AN EXACT HISTORY of the life of JAMES NAYLOR WITH HIS PARENTS, BIRTH, EDUCATION, PROFESSION, ACTIONS, & BLASPHEEMIES. ALSO How he came first to be a QUAKER, and received his commission from Heaven (as he saith) when he was in the Field at Blow. Taken from his own mouth. With the Doctrines, Tenets and practices of some other of the same Sect. By JOHN DEACON. Deut. 13.1, 2, 3. If there arise among you a Prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or wonder: and the sign come to pass, etc. Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that Prophet; for the Lord proveth you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul Isaiah 14.12, 13, 14, 15. How art thou fallen from Heaven, O Lucifer? etc. For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into Heaven, I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like unto the most high. Yet thou shalt be brought down to Hell, to the sides of the pit 2 Thes. 2.3. Let no man deceive you by any means, for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed. the son of perdition London, Printed for Edward Thomas, and are to be sold at his house in Green Arbour, 1657. To the Reader Courteous Reader, I suppose thee sensible of that which I may well call a sound principle, as that the supreme and best end of all things is God's glory; first and next our own happiness, into which ocean we ought to empty and pour forth all our desires, actions and abilities, that so we may enjoy Gods most comfortable blessing here, with the fruition thereof (eternal life) hereafter; and therefore in every undertaking, with Moses, I esteem it a signal evidence not only of real wit, but a step hire of true wisdom, seriously to weigh and consider what the end may produce; which (Courteous Reader) hath not been the least of my care in this present undertaking; for truth being an attribute of God, and love the like. I think to defend the first, and demonstrate the other, cannot but tend to what hath been said; and I dare presume that in this one undertaking (if you read with a single eye) you will find them both performed, truth defended by preventing falsehoods and untrue reports, and love demonstrated by perverting those that would deceive the inquisitive, which its probable the covetous may attempt not with an intent to satisfy the Reader, but his own unsatisfied purse. I must needs confess the trouble in collecting, this relation hath been great, and the pains no less, which I might have avoided, but then have left thee perhaps either misinformed, or else not at all acquainted with those unheard of misdemeanours. And if any shall suppose that because I have heretofore had controversy both by dispute and in Print with the said James Naylor, and that therefore what I have written may be rather out of envy to the man, then love to the truth: I assure him to the contrary, for what I have done was and is only in discharge of that duty I suppose lies on every Christian, to communicate that which may be beneficial to others, which he knows himself; as this must needs be which also will evidently witness, what with some cautions I have heretofore said in their Society, that I feared (and now am sure of it) that if all the errors and blasphemies that have been either forged or upheld by any or all the archest Heretics since the death of our Saviour were buried in irreviveable oblivion, they might be equalled if not exuperated in them and their opinions, as the ensuing discourse will demonstrate. I have been plain because I would be brief, and brief because the occasion required it; and have said nothing but for what I have an evidence either one way or other: so that you need not mistrust the certainty, but rather admire the absurdity of his actions, of whom thou hast here, First, a true Relation of his birth & education; next the manner how he was seduced; after that a true Narrative of what hath been remarkable since that time, either for action or opinion, with an exact relation of their Principles and Tenets, and then lastly, some very choice stories of many of their Sect: All which may serve to witness with the truth that they are erroneous: which that we may all see so as to avoid, and in avoiding them embrace that truth, and possess that grace which will assuredly conduct us safely to an eternal habitation, is and shall be the desires and most affectionate wishes of From my lodging at Bun-hill London, Decemb. the 30th. 1656. Your assured Friend in what he can, JOHN DEACON. An exact History of the Life and Actions of James Naylor since he became a Quaker. IEsus Christ the only real and eternal Son of the Almighty Father, that out of a foreseeing and fore knowing sense (of the state of all things) in himself foresaw and understood that the instable and mutable mind of miserable man would be always busied and employed upon one subject or another, esteemed it a part of that true wisdom inherent in himself, prescribed such a matter for it to work on, as might tend principally to their own perpetual good, and his eternal glory. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, (and then that they might reap no discouragement by the want of meaner enjoyments, as riches and honour, he promiseth a taste of that here (his blessings) which in a higher sense shall be wholly enjoyed hereafter) and all these things shall be added unto you. And to attain any happiness or precious enjoyment which is to be purchased by the overcoming of withholding difficulties; we must first endeavour to remove all defects and impediments as evil which is contrary and opposite to good; and the readiest way so to do is to understand and know the cause that may either withhold us from the omission of duty, or encourage us to the commission of disobedience, that so that being known we may be the better fortified to withstand any temptation from them proceeding that providence should suffer to assault us, which is the intent and substance of this precedent discourse. Sad it is to consider, that as the world draws near to a period, the wickedness of men innumerates; and that every day Which sets them a step nearer to death, should throw them a stride further from a better life: as if every Age were only an addition of impiety, and a new torrent of iniquity, which added a stream more to the completing the fullness of such sins as might extract an immediate destruction, as not only bare reports, but to sad experience verifies in every Age, but more especially in this wherein we live: not only Satan endeavouring to transfigure himself into an Angel of light; but man attempts to transform himself into an imp and angel of darkness, in that a wretched and sinful man shall be no more called James but (Jezebel for enchantment, and not) Jesus. But I come to what I intent, God in his justice have given over men at this time to yield subjection to the allurements of Satan, and to believe lies because they have pleasure in unrighteousness, etc. Among which number chief is one who for his horrid blasphemies, is unworthy to be what he seems, a man who is well known by the name of James Naylor, of whom 'tis hard to say whether he is most endued with wit or wickedness; but it's easy to suppose; it were well for him he had none of the first, so he were void of the latter. But since Providence offereth so sad a subject, I can do no less in duty but lay forth myself and my abilities in a case of this consequence, when a man shall assume the name of God, and take unto himself his attributes, as doth this grand Seducer of whom I now intent to treat: and since some have worthily written of his Trial and Examination, etc. I shall not go about to erect any thing that may savour of Tautology, but carefully, truly and impartially, treat of what he hath done and practised since he came to be a Quaker; that so by his miscarriages the industrious may be improved, & the drowsy awakened to understand the deceits of, and arm himself against the man of sin and his factors; and that I may so do I shall methodically proceed. First, To decide that which various reports render disputable to most, when indeed what is said seems to be raised by such as would willingly say something, yet know not well what, which savours rather of a busie-brain, than a well grounded knowledge; I mean his Parents, birth and profession, etc. He is the son of one Goodman Naylor (so called in the Country) of Anderslow in the County of York, where he was born, neither to much plenty or mean penury; but as he was not over-rich, so was he not overpoor; but such was his estate, that with his own industry (by report) he might have lived comfortably, as other Country people do whose hands are the Tenants that produce a livelihood. Concerning his profession, reports are various, some say he was a Gentleman born and bred, others that he followed husbandry; and some say this, and others that, but to satisfy the industrious, I shall in few words declare what I can a vouch to be truth if man may be believed; a Gentleman, now one of that honourable Society of Gray's Inn, who was either born or bred (if not both) either in or near the same Town or place where this false prophet had his entrance into this transitory world, who was also School fellow with this Naylor, and knew his friends, reported to a friend of mine, before sufficient witness, that this James Naylor was the son of one Goodman Naylor (so called in the Country) by profession a Sowgelder, and did also follow the same profession of a Sowgelder, and thereof made either all, or part of his livelihood (which was also reported by one that was a fellow Soldier with him in the Army) till such time as he took up Arms and served in the Army, first under the Lord Fairfax, next under the Lord Lambert. And for his education it was neither such as might endue him with more than to understand, writ well, & read his mother tongue; nor less than might make him capable to undergo any ordinary employment; and though he be a man of an exceeding quick wit, and sharp apprehension, enriched with that commendable gift of good oritory with a very delightable melody in his utterance; yet he either out of policy or neglect, endeavours to make the world believe he hath not at all bettered or improved it; for in his answer to my Public Discovery, he seems to be ignorant what the word etimoliger means in that; when for his endeavouring to derive the word Trinity from Rome, in reply to that I call him deceitful Sophister, yet simple etimoliger; and in his answer to that Reply, he saith, here I am called a Soffister and an etimoliger, as if the word were odious, or had some relation to a scandalous or reviling style; but it is freely confessed that in another book, which he owneth, though perhaps some Jesuit writ it; being an answer to Mr. Joshua Miller's Antichrist in Man, the Quaking Idol. He there flies from what he pretends, immediate revelation, to the rules of art & learning, endeavouring to confute logical Silogisms by the like, and that not only by such as bear only the name, but also the exact rules according to art, though void of the power, because they want the force of truth; so that I find he can write a very legible hand, (if that he writ to me was his own) he spells good English; and either he hath more in him then he will make known, (and then perhaps he is what I judge him to be, a Jesuit) or else some other writes what he owns. In the next place it will be necessary to declare his original call and entrance into this damnable heresy wherein he now stands, not as various reports render it, but as he himself hath often declared it, not only in private, but in the public meeting at the Mouth within Aldersgate, London, to me and many others that have had discourse with him there. The manner of his call and entrance into this damnable Sect and Heresy wherein be now stands. HE said, As I was in the Field at Blow, in Barley-seed time, meditating on the things of God, (in his apprehension) suddenly I heard a voice saying unto me, Get thee out from thy Father's house, and from thy kindred, and I will be with thee at all times, and in all places. Whereupon I exceedingly rejoiced, that I had heard the voice of that God whom from a child I had endeavoured to serve in sincerity and uprightness of heart, and whom before that time I had never Known in truth: So I went home and waited there a good while, and not being obedient to that heavenly call, I was cast down and remained in a sad condition, as many friends can witness, who wondered to see such a change in me, and thought I was distracted, and that the hand of God upon me had made me lunatic by destruction of my senses, & I would never have spoken nor eaten more: but after I was mad, and willing to go, I gave my estate away, and I began to make some provision, as Money, Apparel, and other necessaries for my journey; but a while afterwards going with a friend from my own house on some business, having an old suit on, without any money, the voice spoke again, commanding me to go into the West, and then it should be revealed to me what was appointed for me to do; and not knowing whither I should go, or what was appointed for me to do, neither having taken my leave of her whom the world calls my Wife, and those children which according to the flesh are mine, I was obedient, and after I had been there a while, it was given me what I should declare; and ever since I have been obedient to that which is pure in me and in you all, Christ manifest in mortal flesh. Whereupon I asked him whether that friend or any else besides himself heard that same voice? or how should it be known to be a truth, since we had nothing but his own word for it? He answered it was not a carnal audible voice, to be heard with an earthly ear, for it was heavenly; and that it is true, the spirit beaereth witness, and I know his witness is true. Q. I asked him whether the voice were external or internal, and to whom he gave his estate? A. He said that that which is pure in all your consciences, which convinces you of the evil you do, Christ in you, the true light spoke to that of God in me, and I heard it, and will witness to that of God in you all (or words to this purpose) that it is pure and eternal. Q. I asked him to whom he gave his goods and estate? A. He said to his Wife and children. When indeed I had thought in imitation of the Pharisees, he had boasted of some deeds of charity he had done with it before men, not but that it was well bestowed as it was disposed of; for I think as they had most need of it, so they had most right to it; and the promise he faith, is fulfilled in that God hath witnessed to his doctrine; but what that Witness, what that Power, and what that voice is, and from whence is evident. First, By his Apostasy, in that when he had associated himself with a people that endeavoured to live and walk with and in the Lord, that he should backslide from those ways of truth and embrace such errors as have led him unto the height of blasphemy: when as the Apostle saith, They (and so he) went forth from us, because they were not of us: but like tares among Wheat disagreeable and fit for nothing but Destruction. Secondly, By his Actions, the first step whereof led him to such art Act as gives much suspicion, nay even assurance of inconstancy and adulteries, etc. as hereafter shall be made evident in this discourse. Thirdly, His Doctrine, in that he preacheth down all truth and up all errors, as denying either Magistracy or Ministry; or either Gospel or civil Laws, or Discipline, etc. Fourthly, By his Blasphemies of which he is justly convicted (and for which he hath partly suffered) by the Supreme Authority; as that he is the Son of God, and the Son of God is but one; and then he being one, and the Son of God as (he saith) there is by that account no other: and questionless he hath been long of this judgement though not so public in it: For long since he said, he was as holy: just and good as God himself, thereby claiming anequality with God though at a farther distance than now; for than he only claimed an equality by purity, but now by dignity & affinity, as being the Son of God, and one with the Father: See Mr. Farmer's Satan enthroned in his Chair of Pestilence etc. I have first laid down those four Heads as a groundwork to what I intent to enlarge upon in prosecution of this Treatise; but before I proceed to do so, I shall speak a word or two concerning the proceeding of the Supreme Authority against him of whom we now treat; by reason that many though some indiscreetly say, The sentence pronounced against him savours of a harsh judgement thereby endeavouring to scandalise the supreme and high Authority with cruelty: to which I shall speak a word or two impartially. Since it is esteemed not only in this, but in all other Nations, an act of high in justice to sentence him to die the very worst of deaths, that shall assume unto himself the title of his Prince or Governor; or that shall any ways endeavour to impair the titles and glory of him: how much more ought he to die or suffer a worse punishment that shall commit a greater offence, and make himself the Son of God, the King of righteousness. I have read of them that for bearing in their Coats of Arms that which belonged only to the Crown have suffered as Traitors; as Lord Howard Duke of Norfolk, with his son the Earl of Surrey, in the days of Henry the 8th. though men in great and high esteem and of no less honour, for this offence and no other were arraigned, convicted and condemned as Traitors: then how much more ought he that shall make himself the Son of God, etc. to die if it were possible a hundred times? for look how much God is above man, so much ought he to suffer a just torment more than death if it were possible; And therefore the sentence which was passed upon him, and he hath partly undergone, was more in mercy then justice could well admit, and they with honour pronounce against him: but 'tis true indeed, mercy shall find mercy, and its a signal token of a tender charity in that mercy was exalted in the midst of just Judgement. I shall now proceed to treat upon and examine the several things before laid down. First, That it is an evidence that that voice, that power, and that witness is not of God or goodness, that spoke to him, goeth with him, and testifieth of him. Firft, by reason of his apostasy; it is a precept in the word of God, concerning him which backslideth from the faith which stands in Jesus Christ the only real and eternal Son of God the Father, after the first and second admonition, if he repent not, give (saith the holy Ghost) or deliver such a man over to Satan, which is, excommunicate, or exclude him; so than he being delivered over to Satan is no more of God, in respect that power which is given to the Church to excommuninate false members, hath been exercised on him as a backsliding brother; we ought to look on him as one under the power of Satan, and not to bid him good speed, lest we be partakers with him in his evil deeds: And indeed if we consider him in the state of a fallen brother, we cannot wonder to see him reign in all manner of wickedness, in respect the Holy Ghost saith, that false Prophets mnst come, and false Christ's shall arise: it is just with God to give him over to believe lies, because he hath pleasure in unrighteousness; 2 Thes. 2 10, 11, 12. 1 John 4.8. Heb. 12.29. For as God is light, and so able to discern all things; so is he all-sufficient to understand and do all things: and as he is all love to his children; so is he all judgement (yet merciful) to his enemies: Therefore let him repent him of and not persevere in his blasphemies; 1 Tim. 1.23. for though he can contemn Authority, and say in the mind he is in, he would not be uncovered though he were in the Parliament house: Yet let him know, that he that resisteth (or contemneth) the Powers, resisteth the Ordinances of God: and he that resists, See Mr. Bourn, p. 41. receiveth unto himself damnation: And it is a most sad thing indeed with Korah, Dathan, and Abiram to play with and contemn the wrath of God-lest the bowels of the earth chastise their presumption. Rom. 13.2, 3. I both would and shall endeavour brevity in what convenience may require; yet for the good of those that stand between two not knowing whether they were better to backslide or stand fast where they are: I shall endeavour in a few words to show you what I apprehend to be the cause of the Lords forsaking him, and giving him over tp his own lust: and as I often told him and George Fox, Borows and Hoberthorn, etc. I observed a Learned Author laid this down as maxim in Divinity, that when a man ceases (with this quaking Sect) to be guided by God's Laws, God gives him over to be ruled by his own lusts; and therefore I wished them not to whet and provoke the anger of the Lord which is a consuming fire: And in a word, I am clearly of this opinion, that had he had true faith, he could never have finally fallen to reprobation and blasphemy: It is probable he might have faith, but not true faith; for as saith Dr. Holmes, there is a faith of adherance, and there is a faith of assurance, etc. The true faith must be exercised in true worship, the end whereof is true happiness, and all worship not agreeing with Gods revealed will, is profaneness and irreligion, the end whereof is not happy but wretched; For this is life eternal to know God, and whom he hath sent Jesus Christ, and (not James Naylor.) And he that expects to reign with nim, must believe that he is able to save to the uttermost; Heb. 11.6. John 1.11. 2 Cor. 5.7. John 20 29. Heb. 11.1. Ephes. 2.8. and all other that pretend so to do besides him are seducers; and let him pretend what revelations he will, this a true believer must know and rely on, That no man hath seen God's essence, that is greater than any finite apprehension; so that let Quakers and their seducing teachers say what they please; this is truth and no lie, we walk by faith (the eye of the soul) and not by sight; and therefore Christ when he had assumed a visible nature (in his incarnation) for that work of our Redemption would not be long conversant on earth in his public Ministry, that our salvations might not be in sense, but believing; blessed are they that have not seen yet have believed. The necessity of faith appears in that, the just shall live by it: by faith we are justified, without it we cannot please God; Habakkuk 2.4. and what is not of faith is sin: the excellency of it in that it apprehendeth the riches of Christ, and in him the unspeakable treasure of God's mercy, peace of conscience, reconciliation with God, remission of sin, indemptnity from the guilt and punishment, etc. In fine all things which concur to the completing true happiness. It styled Abraham God's friend, and us his sons; it is the sanctuary of a troubled spirit the first fruits of the heavenly Paradise: In a word, precious is that faith which believeth all the word of God is true and to be obeyed, and saith, that Jesus (and not James) is the true Christ: and that there is Salvation in no other name under Heaven. They best know how sweet a Jewel faith is, that can value the enjoyment by the want of it: but to such as Naylor and his sect, who are deluded with false light and temptations of security, there appeareth no want of it in themselves, because they are secure: but I hearty wish they knew, and would believe there is a common faith, which reprobates may have, and that is either historical such at the Devils have, Jam. 2.19. or temporal, as Mat. 13.20. Acts 8.13. and this is either a faith of miracles, or a delusion of security. There be many degrees, but one only object of true and saving faith, and that is Jesus Christ (and not James Naylor,) and that which we are to believe and obey, is the infallible truth of God (the first, God, the second, his Oracles.) and his Will concerning our Salvation revealed in his Word. The word and testimony of man may be the ground of opinion which is of things probable; but true faith can stand on no other basis but the Word of God which is infallible, certain and can have no falsehood in it, and he that goeth without this guide runneth like those Israelites to the mountains of the Canaanites, Numb. 14 40. to their own destruction, as this Sect, and particularly him of whom we now speak, gives too sad a testimony of this truth. I desire thy excuse (Courteous Reader) if I have been transported too far on this Subject, be thou pleased to read it but with as much patience as I writ it, and 'twill extenuate the tediousness of it; I shall rest no longer here, but press onward to what I intent, and that leads me to the second ground, which argues the spirit by which he is acted to be not divine but diabolical. Which is this, Secondly, By his actions in general, but chief by reason that the first step he took after his apostasy gives strong suspicion, nay plain assurance that he is guilty of inconstancy and adultery, to the clearing of which I shall proceed, and in so doing it will be requisite to trace him along from the beginning, when he first left that Church whereof he was a member; and in so doing observe what is worth the noting, as shall seem most convenient. Naylor being a member of a Congregation at Wool-Church in Yorkshire, he was there excommunicated for his blasphemous Tenets, as Mr. Christopher Martial Pastor of that Church whereof he was a member confessed; 〈…〉 who is also well known to be an able, godly and sincere Minister of the Word of God; who also in a Letter to a friend, a Copy whereof I read, is related this story, that James Naylor, since he was a Quaker, having gotten into the acquaintance of a woman named Mistress Roper, and her husband being gone away from her on some occasion a long voyage; he the said James Naylor used greatly to frequent her company, being more than ordinarily, and to be plain, more than civility familiar with her, using frequently to dandle her on his knee, embracing and kissing her more than was either fitting or beseeming civility; and in the time of her busbands' absence, either by some other, or (as is most likely) and is supposed by James Naylor she was gotten with child, and when her husband had been absent from her, and Naylor acquainted with her seven and forty weeks, she was brought to bed of a Bastard-child; and this was several times proffered by myself and my loving friend Mr. Persival, to be proved and made good before any Magistrate, if they durst put it to trial; and I proffered to read the Letter, or at least a Copy of it, at their public meeting, provided that Naylor or any other should but engage that I should have neither violence offered to me nor to the paper, but it would not be granted; and Naylor himself when accused with it in his meeting, was unable to clear himself any further than with silence, which gives consent, A weak excuse (yet as strong as his innocence.) and leaving his standing he said, This is a priest lie. And without question had he been able to have said any thing that might have savoured of an excuse, he would have been ready to have spoke that with much addition, his tongue being free to run commonly, not only beyond reason, but truth also; and one passage in the said Letter must not be omitted; which was, Naylor being on a time in private with her, the said Mistress Roper, dandling, embracing and kissing her lasciviously, she in a jesting manner thus expressed herself, as glorying in their stolen wickdness, Now James, what would the world say should they see thee and I in this posture? but what his ananswer was I cannot say, but it may easily be supposed to be such as should encourage her in her sin with greater impudence, if it might be; and though he nor his friends durst not bring it to the Bar of justice, he knowing his own guilt, and fearing the punishment on the Law in that case provided: yet Providence hath so disposed of that business, that since he was in question for that horrid and scarce to be paralleled blasphemy, it hath been a matter disputed of before the Seat of Justice; for Mr. Persival, our a zeal to Piety, by having impiety corrected, went to the Honourable Bramfield, a known godly pious Gentleman, and Churchman of the Committee chosen to examine his misdemeanours, and gave him to understand the matter, and told him, that if his Honour pleased to send for Mr. Lamb at Elie-House, he had in his custody the original Copy of the Letter, containing the whole proceed before the said Church, under Mr. marshal's own hand: Which Mr. Lamb being sent for, and producing the said Papers, they were read to the said Naylor's face in the open Court; who being asked what he could say for himself? as to this did not nor indeed could not deny the action, but only denied the time, as being not since he was a Quaker, but when he was a Soldier; and he said it was not in that nature in which those Letters presented it, as in any dishonest or lascivious way, but only he then kissed her in the way of courtship. To which, answer was returned that it was no such thing as he pretended, but since he was a professed Quaker, and not before; which when he see it would be made so evident, that it would be rendered inexcusable, he was silent as to that; and that it is so by consequence, hereafter shall be verified. Thus much for this particular act, I shall now come to treat of some of his actions in general. Here followeth a brief Narrative of some Actions committed by him, with several other Passages of the like nature, since, and not before he was a Quaker. JAmes Naylor being on a time in a meeting at Sedbergh in the North, peremptarily asked one who is reputed to bean honest sincere Christian, named Samuel Handley, whether he were free from sin or no? who replied, he was sensible of his own infirmities, and therefore a sinner; with that Naylor railed at him with the uncivil terms of Thief and Murderer, Cane and the like; and justified himself to be perfectly free from sin: And here may I fitly insert a passage between one (whose name I omit, because he is well known about where he lives) and myself at the Bull and Mouth within Aldersgate. I being on a time at the said meeting, fell by chance in discourse with one who (by his signal terms as thou and thee) I supposed to be a Quaker, with whom (after other things) I had some speech concerning present and perfect perfection, which he in part denying, I said that Naylor owned, and preached to maintain it, as in a Letter extant, in the Quakers whitest Devil unvailed; whereupon the aforesaid A.A. called me liar, and child of the devil, till producing the book itself I read unto him Naylors own words; which when he heard, he said, doth James say so? I answered, yes; nay then said he, It is truth. So far are they bewitched with his delusion, as to steer their faith by his unstable and vitiated brain. Naylor hearing of a Bull-baiting in Chesterfield, whereof Mr. Billingsly was Pastor, he writ a Letter to the said known godly Minister, wherein he said that swearing, cursing, bull-baiting, and blaspheming of God was the fruits of John Billingsly's Ministry; thereby endeavouring to scandalise the man that had done him no prejudice; See Learned & Reverend Mr. Bourn's defence of the Scriptures, p. 17. 18. which indeed was his usual practice, as is evident in many particulars too tedious to name; which is a signal demonstration ofa malicious spirit: but when he was in public, he was accused with this act of falsehood (indeed the proper fruits of his spirit) he denied it, calling him liar that laid it to his charge, till his Letter was produced, which proved him in an untruth, when he wanted not impudence to excuse (but grace to repent for) that lying accusation. A Poor honest Countryman of Wingerworth in the County of Derby, having heard Naylor prate after his usual manner (error and blasphemy) was so infused (not with pure light as they pretend) but with a desperate devilish humour, that he destroyed and drowned himself; which plainly speaks by what power and spirit they are acted: Not unlike to this was that of Marry White, who by the damnable sedition of Burrows, Howgall, and Hoberthorn, the orators for the promotion of the man of sin James Naylor (not the) but their Christ. and his cause, was miserably be witched and enchanted to death after several and sad motions and fits, as heaving and struggling like Convulsion fits, with strange out-cries, as barking like a Dog, lowing like a Cow, etc. witnessed by Bartholomew Le●ald, See a sheet called quakers or enchanters Sold by Mr. Dod Susannah Green, and William White on oath before Edmund Harvey, Esq And the like that of Gilpine and also Cotton Crosland that hanged himself, who pretended he knew more and higher things himself them any or all the Ministers in England did; the truth whereof the end demonstrates. And another in the North, See Gilpin towards the latter end. whose name I think was Birch, who was seen in the act committing Buggery with a mare, and for it fled, all then professed Quakers. It were in vain to cite every slight passage, and to treat upon his several lies and falsehoods which would rather afford a great volume, then be contained in so small a tract as this Treatise: and although much more might be said to this purpose, I only intended to touch on this by the way, and come to the next thing intended to be treated on, as an evidence that he is under a spirit of error. The third evidence is his Doctrine, in that he preacheth down all truth, and up all error, etc. and here I shall begin with that which is most material to this subject. See Mr. Bourn, his defence of the Scriptures, 9 20. And first, In that he saith he is as holy, just and good as God himself, without either limitation or reservation; as was witnessed by two at Kendal, and an honest Inhabitant of Vnderborow near to Kendal: Saith, he and many others heard him utter this blasphemy, but being all followers of Naylor he believes they will be slow and unwilling to testify the truth in this case: yet he calls me liar often for accusing him for holding perfect perfection, when by this account, if he were as holy, just & good as God himself, See my Public discovery of their secret deceit. and not perfect, what then? is God imperfect? O horrid blasphemy! He holds that the Scriptures are not the word of God, but only a declaration of that word; and that their words and Letters are the declaration also; so then both being one in quality, equality afordeth no different distinction: & some of them have burned the Bible (as I have heard them boast) in contempt of it. And Naylor hath said more than once that he that expected to be saved by that Jesus Christ that died at Jerusalem should be deceived; See the perfect Pharisee. p. 8. and this character the holy Ghost gives of the man of sin, antichrist; See Mr. Bower, p. 16. if any man (as Naylor in effect) denies Christ as being come in the flesh that is a deceiver and an antichrist; 1 John 2.22.23. he hath also erroneously taught that we own no obedience to any Magistrates, or to render them any honour or subjection, which though in public he denied before the vulgar people, yet then was he testified to be in a lie by one of his own Sect, who openly confessed he received that doctrine from Naylor himself, see the Northern Relation, p. 9 and oftentimes he hath denied that the Scriptures and written word of God to be either the judge of spirits or of controversies, or the rule by which every Christian ought to walk, and by which he ought to guide himself and limit his actions; and when I said I did understand a distinct and vast difference between Christ the word, and the word of Christ, the first being God, the other but the expressive temporal word of God, See my Public discovery. wherein, the holy Ghost stooping to our infirmities speaks in such terms as may impress on our capacities. I defy your distinctions and your carnal words, for Christ is the word, and God is the word, and all other words are without in the nature, etc. He also affirmed in his answers to my queries (extant in my Public Discovery) that that immortality, that incorruption, etc. spoken of us enjoyed by Saints in Heaven, he enjoyed here immediately on earth; and that in opposing him and his heresy, I sought and endeavoured to kill the just one in them, and that I would murder them that were out of cain's way and were transplanted from death to life, with much more of the like absurd stuff. And on a time being disputing with a godly able Minister, about that light in all men, Naylor laid down this absurd error, That an Indian that never heard nor read of Christ, by that which is in every man, knew Christ Jesus, See the defence of the Scriptures p. p. 22. as well as any man. It will not be impertinent in this place to insert one notable story of him. A very notable Story worth your Observation, and unquestionably true. JAmes Naylor being on a time at a place where it so fell out that a godly Minister* chanced to be at the same time who stood up & said unto him, One Mr. Cole a known godly Minister. the Lord put it upon my spirit to speak a few words unto him on some things that might tend to edify the audience: to which Naylor audaciously and presumptuously said, (as making it a matter admirable) hast thou received a message from the Lord, and I not know of it▪ thereby pretending privacy to and knowledge of the hidden secrets and unsearchable counsels of the Lord, like to Hezekiah, 2 Chron. 15. Which way went the Spirit of the Lord from me to speak unto thee? thus doth he presumtiously lift himself up above what he is; but I shall wave what might be further said on this subject, not intending to write much, but only to give an evident demonstration in brief of what may set him forth to be as he is a deceiver, and not as he pretends a Saviour: and to that end I come unto the Fourth argument or evidence that he is under a spirit of sedition and heresy. The fourth evidence which plainly declares he is under a spirit not Divine but Diabolical, to wit, his Blasphemies. ANd in this order might have been inserted several particulars already treated of, but that I intent no needless repetition of things past, in respect this present juncture of time gives too large a subject to treat upon, and not only for us to wonder at; but for future posterity also to admire that so much of the Devil should inhabit in a man, out of which I shall complete this Chapter. Most blasphemous is, and was that expression, I am the Son of God, and the Son of God is but one; See Mr. Farmer, p. 14. 15, 16, 17 and the like I am saith he, the prophet of the most high God, I am the Son of God, and the everlasting righteousness is wrought in me: and then arrogantly as imitating Christ, he blasphemously applieth the words to himself, if ye had known the Father, ye would have known me also; and as he gives these testimonies of blasphemy of himself, and is thereby guilty of blasphemy; so also in respect that he receiveth titles from others which are as bad as when they call him King of Israel, he answers to it, see Mr. Farmer's Satan enthroned, etc. When he was asked art thou the unspotted Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world? he answers in the affirmative, Were I not a Lamb, Wolves would not seek to devour me: thus taking to himself the titles and attributes only belonging to Christ, therein robbing God of his glory and honour. And those Proselytes of his who are trained up by and under him, do questionless nothing but what they have learned of him, and a witness to this truth, it is in that he corrects them not, but countenanceth them in their actions and expressions of the highest blasphemy; as thou everlasting Son of righteousness and Prince of peace: Oh how my soul traveleth to see this day which Abraham saw and was glad, and in the same letter as a signal of obedience to him is added▪ Oh I am ready to fear as a servant, and to obey as a child: and again, thy name is no more to be called James but Jesus, Page 8. thou King of Israel, and thou on Son of the most High; Page 13. and Oh thou beloved of the Lord, the Prophet of the most High; and Martha Simonds (a woman for her tough, Page 4. indeed better befitting a Cucking-stool then a speaking place) doth acknowledge she worshipped him; and being asked why she did so, she said, she ought so to do it being her duty, she calls him Lord, because (he saith) he is Lord of righteousness and Prince of peace, and anointed King of Israel; Page 15. 16. and Dorcas Erbury witnesseth, that he is the only begotten Son of God, Page 17. 18. and that he is worthy of honour being the holy Lord of Israel, and she saith, she knows no other Saviour, and she believes in him the World calls James Naylor, and that she calls him the Son of God, and she is commanded to call him Lord and Master, and to serve him with much more of the like nature: which to repeat at large were tedious and unnecessary in respect this is sufficient to show him guilty of the Fact for which he now hath suffered the greater part of his punishment; and what I have said, I suppose is sufficient to convince any rational sensible man, that the spirit Ruling in him is not Divine but Diabolical; and I am confident that he which shall read Mr. John Gilpins Book, wherein he relates how he was seduced by the Devil (yet with a Quakers pretences of a more pure and clear light even Christ himself) who possessed him immediately and really four several times; and shall read this relation of Naylor's call into this sect, will find such a concurrence in the manner that the difference will rest only here, the subject is not Gilpin but Naylor; and as the manner was alike, so is the matter, both being delusions veiled under glorious pretences of divine revelation: there ecstasies were both of alike strain after the manner of the working of Satan by their own reports; only one is seired in impudence, the other salved with repentance: but one passage in that of Gilpin I cannot omit willingly, which is this. A Remarkable passage and worthy your Observation. GIlpin having but once tasted of that bitter berry of Apostasy from the truth, yet wanting that inward evidence from an internal light which others boasted of, could not be contented to weigh but pressed forwards from the shallow side to the bottomless channel of soul impoverishing errors: and therefore extremely thirsted after the act of quakeing, thinking that then he should feel that internal power that might evidence their external preaching, which as yet he could not do: But when the Devil had so fair an opportunity as this to enlarge his Dominion, he cast him into that action he so much desired. When the Devil as it afterwards appeared and confessed itself to be in the likeness of a Dove, descended upon him, and entered into him, pretending to be the holy Ghost: in this state he going to their meetings where one Christopher Atkinson was speaking, he returned home with great joy in that the power (as he saith) which was within him had enabled him to witness to what was said, so that it may easily be discerned what that power is, whose doctrine the Devil bears a witness unto; I am clearly of this opinion that Satan cannot witness unto the things of God really, but to overthrow them further by his chief policy. I come now to what I would willingly be brief in, which is to speak a word or two to the opening and explaining of the politic designs of this man of sin James Naylor, in the carryiny on this blasphemy, and high treason against the most high God of Heaven and Earth. The Politic deceits of this seducing Sophister in carrying on this his design of Blasphemy and Treason against God. ANd in so doing I shall first of all observe two or three things and that but name them. And the first is, that it was his usual custom and common doctrine both to act and to teach that it was unlawful, nay sinful to give or receive civilities, good morrow or good deen, or you are welcome; or far you well; nay not from children to their Parents, or inferiors to their Magistrates in general. And next more particularly, he not only forbidden it to his hearers, but upbraided others that received titles of honour or respects, as Sir and the like: and in my Public discovery in his 14. queries to me, and to several others he renders this as an invective against the Ministers, and as a signal token of a false Prophet, who stand praying in their Synagogue (but he cannot say the Pillory) and being called Masters, etc. And lastly, What he upbraided as in others he now cries up not only as virtuous, but as a fruit of the immortal seed in himself, being called not only Master but Lord; and not Lord only neither, but King of righteousness and Prince of peace: See Satan enthroned, etc. p. 13. are these words, thou King of Israel, and Son of the most High▪ And see Mr. Farmer's Satan enthroned, etc. p. 7. are these words; Oh thou fairest amongst ten thousand, thou only begotten Son of God, how my heart painteth after thee: Oh stay me with Flagons and comfort me with Wine, and the like, which they do not only in public but in common too, as Timothy Wedlock testifieth; See Mr. Farmer's Satan enthroned, etc. page 17. you may discern the hypocrisy of this deceiver that will practise contrary to his own doctrine, embracing not only the civilities of Master, but honour as Lord; and not only honour as Lord, but worship as Christ also. I shall now having spoke somewhat to this, also proceed to relate one Story which I had from a hand of repute; which was this. An observable story, (and yet very true) of one Duesbury (an eminent Quaker in this Land) how he lay with one Rebekah Burnhil, who he or Naylor, or some of their grandees had seduced to their Heresy. A Friend of mine, who is a zealous friend to the truth, and an ingenuous opposer of their Heresy, had by his industrious care procured a relation under the hand of a Lincolnshire Gentleman, named Mr. White, how that Duesbury (a known Seducer too, and Preacher of this Quaking heresy) having enticed a silly woman, named Rebekah Burnhill to his sedition, he then endeavoured to pull her one step nearer to destruction by multiplying sin to iniquity, and so as he had drawn her to his heresy he endeavoured to entice her to his lust, which she resisting, and he pursuing, she salluted him with this question, How could he in conscience so much wrong his Wife, as to lie with any other woman if he might? and what did he thinks she would say to it she knew it? He answered, I do her no wrong at all, in that I freely give her the same liberty I take myself; (that was freely to be a Whore, as he was a Whoremaster) whereupon in a short space he obtained his desire; and having satisfied his lust, she proposed another question to him. Rebekah. Qu. What if I should then by you prove with child? what should I then do? Duesb. An. Why then you must be content to be numbered amongst the transgressors, and to make your grave with the wicked; and what a pure Saint this was I leave it to any impartial Reader to judge, that knowing the event, would against knowledge and that light he calls pure, commit sin: with which we should deal as did Joab with Absolom, not spare it for its beauty or any thing delectable in it, but pierce it to the heart; and that by three darts, The first, Repentance for sin. The second, Abstenance from sin. The third, Resolution against sin. But to our purpose, The said Rebekah Burnhill afterwards repenting of her offence, and as bewailing her sin, confessed to the said Mr. White what I have here presented. And further, that James Naylor did attempt the same inconstancy, but she denied him; and Naylor hath been known to say, that he could as willingly and freely lie with one Rebekah as with his own Wife: on which words Mr. Jeremiah Ives propounded this question to Naylor in the common meeting place. Q. James Naylor, What Rebekah did you mean, when you said you could as willingly, as freely, and as lawfully lie with one Rebekah as with your own Wife? He paused a little, and then said, A. There be more Rebekahs then one in the world. To which was replied, Rep. That there are more Rebekahs then one, is nothing to the question propounded; therefore we desire to resolved not how many Rebekahs there be, Rom. 1.21.22, 23, 24, 25 but which Rebekah you could so willingly lie with? Rom. 2. 22. But when he saw that he could not avoid the question, Rom. 2.5, 8, 9 he became silent. So Mr. Persival made use of this as an argument at that present of Naylors' guilt in this particular, and said to the people, You may observe that as to the thing whereof Naylor is now accused, he cannot, or at least doth say nothing to clear himself of it, but according to his custom endeavoured to avoid the questions. And truly to me it appears that the chief cause of his silence was not being able either to deny or confute what he was accused for, lest in so attempting to do the thing might have been aggravated according to its proper nature, tolerating sin; and since all his impudence afforded him not a confidence to outface this truth, its unquestionable true, else he would not have spared tongue to have railed and lied too if that would have done it. And here I cannot but pause upon and indeed admire the seared impudence of this arch Heretic, in that passage between him and Mr. Ives; when Naylor (that pretends to abhor distinctions of persons except they may accrue to his advantage) was in discourse with Mr. Ives about Christ's being born after the flesh, or according to the flesh; Naylor made a vast distinction between these two expressions, after the flesh and according to the flesh: But Mr. Ives proved from Scripture a concurrence and so no difference between them; which dispute with other things he inserts in Print, in answer whereunto Naylor falsely asserts that Mr. Ives makes no distinction between being born after the flesh and after the spirit. This passage I can witness true, because I read it; and truly since it is a matter which may seem a mystery to some what his intent should be in thus doing, since it must needs redound to his disparagement when the deceit is discovered; I shall give you my thoughts of it, it being a principle amongst them to receive what their leaders lay down or write as infallible truth; and that whatsoever is made public by them, they all will peruse, he did it to confirm them to himself, that are seduced by him, by making and representing them as odious as may be, that in any ways oppose or withstand his heresies; and that this is common with him, who so reads my Public Discovery and his pretended answer cannot but witness. The manner how James Naylor was burned, first through the tongue, and afterwards branded in the forehead with the letter B. at the Royal Exchange, London. THe relation of his former justly deserved punishment. As first, Standing on the Pillory at the Palace-yard Westminster, and whipping from thence to the Royal Exchange, London having been heretofore largely related by some who have noised it through the Land, I shall not so much as mind it, but pass it over, and come to speak to that which last he underwent with much Impudence. On Saturday December the 27th. about 11. of the clock he was in a Coach conveyed from the common Goal of Newgate to the Black Boy near to the Royal Exchange, London; in which house he continued till the Clock had struck twelve at noon, when by divers on foot with Holberts, he was guarded to the Pillory, where when he came they presently put his head into the same, and having pinned it down, came up Martha Symonds, and with her two others, who was said to be Hannah Stranger and Dorcas Erbury; the first seated herself just behind him on the right side, the two latter before him, the one on the right hand, the other on the left, just at his feet, in imitation of Mary Magdalen and Mary the Mother of Jesus, and Mary the Mother of Cleophas, John 19.25. thereby to witness their still blasphemous and presumptuous and heretical adoration of him, as Jesus the Christ, as is more evidently expressed by that act of Robert Richardo, whom I saw stick up a paper over his head, in which it is said was writ, This is the King of the Jews; word by word with that in Luk. 23.38. which plainly fulfils the words of our true Saviour, False christs must come, and false prophets shall arise; and then he gives us this signal whereby we should know them when they come, who shall say, lo here, and lo there is Christ, as do these: Since than we see the prophecy fulfilled, let us obey the command also; believe them not. This I speak by the way, to employ that space of time between his first coming and his sufferings; for when he had stood just one hour and three quarters, they took him forth of the Pillory, and having bound him fast with his back to the same, the Executioner pulled off his Cap, and having hood winked his face & taken fast hold of his tongue, with a red hot Iron he bored a hole quite thorough; which having done, and pulling the cloth off that covered his face, he put a handkerchief over his eyes, and so putting his left hand in his pole, he taking the red hot Iron-letter in his other hand, put it to his forehead, which gave a little flash of smoke; which being done, Rich licked the same, as did the dogs the wounds of Lazarus; and then sang, which he did often before, both stroking and kissing him, which he suffered with an admired impudence; so Naylor was first conveyed back to the Black-boy, and thence again to Newgate, where he rests till he sets forward to suffer deserved shame in like manner at Bristol. What I have said in this, I saw and therefore can witness. I shall now proceed to lay down some of their wicked and erroneous Tenets not held out to my knowledge by any one man; but by them all in General. 1. They deny distinction of the persons in the Godhead; see Fox's saul's errant to Damascus p. 18. there he affirms, that it shows only a busy mind to inquire whether there be any individual God distinguished into the Father, Son, and holy Ghost. 2. They hold the holy Scriptures, to wit, the writings of the Prophets, Evangelists and Apostles as not being the Word of God, but some of them call it carnal, and all of them a dead letter. 3. They deny any Exposition except such as they themselves make, and call expounding, conjuration; and he that takes a Text to expound it, they say is a Conjurer. 4. They hold their own licentious and erroneous writings and speakings to be equal with the written Word of God: and George Fox said to Jos. Killet that it was all one and the same to take a Text out of his writings and Paul 's Epistles, See the discovery of a Treacherous design, etc. p. 5. and to preach upon it: this is an evidence by what spirit these men are under. See Mr. Bourn, p. 22. 5. They hold that Jesus Christ is come into their flesh, that the man Christ dwells in them, and that he is savingly in all men, even Turks and Infidels, but that in them he is held under corruption. 6. They deny the Ascension. 7. Some deny the Resurrection. Saint's errand to Damascup, p. 57 8. They disown Christ's imputative righteousness, and depend upon that which is inherent in themselves. 9 They hold that in Regeneration there is no new matter, no habit of grace or seed of God infused; but that Christ that was in man before, is then only raised up in them out of Prison, and from under corruption. 10. They hold the full enjoyment of present purity and immortality, See my Public Discovery, & c as who so reads my Public Discovery may find it clearly proved, with fullness of glory that they enjoy God, Christ, the Resurrection, Judgement, and all they look for they enjoy here in this life, not expecting any other World or Kingdom, but deny any local Heaven or Hell. 12. They hold that they neither do nor can sin. 13. They hold that to pray that our sins may be forgiven, is needless; and to ask any thing of God, is folly; for he knows our wants. 14. They deny all Ordinances, and concerning Prayer, Preaching, the Sacraments, etc. Fox said, away with them for he denied them all: And I heard Edward Borowes say, that they were an abomination to the Lord, with much more of the like nature. But think not that I shall accuse any one man as holding all these, but only that amongst them this they believe, some in a lesser and some in a greater measure. I shall only make mention of some absurd actions and opinions practised and upheld amongst them that now are and were of their society in general. A brief Narrative of some very Remarkable passages and absurdities committed by and amongst that heretical Sect of Quakers. ANd whereas Christopher Atkinson was once as famous as most that now stand with and among them, I shall in a word give you to understand, that last Spring at a Sessions held at Norwich, he the said Atkinson was indicted, arraigned and found guilty of adultery, and then confessed the Fact, and since hath left their society, and lives civilly with his Wife in the said City, as a Letter I once saw from thence testified to be true: this Atkinson was once adored rather as an Angel then respected as a man amongst them: But it is evident that he was rotten at the Core, and his heart was not found. George Fox before sufficient witness, See the Perfect Pharisee, p. 3. as Doctor Martial, Col. West and one Mr. Sawro, said, that he was equal with God himself; See Mr. Bourn's Defence of the Scriptures, p. 90. see the relation of the Northern Quakers, p. 2. who also said, he was the eternal Judge of the World, as George Beket, Adam Sands testifieth, etc. He hath also avowed himself to be the Christ, as George Beket and Isaac Bourn affirmeth, see the same Author, p. 3. so did James Naylor say also, that he was God and Christ, as testifieth three witnesses. Here followeth a story no less strange than true, though the strangeness of it may render it some what incredible; which is as followeth, LAst Spring, or thereabouts, were met together in Yorkshire, about an hundred and six score men, women and children, of all ages and sects except sucking babes, about eight a clock in the evening, where they continued their usual discourse till about eleven of the clock at night; Rom. 2.22, 23, 24. and when their speaker had done his rabble, they all very lovingly (like swine in a sty) went to bed together in the straw stark naked, save what men and women were in beds. An act not becoming Christians, but rather Infidels. This was often times (in my hearing) offered to be proved in their public meeting place, but they never durst put it to trial. And but a little before that there were (as I was informed for a certain truth) some of this factious heresy presumed so far on their delusions, that they slew a child, presuming to raise it from the dead; which when they saw they could not accomplish, they were apprehended, and at the Sizes condemned and executed for the said murder. Not much unlike this was that bold peremptory part of George Fox, who near Kendal commanded a cripple to cast away his crutches and walk, which he did, but remained a cripple still; and Fox wrought his own disparagement, see the irreligion of the Northern Quakers, p. 29. Many more be the absurdities that I could name of this like nature, but I shall only instance two or three in brief. A man came stark naked to the Market-crosse in Kertby-more, and there stood speaking in that posture to the people, with this excuse, That he stood naked by the command of the spirit, that he might speak the naked truth; What father that was (whether of of truth or of lies) the actistrates. on daemon. witness Mr. George Emot in his Northern blast, about p. 6. At Whyton, a place also in Yorkshire, a woman of this quaking sect, came naked from her own bed to another woman's husband, a companion & of her own sect, and bid him open his bed, for the Father* had sent her unto him; See the queriers and Quakers case at the second hearing is no lie, p. the man had at that time another man in bed with him, he risen to give place to this woman, and left this serious couple to lie together, according to the woman's revelations. A most Remarkable Story yet very true, of that mad, blind and presumptuous spirit in them. ONe Mistress Williamson at Appleby most senslesly affirmed in the hearing of divers, that she was the eternal Son of God, to which some presently Replied, that she was a woman; and therefore could not be the eternal Son of God: to which she boldly replied, no, you are all women, but I am a man. By this may easily resolved how absurd, nonsensical and arogant that spirit in them is, that transports them so far as to impossibilities. As peremptory a passage almost is that if not as blasphemous of Edward Burrows in a Letter of his from Waterford in Ireland; in which are these words, I live saith he, in a Land where the Devil rules Lords and Kings, but I am reserved in eternal power and glory, and righteousness over all to reign for ever. And to reign over all in that sense, can be none under Christ; for of him the Apostle saith, that when he is said to have all things made subject unto him; yet God that subjecteth all is excepted: and if we favour him so much in construction as to exempt the Father, its evident he assumes the place of the Son; which to do, is blasphemy: And little less is that boldness of the same Seducer when he setteth this expression to his Pamphlet, Sealed by the eternal spirit of God: which expression of his if seriously considered, little cause had some persons not now mean in Authority so much to justify that grand seducer James Naylor, as to say, (though unjustly) his accusations were rather of malice then matter of fact. If he or they that so said would but weigh what back-friends, not only Naylor but all their Sect are in general to them; because they deny authority; but in particular in that here Borowes saith, he lives in a Land where the Devil (not God) rules Lords and Kings: when questionless by the latter is meant, his Highness, but that he dares not speak out: as more plainly appears by that of Francis Howgal in the North, who told one Mr. Burton a Magistrate there, that the Law (said Howgal) by which thou actest, is Tyranny and Oppression. And if the Law be Tyranny, What then (by his account) is the Lawmaker & maintainer but a Tyrant? I hope the supreme Authority will take their own honour and safety into serious consideration with the glory of Christ and his Gospel, which is deeply interested in this business. And a strong witness of the unsanctity of their spirit, is their unstability; for God is unchangeable, for he changes not; and as is he, so is his spirit: and that theirs is no stable but mutable one is evident in that a man in the North in a town called Kerbylansdale that had been of their society, a good while falling sick of an Ague, of which being kept in a month, & being recovered went to their meeting again, he professed he found them so much altered in their Judgements and Principles in that time, that he could only by their faces, but not by their Principles know them to be the same men. And one Mr. Geor Emot in his Northern blast, p. 6. ingeniously confesseth, that since he left them and returned to his right senses, (he testifieth who had tried the experience) that though (whilst he was a Quaker) he thought himself to be all light; he knew nothing really (but imaginary) but what he knew before, and had learned of the Ministers. And as stability is an evidence of the spirit of godliness, as witnesseth that of Judas concerning Michael's Disputation with the Devil about the body of Moses, he durst offer neither violence of words or deeds further, than the Lord reward thee, and this I have heard them preach (if their confused nonsensical prating may be so termed) but I never knew them practise it, and therefore to me their unbridled and libertaine-like words and actions, is an evidence that if their spirit be infallible as they pretend, it's not impiety but inquity; and since God and Christ, and their spirit is meekness, joy, peace and love, what is contrary (as violent discourse but turbulent and malicious) is not of God, but in opposition to him; and since the spirit in Naylor, and the other of his Fraternity, is such a spirit, its clear they are not of God or goodness. And to demonstrate this is so easy that superfluities of matter for proof makes me pause which to insert and which to omit; therefore I shall only make use of what hath passed between them and me, or but little else. One time being at the Bull and Mouth, and having by chance the day before seen a sheet of printed paper containing there informations given in upon oath proving that one Borows & Howgall, and chief one Hoberthorn had bewitched or enchanted Mary White to death; which having about me at that time, after some discourse had with him, that then and at that time there spoke (who before I never saw) I produced this sheet, and standing on a place with my feet about a story from the ground, I went to read, and in some places to comment upon it, the Quakers by violence plucked me down by the legs, when (had not God's preservance been stronger than the Devil and their malice, I might have been in danger of death; but God in mercy preserved me that I had no hurt. The party then speaking was Richard Hobberthorn, who though he heard himself so much in question, and I often asked him his name, yet he would neither confess nor deny it, or say any thing to the clearing the matter of fact. They called me then dog, serpent, and devil, etc. An other time one of their mankind women pulled a lock of hair from off my head in their society in a great quantity, with several blows and thrusts; with curse and judgements I think innumerable. But I wonder the less at this, in respect Mr. Bourn in his Defence of the Scriptures, in the Epistle Dedicatory, he testifies that a Quaker told him that his house was formerly plundered but ere long should be pulled down about his ears. And in Glocestershire, the Quakers making a disturbance at the burial of an Inhabitant of Paneswick in the said County, and going to offer violence or at least uncivilities to the Minister at the grave, and one Mr. R. P. a known honest Christian, then high Constable, doing his duty to keep the pence: a Quaker then presently strikes the said Officer over the side of the head so violently, that he received much damage. This I am sure is a truth. Much more I might speak, and have truth my protector; but I had rather be sparing then to abound. A very evidential passage of that lunatic and unparaleld spirit that ruleth in them, as how like men distracted they run along the Streets in a strange manner. ON Sunday last, being December the 28th. about two or three of the clock in the afternoon, some Quakers being met together at the sign of the Rose in the new marketplace Westminster, where Martha Symons and the other two Sisters in iniquity are in custody, of a sudden that spirit in them moved them to fall a singing their titular songs of Zion, as they call them, and dancing a while till on the sudden they ran down stairs and forth of doors, and so down the Strand, and Fleetstreet to the Royal Exchange, London crying and proclaiming fire and vengeance against Jerusalem, and the sword of the Lords wrath was drawn against this great and wicked City, where one I. B. a now professed Quaker, meeting with them, asked them the matter, who replied the word of the Lord was gone forth, I said he, I know that long since it went forth, but what was the cause they run in that unwonted manner, or words to this effect, they said that the vengeance and fire of the Lords wrath was poured forth against this City, and Jerusalem must come to judgement, who being since asked seriously what he thought of them, saith he really believes they are either mad or bewitched, some of them ran without hats, some without cloaks, some without either. What to term this strange and unheard of sort of men, is such a mystery to me, as I know better how to admire at then express; and therefore leave it to the ingenuous Reader to determine. FINIS.