinds to be at a meeting at Orton, there to wait upon the Lord for what he would make known to his people, did accordingly; and many friends and brethren accompanied him; but the Prieſts having intelligence ſome daies 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 Iames anſwered, It is my deſire that all may be edified: and coming into the field, the Prieſts came with a great multitude, 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 Iames anſwered, We come 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 afterwards.
But ſeeing they could not prevail in that, another of them deſired him to go into the Church, as he called it, tempted him, ſaying, The people may all ſit and hear better: But Iames perceiving their deceit, ſaid, All places were alike to him; he would abide in the field. Whereupon, they pulled out an Ordinance of Parliament, forbidding any to ſpeak, but ſuch as were authorized to ſpeak either in Church, or Chappel, or any publick place; and bad him ſpeak at his peril, as he would anſwer the contempt of it. To which he anſwered ſaying. This is not a publick place. No? ſaid one of the Prieſts, Is not this a publick place, the Town-field? and charged the Conſtable of the town to do his office; and examined his authority: James anſwered, Thoſe that are ſent to declare the things of God, have not their authority from men. But they bad him prove that. He ſaid, Paul received not his commiſſion from man nor by man. To which 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 Barnab as and Saul: and the Apoſtles laid their hands upon23 them; which, ſaid one of them, was the laying on of hands of the Presbytery; But when he had found that place, Iames asked him if that was Pauls call to the Miniſtery (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 every one that asketh; whereupon, he asked divers queſtions; whereunto Iames anſwered, inſomuch that ſome who ſtood by, cryed out, Anſwer not all but aske him ſome. A while after, James asked him how he would prove himſelf a Miniſter of the Goſpel, and live upon Tythes? 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 cryed out to the people, and ſaid, He denies the humanity of Chriſt; and made a great outcry among the people of it. But the people cryed out, ſaying, Let us hear him; you have often told us many things againſt him; let him ſpeak, and then if he ſpeak not truth, you may then reprove him. James hearing the deſire of the people, began to ſpeak; and the people gave audience and were very ſilent. But beginning to hold out Chriſt a lone to be the Teacher of his people inſpirit and truth, one of the Prieſts cryed out, I cannot endure to hear this Seducer any longer. Upon which. Iames 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 I asked thee, I will call thee a Seducer as long as I live.
Whereupon, ſeeing there could be no peace there, nor liberty to ſpeak, they deſired Iames to go into the houſe; and they kept cloſe about him, to keep him from the violence of ſome that came along with the Prieſt: but they raged ſo, that he and ſome other friends received ſtripes, and with much ado got into the houſe; But the raging Sodomites waited about the dore to do miſchiefe,24 and kept ſhouting about the houſe, all the while he was ſpeaking; but the houſe being filled with People, they could not come to their purpoſe; and the Lord ſo ordered it in the Evening, we came away without any more harm: but not long after, there came ſome of the Prieſts party about the houſe and asked if Nayler was gone: and when they heard he was gone, they ſaid, He may thank God of 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 ſutable to what they intended, poſſeſſing the people that he was a Blaſphemer, and denyed the Reſurrection, and the Humanity of Chriſt, and all Authority; and that the Parliament had opened a gap for Blaſphemy, and, as it was ſaid by ſome of their heaters, they did God good ſervice 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 owne 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 multitude againſt the next morning, they came very early to the houſe where he was; where many Chriſtian friends ſhould have met that day, and asked for Nayler threatning 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 dore was never ſhut againſt them. But ſome of them came into the houſe, and commanded him to come forth, under pretence to diſpute with the Prieſt. But Iames ſeeing what they intended, anſwered, You did not uſe me ſo civilly the laſt time I was amongſt you; but if any have a minde, they may come in, the dores are open. Which anſwer they told the Prieſts; whereupon, they ruſhed violently in, and took him by the throat, haled him out of the dore, into a 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 Queſtions, as the Sacrament, and ſuch-like: to which he anſwered,25 and proved Scripture. But at laſt, being asked if Chriſt was in him, he ſaid he witneſſed him in meaſure. The Prieſt asked, if Chriſt was in him as man. Iames ſaid, Chriſt is not divided. But he urged him to tell whether Chriſt as man was in him or no. He anſwered, Chriſt 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 Iames, Chriſt filleth Heaven and Earth, 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; neither was that a carnal body which came in among the Diſciples, the doors being ſhut: for Chriſt is a Myſtery, and thou knoweſt 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 Iohn, verſe 10. Now how ſuitable that place was for his purpoſe, all people may ſee, who have eyes; for there they are forbidden 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. Iames hearing friends cry out, ſaid to the Juſtice, You will ſurely ſet us peaceably into the houſe again: But ſeeing him to go away, and leave them in the hands of the rude multitude, he gave himſelf up, ſaying, The will of the LORD be done.
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 harmeleſs; and ſo with much ado we got into the houſe, not receiving much harme. Which being done, and as James was praiſing the Lord for his wondrous deliverance from their malicious intents, ſome heard them ſay, If we let him go thus, all people will run after him. Whereupon,26 they agreed that he ſhould be brought before the Juſtice again; and came with violence, and haled him out again. Then the Juſtice and the Prieſt getting a horſeback, they cauſed him to run after them to an Alehouſe 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 priſon, and alſo becauſe he Thoued him; for the Juſtice ſaid, My Commiſſion runs Yee. To which James anſwered, I do it not in contempt; for I own Authority, and honour it according to the Scriptures; But I finde none ſuch honour commanded in Scripture, but forbidden. Then they concluded to commit him for that, and alſo as a wandring 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 yeers. It is no matter, ſaid the Juſtice, thou art no Souldier now.
Then they writ a Mittimus to ſend him to priſon; and carried him to KirkbyS-teven 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 was gathered together for meeting, then did the people come from the Steeple-houſe, where another had been preaching; for divers of the Prieſts were gathered together that day; ſome preaching, ſome plotting, and ſome perſecuting: Iezabel's faſt was a preparation for Naboths death. But friends not being ſuffered to go into the houſe where Iames was, they abode in the ſtreets; and ſome of them being moved to ſpeak to the people, the Prieſts perceiving the people to give audience to what was ſpoken, made complaint: Whereupon, ſome were ſent forth, and with violence fetched in one Francis Howgill, a friend; who was ſpeaking to the people, and brought him into the high-Prieſts hall, where were five Prieſts aſſembled, with many other of their party, but not one friend. And bringing him before the Juſtice he was commanded to put off his hat. He anſwered, I know no ſuch law. The Prieſt ſaid, He will tread both Miniſtery and Magiſtracy under his feet. He ſaid, Thou art a falſe Accuſer; prove wherein. But one that ſtood by,27 took off his hat, and caſt it into the fire. Then ſaid the Juſtice What is this thou ſpeakeſt againſt the Miniſters? He anſwered, What haſt thou to accuſe me of? Whereupon, one affirmed that he ſaid. All the Miniſters that taught for hire, and in Steeple-houſes, were enemies, and Lyars againſt Jeſus Chriſt, and no Miniſters of Ieſus Chriſt. Upon that, the Juſtice ſaid, Thou ſpeakeſt againſt the Law; for the Law gives them their maintenance. 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 perſecuter, 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 dayes 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 maiſt 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 take heed 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 face that way. And the Priſoners being brought thither, much meanes was uſed that none ſhould come at them, but ſuch as were ſent to tempt them. There they were kept untill 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 them were reſolved on the buſineſs, ſo that it was told the Priſoners what would become of them, before the day of examination came; and it was accordingly: For the day came, and judgement paſſed; but the Priſoners never ſaw their Accuſers, nor know who they are; but againſt that day, the Prieſts had prepared three large Petitions ſtuft with moſt filthy untruths and ſlanders, raiſed out of the bottomleſs28 pit; but not one of them proved though one of the Juſtices ſaid to them, It is fit they ſhould be proved; neither was there any thing in them, which they could charge upon the Priſoners, ſave onely the power of the Lord had manifeſted at their meetings in ſhaking proud fleſh, and pouring out his Spirit upon many, eſpecially, as they ſaid, upon little children; which the Prieſts concluded was Sorcery and Witchery, and of the Divel: hereby declaring themſelves to be of that generation, who called the good man of the houſe Beelzebub; and if they ſhould not do the ſame to them of his houſhold, 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, nor ever knew; thinking thereby to make them odious to the people. They alſo brought two Prieſts out of Lancaſhire, to ſwear things that another man had ſpoken in the preſence of four Juſtices of the peace, and for which the man had been tryed and cleared: And theſe they brought, thinking to add afflictions to the Priſoners bonds. But he is kept in great peace and joy, having not any comfort from man, but from God, who hath appeared 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. Amen.
29The Examination of James Nayler, upon an Indictment of Blaſphemy, at the Seſsions at Appleby, in January 1652.
IƲſtice Pearſon.Put off your Hats.
Iames.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 Laws a Tranſgreſſor.
Juſt. Pear.That is meant of reſpecting perſons in judgment.
Iames.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, Sir thou in a higher place then the poor, I am partial, and judge of evil thoughts.
Col. Brigs.If thou wert in the Parliament-houſe, wouldſt thou keep it on?
Jam.If God ſhould keep me in the ſame minde I am in now, I ſhould.
Col. Brigs.I knew thou wouldſt contemn Authority.
Jam.I ſpeak in the preſence of God, I do not contemn Authority; but I am ſubject to the power as it is of God, for Conſcience ſake.
Juſt. Pearſ.Now Authority commands thee to put off thy Hat; what ſayeſt thou to it?
James.Where God commands one thing, and man another, I am to obey God rather then man.
Col. Benſon.See whether the Law commands it, or your owne wills.
30The Inditement was read, wherein James was Indited for ſaying that Chriſt was in him and that there was but one word of God.
Col. Brigs.Where waſt thou born?
James.At Ardiſlaw two miles from Wakefeild.
Col. Brigs.How long livedſt thou there?
James.Until I was married: then I went into Wakefeild Pariſh.
Col. Brigs.What Profeſſion waſt thou of?
Col. Brigs.Waſt thou a Souldier?
Jam.Yea; I was a Souldier betwixt eight and nine years.
Col. Brigs.Waſt thou not at Burford among the Levellers?
Col. Brigs.I charge thee by the Lord, that thou tell me whether thou waſt or no.
Jam.I was then in the North, and was never taxed for any Mutiny, or any other thing, while I ſerved the Parliament.
Col. Brigs.What was the cauſe of thy coming into theſe parts?
James.If I may have liberty, I ſhall declare it. I was at the plow, meditating on the things of God, and ſuddenly I heard a voice, ſaying unto me, Get thee out from thy Kindred and from thy Fathers houſe: and I had a promiſe given in with it. Whereupon, I did exceedingly rejoyce, that I had heard the voyce of that God which I had profeſſed from a Child, but had never known him.
Col. Brigs.Didſt thou hear that voice?
Jam.Yea, I did hear it; and when I came at home. I gave up my Eſtate, caſt out my mony; but not being obedient in going 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) I began to make ſome preparation; as apparel, and other neceſſaries, not knowing whither I ſhould go. But ſhortly afterward going agateward with a friend from my owne31 houſe, having on an old Suit, without any money, having neither taken leave of wife or children, not thinking then of any journey, I was commanded to go into the Weſt, not knowing whither I ſhould go, nor what I was to do there: 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 thou had'ſt given?
Iames.That God would be with me: which promiſe I finde made good every day;
Col. Brigs.I never heard ſuch a call as this is, in our time?
Juſt. Pearſ. Is Chriſt in thee?
James.I witneſs him in me: and if I ſhould deny him before men, he would deny me before my Father which is in heaven.
Juſt. Pearſ. Spiritual, you mean.
Juſt. Pearſ. By faith, or how?
Juſt. Pearſ. What difference then between the Miniſters and you?
Jam.The Miniſters affirm Chriſt to be in heaven with a Carnal body, but I with a Spiritual body.
Juſt. Pearſ. Which of the Miniſters ſay Chriſt is in heaven with a Carnal body?
Iam.The Miniſter ſo called of Kirkby-Steven.
Prieſt Higginſon ſtood up, and affirmed it again openly before all the Court.
Iames.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 ſhapes.
Queſt.Was Chriſt man, or no?
Iames.Yea, he was, and took upon him the ſeed of Abraham and was real fleſh and bone; but is a Myſtery not known to the carnal man; for he is begotten of the immortal ſeed, and32 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 Spiritual he had not wrought my Redemption.
Juſt. Pearſ. Is Chriſt in thee as man?
Iames.Chriſt filleth all places, and is not divided: ſeparate God and man and he is no more Chriſt.
Juſt. Pearſ. If we ſtand to diſpute theſe things, we ſhould have the Miniſters.
JamesPerceiving Prieſt Higginſon offended, becauſe he had told of his ſaying that Chriſt was in heaven with a carnal body, James ſaid, Friend I had not accuſed thee, had I not been asked what was the difference between the Miniſters and me: for I am not come to accuſe any; for I am againſt accuſations.
Col. Brigs.Waſt thou not of a Kirk about Sawrby?
James.I was a member of an Independant Church at Weedchurch.
Col. Brigs.Waſt thou not excommunicated for thy blaſphemous Opinions?
James.I know not what they have done ſince I came forth; but before I was not, to my knowledge.
Col.Brigs called of Mr. Coale, ſaying, Did you ere 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 dyed at Jeruſalem, thou art deceived?
James.If I cannot witneſs Chriſt nearer then Jeruſalem, I ſhall have no benefit by him; but I owne no other Chriſt but that who witneſſed a good confeſſion before Pontius Pilate; which Chriſt I witneſs ſuffering in me now.
Col. Brigs.Wilt thou deny thy hand?
James.I will not deny my hand, if I may ſee it; and I deſire that I may have ſo much favour, that that paper may be kept as an evidence either with or againſt me.
A large Petition being read, wherein was ſomething againſt quaking and trembling.
33 Juſt. Pearſ.How comes it to paſs that people quaks and tremble?
James.The Scriptures witneſs the ſame condition in the Saints formerly; as David Daniel, Habakkuk, and divers others.
Juſt. Pearſ.Did they fall down?
James.Yea ſome of them did ſo.
Coale.David ſaid all his bones were broken, but they were whole.
Coal.Moſes trembled; for he ſaw the face of God, and all Iſrael.
James.Did all Iſrael ſee the face of God? that croſſeth the Scriptures.
Coale.They ſaw his glory. I ſhall ſee the Lord with theſe eyes; putting his fingers to his eyes.
James.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.
James.That light by which I am juſtified, is not a created light.
Juſt. Pearſ. To the Word: What ſay'ſt thou to the Scriptures? are they the Word of God?
Jam.They are a true Declaration of the Word that was in them who ſpoke them forth.
Higginſon.Is there not a written Word?
Jam.Where readeſt thou in thy Scriptures, of a 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 fulfilled in me, as far as I am grown up.
Juſt. Pearſ. Why doſt thou diſturb the Miniſters in their publick worſhips?
Jam.I have not diſturbed them in their publick worſhips.
Juſt. Pearſ. Why doſt thou ſpeak againſt Tythes, which are allowed by the States?
34 Iam.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 beggerly as the Heathens, that we cannot afford our Miniſters maintenance? We give them it freely.
Iam.They are the Miniſters of Chriſt, who abide in the doctrine of Chriſt.
Juſt. Pearſ. But who ſhall judg? how ſhall we know them?
Jam.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.
35Accuſations againſt Jo: Lawſon, by him anſwered.
THat Joh: Lawſon of Lancaſter, did affirme, December the fourth, 1652.
Object. That he was dead, and roſe againe.
Anſw. Thou art a witneſs againſt him that is riſen riſen from the dead, whereof the Apoſtles were witneſſes. Here thou ſheweſt thy ſelf to be a witneſs againſt the living, and ſheweſt thy ſelf to be in the death, and no Miniſter of Chriſt: for the Miniſters of Chriſt juſtified them which were raiſed from the dead:Eph. 2.1. Even when we were dead in treſpaſſes and ſins hath he quickned us together with Chriſt, and hath raiſed us together, and hath made us to ſit in heavenly places in Chriſt Jeſus. Rom. 6.10, 11.Likewiſe reckon you alſo your ſelves to be dead indeed unto ſin but alive unto God, through Jeſus Chriſt: for in that he died, he died once unto ſin; in that he lives, he lives unto God. Here thou ſheweſt thy ſelf to be no Miniſter of Jeſus Chriſt. He that believeth, hath paſſed from death to life, becauſe be loveth his brethren: here thou ſheweſt thou doſt not believe, but art in the death, and art in envy; ſo thou ſheweſt forth thy ſelf to be Cain, and hateſt thy brethren. We know that we are tranſlated from death unto life, becauſe we love our brethren: he that loveth not his brother, abideth in the death; and there thou art. Whoſoever hateth his brother, is a man-ſlayer; and you know that no man-ſlayer hath eternal life abiding in him, 1 Joh. 3. And this is thy condition, and here thou art an Antichriſt in the world, envying thoſe who are raiſed from the dead; and thou ſeekeſt to bring them to the death, whom God hath raiſed from36 the death. Thou haſt not ſeen thy ſelf to be the prodigal; yet the Scripture ſaith,Luk. 15.24 This my ſon was dead, and is alive againe: but thou art without God in the world.
Object. 2. That the day of judgement was paſt.
Anſw. Mat. 12.20Chriſt ſpeaks, The bruiſed reed he will not break, the ſmoaking Flax he will not quench, till he bring forth judgement into victory. Here thou ſheweſt thy ſelf to be ignorant of the Scripture; but onely as a hear-ſayer thou ſpeakeſt, and the outſide of the Letter, and not Chriſt; and canſt not witneſs him, who brings forth judgement into victory, but ſtandeſt as a witneſs againſt them who witneſs the Scriptures fulfilled in them, and Chriſt bringing forth judgement into victory: and here thou ſheweſt thy ſelf to be unacquainted with Chriſt, and thy nakedneſs and ignorance thou makeſt appear.
Object. 3. That he had been in Hell, and is now in Heaven.
Anſw. Here thou ſheweſt thy ſelf to be a witneſs againſt the holy men of God. Jonah ſaith, Out of the belly of hell cryed I,Jon. 2. and thou heardeſt my voice, and the Lord delivered him out of hell; and might not he confeſs it? (thou hypocrite.) For thou wilt not leave my ſoul in hell, neither wilt thou ſuffer thy holy one to ſee corruption. Pſa. 16.10.Thou haſt delivered my ſoul out of death: bleſs the Lord, my ſoul, and all that is within me, bleſs his holy name. Pſa. 103.1.2.How dareſt thou profeſs the Scriptures, and the holy men of Gods-conditions, which were raiſed and brought out of death; and if any witneſs the holy men of Gods condition, thou perſecuteſt them? O thou blind hypocrite! here thou ſheweſt thou never ſaweſt hells mouth yet, therefore thou never cryedſt in hell yet.
Object. 4. That he was come to the infinite company of the firſt-born, and the Spirits of juſt men made perfect.
Anſw. Paul ſaid (who was a Miniſter of God) But ye are come to Mount Sion,Heb. 12.22 and unto the City of the living God, the heavenly Jeruſalem, and to an innummerable company of Angels, to the general Aſſembly and Church of the firſt-born which are written in heaven; unto God the judge of all, and37 to the ſpirits of juſt men made perfect. Paul was A Miniſter of Jeſus Chriſt by the will of God, who incouraged the Saints who were brought hither; but thou now perſecuteſt them, and art a witneſs againſt them that confeſs they are brought hither: here thou ſheweſt thou haſt the ſpirit of errour, openly; and art no Miniſter of God, no not of the Letter; but art againſt the Letter as it ſpeakes, perſecuting them that have the life of it.
Object. 5. That he had heard the laſt Trumpet ſound, and ſeen the new Jeruſalem.
Anſw. Here thou ſheweſt forth thy ſpite and venome: If John was here, which ſaw the great City and holy Ieruſalem deſcend out of heaven from good (John ſaid, I ſaw the holy City New Ieruſalem come down from God out of heaven) thou wouldſt be a witneſs againſt him; & thou ſheweſt thyſelf in the generation that was ever perſecutors ſlanderers, & oppoſers of the power of truth. Where the ſame ſpirit is that was in Iohn. he ſees theſe things now, as he did then: but where the ſame ſpirit is not, which thou ſheweſt thou haſt not, but a contrary ſpirit that perſecutes them which do ſee thoſe things; but is as a dog to bite and devour, Iohn ſaw the laſt trumpet ſound, which ſhews thou art not come to the firſt. Blow the trumpet in Slon,Joel 2.1. ſound an alarm in my holy mountain; let all the inhabitants of the earth tremble. Here be thou a witneſs againſt thy ſelf, that thou art a witneſs againſt the truth, and in the generation of them that ever ſlew the righteous ſeed.
Obj. 6. That John Lawſon ſaid he had ſeen God face to face.
Anſw. Here thou ſheweſt thy ſelf to be a witneſs againſt them that know God, and makeſt thy ſelf manifeſt to be a heathen: for all are heathens that do not know God; and no man knoweth God ſaving he that is born of God; and who are born of God, are owners of the truth, and not againſt it, but againſt the deceit. Jacob ſaid, I have ſeen God face to face.Gen. 32. Iſa. 6.5. Job 42.5. Iſaiah ſaid, Mine eyes have ſeen the King, the Lord of hoſts. Job ſaid, I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear; but now mine eyes have ſeen thee. Exo. 33.11.And God ſpake to Moſes face to face. Here you may take your oaths, and ſwear againſt Jacob, againſt Iſaiah, againſt Job, and againſt Moſes. Where the38 ſame Spirit is made manifeſt; and who are born of God, know God face to face, as they did: but they who are born of the fleſh, perſecute them who are born of the Spirit; and there you ſhew your ſelves to be, taking oaths and ſwearing againſt them that know God, ſeeking to bring them to priſon or bondage: for you never read in all the Scriptures, that the Prophets or the Apoſtles took their oaths againſt any which confeſſed they had ſeen God, or put up a Petition to the Magiſtrates, or witneſſed it with oathes againſt any of them: the Miniſters of God ſaid, Swear not at all. And here you ſhew your ſelves to be no Miniſters or friends of God, but without God; for the Miniſters of God are to bring people to know God, and to the Church in God, and to the heavenly Jeruſalem, and to the innummerable company of Angels, and miniſter to that which is in priſon, and in death; but if any come to witneſs theſe things fulfilled, you are witneſſes againſt them with Oaths, and would bring the bodies of ſuch into priſon, where the ſeed of God is raiſed out of priſon within; ſhewing your ſelves to be Antichriſts, perſecuters of the power of truth, and beaſts which ſhall make war againſt the Saints, and againſt the Lambe: but the Lamb ſhall get the victory.
Job cryed when the Lord hid his face; and David cried when the Lord hid his face, and ſaid, O Lord, I will ſeek thy face. And here you ſhew, you neither know his face, nor have ſeen it; but are perſecuters of them who know it and ſeek it.
Praiſes, praiſes be to the Lord for ever.
FINIS.