The memorial of the just shall not rot of the Just shall not Rot. Or a Short COLLECTION OF Some of the letters of that faithful Servant of the Lord William Wilson, WHO Departed this life the tenth day of the fifth Month 1682 at his own House at Longdale-Chappelsteel in the County of Westmoreland. TOGETHER With several Testimonies Concerning his faithfulness in his day. UNTO Which is added a brief account of some of the buffet, Imprisonments, and spoiling of goods he patiently suffered for his Testimonies sake. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, he shall be as Mount Zion: that cannot be moved. LONDON, Printed for Thomas Northcott in George-Yard in Lombardstreet, MDCLXXXV. ERRATA. PAge 3. l. 1. for lay r. laid, l. 26. f. into r. to, f. men r. me, p. 7. l. 1. after 〈…〉 l. 5. f.; r. had, p. 12. l. 15. f. with r. in the, p. 13. l. 12. after that r. 〈…〉 f. direct r. directs, l. 32. after that r. it, p. 14. l. 9 f. sin r. seen, l, 18. f. they r. 〈…〉 l. last f. all r. his, p. 22. l. 2. blot out W. W. p. 24. l. 12. f. the from r. thee from, 〈…〉 38 deal as, p. 38. l. 1. f. though r. through, p. 34. l. 30. f. his r. is, p. 34. l. 17. r. 〈…〉 their, l. 25. f. your r. you, p. 37. l. 17. f. conetenous r. covetous, p. 38. deal the 4 〈…〉 40. l. 24. after not put at, p. 42. l. 20. f. Prioners r. Prisoner, p. 43. l. 17. r. Testimony, p. 53. l. 15. f. mortal r. immortal, l. 21. f. have r. hear, l. 26. f. messuge r. message, l. 34. f. of r. for, p. 56. l. 3. deal out, p. 56 l 3 f hoest r honest l. 12. deal believers, l. 16. f. casting r. causing. There are several other mistakes which the Reader is desired to correct. To the Reader. FRiend whoever thou art that reads the ensuing Treatise, may understand that there are only a few of the Letters and Epistles, which have since his decease been found in lose papers; and that many Heavenly Exhortations to friends, which he wrote in his day, are lost; and but only as it were a few of many here inserted, for although he was born and educated very meanly in this dark corner of the Earth, and had very little Humane Learning, only he could Read English, and 〈…〉 little, yet but slowly; and was by his Trade and occupation a 〈…〉 the Lord was pleased to call him (as he did Fishermen and 〈…〉 of old) into his Heavenly work and Ministry, to bear 〈…〉 to his Name in many parts of this Nation, and also Scotland 〈…〉 places; and he was a faithful man, and was given up to do 〈…〉 work, and always had a word of Exhortation to the People that he met with, or had to do withal: so what thou here finds presented to thy view, did not proceed from any Humane Education or wisdom of Man, but only what the Lord was pleased to reveal in him by his Spirit, and so is not worded with high Scholastic words, but even homely words and plain Country speech, being always a man of a very lowly meek Spirit, and easy to be entreated; and being he had little Humane Learning is the reason why both time and place of some of his Writings is not taken notice of: And this I have to say concerning him (being one who hath several times joined with him as in Arbitration, to end differences between man and man) that he was a very upright honest man, and I never found him any way biased by any for whom be was concerned, but always was at work to seek out the truth and ground of every thing in difference, and would never countenance deceit, or such as had a mind to wrangle, but did always reprove and discountenance such as he found had a mind of Suits and Controversies; and commonly when he was appointed in such matters he had good success, and seldom miss of his desired end, for he was a lover of Peace, and sought it often with all his might, and was also an encourager of those that sought peace, and loved to love in quiet, though he would not have bowed a finger of his hand to satisfy the will of man, contrary to what was manifested in him, either in payment of Tithes or Priest Salaried or when he was brought before Magistrates and Rulers for the Exercise of his Conscience to wards God, and for the blessed Truth's sake which he professed, and also was and now is a true Pofessor of, and hath received a Crown of Glory with the God of Truth, whose faithful servant and true warri ur he was, and his Bow always abode in its perfect strength, to shoot an Arrow at all manner of deceit and hypocrisy, though to the hazard of his outward man, by the violent hands of wicked and unreasonable men, yet the Lord was always his deliverer, who now hath taken him to his Eternal rest, and removed all weights and burdens from his shoulders and tears from his Eyes, for that he always suffered with those who were sufferers for Truth's Testimony, and was often made willing to put his Shoulder under another's burden, and hath often given ease to such as were heavy loaden, by lending a hand of help; and though I had not the happiness to be with him in the time of his Sickness, save only the space of one hour the morning before he departed, in which time he often said he had no trouble upon him, although he was very weak, yet he walked several times over the slower with me, and also a little out of door, saying, his peace far exceeded his pain, though he felt himself very weak, and in a few hours after he sweetly departed this life, the tenth day of the fifth Month in the year 1682. and is entered into everlasting Joy and blessedness with his God, and hath received an inheritance in that Kingdom that shall never have end; where many who are yet in this body who have been refreshed by him in his day, have true unity with his Spirit, and in remembrance of him can glorify and praise, and give thanks unto his God who is over all and worthy of praise and thanksgiving for ever. His Wife's Testimony Concerning her Dear Husband, William Wilson. A Living Test money I have to give, Concerning my Dear Husband. He was a dear and tender Husband over me, and that is the cause of my Sorrowing for the loss of his outward Body; yet I can truly say, I have peace and true unity with his Spirit, as I ever had when we lived together. Blessed and praised be the Name of the Lord for evermore, who joined us together in his Heavenly fear and pure unspotted love, and was our guider on our way both inwardly and outwardly, and in that same love that the Lord joined us together in, we lived in the same till the Lord was pleased to take him from me who is worthy of his own; although it be a hard Exercise to me many a time now in my old age to part with so Dear a Husband, but all is but a reasonable sacrifice for the Lord who is the preserver of our Souls, that live in obedience unto his Will. And this I can truly say, and that to my great Comfort, that when the Lord was pleased to call him from me upon the Truth's Account, whether in England or Scotland I never was his hindrance; but was freely willing to give him up to the service that the Lord had called him unto, for I have often bidden him take no care for any thing he left behind, but have said perform thy journey as thou sees the Lord makes thy way; which I know he did and that with faithfulness, and that is his everlasting joy, and my great comfort, though I be left behind him in this World; but my desire and ●●eathing is to the Lord, to preserve me and my two Daughters in his heavenly way to our lives end, as he did my dear Husband who laid down his body as an innocent Lamb, Saying, often times, I have not served the Lord unfruitfully, and also said I have no trouble upon me, and I am very sensible that all is well with him, for he was a peaceable man to the very latter end of his days; Blessed and praised be the name of the Lord for evermore, who hath received him unto his everlasting joy and felicity for evermore The 17th of the 11th. Month, 1682. Dorothy Wilson. His Daughter Rebecca's Testimony concerning her Father. THis is my Testimony concerning my dear and well beloved Father William Wilson, he was a dear and tender Father towards me, and that is the cause of my Shedding of tears many times, but it is not without hope; for I am Satisfied with many more, who knew his Life and Conversation, that he is entered into everlasting joy and felicity for evermore with his Maker. And this I can truly say to my daily comfort, he was a true director of Me and my Sister on the Spiritual Journey even Zion wards, which he himself did travel on daily, and did bear a faithful Testimony for, to the end of his days, both in England and other Nations; where the Lord was pleased to call him: though through trials and hardships, but he thought all little enough for the Lord and his holy truth's sake, Oh blessed and praised be the name of the Lord for evermore! for I can truly say my Father was raised up in a spiritual sense towards us his Family, when he took his journey towards London; and in much tenderness exhorted us with tears, to keep in the true fear of the Lord that his name might be glorified by us, with many more good and heavenly Exortations to us on this manner, which was his last Testimony to us: for he lived but two nights and one day after he came home from London, and his outward body was much Spent, but he was in a Sweet and heavenly frame of Spirit, to his last breath; and often said his peace was far above his pain. And so lay down his head in peace where none can make him afraid; Oh Lord God of Infinite love which hath broken my heart unto tenderness before thee, thou hast been a Husband to my Mother, and Father to Me and my Sister! Oh Lord carry us on in thy heavenly way as thou didst my Father, that thy name may be glorified by us in our little measures, for it is the desire of my heart above all things to live in thy true fear that I may inherit the Crown of life as my Father doth! Blessed and praised be thy holy name for evermore saith my Soul. The 17th of the 11th Month, 82. Rebecca Wilson. Ruth wilson's Testimony concerning her Father. THis is my Testimony concerning my dear and faithful Father William Wilson, who was a dear and tender Father over me, which is the cause of my great lamentation when I heard of his decease; for I was gone to Kendal to live, and did never see him alive after he took his Journey towards London, which was very hard for me to bear, and went near my very life, but in the Consideration of his holy and pure life that he lived in, I am satisfied (with many that did know him) that he is in everlasting Joy and Eternity. Blessed and praised be the name of the Lord for ever, for he was ever instructing me on in that heavenly way that he himself traveled; into his latter end, and encouraging men in the way of the Lord often; saying, to my Sister and Me, it would be the best portion that ever we could enjoy, which we know now to be very true. Blessed and praised be the name of the Lord for ever, who hath made us sensible witnesses of it in our little measures, and I desire at the Lords hand that I with many more may be preserved in the true fear of the Lord to my lacter end, for I know my dear Father did often travel in Spirit for us his family, when he was far separated from us outwardly, sometimes in his Journey upon truth's account, and sometimes in his imprisonment for conscience sake; and the Lord was with him in every needful time, and now he was pleased to take him out of this troublesome world, into his everlasting joy, where he hath laid down his head in peace where none can make him afraid; and the desire of my heart is, that I with my Mother and Sister may truly wait upon the Lord that we may know him to be as a Father unto the Fatherless, and as a husband unto the desolate Widow, for he is a strong Tower unto the upright in heart, and a sure hiding place unto all his little ones; O blessed and praised be his Holy Name for ever and evermore, saith my Spirit. Ruth Wilson. William Raws his Testimony concerning Will. Wilson. COncerning our dear friend and brother William Wilson, I have this Testimony to bear for him in true remembrance of him, he was a man of a Meek and quiet Spirit, which with the Lord is of great price; he had also a good gift to declare the truth, and was full of zeal and heavenly courage, in the which he performed the same. Also he was a good example and pattern in his life and Conversation unto us, by the which he preached truth unto us, as well as by his words; for he himself lived according to what he taught us: for he was adorned with gravity, and walked before us in humility; yea, he had a blameless conversation and was unspotted from the World, so that his presence as well as his words, was a strengthening and a comfort to the upright and honest-hearted, he was a man that did suffer much for truth's sake, both imprisonment often, and spoil of goods which he took joyfully, knowing that in Heaven he had a better, and more enduring substance, he patiently endured all; saying, he had counted the cost before he began to build, the Lord was his upholder in all hardships. And by his powerful arm did support him in all trials and exercises that he met with, Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever, he did so worthily walk in his life time obedient unto the grace of God, which appeared in his heart; that when it pleased the Lord to visit him with sickness, the Lord made it easy unto him, that he many times did say, greater was his peace then his pain, peace did far out balance his pain, and said, I have not served the Lord for nought, and very quietly took his sickness. Saying, he was well contented whatsoever way the Lord was pleased, he was as a Dove harmless, and as a Lamb Innocent also waited he upon the Lord until his change did come: which when the time came, that he no longer might live in that Body, he prepared was to meet the Bridegroom, and an admittance into the Bridegroom's Chamber was found, where I know he is at rest and peace for ever more with the Lord. O Happy art thou dear William. Happy and Blessed of the Lord art thou for ever. Blessed art thou that is dead in the Lord. Thou shalt rest from thy labour, and thy works do follow thee. Amongst the Angels bright shall thou shine. In Heaven's joy to remain for ever. Where thou a Crown of life hast obtained. A Diadem most, bright shalt thou wear. It was this thou laboured for here. It is obtained now by thee in Heaven where it was sure there laid up for thee, till thou thy Testimony had finished. Now rejoice thou dear friend and brother. In heaven's Glory shalt thou shine for ever. William Raws. Thomas Atkinson his Testimony concerning Will. Wilson ANd this same Will. Wilson was a man endued with Heavenly and divine Knowledge, which the Lord had given him; and was made able to divide the word aright to every condition; he had milk for the babes to nourish them withal; and stronger food for men of strength to go on with boldness, in the Lords work. And for temporal affairs both for himself and others, who made use of him, he was so honest, true, and faithful in his deal, that none could justly lay any thing to his charge; in this state he both lived and died as to the World; but the remembrance of him will remain for ages and generations yet to come, I had good experience of himself many years, and therefore I can give my Testimony for him, that he was an honest faithful man, although his body be gone the way of all flesh. Thomas Atkinson. William Walker his Testimony concerning Will. Wilson. THis is my Testimony concerning my dear friend late deceased, which the Lord hath taken away from among us; and is received into everlasting rest with the Father, where peace and joy is for evermore enjoyed. This Testimony I have to bear and to leave upon record for him this day, that his labour and travail was for the good of all, for he being one that often frequented my Father's house, and he was made instrumental in the hand of the Lord, in that family when we were young in years for in the remembrance of him, my heart, and soul, and spirit is even broken many times within me, so that many a time my Spirit cannot but mourn within me, for want of such a dear friend: though not as one without hope, being well satisfied that his soul is in everlasting felicity, where true rest and peace with the Lord for ever more. And further this Testimony I have to bear for him, that he was a man that was truly willing to labour with his hands in the creation, and that always; a tender regard over his family, for this I can truly say, for him that it was his greatest joy that his children should be kept in the fear of the Lord, in which the living God hath had a regard to answer, for whom my Soul and Spirit on their behalf, can truly at this time give unto God the praise to whom all true praises belongs, for ever and for evermore, saith my Soul. William Walker. Michael wilson's Testimony concerning his Brother William Wilson. WIlliam Wilson being my natural Brother, and by trade a Tailor, and I when young being his Apprentice as well as his Brother, can in Reality and truth give this Testimony concerning him, who before his convincement he was one that sought the Lord to the utmost of his understanding then, and for disputing about the things of God and the Scriptures, he was behind few of the Professors of those times, and was one that walked as Circumspectly as the most part of them did. Being zealous in his way yet still some thing there was in him unsatisfied, which the Lord in his own due time did satisfy, and by his living and eternal power did raise to bear a Testimony for him, unto which Testimony vaised by the Lord in his heart; he was obedient and willing to be led and guided, which led him into the way of God, which is light, for Christ said, who is the way to God, I am the light of the world, he that followeth me shall not abide in darkness but shall have the light of life. In which light he came to see that a profession of the truth made not a Christian, but a possession of it; and also in it he came to see deceit both in Priests and Professors, who talked of the way of the Lord but walked in the way of error; preaching, praying, and singing, for gifts and rewards; having more regard for the fleece then for the flock, seeking their gain from their Quarters, having lofty Spirits and proud and haughty looks, loving to go in long Robes that they may be taken notice of; sitting in the highest Rooms of feasts and having the Chiefest places in the Synagogues and loving salutations in the market places, and to be called master, even Lording over people; against which my dear Friend and Brother was several times moved, by the living power of God to try and declare, and in his holy light did testify against them, who had got on Sheep's Clothing, but inwardly was Ravening wolves; for which he was cruelly handled at several Steeple-houses, both by Priests and People; as for instance. When we went to work one time at a House where was one Charles Crow a Priest, who came into the Room where we were working, who walked a while to and fro in the Room (with a Book in his hand somewhat larger than a pocket Bible) unto whom my Brother moderately said, Charles, thou hast a great toil in getting thy lesson, at which words the Priest in a rage came and took him by the hair of his head (where he was upon an high form, sitting before the table) and pulled him down to the ground, panching him with his feet and knocking him on the head with the Book; which knocking some Women in another Room heard, and came at that time and prevented the Priest from doing any further harm. And also at another time being one feast day in the Morning, we were in his house at Langdal Chappel stile, who then felt the Lord to move upon his spirit that he should go to Eshdal Steeple house in the County of Cumberland (at which place he was Cruelly handled a few weeks, before by one Priest Parker) yet notwithstanding he was willing to go (who witnessed that saying my people shall be a willing people in the day of my power, said the lord) And we went from his house within a Quarter of the ninth hour, and we were in Eshdal Steeplehouse within a quarter after ten— between which places it being nine Miles and upwards of very rough way, and Priest Fogo being there, soon after we went in; he went into the Pulpit during which time my brother stood silent. And when he had done, my brother spoke some words to the people concerning the Priest, say, and do, which made the Priest to rage. And some of his hearers standing up being officers, would have put my Brother forth; but the Priest said, let him alone: then they sat down again very willingly expecting to hear a discourse between them, but instead thereof the Priest came to him and took him by the Hair of his Head, and by the same pulled him to the ground, and drew him out of the Steeplehouse, while the Priest was thus exercised, I said unto the people, mind the fruits of your Priest, the Scripture saith, lay violent hands on no man; which the Priest hearing came to me and in his rage and cruelty abused me in the beholding; of which acts of Cruelty done to us the people was many of them set against the Priest, which he perceiving got away home, and then my brother had good service among the people a pretty while, but within a few months after, the Priest met with a sharp reproof for his Cruelty when he was riding over some sands, accompanied with several people, he fell into a quicksand and was immediately drowned, a just judgement of a persecutor. And this in short is a true Testimony of some of the fruits of the Priests; whom he in the light of the Lord went to reprove who made a great talk of Christ and Christianity; yet notwithstanding proved as Cruel as the beasts of prey, tearing wolves though covered with lambs skin. And at several houses up and down the Country where we wrought, he met with many envious spirits who also were great talkers of God and Christ and the Scriptures, and the way to God; but walked in their own wills and ways and would not bow nor bend unto Christ the light and way to God, they were climbed up so high in their imaginations, and strengthened themselves in their self righteousness, and came forth in the strength of the power of darkness to oppose the Truth and light of God which he bore Testimony unto; yet in the name of the Lord he stopped the mouths of many gainsayers, and in the wisdom of. God that was with him he caught the wise and crafty in their own snare. And in a holy zeal and heavenly courage, and living demonstration of the spirit of truth, he declared the way of the Lord and his Exhortation was unto us, who in some measure were turned to it, that we should walk in the same; and in it watch against that dark Envious proud haughty Spirit which lay near to draw from it and to do well and keep low in God's holy fear, and to deny ourselves and take up the daily Cross to our own wills, and to be faithful in that little appearance of Light and Truth which we had already received; and then the Lord would make known more unto us whose words many of us now are come to witness, Blessed be the name of the Lord for evermore. And this Testimony I have to bear concerning my dear Brother, and it liveth in many and shall not die, that he was an Innocent man and lived in the fear of God, and diligently sought the Exaltation of his holy way; and his delight was to labour and travel that people might be gathered into the same and walk therein, that in their day and time they might be an honour unto God, for which end he made them, and they who in this age do declare for the same and seeks to worship him in his own ordained way, do meet with many hardships and cruel persecutions as did the faithful Servants of the Lord in former ages; and as also did this innocent man. But the Lord was near unto him in every straight, and was unto him a present help in every needful time, and in a living sense of his eternal power, did in time of his sickness declare several sweet and heavenly Exhortations; and also saying, I know it will be well with me: I have not served the Lord for nought, his presence I feel with me, and also said my love is generally to friends; and standing upon the floor between two Friends with difficulty of breathing, said, Oh, that every one would mind the Lord that they might reap life, and then he sat down and like a Harmless dove left this life; and so drew breathe no more. JOHN DIXON'S Testimony concerning William wilson. I Being a Neighbour unto W. W. therefore have had a certain knowledge of him, being many times conversant with him, though at the time of his Convincement I was but young in years; and before his Convincement when I learned at School I had this knowledge of him, that in those times he was one that diligently sought the Lord to the utmost of his understanding; And that with the chiefest of professors in those times, he was one that took great pains in going from one professing Priest to another, and for disputing about the things of God and the Scriptures, was behind few of them. Yet still there was something unsatisfied in him, notwithstanding the great and high profession, then made until his mind was turned to the Lord, who by his holy and heavenly Light and glorious power, did shine into his heart, by which Light he came to receive the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus. And this Heavenly treasure he had in his earthen vessel, and willingly he attributed the excellency of the power thereof unto God, to whom it did belong being truly subject thereunto; for he was a man that had made self then of little or no Reputation, therefore did the Lord exalt him and give him Wisdom, Corage, and Boldness, and that in the sight of his Enemies to the Confounding of them, and raising the witness of God in many. For soon after his Conversion, he was moved by the living power of God, to cry against deceit, iniquity, oppression, and transgression, which abounded both in Priests and people; and was cruelly handled at several Steeple-houses often by the Priests and sometimes by the people for the Lord from whom nothing can be hid he knows, and many peopel did see how that one Priest Parker of Eshdal in the County of Cumberland, because this faithful and obedient servant by and through the Motion of the Divine Spirit of God; did exhort people to mind that of God in their consciences, and to turn to that holy Light and Law which he hath put in their inwards Parts; that by the same they might come to know the will of God and do it. I say, because of these and such like words the Priest in a cruel rage did beat and wound him, and with one of his Crutches did break his Head, and caused the blood to run down his Shoulders and Back; and being a lame man caused his Horse to be brought, upon which he mounted, and in the sight of the people did upon William's bare head break his Staff in three pieces, which made the people cry fie upon such merciless work. So when the Priest had made an end of his savage dealing, he set forwards to go home, but before he got thither he met with a reproof for his Cruelty, (from him who rewards every one according to the deeds done with body whether they be good or evil) for he stroke him with sickness, so that he never came more at the Steeplehouse; during the time of which sickness he was very loathsome, for he stinked above the ground, and was even made an example by him, who safely keeps his obedient ones from being devoured by the beasis of Prey; who alone is worthy to be glorified for ever more. And so the Lord God of life, light, and power, who knows how to declare and to wrok both immediately and instrumentally, who is never wanting unto his faithful and obedient Servants, who truly depend upon his holy divine Spirit; a measure of which he hath freely given to all mankind to be their instructor and leader into all Truth, and they are blessed and for ever happy who are instructed and led thereby, and are truly and really given up thereunto, though they may meet with many difficulties and troubles as did this faithful Man, W. W. but out of them all the Lord delivered him, and in his holy power gave him dominion; and in the Authority of the same sent him into Germany to bear a Testimony against the wickedness of the wicked, and against the ungodliness of the ungodly, warning the wicked to turn from his wicked ways, and the ungodly from their ungodly thoughts, unto the light of God in their hearts; and to the holy Measure of his divine Spirit in their inward parts, for which he suffered great hardship in the city of Hambrough, and in Germany and other places thereaways, both by Sea and by Land. And after he had finished his service which he had to bear for the Lord in those parts, the God of Light brought him back again into his own native Country and outward habitation, where he was a good instrument in the hand of the Lord, both to the gathering and encouraging of many in and to the way of the Lord, both in Declaration and also in life and Conversation. For as he taught so he lived in humility dread and fear before the Lord, being a good favour both in them that did believe, and also in them that not believe; reaching forth his hand daily for the good of all, truly delighting in the way of the Lord, rising early and walking late for the honour of the same, and durst not bow, bend, nor honour, no haughty nor proud losty mind: because thereof he as well as many others of our dear friends have suffered great hardship, for they that fear the Lord know right well, and that by good experience it's the humble that God teacheth, and he direct the meek and the lowly in the right way; which way our dear friend W. W. was very bold to declare unto many, and that in a living demonstration of the Spirit of Truth, which is the most excellent teacher and teacheth to declare the way of God aright, for without a harkening and giving up to be led and guided by it. None can declare of the way of God aright, nor perform their duty unto him, therefore it's the concern of all to mind the measure or manifestation of the Spirit or grace of God, which is freely given to all that they may profit therewith, and those that truly comes to profit therewith, they are often pushed at by them who do not mind it; insomuch that is come to pass in our day as it was in the day of the Prophet, he that now departs from iniquity, becomes a prey to them who rebel against the Light, Grace, or Spirit, of the Lord. And though this faithful warrior and servant of the Lord, did faithfully suffer persecution in his own native Land near his outward habitation; yet still the Lord preserved him having more for him to go through, for it pleased the Lord to send him into Scotland several times there to declare his message freely, which was, that God is light and in him is no Darkness at all; and so if possible to turn their minds from darkness to light, from Satan's power unto the power of the Lord; unto which power every Soul ought to be subject, and in the same to live and dwell and have their being: so shall it be well with them when the time comes that they must lay down this earthly Tabernacle, and must go hence and be no more sin: for the Prophet said, All flesh is grass and the glory of it, as the flower of the grass withereth, and the flower thereof fadeth away, but the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And the last time that this faithful Soldier of Christ (who fought under his banner) was in Scotland, he was moved by the Spirit of the Lord to travel into the remote parts thereof (where many times he was in jeopardy of his life) there to declare unto them the way of the Lord freely, for freely he had received therefore freely he did give, as do all they Ministers of Christ Jesus who is come to learn of him, and to obey his command: who commanded his Ministers, saying, freely ye have received freely give. And in these far and remote parts the Lord God of life and power (of whom he had freely received) was not a wanting unto him: but was a present help in every needful time, and was always near to preserve his obedient traveller, until he had finished his Testimony which freely he had received from the Lord to bear in these remote places, and then the Lord God almighty of life and power, who was his leader thither, and his instructor there, was his protector back again: at whose coming his Relations, Friends, and Neighbours was very glad; for though many had pushed at him and envied him, looking and often expecting for his ruin and Inprisonment, several of them did then stand in need of him, for the Lord blest his labour every way, and made him able and willing to help them in several of their necessities; for his hand was always open to the needful, and his delight was to do good to them that had done ill to him, for indeed he overcame evil with that which was good. So that they that formerly had been his enemies, was made to say William Wilson is an honest Man, for he walked circumspectly as those that are redeemed by the Lord, seeking by all means to bring honour to the way of the Lord and to exalt the same over all the byways set up in the fallen wisdom of man for the way of the Lord is a spiritual way, and his worship a spiritual worship; for all that truly worships him, it must be in Spirit and in Truth. And not in forms traditions and outward observations, as lo hear and lo there in this tradition; and that observation which many have made a great stir about, and been fitting up in their own wills and ways, being degenerated from the Spirit of the Lord in which he is only alone worshipped. And because this faithful servant and Minister of the Lord did often cry against those that taught for Doctrine the commandments of men, being ignorant of the cammand of the Lord in themselves, therefore he was often by them haled to prison and Cruelly handled as was hinted before. And several times sued for tithe, for John Ambross in the year 1682. did exhibit a bill in the Exchequer against him and several other of his friends, because they could not give him tithe for his cure, who in his bill of complaint to the said court affirmed, that he was their Curate; but it hath pleased the Lord to provide a better place for him. Then John Ambross intended or sought for him, for his intentions was (if his unreasonable ends was not answered) to put him in some prison or dungeon, or such like place, or else to ruinated him in his estate; and so it's come to pass in our day and we are living witnesses of the words of the Prophet of the Lord, concerning those that deceive people, and caused them to err and by't with their Teeth; and cry peace, and he that putteth not into their mouths they even prepare war against him, Micah. 3.5. And this is that cure they Minister unto those who cannot put into their Mouths, who in the light of the Lord hath seen their deceit, and can in reality and truth give this certain Testimony that they are Curates of no value, for those that have been feeding such Curates, and have been living under their cure Twenty, Thirty, Forty, or Fifty Years; many of them hath as great reason to cry at this day, as they had the first day they went to them, no Health in us, no Health in us. And therefore all hath great need to walk in the spirit of the Lord, that in the same they may pray unto him, and say, from such Biters, Preparers of War, and Curates, Good Lord deliver us. And from such Curates, God almighty hath delivered his faithful servant William Wilson, and placed him where they cannot touch him with their War, nor come near him with all their sharp Instruments, nor wound him with their Darts, nor bruise him with their Blows. The good Curate who freely gives his Cure, who is indeed a Physician of value, who heals all that come unto him and doth depend upon him; he alone hath taken care for him and given him rest from his labours, for the Lord hath an eye to them that have an eye to him, and he draws near to them that draws near to him; and he is a true preserver of them that depend upon him and singly desire to walk in his way. Which way this faithful man William Wilson had a tender regard unto, who above all things desired that he might be preserved in the same, and be in his day and time an honour to the same, and in reality and truth so he was; and for it he had a delight day and night to labour and travel, and was in his journey and travel for the renown of the same, when the Lord of life and power was pleased to visit him with sickness, which he took very patiently earnestly; desiring of the Lord to turn him which way he thought best, and to bring him to his Wife and Children. And according to his desire, God almighty whom he served in reality of heart, who had been with his saithful traveller and delivered him in many straits and dangers, was at this time near unto him, and strengthen his outward man (according as he desired) and brought him to his Wife and Children and outward habitation, where several came to visit him, unto whom he said, it will be well with me what way soever the Lord be pleased to order me. And the third day after he came home he was taken out of the Body, during which time he set his House in order, and several sweet and Heavenly exhortations he left among his Family, and within half an hour before his departure he walked over the Floor between another Friend and me, who said, my love is generally to Friends, and then after a little space with great difficulty of breathing he uttered these expressions, Oh, that every one would mind the Lord that they might reap life, which being spoken like a harmless Dove, he sat down in his Chair and soon after drew breathe no more. William Rigg's Testimony Concerning William Wilson. THis testimony have I to give for our dear Friend William Wilson, that he was an innocent Man; a lover of truth and righteousness, and not only so, but a walker therein for by his honest and upright life and Conversation, he was a preacher of righteousness unto many as well as by Word and Doctrine, which he was a labourer in for many years; not only in this Land but in more remote parts of the World beyond the Sea; and the Lord was with him, and his power and presence did go along with him: and the Lord made him instrumental in his hand for the good of many, for it was the joy of his heart to see truth prosper, and that many might come to enjoy that precious Pearl and Jewel of great worth the Kingdom of God in them, which consisteth in Righteousness, and Peace, and Joy in the Holy Ghost which he was made a living witness of. And his testimony was living and powerful to the teaching of the witness of God in many, not only by word and Doctrine, but also by life and Conversation, (as I said before) whereby he reached the best part in all Men with whom he was Concerned, or where ever he was ordered to go, so that all were forced to confess that he was an honest Man, for he was of a lowly, meek, and Condescending Spirit unto the meanest Capacities whereby he got the love of many, and he confirmed and scaled his Testimony not only by doing uprightly, but also by suffering the spoiling of his goods and imprisonment of his body, and also by blows, wounds, and cruel usage by inhuman and unreasonable Men, counting nothing too hard to suffer for the testimony of Jesus, and for the love of him who had satisfied his Soul, he was seeking the truth in its purity and glory which he did receive, and did continue faithful to the Lord in what he had received of him, even until the day of his departure out of the body, so that his memorial is blessed and he hath left a sweet smelling savour behind him, and the sweet unity of his life, and the blessed fellowship of his Spirit lives and remains with us; and as he lived an innocent life so was his latter end comfortable. It was not my happiness to see him in his sickness, yet I had the Relation by several honest Friends that he was in a sweet and heavenly frame of Spirit, and when he was asked how he did, he would have said he was well, for my pain said be cannot mount so high but my peace is above it; but I hope further account of this will be given by some that were eye and ear witnesses, well, though his body be gone to its place and his Spirit to God that gave it, and is entered into his rest with the Lord, and is Crowned with an immortal Crown of life and glory which was laid up for him, and not for him only, but for all them that love the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ, yet the unity of his life lives in my heart and I have fellowship with him in Spirit; and even at the time of the writing of this Testimony, my heart is made glad: and my Soul is sweetly refreshed in the remembrance of the blessed seasons which we have had together, for many of them is fresh in my remembrance, and I do remember his Exhortation was often to Friends to keep in the unity of the Spirit; for said he, it is of a longer extent than we, it will live and remain when we are gone, of the truth of which I am made a living Witness glory to God for ever. And so I desire unto the Lord God of Righeousness and Truth, that all the gathered sheep of my Heavenly Father's fold, may be preserved from the Ravenous Beasts of Prey; and that we my all be kept faithful in our Testimony for the Lord, while we have a day that we may lie down our heads in peace with the Lord; as do I steadfastly believe our dear Friend and Brother William Wilson hath done. By a lover of Truth and Righteousness, William Rigg. James Pask 's Testimony concerning William Wilson. WIlliam Wilson was truly a Man of God who did much good, and was a Pillar in the House of God in his Generation; he did not gad abroad to change his way, or go out from the pure way of God: but steadfastly keep and walked in it all his days after he came to know it, he was a man of love to God, and his people that is good, and knew well how to choose the good and refuse the evil; unblamable in holiness and served the living and true God faithfully, his rest is glorious, and his reward great in Heaven with the Lord God and the Lamb for ever and ever. For his labour of love and service in the Church of God, which very much he desired the welfare and prosperity of, he overcome by the blood of the lamb, and the word of his Testimony which he held who loved not his life to the death. I cannot but think of him and lament for the Church's loss thereabouts, of such a tender overseer of such a Friend and saithful Brother; and for his Widow and children's loss of such a Husband and Father so careful for their good, so loving and tender to them: I desire they all may be contented and rest satisfied in the will of the Lord; in which he is gone to his eternal rest from us all as to visible appearance, but that spirit of God in which he walked, still we enjoy to our great comfort in all our tribulations, I knew him well Five and Twenty Years, he was ever very dear and near to me; we traveled through Scotland together many years since, where we patiently endured what exercises, perils, and troubles we then met with; having a good and Estectual service for the Lord God in that Nation which after we had truly performed, we returned in peace and God's favour. In the pure love of God was I moved to give this Testimony on the behalf of this my late dear Brother, and companion in the work of the Lord; who is fallen asleep and taken up his everlasting Rest in Christ Jesus who lives and Reigns for ever and evermore. James Pask WILLIAM WILSON was arrested with several more of his Friends, and had before Justice fleming, and Justice Kirby, only for meeting together in God's name and fear, for which he the said W. W. with several other friends was sent to Lancaster-Castle where he had the Oath of Allegiance tendered to him, upon the refusal of which he was sent to prison again, and there remained several months, who soon after the Assizes (his fidelity being made known to the King) was released and set free from that bondage. William Wilson, who for conscience sake could not pay Six pence or Seven pence a year to Priest Ambross, Parson of Grovenor; was by him sued in the Exchequer court and run to a writ of Rebellion, and by virtue of the same arrested and cast into Prison several Months, during which time he wrote several letters to Dorothy his Wife, and Friends, Copies of some of them is as followeth. Dear Wife, I received thine from Ambleside, and hath heard of thee since by B. B. and J. W. and its satisfaction to me that I hear of thine and my children's Health and welfare. And I long to see that opportunity that thou might come to see me, but dear Wife, I do not at all desire it till thou canst well, for Alas! I know that thou hath over much travelling up and down about thy needful affairs; but the Lord will order as he sees good, and all will be well in his due time: we have had true experience of God's love to us, and therefore we may speak, for we can tell of his goodness towards us, and may believe in the same. For there is no doubtfulness in our cause, for he knoweth our hearts and the end of all our do and sufferings, and therefore he will deliver in his season and that is to be waited for with us all, thee and me and all that knows the Lord, for he that will not spare to reprove Kings for the sakes of his anointed, of which anointing we have all received a measure of, he will not spare an old Hireling Priest who are in the steps of following after the wages of unrighteousness, and greedily seeking his Prey, and even devouring the poor if it were possible; will not the Lord hear for the sake of his own? Ye, he will hear and be revenged even for the sake of his dearly beloved and Anointed, whom the Devil nor all Agents can never prevail against the Lord, will hear the cry of his own and plead the cause of the innocent, and release the distressed, and set his own life and power at liberty; which lies groaning under the burden of oppression, where it must not lie, the Lord hath spoken and therefore he will deliver, he hath stricken and he will strike, and by his strokes we are healed; he hath wrought, and he will work and who can hinder: if the wicked have his prey for his season, yet the Lord will bring him to his end; but God's prosperity and truth shall never have an end neither in this World nor in the World to come. Therefore my dear and loving Wife, whom God hath given me and not man, we may well be content and wait with much patience the Lords time in all things, knowing that it hath been our best time; we can never call to mind the things that are past since we knew this truth of God, but we have had comfort therein, and I can never desire it otherwise if I should be restrained of the liberty of my body all the days of my life. Thine W. W. Dear and loving Wife I Have nothing to write unto thee as yet, but only the remembrance of my unfeigned love unto thee and my Children, hoping you are in Health as I am at this preesnt I praise the Lord of Heaven and Earth, for it is reasonable well with me every way I bless the Lord for it, and desire to know how it is with thee; though indeed it goes near me to ask how things is with thee, because I cannot help thee; and that is my heaviness sometimes. But the Lord will in due time plead my Innocent cause who knows the uprightness of my heart; and that one hair of my head shall not uphold the false profits ways nor the hirelings wages, who saith and doth not, I have been often assaulted to have it paid for me, but my uprighteousness is known to the Lord and I cannot dissemble with my God, but this is a Mystery to the World, and therefore they cannot receive it but unto thee my loving Wife is it given to understand. And therefore am I much comforted, and the Lord preserve thee and my little Children in the true fear of God, for our way is not to look out, and therefore I can inwardly beseech the Lord for you all, thy dear and loving Husband, W. W. My love to all our Family Kendal the 14th of the 10th Month, 1672. Will. Wilson. My Dear Friends and Brethren, who are like to be fellow sufferers with me in this case, of not yielding to satisfy the will of this unreasonable man; who is persecuting us for not paying him tithes or reckon as he calls them. TO all you my faithful Friends, this is the word of advice unto you all, that you see and examine yourselves well, and see how ye stand in God's righteousness; that so my Dear Friends your sufferings may never become your burden, but that your establishment may be felt in God's Righteousness with you all; for my friends, you had better never have put your hand to this plough then to look back, therefore my friends examine well your own selves, how you are minded in this concern, for the Lord knows my heart. I wish you all well 〈◊〉 the honour of God's truth as mine own heart, and therefore I would not have any of you all to go one step further than you feel the suffering seed of God Almighty, to bear you up in your pure blessed minds that sees over all the sufferings that can happen in this present world. For indeed Friends, in this estate God will plead our cause and our suffering with him, will bring a reigning with him, and in this state friends you must look over Wife and Children which is near and dear unto you all, but God's righteousness is more than all and will bear you out over all and through all, for the Lord alone will be your help, and no man shall need to plead our cause, but he will appear for us in his due time, when he saith it is enough, who shall be able to say Nay. Therefore my friends feel your hearts, purified from all double mindedness that single in God righteousness, you may be found and so will his holy seed reign in your hearts, and God's blessing will be upon your Children, that so you need not fear the want of any good thing unto them nor your Wives the beloved of your Bosoms under God; and therefore Friends in singleness of heart, as having a sense of your Conditions, I writ these lines unto you for the bettering of your establishment in God's Righteousness, where you will never be made afraid to appear for the Lord; and bear a single Testimony for his name and truth upon Earth, for truly Friends, this is the feeling of my heart, and the full bend of my mind, that if one hair of my head would serve in consideration of this task, I could not give it, I believe I shall not be a Hypocrite; I would not be found out of God's Righteousness doing mine own will, but even the will of him that hath called me that his power might be more made manifest. And therefore friends, was this word of Exhortation the more in my heart unto you all, that you might truly feel your own selves in that which will carry through, or else as I said it were better never to step further than to faint by the way, but hoping you are furnished with that heavenly spirit of life, that will carry through to the end as need requries; I take leave with you all and rest your loving Brother William Wilson. And Friends, LOok not back into Egypt for help, for it is in vain, neither have we need so to do; for the Lord is our helper therefore we need not fear what man can do unto us; for Friends, I dare not look out at any thing of any hand, for if I do I am afraid, and God's witness would be against me, and would be heavier than a thousand such as Ambrose the Priest could be, and therefore that you eye and mind the Lord above all hireling Priests, is the advice of your Friend and Brother. Will. Wilson. William Wilson being moved of and by the living power of God to travel into the North, or remote parts of Scotland, to declare what the Lord did then; and there immediately reveal unto him, during the time of which travail he wrote several letters into England to his Wife, Copies of which is as followeth. Dear Wife, IN the living truth of the Lord Jesus Christ, doth the bowels of my unsained love, salute thee in the unseparable life, doth my dearest love reach unto thee in the unchangeable life of holiness, where we cannot forget each other; dear heart my life is often poured out before the Lord in consideration of thee my dear love, the Lord thy God who hath separated the from thy Mother's womb, and hath in measure brought thee to be of the womb of eternity; where thou mayest feel the invisible sense of God's eternal love towards thee and thy Dear Children, and he cannot forget his own that is without question. Canst thou forget the Children of thy Womb? its possible thou may, but the Lord cannot forget his Children whom he hath called to forsake all and follow him; his daily blessings cannot but attend such every day that comes over their heads. Dear love, My life is with thee in the Lord's presence, but my Body is at Aberdeen at this present with the. My good Friends, where I feel their care is over me, and my companion that walks with me, Oh pray that we may walk worthy, or else all is in vain! O we have need to be watchful against that old nature that would be ready to leaven into the old lump again! and reckon that God's Truth may be holden there; but it is not so, our God is of purer eyes then to behold iniquity, it is the old man must be put off, and Christ Jesus the new man must be put on which followeth after Righteousness. And this is that alone that seasons our hearts with grace, and preserves our minds in his fear and in his true love we are kept; which loves one another and thinks no evil but bears one another in love, exhorts one another in love, and gathers into unity one with another, that the Devil cannot get any power to hurt or scatter us from God nor one from another, and in this are we known to be of God, if we love one another: that so God who for Christ's sake hath showed his love unto you, may be glorified and honoured by you. And thus much at present I feel to write unto you, even the Lord Love that is large unto us, that our daily prayers may be to be kept in it to his glory and praise for ever; my dear Wife, thou know'st my love is dear unto Friends, thou must let it be so remembered unto all our Meeting; Dear Wife, I say little of my return as yet, but the Lords will be done, that is my whole desire; for I am many miles from the end of my Journey, whether I hope I shall attain unto in God's time: I am not hasty but rather desires to be of use or service amongst Friends as I go. For this first day I hope to be at Allan, at a meeting where many hath of late as they say have a desire to hear, it is about twelve miles beyond Aberdeen; on the third day after a meeting of Friends at another place, and then on my journey as God makes way and, in the mean time think it not long, but solace thyself in the singleness of heart with the Lord, who will ever be as an Husband unto thee, and to my Children as a Father; and inperfect sense of the same, and in dear love with thee and all men living upon Earth. I take leave with thee, and rest and remain thine in the Lord while I am William Wilson. From Aberdeen in the North of Scotland the 25th of the 5th Month, 1673. Now my dear and loving Wife, I Can write some encouraging lines unto thee, whereby I hope to the Lord that sent me away from thee, that by his powerful assistance I may see thee again ere it be long; for the Lord hath pleased to set me as free from the North end of Scotland to come home again to thee and my Children, as he did set me free from you to God, and did visit his seed in that remote part of the Earth, and the Isles thereabout: where his witness lies slain in many, though not wholly dead in others though in great bondage; but the Lords power is the same there as it was with us at the beginning; and he is able to raise up even those that are dead, and bring to life those that are staggering: and release his own out of Captivity though it may seem to be through many straits, and difficulties, his arm is not shortened, and it must be stretched forth to his own praise. Dear Wife, it is fourteen years since a Friend was here amongst this people, and as I said unto thee, it was the very day and time for me to go, as thou know'st I said unto thee before I left thee. I could not defer the time any longer, for this was the very year and time, and I was the man that was to go; and so dear Wife having accomplished my end in the name of God, I can return in great peace, for at this present I feel no other; for my end in all things is God's Glory and my Souls Peace, as thou knows right well, I have never sought myself in those things, and so as I saw afore hand hath much come to pass, for my partner as I said to thee when I spoke through Faith was such a one as feared not the face of any man that did appear against God, and we have sound of all sorts, but the Lords blessed truth was set over all heads, and all Priests and people: we need not much to relate that now. And I have been pretty well preserved in Health only a little in the Isle of Stromy I was aguish a little, but I kept over it as well as I could, and mended again in three or four days. I have thought often, O that I had but one word how thou were and my Children! but I see not how that can be, and therefore I can wish in pationce, hoping all is well. Dear Wife, I have written to thee since I came from home six times before this, whether thou have received them or not; the last was from Aberdeen six weeks before this, but I can say little of writing more before I come, though it may be a month or more yet, or I can get home if all be well: but as to that I leave it to the Lord, thou mayst be glad that the Lord hath preserved us amongst the untoward Generation, and set us safe again amongst them that believe. I hear that dear G. F. is come again into England, my heart is glad of the happy return; let my dear love be minded to all Friends in General of all meetings round about as thou lights with any of them, thou must not expect my coming hastily or I cannot travel hard, but I am very well both as to body and mind, if any writ to London let me be minded to our Friends that went to London, so with my love that never changeth I rest from Awbonthy the 5th day of the 7th month in Scotland, 1673. W. W. A Copy of an Account of some of the sufferings of William Wilson (which account was found amongst his Papers written with his own hands) since the Restoration of King CHARLES the TWO as followeth. IN the year 1660 on the 22th day of the 7th Month; I was arrested with a Warrant from Justice Braithwait of Ambleside, by T. D. Constable of Langdal upon information made by John Tomson Priest of Grasmire in Westmoreland, for speaking some words to the people in God's fear, and bidding them mind their teacher, so at the next Sessions I was fined by Justice fleming and the rest of the Justices in one hundred Marks, and committed into the Goal at Kindal until payment was made, as the tenure of the Mittimus did run; and so remaining in prison a while until the first Sessions next after. At which time the same Justices sent for me, who tendered me the Oath of Allegiance, and because for Conscience sake I could not swear, was sent to prison again, there to remain till I took the Oath and paid the fine of an hundred Marks as aforesaid, although in the year 1648. I had suffered the loss of all I had (saving my life) for the King as I made it appear, yet I remained in prison above half a year, and then was set free by the King's act of indulgence. In the year 1662. in the 10th month I was committed to prison at Lancaster with many more of my Friends by Warrant from Justice fleming and William Kirby, for meeting together to worship God in Spirit and in Truth; where at the next following Sessions, I had the Oath tendered me again by these said Justices and others; and because I durst not swear, was committed to prison where I remained Twenty weeks. In the year 1665. I was arrested by warrant from Justice fleming and Justice Braithwait, for meeting with my Friends the 5th of the 9th Month at the house of Reignal Holme for which I was imprisoned one Month in Kendal, in the year 1670. I was fined in twenty pounds by virtue of an act made to prevent Seditious Conventicles by Justice fleming and Justice Phillipson, for speaking a few words of Truth in soberness in our peaceable meeting (to Justice Phillipsons' man who was turned informer) for which I had taken from me two Cows worth five pound, one Horse worth forty Shillings, and Oat meal worth ten Shillings. And again, for speaking in a meeting at Fieldhead near Hanks-head, I was fined in twenty pounds for which my goods was spoiled by William Satterthwait Constable, James Harrison Warden, and William Groves overseer, all of Landal. In the year 1673. for not paying six pence or seven pence in the year to Parson Ambross Priest of Grasmire for tithe, I was arrested with an Exchequer process, called a commission of Rebellion and cast into Prison at Kendal, where I continued sixteen weeks and then set free by the Gaoler, being three weeks after the writ was not of date. But these are small matters, in consideration of what the God of my Life hath led one through since I knew his glorious Truth before the King came in; for many a time have I suffered cruel Mockings, Stacking, Stoneing, Buffitings, Beat, and Knockings by the hirelings, Priests and rude People; and all for desiring the good of their Souls, and that they might turn to the God of Light in whom there is no darkness at all, and so come out of darkness that they might have the light of life, William Wolson. An Epistle General, or a token of my Love and care in my measure of the Heavenly Father of Glory, of Peace and of Love to all friends in their meetings, as it is Judged meet and Convenient to be read. IN the grace of God and love of the heavenly Father which hath visited us in this acceptable day, of his abounding mercy I greet you all, in the Virgin love and state of the pure Church of God which he hath called and gathered together in our day and age, glory to his Name for ever: who hath found us worthy to be members of the same; and his eternal love and tender merties it even unto us day by day, and time after time, in our heavenly Meetings, which he hath gathered us into, that we may wait upon him in, and think upon his Holy Name. Blessed for ever be his name, he hath set us in a holy state and brought us into a deep sense of his pure love which runs freely among us from day to day, and keeps all the careful and upright in heart unto himself; and they glorify his holy name, and all the careless and disordered persons doth dishonour his most holy and blessed Name, and this will be their shame and great condemnation. But the glory of the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, shall be revealed in the upright hearted, and carefully minded Men, and Women, Sons, and Daughters, of the preclous life and seed of God, which is risen amongst us in this our day and time of God's love and heavenly visitations unto us, who keeps the good order and state of the pure Church; but unto them who rebel against the spirit and regards not the good order and state of the pure Church; unto such will the Lord appear and be angry with them if they do not amond, and have a greater regard unto his most Holy Name and Place and Spirit; which would cause them not to err not departed from the good order and Spirit of God unto the which they are called, therefore my Friends, Brethren, and Sisters, in the name of the Lord of Hosts, I charge and warn you all, that you keep to that of God in you all, and that will keep you all in the remembrance of the beginning, and let you all see the good order and state of the true Church, in God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ the Son of God the light of the World; in whom we are all to walk, to move, and have our being. So remember my Friends, how careful you all were at the first, and tender at the beginning; and troubled at that which was out of order, and your Spirits grieved and could not well bear the things that some will now allow, and be ready in defence thereof to say, Alas! Friends were weak at the first, but we are more able to hear or to bear things now, which were a great offence or trouble then; Alas! my friends the Lord was near unto us then, and did uphold us in our weakness, and was with us in all out undergoing, and did uphold us on every hand; and none could open their Mouths against his harmless Lambs, but the Lord was sufficient in them to shut it again. But now my Friends, they have many things to lay to the charge of some Friends who frequently comes to our Meetings, and yet they find them in the Customs of the World, (and not after Christ) yea in very and most reprovable fashions of the world, which the Apostle forbids, and saith, Fashion not yourselves like unto this world, for the Fashions thereof passeth away; and some in being too conformable in drinking too much at Alehouses, and taking of Tobacco amongst them, which is an evil savour unto the Lord, and that which your Spirits could not bear at the first. Alas! Friends have you lost your first love, or is your tender zeal departed from you; and also the common payment of tithes or such like deuce so called is to much upheld among some of you; which all is convinced of to be Jewish and Antichristian, and many of our dear Friends that suffer for not paying of them is occasioned the more to suffer, though the unfaithfulness of those who do pay, or suffer it to be done, as they in all parts of the Nation, who gathers tithes is ready to blash poor harmless Friends in the face with; and this is one thing the Lord is greatly offended with, who is able to preserve uphold and deliver the faithful (and yet all go under his name this doth occasion his grief) and furthermore my Friends the Lord is grieved with some. Slackening their Zeal in your Meetings, and being so heavisome when you are met together to wait upon the Lord, then do some let in the careless mind, and so loses their pure zeal; and deadness and drowsiness comesover and burdens the seed of God in others, and doth hurt in your Meetings, and occasions the world to open their Mouths against us; and this is a great evil, and doth cause the Lord to be angry with us, and is pitiful over those that suffers by them. And this is out of the good order and state of the true Church, and a great spot in some families; Oh Friends! Have you not Houses to eat and to drink in, and are they not also to sleep in? Oh my Friends! think of those things, it is Gods free love to you to tell you of your faults, who is found faulty herein; that thereby you may amend and renew your strength in the Lord, who is able to give you strength and power over all these things, and will do it to all who is willing and obedient to the cross of Christ. Oh my Friends! I cannot forbear but I must tell you of one thing, which as I thought I was in a Meeting, and as I thought we were but heavisome and not as we should all of us have been, and there was among us as little Child of about six years old, and she began to cry and weep bitterly, yea very sore, and I did behold the little Child, and I saw that here weeping was of God, and she cried sore, so that I prayed earnestly to God in my heart, for the little Child that she might speak if aught troubled her Spirit concerning God's Church and People; and immediately the little Child spoke and said, Friends should not sleep in their Meetings, and immediately I awoak and saw the state of the true Church and the disorder that was among Friends, and the little Child was a Virgin and in the state of the true Church, and without spot and blameless in the sight of God; the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is able to present us all perfect without spot or wrinkle in the sight of our God, who hath called us all to repentance and newness of life, in which the Lord God of Eternal life keep you all my Friends, Brethren, and Sisters in the Lord. Your Friend and Brother in my measure of God W. W An Epistle to Friends of Haukeshead Meeting. DEar Friends, Brethren and Sisters in the Church of the first born, and of the Royal Seed of the most high God, grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied among you, to whom God hath revealed what he hath determined and is now manifesting in this day of his power, that every one of you in the Light and life might stand single, out and over the snares of those whom God is laying aside as the broken reeds of Aegrpt; that his own name might be trusted in, and his mighty arm alone felt and seen in leading and preserving his people to his Glory. Oh! my Friends my desire is much for you, that you be kept faithful in the Lord. Oh! I say that I am glad when I read you near me in the life of God, a top of all this world and its Ways, and its Love, and Fellowship, and Fashions, and Customs which all, perish with the using; but my Friends dwell in that which separates and puts a difference between you and the World; to wit, the light that Judges the World, and hath given you clearly to see the just Condemnation of the World because of its evil deeds. So let your Fellowship be in the Light my Dear Friends, and live dear and near one with another and one to another, that so the world by you daily may be judged, and feel your daily Separation from any thing that you see to be evil; and be not persuaded by any means of fleshly reasoning or consultation with flesh and blood, which cannot inherit the Kingdom of God, but draws out into the Kingdom of this World; and so breads your peace with God. Oh! my Friends feel daily your clearing up by the Truth, and your freedom from the in tanglements of the World, that you may feel how the Lord doth set you upon his most holy Hill, that you may shine as lights unto the World. For this end hath the Lord called and chosen us that we may dwell and abide in his Light, and show forth his praise unto the World; and his glorious works unto the ends of the Earth. And I may say again I am with you in the Lord, whom I feel and find faithful: my life is raised with you out of the dust, and set a top of the world and the things of the world with you; my friend of God read me near you in the life of God, but, Oh! it would be sad to me to feel any of you, with whom I have had Union in the Lord by his Spirit, to be degenerated and drawn aside by the love of this present World, and the wiles of the Enemies: which will be presented in this time of trial by persuading to stay at home or rest a while until the heat of prosecution be over, as it hath done some already in some places, which when they appear in the face of the truth it will be their shame, because they have hearkened to the deceit of their hearts, and not unto the truth as it is in Jesus; which never makes ashamed but bears the Cross and dispises the shame and runs the tace with patience because of the joy that is set before them. So my beloved Brethren and Sisters, let nothing persuade you to fly the Cross at any time lest you should lose your Crown of courage and boldness, and so be covered with shame and contempt, neither let any that do fly the Cross at any time be your example; but rather draw them into the fellowship and love of the cross again, by your example of faithfulness and obedience, and by your not giving heed to seducing Spirits, but persevering on in the Gospel of the Kingdom of Patience; bearing them as Children who be weak and tender among you. But that which is hard and would not obey the Gospel is for the hammer, and for the Sword of God's Spirit, that it may be broken down, and all made as a plain before him; and serve him in true fear with a perfect love and upright heart, out of all forms, shows or forms of Godliness; in the true power and senceableness of the pure holy life, which he hath raised up in us, to bear his heavenly Image under his heavenly banner, which is love: under which we are to make wair in much patience in this day of Battle, wherein they are fight against us with a cause, and we cannot resist them, with Sword nor with Spear, but in patience suffer under them all during the Lord's time, in which I rest and bid you all farewell, This was as a part of my dear love to you my Friends, because I wish you well, William Wilson. DEar friends that suffer in Carlisle Prison for non payment of Tyths, or otherwise in bearing a pure Testimony for the Holy God of eternal life unto you is my dear love, and the tender Salutation of my life, ye sufferers for the Lord, do it with thearfulness of heart, in the tenderness of your Spirits, towards the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent a light into the world, to lighten the blind Eyes, and be the Glory of his People, in the midst of Tribulations, Persecutions or sufferings, and friends I know that you are not unsensible of the eternal love of God which is more in this day, than the whole world, blessed be his holy name for ever, friends it's no marvel that you suffer persecution for Righteousness sake, seeing the hard heartedness & cruelty that is in the world through unbelief and hardness of heart, amongst the sons and daughters of men, who in these days have set themselves against the Lord, and against his anointed, his People and chosen ones, whom God hath gathered, and not men, therefore friends of the same flock &c sheep of his foald, be you gathered together in the Lord, and feel his daily love over all, and above all your Persecuters and heads of your Enemies, in the dally Cross and power of the righteous God of Heaven and Earth who gives you dominion over all in his power and authority to stand in the day of Trial during the Lord's time (unto the time of God over all; who is to be waited on above all, blessed for ever, who hath called you and us for that very purpose, that we may wait upon his name, and feel his strength and blessed presence and loving power, in which, friends you may have boldness with good Courage to testify of his name, unto all the world in your sufferings, and in your Conversation, as the Lord makes way in your heart for the glory of his truth and the honour of his eternal name, which is become great amongst us, and is the strong Tower of the righteous, and safe hiding place of his people in the Storms and in the Tempest, he his the sure stay of all them that trusts in him and stands to him in all Trials and trouble whatsoever: The Lord kindles up his own Spirit in them and riases up his own Seed, which he hath blessed, to magnify his mercies over all, and Rejoice in the hearts of his called ones, and gathered ones, to place his name among in this day of his living truth, in which he is much made manifest by the valour of his Power which reigns in his Saints and faithful Servants, to the glory of his name, and counts the present sufferings of this life nothing, to the glory that shall be revealed, oh the endless love of God that is manifested in our hearts, is it past expressing with my tongue, or relating with my pen, but this is my pure satisfaction, that you know the Lord, and is sensible men of his eternal truth, which is able to fill your hearts with praises unto God, and rejoice in the midst of trouble, and make you willing to lay down your lives for his sake, if he should require it, for his Testimony is true you know, and can seal to it, in your sufferings with the rest of many more of your Brethren and Sisters, fellow Sufferers in this day who Witnesses their lives raised through, sufferings, who rejoices that they are found worthy, not being weary nor thinking time long, but waits with much patience the Lords time, & some of our friends is released already in laying down their bodies in this their present sufferings for the Lord, which they did I believe in much joy of heart, a lightsomness of mind, to the preaching of the truth of God, and encouragement of friends in the truth, who rejoices with the faithful over all to the praise and glory of his name for ever, and friends here is Copies of two Papers that were set upon their Corpses, as they were had to then burial places, and after spread abroad in the Country, and sent up and down amongst friends, and you may send Copies of them, and you may see Service for them amongst friends or others, if it be into Northumberland or in Scotland, as you see way made there, may beservice in sending them abroad, so I rest your dear friend in the eternal truth of God and a sufferer for the same because I cannot swear. Willam Wilson. TO all you who say your are the Seed of Abraham, Abraham believed God and so was found Righteous, and all you that say you are of the same Seed, and not in the same belief, I say you are not the Children of Abraham, did not the God of Israel promise by Moses, (whom you say you believe) that he would raise up a Prophet, like unto him, and him the people should hear in all things, and they that would not here that Prophet, should be cut of from among the People, so to you who are called Jews was I moved to write these few lines, and to exhort you to that Prophet whom God promised to raise, and I witness him raised, and the government is laid on him; and of his dominion there shall be no end, and so to him I exort you all, he is near to you even in your hearts and in your Consciences teaching you to deny all that is contrary to the God of Israel, did not Moses say that the word is nigh thee in thy heart and in thy mouth to do it, People this word become flesh and dwelled among us, and this flesh was Crucified but the word lives and abides forever, in which the Lord is worshipped and all other worships is Abomnable unto him, doth he not say he is weary with the Sacrifices, yea truly people he is wearied with them, for his delight is in his Elected one, doth not the God of Isreal say behold my Servant whom I uphold, my Elect in whom my Soul delighteth, I put my Spirit upon him, and he shall bring forth Judgement to the Gentiles, verily people he is Judging the secrets of all hearts both of Jews and Gentiles so again I exhort you all to turn your minds to within, and see if the light will not judge righteously for the God of Isreal, and will show you plainly that he was a true Prophet whom your Fathers believed not, and to this Prophet must you come, before you know the God of Isreal even this word which is nigh in your mouth and in your hearts, so none of you be ashamed to stoop, to this word which is nigh, did not the God of Isreal say that though the Children of Isreal were as the Sand of the Sea, yet a remnant was to be saved so see which of you is of that remnant and what you are saved from, for they who are saved are saved from sin and made clean by this word of Life, but them who lives in sin and uncleaness, are neither Children of Abraham, no Servants to the God of Isreal, but are a dishonour to the God of Isreal, as also many are who profess Christ in words, and lives not in the life of Christ, such are a dishonour to his name and his woe, is upon them, but do not you stumble at them, for their destruction is of themselves, for though they be proud or liars, or covetous, they have not so learned of him, for no such thing was found in him but the Light in you judges and condemns these things in both them and you, and so to this we exhort you all which teaches truth in the inward parts and this is it the Lord requires. W. W. We desire you English men to read this Paper. ALL people repent and turn to the Lord God the Creator of all things in whose power we stand witnesses against all manner of evil, as it doth appear, and reproveth it as we are moved of the Lord and for this cause are we hated of the world, but we marvel not, for it hated him even Christ Jesus who is the Light of the world which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, and this Light is in you all, reproving you for sin, and every evil work, and all that is willing to be guided by it, it leadeth out of the vanities of the world, and not to Fashion ourselves like unto this world, and herein do we become a prey to the wicked and a gazing stock to the Nations in this day of the Lord, but we have found him faithful, that promises in obediance to him we shall eat the good of the Land, and now we know him made manifest in the flesh destroying he works of the Devil, and giving victory over the world and the Lusts thereof, and truly people this is in love to all your Souls to whom it may come to be read, and to this turn your minds, that would redeem your Souls out of death, the Light of Christ which Comprehendeth all them that live in wickedness be they never so high or low; it searcheth the heart and tryeth the reins, and is a sure witness for God, and Condemns all the proud and wanton ones and the high and lofty ones, and will bring them down to the ground, and this hath been revealed by his Son to us, and we are bold to declare is among you, that God may be clear in all his judgements, for he is just in all his do and hath not brought destruction upon any without warning them aforehand, so prise your time you know not your hour, and make no mock at sin, nor scorn not the Lords do, it is of his own good will that he hath revealed these things unto babes and sucklings, and hide them from the Eyes of the wise and prudent, and thus do we witness in our measures and do return him praise to whom all praise and honour doth belong and he will not give it to any other, and he hath ordained the foolish things of this world to confound the wisdom of the wise and to bring to nought the understanding of the prudent, and all that would be wife let them first become Fools that they may grow wise, for the wisdom of God is fool shness to the world, and man's wisdom must be destroyed before ever he know the wisdom of God, (for man by wisdom knows nor God), for what as may be known of God is manifest in you, and so friends to the Light of Christ Jesus the only Son of God (the Father of life) turn your minds, and with it search yourselves honestly and see how ye stand justified in the sight of God, and approved in his Light, which doth never approve of any evil but condmns all unrighteousness, in whomsover it doth arise, yea the very thoughts and intent of your hearts are seen in this Light, and comprehended, so all be warned and take heed how ye despise them who are sent of the Lord singlely and simplely to fore-warn you of the evil to come though they be never so simple; yet faithful to him who hath called, and is willing to wait in his council, not fearing what man doth unto us, but are willing to suffer any thing for righteousness sake knowing that sufferings was ever the Saints portion, whosoever killed them thought they did God service, therefore take heed to the Light, and see what you do, for we are not ashamed to bear our Testimony for Jesus before any, for it is Truth and that never makes ashamed, and our lives is not in our own hands, neither dare we fly from the Lords Conucil, to feed the wisdom of man but to that of God in you all, do we hope to be made manifest, though it is cross to the first nature at present, yet upon your beds consider and in the Light examine whether you did see us act or speak any thing that was not of the truth, and we desire to be convinced of it by Scripture otherwise be ashamed to speak against us, if you find us not according to the Scriptures, nay glory to God, it is for no evil you can hate us, but because we cannot follow to the same excess of Riot, therefore you speak evil of us; now to that of God in you all let it judge between you and us, whether you do not love a drunkard better than be that reproves him, ye or nay, or a swearer or liar, or a conereous, profane, proud Persons, or they who are in the Fashiens of the world which is vain, better than them who are redeemed out of them, and stands witnesses against them, yea or nay, all these are works of darkness which the Children of God have no fellowship with but are to reprove them, hath the God of this world so far blinded your Eyes that you cannot see these to be the works of the Devil; and is not this a dishonour to our Nation, that such cursed fruit as pride and haughtyness, lightness and vainness as doth appear in many of you should be brought out of it, (to wit our Nation) think it not strange if the Lord smite you with a curse for these things, nor count us not deceivers because we cannot speak peace to you for there is no peace to the wicked faith our God, and is it not adishenour to our Nation that so many of you should be comed out of it, having not the love of God in you may read Christ's own words on John 5th and 41, 42, 43, and 44. the verses. O blush and be ashamed that you would lay the dishonour of our Nation upon those who are innocent and harmless fearing to dishonour God, who hath power over us all, therefore repent and turn to the Lord God of life and Light least sudden destruction come upon you, and this in love to all your Souls whether you will hear or forbear. R. H. W. W. Here follows a Letter written to Captain Loaler whin he was in Kendal in Westmoreland with his Soldiers written in the behalf of Regnal Walker and George Benson, who had Well packs to Kendal and was sent into visit him in Prisen. To the Priests. ALL you Priests and great Scholars who is in your Tongues of humane Learning, and is proud of it, take heed to yourselves that you set not your Hebrew, Greek and Latin above the head Christ Jesus the Son of God, who is the life and the power of God, and so make a God to yourselves, of your great learning, which is humane and can never give the knowledge of God, for Pilate who delivered Christ to be Crucified of the Jews, caused Hebrew, Greek and Latin to be set over Christ's Head, take head, I say unto you, you proud Scholars that you do not so, for the Lord is grieved with your Pride and Presumption of Tongues, which may be cut of in a moment, and when you die your Tongues dies with you, but the pure living God endures for ever, so you send Scholars and foolish Priests, who is making to yourselves a God after your own way, and will not have him after his own way, which is Christ within manifested in the flesh, destroying the Devils work now in People; as he did great Miracles in the days of his Flesh among the Jews, but they could not believe then, no more than ye can believe that he is now made manifest in sinful flesh, destroying the Devils work in the flesh, that all through him might be saved from the Devil's work, which is sin and wickedness; would you separate God from poor ignorant People, that would believe in the light of his Son in their own hearts, and confine him to your great Schools of Humane Learning, that none can know the way of God but you; alas for you, for all your Tongues of humane Learning, you are no nearer knowing of Christ now in this dispensation of revealing himself in man, than Pilate was that delivered him up to the Jews in that day and time, and you are worse than he, for he did it not wilful, but would have let him go; So see where your Hebrew, Greek and Latin is, while you are ignorant of Christ the true Light, that lighteth every man that cometh into the world; here the poor, blind and ignorant may have the benefit of christ, as they believe in the light that gives the true knowledge of God whom to know is life, and that never dies, and here is none shut out of knowing God; I say the Lord shuts none out, as you would do with your Scholarship if you could, but the Lord is risen, and he did arise in the days past to confound the wisdom of the wife, and bring to nought the undrstanding of the Prudent, he is setting up his Son to Reign in the hearts of his People that believes in his name, and they are not ashamed to confess his name before the men of this generation, who seems mighty in their day, but the Lord is blasting the wisdom of man, and hath said it shall not rule over his People, for they have been a pray over long to their Mouths, that have said the Lord saith, when he hath never spoken to them; therefore this I say unto you foolish and not wise, who is proud of your Hebrew, Greek and Latin, and thinks that God cannot be known in any other way then your teaching of him, you are deceived, for God will not be mocked by you, for he is setting up his Son to Reign a top of all that ever hath been set a top of him, either in this time or in times past. W. W. Here follows several Letters that were written to those in Authority when he was Prisoner in Lancaster Goal for not Swearing. To the Judges of the Assize at Lancaster. JUdge or Judges I desire them or you to read this little Note, and then consider the poor man's state, that suffers for the Lord God eternal, and his holy Truth, as it is in Jesus, and dare not disobey his Commands manifestest in his heart, that he may do them wheresoever he be, and obey his say, who saith, Swear not at all, but let your yea be yea, and your nay nay, whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil, and the same Christ commands to do the truth, and to speak the truth from my heart wheresoever I be, in all places and at all times, in the which I desire that I may be kept faithful to the end, that I may live in peace with my eternal God of Heaven and of Earth, and follow peace with all men, that be upon the face of the whole Earth, for the Lord God hath called me to peace, and out of wars and strife; Although in the year 1648. I was in wars for the King, and did remain with faithfulness unto the end, till we were not a Party able to stand any longer, and took leave of my Captain, who did bid me shift for myself, which was but sorrowful to me, and that night was I taken Prisoner, and stripped to the Shirt from my back, and that Night had like to been starved to death, and afterwards said in Prison with a penny a day, and shamefully used in Prison, and had not left to my back, that any would have given me a penny for, and much more than this did I suffer for the King's service, which I might have escaped all them, if I would have taken up Arms with the other Party then; and have betrayed my friend, which thing my heart stood against, and truly friends I must relate much concerning my sufferings, with a heavy heart, because of so little regard that was taken of me, and my poor coming home, nor never gave me a penny pay to this day, neverheless I freely wish that you and all men knew the reality and truth of my heart to the King and all his true Subjects much more might I write but would not be tedious in writing very much; I am a poor man and hath a small Family whose mentenance depends only on my labours, by which I did mentain them well, but now I cannot because I am here in Prison for my Conscience sake, because I cannot swear but stands in obediance to Christ's Commands, my Allegiance to the King stands in Faithfulness and truth, which I hope I shall reman into the end, so I desire that I might have free liberty to live at home and Labour for my Family. William Wilson a poor man and means well. One to the Justices and Magistrates. FRiends, Friends that be in Authority a few words from a Prisoner of yours, Christ saith Swear not all, this is Christ's Command, Swear not at all, and they that loves me keeps my say, saith Christ (mark) and be not offended at any of his Servants which keeps his saying, and cannot swear at all, but lets their comunication be yea, yea, nay, nay, for what as is more cometh of evil as saith Christ, Matt. 5. Truly friends my heart is turned towards God with many more of my brothers in this the day of our God, and we cannot Swear at all for we have learned obediance unto his Doctrine and therefore we are willing to keep his say, whatever we suffer by man for friends consider I shall put my case with the rest of my brethren's who be of the same Faith, to your own selves to judge: Christ he saith Swear not at all, & you say you must Swear, so whether it be better to obey God or man Judge ye, likewise the Apostle James saith to his brethren above all things my brothers Swear not at all least you shall into Condemnation Jam. 5, but you say Swear or else you shall go to Prison, consider this friends and Judge Charitably, whether is to be obeyed now if sufferings must be, we these to suffer for Christ sayings rather then for much say, for if we do not Swear we must fall into Prison, and if we do Swear we are sure to fall into Condemnation (mark that), but it is better for us to obey God then man man so we cannot Swear at all whatever we suffer, I hope we shall not break our peace with God for pleasing men, for we know the Lords care is over them that fear him and he will visit for these things; So take heed how you cause us to suffer, for not swearing counting it a breach of your Law, for us to keep Christ own say, that is offended in any of you to see us wear our own hats on our heads, and to hear us speak God's truth plainly from our hearts, without swearing, was ever any of God's people offended at these things, or caused any to suffer for not swearing, consider friends and take heed how you oppress tender Consciences and cast into Prison them that cannot Swear for Conscience sake, and lets Swearers have their Liberty; for I am one willing to suffer for not swearing rather then to deny Christ, because I love and obey the Lord Jesus Christ which saith Swear not at all. William Wilson Servant of the same Lord. One to Justice Fleming of Rydale. OH Justice Fleming that ever this report should be sounded in our Ears, that within thy Liberties such spoiling should be amongst thy Nighbours, we never had the like in our Parish, nor never expected that our own Justice should have made such work, as set men of spoiling true men's goods; who themselves dare not spoil nor do any hurt to any man upon the face of of the whole Earth, because of their Conscience towards the God of Heaven, which is appeared in these latter days, and is come and hath taken up his abode with them and keeps them unto himself, out of all spoiling again when they are spoilt of their & of Horses and their goods which they had honestly gotten by their hard labour and industry and hath learned to live peaceably amongst their Neighbours, and a godly life in Christ Jesus who saith learn of me; but not to spoil true men's goods, who for Conscience sake cannot Swear nor break of their, godly Meetings which God hath set up and not man; therefore consider and call in the spoilers from spoiling of true men thy Neighbours, who have none in the Earth to plead their cause but gives themselves up to God, and all they have to suffer for his sake, having received the earnest of the Spirit, and the assurance of etern I life from which they never intent to fly, for all that ever mortal man can do unto them in this case, for it is in matter of holy worship to our God which all the spoilers in the world is out of, and all ungodly men an truths gainsayers which be in these latter days and though many Fools and Babblers that is applauded in these latter days for their fooliry and their fordness Jaging and waging in the streets like fools in a play, the Lord hates such who fears not him that hath made them, but walks in wickedness making a mock at sin, and sporting themselves against the Lord and them that fear his name; of which sort I am one and am not ashamed to confess his name among men though it be to my great loss, and hindrance in this world, as all my neighbours can tell and my wife and little children knows the want of me, as thine may do of thee in time for aught I know, which I do not desire more than I desire my own should want me, but if thou knew what it were I believe thou would not be so hard hearted and my friend Willam Grave is lying at the point of Death and this day one Prioner is lying dead and its a wonder and a mercy of God I am not so to, and many more of us you have casten into Prison, and not one of you that comes to visit us, but we may rather think you wish us all dead, as thy brother Willam did babbling below a man and much more a Captain, and thy Cousin Will. Kirby reported the night you had done that wicked act of casting us all into Prison, that you had, had an honourable Bench, and that thou was such a man as was not in many parts (and your whole service had almost been taken up about the Quakers) and you had hall'd the Fox and stayed his Hambrough Quaker from travelling, or the like words to that purpose, which is below a man or manhood to vaunt of Casting men into Prison, it irks my heart that ever men should be so Foolish, as to do as you have done with us, in sending us as thou sent us, and its thought caused the death of two and the sickness of others, it make the Country cry out shame, shame, and indeed it vexes me that my Country man should lose his honour in being so, hard against poor Quakers as many calls us and had gained it so in other things, as I have heard thy name honoured among men where I have been both for carriage and understanding so Justice Fleming consider and let men of tender Consciences have their liberty as others doth in other places, and be not so hard of the Lords people Even who are engaiged to meet together fearing the Lord, as saith the Scriptures they that seared the Lord met often together and spoke often one unto another, and the Lord harkered and heard, it and a book of remembrance was written for them that feared the Lord, and thought upon his name, as we are Witnesses of is those days, (though we be hated of men not knowing the Scriptures) and as we have believed Christ and the Scriptures so do we keep his commands, who saith he that loves me keeps my say, who saith Swear not at all, and in obediance to this very thing we stand, who suffers here in Lancaster Castle because we cannot Swear nor break the Commands of Christ; which if we should it were a shame to us, and below our honour and Scollarship which we have learned in Christ that never Swear, and so taught his Disciple who suffered for his Doctrine in their days, as we do more in our days, with much Joy of heart that we are counted worthy to suffer for his sake and bear our Testimony to all the world, that God is true and every man a liar who doth not truth, and so remains in his sins which truth sets free from, and so we trample upon those things which is below; if we bear our Testomony unto death, as some of our friends and brethren have already done in these nasty holes and stinking Prisons, where men may easily get their death; I could gladly find to be with thee that we might reason together upon the things of which so greatly doth concern our everlasting peace and honour in the Lord, which is far above all the honour in this world in my Eye, it is above the hat and knee, which men may throw in the mire and where lies it then; but that honour which is from above is placed in the heart, and is there to remain for ever; and if it were about other things as matters concerning the King's service I could relate unto thee my sufferings to be great, as to me, and none of you took care for me then: I might then do as I could for you; and I have suffered since in Clivers days for that service, and I was in Prison for my Conscience sake at Carlisle and that unjustly too, what is it I am born to do to suffer still and that unjustly too both then for the King, and now by his friends and never had as much as a penny pay to this day, cannot that I believe was was Casten and gathered in their days for me, as Edward Benson of Hyclose & John Midlefel of Langdale knew them: but the times turned so their minds turned, and kept what they had for aught I know, and little regarded my Imprisonment and poor coming home which made me think it of myself, being so poor; and knew not how to mend it when others mocked at me and I might have gotten away as they did which shown their Lovalty to the King to be but small, when mine was made manifest, so I think it were little enough if I had my pay now to help me in Prison, and I hope pity will now in thy heart towards towards my Wife and little Children, that they may not want or else what Charity lives with thee, so it's for my Religion that I suffer here, which I love to reason for with Ministers or Magistrates or any men that fears God of Heaven, and loves the Seriptures which is useful to desid. Controversies about Religion, and this is the thing that is settled in my heart, and my desire is that I may labour in the fear of the Lord and not be chargeable to any man, and live a Godly life, and lay open wickedness and deceit to the view of the whole world, as the eternal God move it in my heart, unto whom I stand in obediance, and dare not swear at all; Thy friend and Neighbour Willam Wilson and a lover of thy souls and everlasting peace, and if I could Swear I should take that Oath as soon as any that you set much by. Lancaster Castle the 9th of the 12th Month, 1663. A Letter to Edward Stanley of Dalegarth in Eshdale. EDward Stanley I desire the read this paper over to the end with patience if thou canst. E. S. thy ungodly deeds shows thee forth to be an ill example amongst thy Neighbours, and they that fears not God learns at thee, and loves thy evil deed, and thy ungodly ways is a strength to to those that fears not God, but with thyself would not have God nor good men to live among you, but strives with strength and cruelty to shut the Country of them, that fears the Lord and worships his most holy name, which ungodly men and cursed Swearers is not fit to name, the Lord remembers all thy do that thou hast done against his people that fears his name and he will not forgit thy cruel do that thou did unto John Gunson his wife and little Children and James Stanton and his Innocent life in which he lives unto God and darest not be offenced in Christ for all the world, if thy weight had been ten times greater than that thou hast already laid on him, he hath so truly learned Christ; Oh the Lowing of John Gunsons' Beasts when he caused their Ears to be cut off, shall rise up in Judgement against thee, and the harmless Sheep thou took from James Stanton, shall plead his innocent cause and condemn the to thy face, and every Fleece of Wool thou took from him, shall cry out against thee, and all their goods thou so evilly got shall do thee nor thine no good, and they shall live and praise the Lord, when thou shall fear and shame to hear of thy ungodly deeds, the very name of God shall fear thy Soul, and good men thou shall shun, and Hills and Mountains shall thee fly; O whether wilt thou run, we are not afraid to Worship God, his Truth will bear us out, it is no other thing we suffer for, and therefore we are stout, and doth not fear the loss of all that ever we possess, the Lord will plead our harmless cause, and will deliver us; And all our Foes will scattered be as dust upon a Hill, When he will gather his Lambs that doth his holy will; Remember how thou went about to do his People wrong, Who in his fear together met, though not contemning long, The Lord considered well their cause, and knew the need they had, And brought them home again in time, which made the needful glad, And therefore we are not to fear the worst that man can do, For serving of so good a God that will consider so: I have believed the God of heaven that maketh all mankind, And do not fear to worship him who ever be left behind; Consider well the Poor man's state, that liveth near to thee, And do him good if that thou canst it will thy comfort be, For he would do to thee no harm, I fully do believe, Nor wrong the things belongs to thee, whatever one would him give, Or say to him in such case, the Lord hath taught him so, To Pray for him that Persecutes, and pardon every Foe. The Poor man's name is Nicholas Tyson, I believe thou hast nothing against him but for his worship to God, and God is without respect of persons, for whosoever feareth him and works righteousness, is accepted of him, and he will remember all those things that is done against those harmless people, and will clear their cause, and their oppressors shall not go free; for they are written where they can never be blotted out by the power and cunning sleights of men; and it grieves many good men's hearts, that ever such unreasonable men should bear the name of Christians, that work such wicked works for ungodly gain, and use the King's name for a cover: wickedly didst thou work, and evil will be the end of it, if thou look not to it in time, the Lords decree is gone out against injustice and ungodly deeds that's done against his People, that he hath promised to preserve, and deliver out of all their troubles, though they suffer for the trial of their Faith, therefore Repent for thou must come to Judgement and an account must thou give, and how canst thou appear before the Lord in those things, that makes thee shame before men, the world cries out of thee and saith it will never be forgotten, it deserves to be posted up in the Markets and Steplehouses, when seven years is come and gone, the Lord abhors thy do, it stinks in his Nostrils, but the poor innocent sufferers is a sweet smell in his sight, this is in love to thy Soul, that thou mayst remember thy evil deeds done and passed, that thou mayst learn Repentance in due time, before it be too late, for the Lord wills not the death of a Sinner, but rather that he would turn from his wickedness and live; Thy friend and lover of thy Soul, Willam Wilson. Written in the 9th Month 1664. with my own hand. A Letter to John Ambrose Priest of Gaissiner in the County of Westmoreland. JO. Ambrose wilt thou remember thy Prisoner, that thou hast in Prison for the Lords cause, and not for any due debt I own thee, for if thou wert a Minister of Christ thou would ask me none, and as thou art not a Minister of Christ I own thee none, therefore let me forth of Prison, that I may go at liberty and do my service, as it's required at my hand, or else let it fall on thy own neck, and then it will be to heavy for the to bear, yea, and all that will take thy part. This I writ unto thee, that I may let thee know that thou hast the Lords Servant in thy hand, (and will not let me go,) for not paying thee Wages that doth me no service nor work, but the first work thou doth to me is sending me to Prison, a work we never read of in all the Scriptures, that all the men of God that ever we read on did cast men into Prison for their Bells, but if thou wilt not let me out do as thou will, and let the Lord do as he will, for I am well content; but I must remember thee of the evil work which thou has done, in casting me into Prison from my Wife and Childred, but the Lord will Plead my cause and set me at liberty; when thou and all unrighteousness shall be made fast for ever, therefore remember what I have told thee, and do good while thou may, for thy time will spend and thy Repentance prove too late, let me not lie here while thou is feeding and feasting thyself, but remember the Widow and Fatherless, as it were Fatherless Children thou hast made by casting me into Prison from them, and will not let them have their right the Lord allows them, this must stand upon thy head thou unrighteous man, if thou wilt not let me go as the Lord requires it of thee, for he hath more for me to do then thou knows on, therefore say not but thou art warned from the Lord before thy evil day come upon thee, which will overtake thee as a Thief in the Night, and come upon thee as an armed man, when there is none to deliver thee; so send thy Letter to fetch me forth if thou will, if thou wilt not, do even as thou will, So I leave thee, William Wilson. JO. Amborse I am here in Prison upon thy account for about six pence or seven pence by the year, which I should never have refused to pay to thee if I were convinced that thou were one of Christ's Ministers, but as I am persuaded that thou art not, I rather choose to suffer for the non payment of it, then to pay it contrary to that of God in mine own Conscience; thou had better have taken a Cow or a Horse form my Wife and Childred, then have cast me into Prison from them, the Lord will hear their cry of Oppression, more for want of me, then for the want of either Cow or Horse, and I would wish thee for the good of thy own Soul to let me out again, that I may work for my Living, and it will be more honour to thee among men, and less condemnation before the Lord, if thou have any respect either to old or young, Wife or Children, hear their cry for want of me their Father, which if thou will not, I doubt not but the Lord will hear their cry, and deliver when thou canst not resist, and in the undaunted Spirit of God I can rest and wait with much patience, who am thy friend and lover, though I have a little tasted of thy Envy, yet I desire the welfare of thy Soul, if possible the Lord may grant it. Kendal the 29th of the 9th Month, 1672. William Wilson. Here follows two short Letters to John Kirby, in the behalf of two friends imprisoned by him for Tyths. JO. Kirby I can do no less than let thee know that we remember these two friends of ours, which thou ungodlyly hast cast into Prison for non payment of Tyths, and not only we the friends of the Lord, but even the Lord himself doth remember them, with many more of his dear Children, who suffers for the same Holy Testimony, for whose sakes the Lord of Glory will plead with their Adversaries by Fire and Sword, the Lord hath spoken it by me, and that thou is one of them that the Lord will plead with for the sakes of his Servants George Benson and Richard Walker, their wives and little Children who is daily mourning for the loss of their natural fathers, whom the Lord of life and Glory is as Subject to hear as they are to mourn, and hast said; Ah, ah, I will ease me of mine Adversaries I will be avenged of mine oppressors, I will be known that I am the Lord notwithstanding my Enemies who promise themselves ease and peace when they have done the Devils work by casting into Prison, as it is said the Devil shall cast some of you into Prison, but the Lord remembers these things and will not forget his Servants whom he hath chosen to place his name among, who stands faithful unto him them will he deliver one way or other, we need not look how the Lord knows what way makes most for his Glory, as I remember the death of Oliver Atherton that sweet Martyr for the Lord in bearing the same Testimony who the same night before he died, sang praises to the Lord in a most heavenly manner as many Witnesses can testify, because he suffered this linger martyrdom for the Lord of Glory who ended the tenth, and redeemed him out of the ninth, as it is written in the declaration of his death that was set upon his Corpse, as he was carried home to his family to be buried, as the Countess of Derby could witness who was his great Aversary and Prosecutor into Prison, who died herself about six weeks after and then all the rest were released as by the providence of the Lord whom they suffered for: And then they who we made as Widows and fatherless, for a time were eased of their sufferings, as these who are now as poor Widows & fatherless Children may die in due Season (as the Lord sees good) whom thou hast made through thy Jewish custom of taking tenths, though in that day it was lawful for the Jews yet I never read in Scriptures that they sued at Law for them as thou dost, nor received them for that end as thou dost, nor made Widows nor fatherless Children as thou dost nor laid men in Prison for them as thou doth; nor when one Law would not serve went to another as thou hast done, nor never gave Gaolers strict charge over them as some of you have done, but the Lord will revenge for these things, to whom we leave it for I will repay it saith the Lord and this was I moved to write by the God of my life unto thee or whom it may concern in the behalf of my brethren and their wives and little Children, who cannot do as much for themselves, that thou may consider their cases, who suffers for the Lord and dare not pay Tyths for pleasing man, and thereby offend God, who hath brought them to make a good Confession of his name before men, and is not ashamed of their Christian duty to God, who hath redeemed them out of the ninths, and left them Witnesses against the tenths for his name's sake, Glory to the Lord for ever. W. W. A short Letter to the Priests and their hearers. FRiends Christ Jesus who said he is the way of truth and the life, John 1. saith also, he is Light of the world and whosoever believes in him shall not abide in darkeness but shall have the Light of life, John 8.12. So truly friends this is the Light of Christ Jesus which showeth you sin, and what is evil in you, and this is that which is not of the world neither can the world receive it; for the whole world lieth in wickedness, but this of God to which we speak doth never consent unto wickedness, but reproveth all manner of evil whatsoever, and showeth you that you should not wrong one another but do to all men as ye would they should do to you, friends this is the way of truth, and to speak the truth one to another, this will stand in the Light, which is the truth, and truly if you love God you will love the Light, for God is Light, and of Purer Eyes then to behold iniquity, and a measure of the Spirit is given to every one of you by manifestation, to profit withal so every one search honestly your own hearts, and see how you have profited with it, for truly an acount must you give of your deeds done (in) your bodies whether they be good or evil; now all evil is manifest to be of the Devil as lying, swearing, theft, drunkenness, dissembling, deceiving, with the rest of all ungodly actions, therefore repent and forsake your sins and return from the evil of your do, for the Lord wills not the death of a sinner, but rather that you would return from your wickedness and live to serve him alone in that which is holy and just and good, for to live in sin, and lusts of uncleaness, is death and destruction, and dear people strive to enter in at the staite gate which leadeth to life, and few there be that find it, but wide is the way and broad is the gate that leadeth to destruction, and many there be that find it; so I dearly exhort you all to read your conditions honestly and see how you stand justified in the Light, of the Son of God, and your time all to prize and turn to the Light, while you have the Light reproving you for sin in Secret when as no mortal Eye doth behold, and by believing and obeying it: it will lead you out of darkness and this is the true Teacher and near unto every one of you all and cannot be removed into a corner but is present with us and you at all times, and in all places, and sees the very thoughts and intents of the heart, and no other way is to the Father but by the Son who is the true Light that lighteth every man that comes into the world and this is in love to all your Souls, let him that readeth understand, and you that teacheth others, whether you are taught yourselves of him, who is the true teacher Christ Jesus. Secondly, and whether they that are taught of him, are taught to settle themselves at one certain place for so much a year, as can agreed betwixt parties. Thirdly, whether they that be so are not of that sort that Esaiah saith, seeks their gain from their Quarter, and the hireling that Christ saith flieth. Fourthly, whether they be not of that sort that stands praying in the Synagogue, hath upermost places in the Assemblies, and is called of men Master. Fifthly, whether they have not men's Persons in admiration because of advantage, and reverenceth, honour one of anothor and calleth men Masters. Sixly, whether these be not of the same generation that Jermiah saith, steal the words from their neightbour. and saith, the Lord saith, when the Lord hath not spoken to them Sevenly, whether these be not in the way of Canan, envy and Balaum seeing after gifts and rewards. W. W. Letter from Scotland to friends about Kendal in Westmoreland. DEAR friends in and about Kendal these may signify to you all who is desirous to hear of me that I am well blessed be the Lord for the same, and my heart affcted with the deaar love of God unto you my true friends, with whom I have fellowship in the heavenly Union and Comfortable Spirit of our eternal God, who is present with us at all times and places, who cannot be separated from his own, from his own life in his people, who hath chosen him for their way, and for their life, & cannot live without him who is life, the Lord of hosts is his name; he is my life & my daily food, my Soul satisfier, & the refresher of my bowels and inward part, where the world knows me not, and therefore they Judge me like unto themselves: But my friends with you whom God hath called and chosen, to place his name among is my blessed fellowship and communion in the Light of his heavenly Son Christ Jesus who hath made choice of us without respect of Persons; O my dear 〈…〉 may all be continued in faithfulness and rightness of heart, unto him in fear, to walk while we have one day to spend; my friends feal Gods to love you as at the first, and yours to him as at the beginning and so shall the truth never become as an old thing nor you in the least measure die to it, my dear friends its far from me to stand up to teach or instruct any of you but as the Lord hath freely made me partaker and sharer with you of his divine heavenly love, I cannot but in the remembrance of the same return you an answer of the continuance of his love to my Soul, that you thereby may be remembered of the same, that we may feel one another in the everlasting love that can never decay, nor never be forgotten by them that loves God and the blessed and pure appearance of his Son Christ Jesus the Light of the world, my friends since I parted with you I have been in the furthest part of all Scotland, as to the Maineland, and have had good service there for the Lord, for people, was very willing to hear the truth and inclined in words very much, but you know the old agents that was ever ready to stir up help and Instruments against the true Light the now shines (to wit the Priests) of this generation but all will fail them, its God must be glorified, the Priest's worship will come to an end, they have had worship enough, its God must now be worshipped, he will not give his Glory to another, and likewise in the Isle of Stormy where a door was open for us, and our Testimony received with much gladness, and we kindly entertained for a little space while we had freedom; and so returned and leaves the work to God; and we were also in the Isles of Ortners in the Town of Kirkway where there is a very like people in the Lord's time but Bishops and Priests have Lordly power over poor people, and keeps them much in Bondage, but they have a very great sight into the ways of all sorts of professions, and the true Light discovers them all: And so my dear friends who have made full proof of the Light of the Lord Jesus Christ in you own hearts: you it is that can give a Testimony of the same for while man be not come into full obediance of the Light, he never knows the true ground nor benefit of the same, and so with my dear love to you all as if I named you all I take leave and rests your friend in the Lord according to my measure. William Wilson. Friend's I could well have found to have written to you ear this but being so far distant, I could not see how it could be safely conveyed, neither was I very free till I saw something of my return, which is now pretty large for we are at this present, come within about fourteen or fifteen miles of Aberdeen, and so as God permits after visiting friends in my way I hope to the Lord to see you with comfort ere long; be sure to let my wife and friends of Haukshead Meeting here from you, or else send them these lines on a Second day with my love to them all. From Auworthy the fifth day of the seventh Month, 1673. William Wilson. YOU that usurp Authority over poor people, and bears rule by your means, the day of the Lord hasten upon you which will strip you naked and bare, and reward you according to your works, and then where will your Authority be you Rulers and Magistrates who Rules not according to the just Law of God, but according to your own wills, the Lord will justly recompense his wrath and vengeance upon your unrighteousness, you corrupt members and fruitless trees which plead for sin and imperfection, and here you uphold the Devil's Kingdom who reigns in sin, and here you are found Enemies to God and his righteousness, and I am a witness for the living God, against you all who acts contrary to the just Law of God, and bears Testimony to his name, who is the Author and finisher of my faith, and perfects his own work and cleanseth from all sin by his blood, all that walk in the Light, as he is in the Light; but you who walk in darkness hath not this hope neither that faith which purifies the heart, but are going on in the broad way, professing God and Christ with your mouth, Prosecutes the life and power, as did the same generation in all ages past; haling, beating, scoffing, scorning, and shuting into Prison them that did confess his name, and declared against all deceit operly, against all sin and evil as they were moved, but the Lord will be avenged for these things therefore hast to Repentance and amend your lives, for the Kingdom of God is at hand. William Wilson. ALL people that desires to serve the living God in newness of life must of necessity turn your minds into the Light of his Son Christ Jesus, in your own hearts, for that is he that gives the true knowledge of God whom to know is life eternal, and this is he whom God hath sent into the world to be a Light to lighten all people, that through him they might believe and be saved for he is the Saviour of his people from their sins, so people whatsoever makes manifest sin is Light and whatsoever is reprovable is reproved with the light, for the light proves the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgement, and this is he that sets up true Judgement in the heart and gives, thee to discern between the good and the evil, and lets the see the thoughts of thy heart in which thou dost behold thy State how thou stands approved unto God, and this is near thee & will never deceive thee, and as thou finds thy obediance unto God, and walking in the Light of his Son, which never consents to the evil of thy do, so shalt thou find God's power and Spirit beating witness, with thy Spirit, that thou art a Son of God guided by the Spirit of God, and cannot fulfil the lusts of the Flesh and this must every one come to witness, whoever comes to witness the Lord Jesus Christ to be their Saviour, who is the Saviour of his people from their sins, for while man and woman lives in their sin they are dead while they leive, and all duties, performances and prayers, to and professions of God and Christ is no more than if they cut off a dog's neck or offered up Swins blood, for the works of man are a vain thing, while he knows not the works of the Devil destroyed in him: that he may know God to work all his works in him, and through him, to his own praise and Glory for ever: and the heart of man, can never be upright unto God, while in the old nature with old Adam in the fall which brought death upon all men; and in that state man cannot stand up for the Lord as a living witness against sin, and wickedness, and all unrighteousness of men, because he remains in death: for all his duties and performances in that nature, is without God and without Christ, in the world, and man in the Flesh cannot please God so people as I have said, you that loves and desires to serve the true and living God must come to the Light of his Son in your hearts, and be willing to be taught of him, who tells you plainly you should not lie, nor swear an oath, nor do to any but as you yourselves would be done by, and hear you may know a learning of Christ, the good Teacher and Bishop of your Souls, and this is in love to you all who desires singly after God, for none else can receive it. given forth in Scotland by R. R. and, William Wilson. A Letter sent to Justice Willam Kirby from Lancaster Gaol, 1663. WIllam Kirby the whole cause of my being imprisoned is laid upon thee, for thy Cousin Fleming said it was because he was informed that I was as a traveller, which I heard thee say with my own Ears and made answer in the open Sessions, and if this be the cause as I am informed, its shameful that I should be imprisoned for travelling the Lords business, six or seven veirs since which was when I saw thee in Hambrough, it would but be a shame to thee that I should publish this abroad concerning thee, that I should be cast into Prison for this which was past six or seven years since being change of government, since and an act of Indulgence, since an Act of Grace, if it had been a Transgression in those days, thou ought not to punish me for it now, I believe no Laws in the Land will bear thee out to do it, for I believe your act is for them that departs from their house or habitation and meets together to the terrisying of the King's Subjects which I should be loath to do, being the King's friend as was manifested in the year forty eight, both by my continuance with the longest in his service, here and suffering imprisonment and the loss of all that I had and more, as I can make it appear by my neighbours after I got home, and there was none of the King's friends that then took any care of me, than I might have been starved for them then, as I am Prisoner by them now; and I have as good reason to have this in my mind now by which I had like to have lost my life, and lost all I had for obediance to the King: as thou to have my travel for the Lord into Hambrough in thy mind, where my brother and I was used like dogs, sometimes by the dog's nature in many of our English men, which we found therein, pride and haughtyness which the Lord will abase and bring to nought when we shall be exalted for our abediance unto God, and testifying of his eternal truth which shall never die, and of which we shall never be ashamed when ungodly sinners and wicked men shall be confounded and brought to naught, therefore consider if envy have rested in thy mind to do we a mischief ever since that time, it is a wicked deed of thee, and thou had need to amend it and shortly to; lest the Lord should cut thee off before the time & then it would be too late to remember this my friend; And I brought a good message into the City of Hambrought and that unto you that did understand my Language but you did receive our message but badly, and entreated the Lords Servants with many dangers, as we daily found among you in the streets, and in your English Church, as my body found by your unreasonable blows, and thrusting by you English men, the like was never received among the Dutch by us, but our God delivered us then as he will do now to our great comfort, and our eternal Peace, in that we were found faithful in his work, & did never shrink to any one of you, whom we found out of the way of God, in wildness, wickedness, lightness and vanity, lustfulness, pleasure and pride of life, which things we boldly bore our Testimonies against in the Faith, Fear and Power of the Eternal God of Heaven and Earth, which did preserve us; and will preserve us, as we in his Faith abide, for whose Faith and Testimony I suffer in Prison now in Lancaster Castle, without any just cause or breach of any Law, that should have exposed me so imprisonment, but only thy Imformation to Justice Fleming of my travelling, as it is to me related, therefore the cause of my writing is, that thou may take care and oversight of my Wife and Children, which thou hast caused to be left desolate, by staying me in Prison from them, and when Justice Fleming was willing that I should have a little Liberty from the Gaoler, and would join with the in any thing thou did, as his Brother Roger wrote unto thee, than thou did write that the Gaoler might let me have some liberty, but it most be upon his own account, for thou would not meddle in the thing which rather caused my straightening then otherways; and also Thomas watter's of Bootle, whose time might ill be taken up in lying here, his Wife being near down lying, and having little help about her, a little liberty at this time might do him much good, so consider and let not the cry of innocent Children fall upon thy head, lest thou come to be dealt with as thou dealest with us, in keeping us them from helping of them in their time of need, and we fear thou will be but a bad friend to them in need, therefore let one line or two be under thy hand to the Gaoler (if thou would have us do good to our Families) as some others have done before thee, and then it may be well accepted of, so to that of God I leave thee, which never wrought evil nor never will work evil, thy Friend and a Traveller for the Lord and his Truth, Will. Wilson a sufferer also for the same, it's not this slip out of thy mind; but it was even a shame thou should send so many of thy hoest Neighbours to Prison, like Vagabonds from Constable to Constable, as not caring for us, but sent us away to Prison, where I believe it caused the death of two of us, and the third was very near the point of death, if he yet recover, and thou would not come to see us, till thou came to work wickedness against us, as many hundreds can witness for us, by Fining of some, and partially singling me out, and put the Oath to me, which hath not sworn this many years, nor never shall I fully believe in my heart, neither for nor against any man, for I have learned Christ and am a Christian, and cannot swear at all, though thou hast wickedly separated me from my Wife and Children, which I maintained well with my labour, and kept them from charge; so now see thou to that, and inquire of them how they can live without me and my maintenance, and let thy Warrant be as strong for the relieving of them, in manner as I did, as it was for carrying me to Prison, and in giving the Gaoler charge over me in the Sessions for not swearing, and so break Christ's commends, which thing is a shame to thee, when it will be a honour unto me, likewise a poor man of Bootle for coming over to Swarthmore Meeting, thou proffered him the Oath, and caused him to stay in Prison from his Wife and Children, which is an ungodly deed of thee and the rest that did it: So consider this, and either let us go to live at home, or take care for our Wives and Children, seeing thou hast power to cast us into Prison, surely thou hast power to look to our Charge we have lest behind us, and think not that it is far to look to Bootle, for there is need for the man I know, Thy friend Willam Wilson A Letter to William Wilson Priest of Windermer in the County of Westmoreland. IN the weighty consideration of the service God hath laid on his Servants to make his name known in the Earth, throughout the whole world, and to declare his love and kindness unto the Sons and Daughters of men who are in the fallen State and doth not know the work of God in the new Creation Regeneration and Restoration whereby man is restored up to God again, out of the fallen State in which all men have had a place, and being from God in the fall, and without God in sin and iniquity which hath made the great separation, and being at a distant from the living God. Therefore with pity unto thy Soul Willam Wilson, who is now placed in Windermer to Preach unto people there do I speak, and also desire thee to beware and take heed what thou dost against the Lord and his people, whom he hath raised up by his Power and they must bear Testimony to his Holy Name, which is but little known, and much less regarded by a profane people, whose Lives and Conversations is not conversant with the great God of Heaven and Earth, as they ought to be, neither hath their being with him as they should therefore was a necessity upon us to declare his blessed Truth unto God's witness in man, that they might come to hear and understand the things that belong to their everlasting peace, to their mortal Souls, and this is all (and ever was all) the end we have or ever had, in meeting; So were the place of your worship, that we whom God hath revealed his Son in, may not smother him, neither strangle him the womb, but must let his mouth be open, who hath right to speak, who speaks from Heaven, whose voice we have heard, and shape we have seen, and cannot but declare his love to all men on the face of the whole Earth, that they may have, and see, and understand, and not be Ignorant of the things of God, but have the knowledge of him whom to know is life, and this is the Substance in short of what hath lain upon us this many years, even unto the Souls of people, that we may be clear of their blood, and our God in his Judging whether they will hear or forbear, this is our message and Service, we owe to our God, and duty unto his people, as all people are his by Creation, and of right his Son should Reign in them; So we leave the work unto the Lord, who can work and none can hinder who hath the hearts of people in his disposing, and can turn them as he pleases and this is he whom we own, and in whose name we trust, whatever we suffer for the same, we are freely given up as into the hands of a faithful Creator, who is God over all blessed of ever and for evermore; So now I say unto thee, Willam Wilson who is called of men Master and born up by an outward power without, and hath them to back and uphold thee, and is yet dark and ignorant of the power of God within, which is the higher power, even God to dwell in us, and walk in us according to his promise of old, which is made good to us in our age, and we must confess Christ before men, who is God's righteousness and Gods great power and Salvation unto lost man, and as I said before, he must not be smothered in the Womb, but must have his liberty to speak in his people. And if thou take this ill, out and call it a provocation or disturbance, and so do evil and entreat his people evil, for their work and Service, the Lord will reward the there after. Therefore this is the pity was in my heart at the moving to write this unto thee, that as thou art provoked to wrath and fury, as was plainly seen in thee, who would not let God Messengers declare their message, and deliver unto people what God had to say by them, who may be might never have had the like upon them there again, but caused them abusively to be halled out of our peaceable Meeting; So I say take heed believes that thou do not provoke the Lord our God to Anger and sore displeasure against thee, even for so doing, for the Lord will take notice of those things, and reward every man according to his works be they good or be they evil, therefore I say let things alone and do not provoke the Lord to Anger, by thy casting them to suffer, but rather seek to turn away his wrath, while it is kindled but a little, and this is part of what arose in my mind unto thee, to acquaint thee with, and inform thee of, and advise thee to, whether thou wilt hear or forbear, it is in pity to thy Soul, and for the preventing of further trouble thereof, which will not be easily taken away if thou persist herein, and do evil to those people; So say not afterwards that thou was not warned, for in plain words from the mouth of thy friend, thou art warned, as well as the people, by one whose life is given up unto God in my measure, to serve the living God in my day, nor doubting nor fearing what man can do unto me, for my heavenly Testimony that God hath given me to bear in this blessed day of his love, which is offered unto all mankind upon the face of the whole Earth, so the woe and trouble will be unto them that seeks to stop the Current of his love from running freely, as from Vessel to Vessel, that as we have freely received, we may freely give, so this is all at present as a gentle warning in love unto thee, to prevent the danger that may come by doing of evil to thy Neighbours, which thou ought to love, as thyself, or else thou art guilty of the breach of God's Commandment, and doth the things thou ought not to do therefore I say again, be warned who is a lover of thy Immortal Soul, whose name is known unto the world to be. Willam Wilson of Longdalechappellsteel.