_Of the first instrument or person by whom God was pleased to gather this
people into the way they profess_. _His name George Fox_: _his many
excellent qualifications; showing a divine_, _and not a human power to
have been their original in him_. _His troubles and sufferings both from
without and within_. _His end and triumph_.
I am now come to the third head or branch of my preface, viz. the
instrumental author. For it is natural for some to say, Well, here is
the people and work, but where and who was the man, the instrument? He
that in this age was sent to begin this work and people? I shall, as God
shall enable me, declare who and what he was; not only by report of
others, but from my own long and most inward converse, and intimate
knowledge of him; for which my soul blesseth God, as it hath often done:
and I doubt not, but by that time I have discharged myself of this part
of my preface, my serious readers will believe I had good cause so to do.
The blessed instrument of, and in this day of God, and of whom I am now
about to write, was George Fox, distinguished from another of that name,
by that other's addition of younger to his name, in all his writings; not
that he was so in years, but that he was so in the truth: but he was also
a worthy man, witness, and servant of God in his time.
But this George Fox was born in Leicestershire, about the year 1624. He
descended of honest and sufficient parents, who endeavoured to bring him
up, as they did the rest of their children, in the way and worship of the
nation: especially his mother, who was a woman accomplished above most of
her degree in the place where she lived. But from a child he appeared of
another frame of mind than the rest of his brethren; being more
religious, inward, still, solid, and observing beyond his years, as the
answers he would give, and the questions he would put, upon occasion,
manifested, to the astonishment of those that heard him, especially in
divine things.
His mother, taking notice of his singular temper, and the gravity,
wisdom, and piety, that very early shined through him, refusing childish
and vain sports, and company, when very young, was tender and indulgent
over him, so that from her he met with little difficulty. As to his
employment, he was brought up in country business, and as he took most
delight in sheep, so he was very skilful in them; an employment that very
well suited his mind in several respects, both for its innocency and
solitude; and was a just emblem of his after ministry and service.
I shall not break in upon his own account, which is by much the best that
can be given, and therefore desire what I can, to avoid saying anything
of what is said already, as to the particular passages of his coming
forth: but, in general, when he was somewhat above twenty, he left his
friends, and visited the most retired and religious people in those
parts; and some there were in this nation, who waited for the consolation
of Israel, night and day; as Zacharias, Anna, and good old Simeon did of
old time. To these he was sent, and these he sought out in the
neighbouring counties, and among them he sojourned till his more ample
ministry came upon him. At this time he taught, and was an example of,
silence, endeavouring to bring them from self-performances; testifying
of, and turning them to, the light of Christ within them, and encouraging
them to wait in patience, and to feel the power of it to stir in their
hearts, that their knowledge and worship of God might stand in the power
of an endless life, which was to be found in the light, as it was obeyed
in the manifestation of it in man. For in the word was life, and that
life is the light of men: life in the word, light in men; and life in men
too, as the light is obeyed: the children of the light living by the life
of the word, by which the word begets them again to God, which is the
regeneration and new birth, without which there is no coming into the
kingdom of God: and to which whoever comes, is greater than John; that
is, than John's dispensation, which was not that of the kingdom, but the
consummation of the legal, and fore-running of the gospel-times, the time
of the kingdom. Accordingly several meetings were gathered in those
parts; and thus his time was employed for some years.
In 1652, he being in his usual retirement, his mind exercised towards the
Lord, upon a very high mountain in some of the higher parts of Yorkshire,
as I take it, he had a vision of the great work of God in the earth, and
of the way that he was to go forth in a public ministry, to begin it. He
saw people as thick as motes in the sun, that should in time be brought
home to the Lord, that there might be but one shepherd and one sheepfold
in all the earth. There his eye was directed northward, beholding a
great people that should receive him and his message in those parts.
Upon this mountain he was moved of the Lord to sound out his great and
notable day, as if he had been in a great auditory; and from thence went
north, as the Lord had shown him. And in every place where he came, if
not before he came to it, he had his particular exercise and service
shown to him, so that the Lord was his leader indeed. For it was not in
vain that he travelled; God in most places sealing his commission with
the convincement of some of all sorts, as well publicans as sober
professors of religion. Some of the first and most eminent of those that
came forth in a public ministry, and who are now at rest, were Richard
Farnsworth, James Nayler, William Dewsberry, Thomas Aldam, Francis
Howgil, Edward Burroughs, John Camm, John Audland, Richard Hubberthorn,
T. Taylor, T. Holmes, Alexander Parker, Wm. Simson, William Caton, John
Stubbs, Robert Withers, Thomas Low, Josiah Coale, John Burnyeat, Robert
Lodge, Thomas Salthouse, and many more worthies, that cannot well be here
named; together with divers yet living of the first and great
convincement; who, after the knowledge of God's purging judgment in
themselves, and some time of waiting in silence upon him, to feel and
receive power from on high to speak in his name, (which none else rightly
can, though they may use the same words,) felt its divine motions, and
were frequently drawn forth, especially to visit the public assemblies,
to reprove, inform, and exhort them: sometimes in markets, fairs,
streets, and by the highway-side: calling people to repentance, and to
turn to the Lord with their hearts as well as their mouths; directing
them to the light of Christ within them, to see, examine, and consider
their ways by, and to eschew the evil, and do the good and acceptable
will of God. And they suffered great hardships for this their love and
good-will; being often stocked, stoned, beaten, whipped, and imprisoned,
though honest men, and of good report where they lived; that had left
wives, children, and houses and lands to visit them with a living call to
repentance. And though the priests generally set themselves to oppose
them, and wrote against them, and insinuated most false and scandalous
stories to defame them, stirring up the magistrates to suppress them,
especially in those northern parts; yet God was pleased to fill them with
his living power, and give them such an open door of utterance in his
service, that there was a mighty convincement over those parts.
And through the tender and singular indulgence of judge Bradshaw, and
judge Fell, and colonel West, in the infancy of things, the priests were
never able to gain the point they laboured for, which was to have
proceeded to blood; and, if possible, Herod-like, by a cruel exercise of
the civil power, to have cut them off, and rooted them out of the
country. But especially judge Fell, who was not only a check to their
rage in the course of legal proceedings, but otherwise upon occasion; and
finally countenanced this people. For, his wife receiving the truth with
the first, it had that influence upon his spirit, being a just and wise
man, and seeing in his own wife and family a full confutation of all the
popular clamours against the way of truth, that he covered them what he
could, and freely opened his doors, and gave up his house to his wife and
her friends; not valuing the reproach of ignorant or evil-minded people:
which I here mention to his and her honour, and which will be, I believe,
an honour and a blessing to such of their name and family, as shall be
found in that tenderness, humility, love, and zeal for the truth and
people of the Lord.
That house was for some years, at first especially, until the truth had
opened its way into the southern parts of this island, an eminent
receptacle of this people. Others, of good note and substance in those
northern countries, had also opened their houses, together with their
hearts, to the many publishers, that, in a short time, the Lord had
raised to declare his salvation to the people; and where meetings of the
Lord's messengers were frequently held, to communicate their services and
exercises, and comfort and edify one another in their blessed ministry.
But lest this may be thought a digression, having touched upon this
before, I return to this excellent man; and for his personal qualities,
both natural, moral, and divine, as they appeared in his converse with
the brethren, and in the church of God, take as follows:
I. He was a man that God endued with a clear and wonderful depth: a
discerner of others' spirits, and very much a master of his own. And
though that side of his understanding which lay next to the world, and
especially the expression of it, might sound uncouth and unfashionable to
nice ears, his matter was nevertheless very profound; and would not only
bear to be often considered, but the more it was so, the more weighty and
instructing it appeared. And as abruptly and brokenly as sometimes his
sentences would seem to fall from him, about divine things, it is well
known they were often as texts to many fairer declarations.
And indeed it showed, beyond all contradiction, that God sent him, in
that no arts or parts had any share in the matter or manner of his
ministry; and that so many great, excellent, and necessary truths, as he
came forth to preach to mankind, had therefore nothing of man's wit or
wisdom to recommend them. So that as to man he was an original, being no
man's copy; and his ministry and writings show they are from one that was
not taught of man, nor had learned what he said by study. Nor were they
notional or speculative, but sensible and practical truths, tending to
conversion and regeneration, and the setting up of the kingdom of God in
the hearts of men: and the way of it was his work. So that I have many
times been overcome in myself, and been made to say, with my Lord and
Master, upon the like occasion, "I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven
and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent of
this world, and revealed them to babes:" for, many times hath my soul
bowed in an humble thankfulness to the Lord, that he did not choose any
of the wise and learned of this world to be the first messenger in our
age, of his blessed truth to men; but that he took one that was not of
high degree, or elegant speech, or learned after the way of this world,
that his message and work he sent him to do might come with less
suspicion, or jealousy of human wisdom and interest, and with more force
and clearness upon the consciences of those that sincerely sought the way
of truth in the love of it. I say, beholding with the eye of my mind,
which the God of heaven had opened in me, the marks of God's finger and
hand visibly in this testimony, from the clearness of the principle, the
power and efficacy of it, in the exemplary sobriety, plainness, zeal,
steadiness, humility, gravity, punctuality, charity, and circumspect care
in the government of church-affairs, which shined in his and their life
and testimony, that God employed in this work, it greatly confirmed me
that it was of God, and engaged my soul in a deep love, fear, reverence,
and thankfulness for his love and mercy therein to mankind: in which mind
I remain, and shall, I hope, through the Lord's strength, to the end of
my days.
II. In his testimony or ministry, he much laboured to open truth to the
people's understandings, and to bottom them upon the principle and
principal, Christ Jesus the light of the world; that by bringing them to
something that was from God in themselves, they might the better know and
judge of him and themselves.
III. He had an extraordinary gift in opening the scriptures. He would
go to the marrow of things, and show the mind, harmony, and fulfilling of
them, with much plainness, and to great comfort and edification.
IV. The mystery of the first and second Adam, of the fall and
restoration, of the law and gospel, of shadows and substance, of the
servant's and Son's state, and the fulfilling of the scriptures in Christ
and by Christ the true light, in all that are his, through the obedience
of faith, were much of the substance and drift of his testimonies: in all
which he was witnessed to be of God: being sensibly felt to speak that
which he had received of Christ, and was his own experience, in that
which never errs nor fails.
V. But, above all, he excelled in prayer. The inwardness and weight of
his spirit, the reverence and solemnity of his address and behaviour, and
the fewness and fulness of his words, have often struck even strangers
with admiration, as they used to reach others with consolation. The most
awful, living, reverent frame I ever felt or beheld, I must say, was his
in prayer. And truly it was a testimony he knew and lived nearer to the
Lord than other men; for they that know Him most, will see most reason to
approach him with reverence and fear.
VI. He was of an innocent life, no busy-body, nor self-seeker: neither
touchy nor critical: what fell from him was very inoffensive, if not very
edifying. So meek, contented, modest, easy, steady, tender, it was a
pleasure to be in his company. He exercised no authority but over evil,
and that everywhere, and in all; but with love, compassion, and
long-suffering. A most merciful man, as ready to forgive, as unapt to
take or give an offence. Thousands can truly say, he was of an excellent
spirit and savour among them, and because thereof, the most excellent
spirits loved him with an unfeigned and unfading love.
VII. He was an incessant labourer: for in his younger time, before his
many, great, and deep sufferings and travels had enfeebled his body for
itinerant services, he laboured much in the word and doctrine, and
discipline, in England, Scotland, and Ireland, turning many to God, and
confirming those that were convinced of the truth, and settling good
order, as to church affairs, among them. And towards the conclusion of
his travelling service, between the years 1671, and 1677, he visited the
churches of Christ in the plantations of America, and in the United
Provinces, and Germany, as his journal relates; to the convincement and
consolation of many. After that time he chiefly resided in and about the
city of London; and, besides his labour in the ministry, which was
frequent and serviceable, he wrote much, both to them that are within,
and those that are without, the communion.
But the care he took of the affairs of the church in general was very
great.
VIII. He was often where the records of the business of the church are
kept, and where the letters from the many meetings of God's people over
all the world use to come: which letters he had read to him, and
communicated them to the meeting, that is weekly {57} held for such
services; and he would be sure to stir them up to answer them, especially
in suffering cases, showing great sympathy and compassion upon all such
occasions; carefully looking into the respective cases, and endeavouring
speedy relief, according to the nature of them. So that the churches, or
any of the suffering members thereof, were sure not to be forgotten, or
delayed in their desires, if he was there.
IX. As he was unwearied, so he was undaunted in his services for God and
his people; he was no more to be moved to fear than to wrath. His
behaviour at Derby, Lichfield, Appleby, before Oliver Cromwell, at
Launceston, Scarborough, Worcester, and Westminster Hall, with many other
places and exercises, did abundantly evidence it, to his enemies as well
as his friends.
But as, in the primitive times, some rose up against the blessed apostles
of our Lord Jesus Christ, even from among those that they had turned to
the hope of the gospel, and became their greatest trouble; so this man of
God had his share of suffering from some that were convinced by him; who,
through prejudice or mistake, ran against him, as one that sought
dominion over conscience, because he pressed, by his presence or
epistles, a ready and zealous compliance with such good and wholesome
things, as tended to an orderly conversation about the affairs of the
church, and in their walking before men. That which contributed much to
this ill work, was, in some, a begrudging of this meek man the love and
esteem he had and deserved in the hearts of the people; and weakness in
others, that were taken with their groundless suggestions of imposition
and blind obedience.
They would have had every man independent, that as he had the principle
in himself, he should only stand and fall to that, and nobody else: not
considering that the principle is one in all; and though the measure of
light or grace might differ, yet the nature of it was the same; and being
so, they struck at the spiritual unity which a people, guided by the same
principle, are naturally led into: so that what is an evil to one, is so
to all; and what is virtuous, honest, and of good repute to one, is so to
all, from the sense and savour of the one universal principle which is
common to all, and which the disaffected also profess to be the root of
all true Christian fellowship, and that spirit into which the people of
God drink, and come to be spiritually-minded, and of one heart and one
soul.
Some weakly mistook good order in the government of church affairs, for
discipline in worship, and that it was so pressed or recommended by him
and other brethren. And thereupon they were ready to reflect the same
things that dissenters had very reasonably objected upon the national
churches, that have coercively pressed conformity to their respective
creeds and worships. Whereas these things related wholly to
conversation, and the outward, and, as I may say, civil part of the
church; that men should walk up to the principles of their belief, and
not be wanting in care and charity. But though some have stumbled and
fallen through mistakes, and an unreasonable obstinacy even to a
prejudice; yet, blessed be God, the generality have returned to their
first love, and seen the work of the enemy, that loses no opportunity or
advantage by which he may check or hinder the work of God, and disquiet
the peace of his church, and chill the love of his people to the truth,
and one to another; and there is hope of divers of the few that yet are
at a distance.
In all these occasions, though there was no person the discontented
struck so sharply at, as this good man, he bore all their weakness and
prejudice, and returned not reflection for reflection; but forgave them
their weak and bitter speeches, praying for them, that they might have a
sense of their hurt, and see the subtilty of the enemy to rend and
divide, and return into their first love that thought no ill.
And truly, I must say, that though God had visibly clothed him with a
divine preference and authority, yet he never abused it; but held his
place in the church of God with great meekness, and a most engaging
humility and moderation. For upon all occasions, like his blessed
Master, he was a servant to all; holding and exercising his eldership in
the invisible power that had gathered them, with reverence to the Head,
and care over the body: and was received, only in that Spirit and power
of Christ, as the first and chief elder in this age: who, as he was
therefore worthy of double honour, so for the same reason it was given by
the faithful of this day; because his authority was inward and not
outward, and that he got it and kept it by the love of God, and power of
an endless life. I write my knowledge, and not report; and my witness is
true; having been with him for weeks and months together on divers
occasions, and those of the nearest, and most exercising nature; and that
by night and by day, by sea and by land; in this and in foreign
countries; and I can say, I never saw him out of his place, or not a
match for every service or occasion. For in all things he acquitted
himself like a man, yea, a strong man, a new and heavenly-minded man, a
divine and a naturalist, and all of God Almighty's making. I have been
surprised at his questions and answers in natural things: that whilst he
was ignorant of useless and sophistical science, he had in him the
grounds of useful and commendable knowledge, and cherished it every
where. Civil, beyond all forms of breeding, in his behaviour: very
temperate, eating little, and sleeping less, though a bulky person.
Thus he lived and sojourned among us: and, as he lived, so he died;
feeling the same eternal power, that had raised and preserved him, in his
last moments. So full of assurance was he, that he triumphed over death;
and so even in his spirit to the last, as if death were hardly worth
notice, or a mention: recommending to some of us with him, the despatch
and dispersion of an epistle just before given forth by him to the
churches of Christ throughout the world, and his own books: but, above
all, Friends; and of all Friends, those in Ireland and America, twice
over, saying, "Mind poor Friends in Ireland and America."
And to some that came in and inquired how he found himself, he answered,
"Never heed, the Lord's power is over all weakness and death; the seed
reigns, blessed be the Lord:" which was about four or five hours before
his departure out of this world. He was at the great meeting near
Lombard-street, on the first day of the week, and it was the third
following about ten at night when he left us; being at the house of Henry
Goldney, in the same court. In a good old age he went, after having
lived to see his children's children in the truth to many generations.
He had the comfort of a short illness, and the blessing of a clear sense
to the last: and we may truly say, with a man of God of old, that being
dead, he yet speaketh: and though now absent in body, he is present in
spirit; neither time nor place being able to interrupt the communion of
saints, or dissolve the fellowship of the spirits of the just. His works
praise him, because they are to the praise of Him that wrought by him;
for which his memorial is and shall be blessed. I have done, as to this
part of my preface, when I have left this short epitaph to his
name,--Many sons have done virtuously in this day; but, dear George, thou
excellest them all.