Class I Book— L_ i& AUTO-BIOGRAPHICAL NARRATIONS, •fee. &c. c; LONDON : RICHARD BARRETT, PRINTER, 13. MARK LANE, AUTO-BIOGRAPHICAL NARRATIONS CONVINCEMENT AND OTHER RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE SAMUEL CRISP, MARGARET LUCAS, ELIZABETH WEBB, and EVAN BEYAN, FREDERICK SMITH. G _ , \ " THE LAW OF THE LOKD IS PERFECT, COHVERSHfg THE SOUL : THE TESTIMONY OE THE LORD IS PURE, MAKING ivise the simple."— Psalm xix. ". LONDON: CHARLES GILPIN, 5, BISHOPSGATE WITHOUT. 1848. ADVERTISEMENT. The subjects of the following Narrations furnish a few of the numerous instances, in which sincere, seeking individuals, not previously connected with the religious Society of Friends, have been brought to see, with indubitable clearness, that the prin- ciples of that Society embrace the Truth as it is in Jesus. Under this conviction, and for the sake of obtain- ing a feeding-place with this portion of the flock of Christ, it has been the lot of many such persons to "endure a great fight of afflictions :"— they have been constrained to press forward through strong, and often protracted opposition ; — they have been content to make costly sacrifices : — and as they have continued faithful to the measure of light and grace received, have been given largely to experience " joy and peace in believing/' These considerations ought surely to induce those who hold the privilege of membership in this Society by birth, highly to estimate it ; also VI ADVERTISEMENT. to seek, through faithfulness, to retain, with the profession, the life and virtue of the Truth. And how incumbent is it on all who have been made partakers of this heavenly treasure, to be found in the exercise of that watchful care which is implied in the admonition of the apostle : — " Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward/' — 2 John 8. Thomas Chalk. Kingston on Thames , Fifth Month, 1848. CONTENTS. LETTERS, &c, OF SAMUEL CRISP. PAGE, Memoir of Samuel Crisp , 3 Letter I 11 Letter II 21 Letter III ".'. 29 A Plea for the Truth, and an earnest Exhortation to he found walking therein 31 On Divine Worship, Grospel Ministry and the true Church 36 A Warning given to the present generation to consider their ways ; wherein they are reminded of the late dreadful Tempest of Wind 40 LETTER FROM ELIZABETH WEBB, To Anthony William Bcehm 51 His Answer thereto 80 MEMOIR OF EVAN BEY AN, With his Letter to a Friend on his Convincement 85 ACCOUNT OF THE CONVINCEMENT AND CALL TO THE MINISTRY OF MARGARET LUCAS 101 MEMOIRS OF FREDERICK SMITH 175 His Letter to the Children and Youth of the Society of Friends - 251 His Letter to Parents and others who have the care of Youth in the Society of Friends 260 LETTERS EXTRACTS FROM A TREATISE WRITTEN BY SAMUEL CRISP; TO WHICH IS PREFIXED A SHORT MEMOIR OF HIS LIFE. PROVE ALL THINGS ; HOLD FAST THAT WHICH 13 GOOD. — 1 Thess. V. 21. MEMOIR OF SAMUEL CRISP. Samuel Crisp, previous to his joining the Society of Friends, resided in Norfolk. He was educated at college, and took the order of deacon in the church of England (so called) ; after which he officiated as a parish curate, also for a very short time, as chap- lain in a private family. In the year 1700, being then resident in London, and about thirty years of age, he was convinced of the truth, as professed by Friends, in the manner described in his first Letter. Soon afterwards he was engaged as an assistant to Richard Scoryer, a Friend who kept a large boarding-school at Wandsworth. In this situation he did not remain long, and subse- quently opened a school on his own account, at Step- ney, near London. His adoption of the views and principles of Friends, drew on him, not only remonstrances, but also con- tumely and slander. On his first showing an inclina- tion to unite with them, an acquaintance of his, a priest of the church of England, who was anxious to prevent his so doing, proposed to introduce him to a person, who, he said, was so well acquainted with their writings, that he did not doubt of his receiving satisfaction. Samuel Crisp, desirous of being rightly informed, and of exercising due consideration before b 2 4 MEMOIR OF SAMUEL CRISP. taking so important a step, accepted the offer. He was accordingly taken to the proposed instructor, who proved to be no other than Charles Lesly, the writer of that notorious work called The Snake in the Grass* It seems this person succeeded in putting him to a stand for a very short time ; but he soon discovered the fallacy of his arguments and insinuations, and forthwith joined in communion with the people to whom he had felt attracted — and this, as he feelingly acknowledged, from " a sincere love of the Truth, and pure regard to his own soul." Soon after this inter- view, two Letters were addressed to him by Lesly, to the first of which he sent a Reply, accompanied with a copy of a Paper written by Eichard Scoryer, prov- ing the falsehood of an assertion contained in The Snake, that the Bible was never read in his school . This correspondence, (with a Preface, to which the title belongs rather than to the Letters,) was published in the following year (1701), under the title of The present State of Quakerism in England. Upon occa- sion of the Relapse of Samuel Crisp to Quakerism. These Letters to Samuel Crisp are, as might be ex- pected, of much the same character with the writer's former scurrilous work, both as regards the manner in which the doctrines of Friends are vilified, and S. C/s conduct relative to his convincement, is ma- ligned. Some time afterwards, Samuel Crisp published a refutation in detail, of the charges preferred against * This book, which came out in the year 1696, was published anonymously : the author, who was a " non-juring parson," was employed by some of the clergy, in this way to render Friends and their principles odious to the world. His misrepresentations were disproved, and his crafty imposture manifested, by Joseph Wyeth and George Whitehead, in a book, entitled, A Switch for the Snahe. MEMOIR OF SAMUEL CRISP. O him by this opponent, as fickleness, enthusiasm, &c., with an able defence of some of the principles of Friends, in a Treatise of three-and-a-half sheets, 12mo, entitled A Libeller exposed ; being a Vindication of the people called Quakers, against the malicious attempts and foul aspersions of a booh entitled, u The Present State of Quakerism in England" This little work, however the circumstance which called it forth is to be repudiated, furnishes interest- ing information, and a clear exposition of some im- portant points of doctrine ; various extracts from it, are therefore given in the present compilation. From this source we obtain the following particulars and remarks, relative to Samuel Crisp's withdrawing from the communion of the established church, and the stations he occupied therein. u As to my leaving the church of England, God is my witness I did it in pure obedience to the convictions of my own mind ; and the peace which I have often felt returned into my bosom, is more than I can express : I have had a great and abundant reward from the Lord for what I have done in this matter. " I desire to fear God, and am heartily sorry that I have spent so much time in the vanities and im- pertinencies of this sinful world j taking things upon trust, swayed by temporal interests, and following the prejudices of my education. It is true I was in the order only of deacon, and I bless God that I went no farther in such orders. Then I pretended to preach, and could make shift to patch together an hour's discourse, with something that I got from others, and something that I had read from the Bible, filling up the vacancy with the dark conceivings of my own brain — and this was my gospel. I could talk much of Christ ; and heaven and hell, and extolled the 6 MEMOIR OF SAMUEL CRI&P. Scriptures highly, which were nevertheless a sealed book to me ; for though I read them often, both in public and private, yet my mind being outward, and not waiting in silence upon that Holy Spirit that gave them forth, I knew not the Scriptures nor the power of God : so then the power of death and dark- ness ruled in me. I had cure of souls, (as they call it,) but was a physician of no value. I knew, in- deed, that I had served my time at the university, as apprentices do to a trade ; and that I had passed the examination and the ceremony of ordination — and I thought this would do ; but as for any immediate call or appointment of God, to the work of the minis- try, I knew nothing of it. I had the care of two parishes committed to me, by the bishop of the dio- cese, but had never any call from God to go and preach to that people. So I was like those prophets Jeremiah speaks of, chap, xxiii. 21, who ran before they were sent, and therefore they could not profit the people at all. I was a superstitious bigot — a poor dark creature — a hireling — a blind leader of the blind. I expected thirty pounds a year for preach- ing — that was my wages ; and if any should question my commission, I knew I had a little piece of paper to shew, which I called my orders, if that would satisfy them ; so brutish was I in my understanding. And yet God did not leave himself without a witness; for in the midst of all this darkness and ignorance, I can truly say, there was a measure of sincerity in me ; and good desires, and earnest cries and breath- ings were oftentimes raised in me, that I might once know the Lord and serve him, and see his glory, and witness peace and joy, and health and rest, and salva- tion to my soul, before I went off the stage of this world ; that so I might live with him in that world MEMOIR OF SAMUEL CRISP. 7 which never shall have an end, when time here shall be no more. And God was not unmindful of the travail of his own seed in that day ; for blessed be his name, he heard the groanings of it under a great deal of rubbish, and he revealed his Son in me, at the brightness of whose appearance the clouds are scattered and shadows flee away. May the sense of his goodness and tender mercy never depart from me, so long as I have an hour to live, or a minute to breathe in this world. Even to the same God that had compassion on Israel of old, when they sojourned m a strange land, where the Egyptians and Pharaoh oppressed them with much cruel and hard bondage — to that God I ascribe my deliverance, who alone is worthy to be praised, magnified and adored by all who make mention of his name. He remembered us when we were in trouble, and anguish, and deep affliction ; being scattered upon the dark and barren mountains, as sheep without a shepherd ; wandering from mountain to hill, from one form and empty profession of religion to another ; even there did he find us, and his eye pitied us, and he said to the dry bones, Live ; for his mercy endureth for ever." His office as chaplain, (in which it seems he con- tinued but ten days), proved particularly irksome and unsatisfactory ; and it is probable that the cir- cumstances connected with it, strengthened, in no small degree, his desire to be disengaged from the forms and ceremonies in which he had been educated. On alluding to his situation in that capacity, he states, that he has had to wait three or four hours at a time, to know when the family would go to prayers ; and that his task was not finished when the prayers were ended, as he was expected to wait, to be ready when called for, in an adjoining room, where servants 8 MEMOIR OF SAMUEL CRISP. and others were often passing, and company coming- in ; and that he was sometimes thus kept in waiting, from morning till night. As he had occasion for some employment by which to procure a livelihood, such in- conveniencies as these would probably have been borne till an appointment less wearisome presented, could he have continued here, and at the same time have enjoyed peace of mind ; but, " I left my chaplain's place," he writes, u purely upon a foot of conscience; the lustre of mamyrwn* could not keep me there; and this was some months before I came amongst the people called Quakers, or had the least thoughts that way. I lived some time privately in London, in- quiring after the best things. There was then a great noise about the Quakers, and George Keith (who was just then ordained deacon) was the talk of the town. So meeting one day with Robert Barclay's works, in a bookseller's shop, and understanding that * S. C. in his Reply to Lesly r s first Letter, tad stated, that his " way being cleared up and the Truth shining out again in great lustre, he found a necessity to return into the strait and narrow path, where he hoped to continue," &c. His opponent taunt- ingly alludes to this expression by saying, " At last we heard you were established as usher to the grand Quaker-school at Wands- worth, and you told us your lustre was come ! I will not be so uncharitable as to suppose it was the lustre of. mammon, for the sake of sucha provision ; you being destitute before." It is pleasant to turn from such a prejudiced, ill-conditioned judge, to one whose testimony savours of truth and love. Samuel Bownas, in an account of a journey which he took in the early part of the year 1702, from London to the west of England, on religious service, says, he " had in company a young man that had been bred at college, his name was Samuel Crisp- — a pretty, meek- spirited youth, and rightly convinced :" and a short time afterwards, when engaged in like manner in Hertfordshire, he speaks of him as " a sweet companion, having received the know- ledge^ the truth the right way."— See Life of Samuel £evmas^ MEMOIR OF SAMUEL CRISP. 9 he was a Quaker, and an eminent writer amongst them, I had a great desire to read him ; which I did in the fear of God, and with an humble mind ; and thereby was so fully convinced of the truth of the Quakers' principles, (notwithstanding the clamour of the world against them), that from that day to this, I have never once communicated in the church of England. And though I was then destitute of any outward business, yet I did not doubt but the Lord would some way provide me a competent subsistence in this world, which was all I desired — and this accordingly came to pass ; for within a few weeks I was recommended to Wandsworth school, Richard Scoryer being then in want of an usher. But, just upon my convincement, two things offered to draw me back again into the world : one was, to read prayers in an apothecary's house in Huntingdon — ■ and the other, to be chaplain to one called the Lady Molesworth, as I remember. Here was some prospect of preferment, and that before I heard of Wandsworth school, or knew any thing of it. So that if 1 had been so greedy of mammon as our author's charity would seem to represent me, I might have smothered my convictions and turned back into Egypt again. But blessed be God, who preserved me in that day, and kept me low before him ! I trusted to his kind providence, who knew the sincerity of my heart ; and I chose rather to be poor and destitute with a good conscience, than to have all the riches and honours of the world without it. I had found the pearl of great price, and I knew I must sell all to purchase it. Truth was my greatest treasure ; that was my chiefest joy : ' For,' as the apostle says, ' our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly 10 MEMOIR OF SAMUEL CRISP. wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world.' " This brief Memoir of Samuel Crisp, considered in connexion with the sincerity, humility, and genuine piety which his Letters, &c, exhibit, shews that he had begun to build on the one sure Foundation, and that he bade fair to become a truly serviceable mem- ber in the church. But any hopes of this kind that had been cherished by his contemporary friends, were only realized to a very limited extent ; inasmuch as it pleased the All- wise Disposer of events to cut short the thread of his life. He died of the small-pox, at Stepney aforesaid, on the 7th of the Fourth Month, 1704, aged 34 years. LETTEES OF SAMUEL CEISP. [The three following Letters of Samuel Crisp were written about the year 1702 ; the first and second on the occasion of his withdrawing from the church of England (so called) to join the Society of Friends, These have passed through several editions together, as a pamphlet. The third Letter, a copy of which has been kindly transmitted by a Friend, to the Editor of the present volume, and which, it will be seen, contains the expression of his religious feelings to a fellow-pro- fessor of the Truth, is now printed for the first time : this, although very short, is not without its value, showing, as it does, the writer's conviction, that his having so far yielded to apprehended duty, as to unite in religious fellowship with Friends, furnished no ground for relaxing in watchfulness, and diligence in the christian warfare.] Letter I. I received a letter from thee, the week before last, which was sent by thy uncle Bolton : there were a great many kind expressions in it, and in thy sister Clopton's likewise. I acknowledge myself much obliged to you both, and to the whole family, for many repeated kindnesses ; and if my school had not engrossed so much of my time, I would have taken opportunity to answer my dear friend's letter now, and upon that account my delay will be the more excusable. 12 LETTERS OF SAMUEL CRISP. The news thou hast heard of my late change is really true — I cannot conceal it, for it is what I glory in— neither was it any prospect of temporal advantage that induced me to it, but a sincere love to the truth, and pure regard to my own soul. Neither can I be sufficiently thankful to God, that he hath let me live to this glorious day, and not cut me off in the midst of my sins and provocations against him. He is long- suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. He hath brought me off from the forms and shadows of religion, and let me see, in a more illustrious man- ner, what is the life and substance of it, as he found me in some degree faithful to that measure of light and knowledge he had bestowed on me, whilst I was in the communion of the church of England : therefore he was pleased of late, as I humbly waited upon him, to make know r n to me greater and deeper mysteries of his kingdom. And I can truly say, that I find by daily experience, as I keep low and retired unto that pure gift which he hath planted within me, things are more and more cleared up to me, and the truth shines and prevails greatly over the kingdom of dark- ness ; and if I should now turn my back upon such manifestations as these, and entangle myself again with the yoke of bondage, surely I should grieve the Holy Spirit, so that he might justly withdraw his kind operations, and never return more to assist and comfort me. For God is not mocked : religion is a very serious and weighty thing : repentance and sal- vation are not to be trifled with ; nor is turning to God to be put off till our own time, leisure, or conve- nience : but we must love and cherish the least ap- pearance of Christ, not slighting or despising the day of small things, but embrace the first opportunity of LETTERS OF SAMUEL CRISP. 13 following Christ in any of his commands. When he speaks, it is with such force and authority, that we cannot stand to cavil, dispute, or ask questions : for unless we will be so obstinate as to shut our eyes against the sun, we must needs confess to the truth of his doctrine, and presently strike in with it. And, therefore, when for several weeks I had lived more privately and retiredly in London, than was usual, fasting tw r ice or thrice in a week, and sometimes more, spending my time in reading the Scriptures and in prayer to God, this was a good preparation of my mind to receive the truth w r hich he was then about to make known to me. I lamented the errors of my past life, and was desirous to attain a more excellent de- gree of holiness than I had discovered in the church of England. In this religious retirement God knew the breathings of my soul, how sincere I was, and resigned to him when alone. I wanted him to set me free, and to speak peace and comfort to my soul, which was grieved and wearied with the burden of my sin : for though I had strictly conformed myself to the orders and ceremonies of the church of England, and had kept myself from running into any great or scandalous enormities, (the fear of the Almighty preserving me), yet still I had not that rest and satisfaction in myself which I desired, and greatly longed for. I found when I had examined my state and condition God-ward, that things were not right wdth me. As for a sober and plausible conversation in the eye of the w r orld, I knew that was a very easy attain- ment : a good natural temper, with the advantage of a liberal education, will. quickly furnish a man with abilities for that ; so that he shall be looked upon as a saint, and very spiritual, when perhaps in chains of 14 LETTERS OF SAMUEL CRISP. darkness, in the gall of bitterness, and in the very bond of iniquity. If this sort of righteousness would have done, perhaps I might make as fair pretensions that way as some others ; but, alas ! I quickly saw the emptiness and unsatisfactoriness of those things : this is a covering that will not protect or hide us from the wrath of the Almighty, when he comes to judg- ment. It is not a mans natural temper, nor his educa- tion, that makes him a good christian : this is not the righteousness the gospel calls for, nor is this the "truth in the inward parts" which God requires. The heart and affections must be cleansed and purified before we can be acceptable to God ; therefore it was death to me to think of taking up my rest in a formal pretence of holiness, wherein yet I saw to my grief, abundance of people wrapped themselves, and slept securely and quietly, dreaming of the felicity of paradise, as if heaven were now their own, and they needed not trouble themselves any more about religion. I could not entertain so dangerous an opinion as this; for then I should be tempted to take up my rest by the way, whilst I was travelling towards the promised land. I think I made a little progress in a holy life, and through God's assistance I weakened some of my spiritual enemies, whilst I lived in the communion of the national church. I thank my God, I can truly say, whilst I used those prayers, I did it with zeal and sincerity, in his fear and dread : but still I ceased not my earnest supplication to him in private, that he would show me something more excellent ; that I might get a complete victory over all my lusts and passions, and might perfect righteousness before him. For I found a great many sins and weaknesses daily attending me ; and though I made frequent resolu- LETTERS OF SAMUEL CRISP. 15 tions to forsake those sins, yet still the temptation was too strong for me ; so that I had often cause to complain with the apostle, in the bitterness of my soul, " wretched man that I am 1 who shall deliver me from the body of this death V Who shall set me free, and give me strength to triumph over sin, the world, and the devil ; that I may in every thing please God, and there may not be the least thought, word or motion, gesture or action, but what is exactly agreeable to his most holy will, as if I saw him stand- ing before me, and as if I were to be judged by him for the thought of my heart next moment ? divine life ! seraphic soul ! that I could always stand here ! for here is no reflection, no sorrow, no repent- ance ; but at God's right hand there is perfect peace and a river of unspeakable joy. that we might imitate the life of Jesus, and be thoroughly furnished unto every good word and work ! This was the fre- quent breathing of my soul to God when I was in the country, but more especially after I had left my new preferment of a chaplain, and took private lodgings in London. In this retirement I hope I may say without boasting, I was very devout and religious, and found great comfort and refreshment in it from the Lord, who let me see the beauty of holiness : the sweetness that arises from an humbled, mortified life, was then very pleasant to my taste, and I rejoiced in it more than in all the delights and pleasures of the world. And now it pleased God to show me, that if I would indeed live strictly and holily as becomes the gospel, then I must leave the communion of the church of England ; but I knew not yet which way to determine myself, nor to what body of men I should join, who were more orthodox and more regular in 16 LETTERS OF SAMUEL CRISP, their lives. As for the Quakers (so called), I was so great a stranger to them, that I had never read any of their books, nor do I remember that ever I con- versed with any one man of that communion in my whole life. I think there was one in Foxly, whilst I was curate there ; but I never saw the man, though I went several times to his house on purpose to talk with him, and to bring him off from his mad and wild enthusiasm, as I then ignorantly thought it to be. As for that way, I knew it was everywhere spoken against : he that had a mind to appear more witty and ingenious than the rest, would choose this for the subject of his profane jests and drollery ; with this he makes sport, and diverts the company, for a Quaker is but another name for a fool or a madman, and was scarcely ever mentioned but with scorn and contempt. As for drollery, I confess I was never any great friend to it ; but indeed, if all was true that was laid to the Quakers' charge, I thought they were some of the worst people that ever appeared in the world, and wondered with what face they could call themselves christians, since I was told they denied the fundamental articles of the holy faith, for which I ever bore the highest veneration and esteem. And, notwithstanding, I had always lived at the greatest distance from that people, and was very zealous in the worship of the church of England, and upon all occa- sions would speak very honourably of it, moreover was content to suffer some few inconveniences upon that account, (as thou very well knowest), yet my father still looked upon me as inclining to the Quakers ; and some years ago signified to a friend, he was afraid I would become an enthusiast : and whilst at Bungan school, he sent me two books to read that were written against the Quakers, one of which was LETTERS OF SAMUEL CRISP. 17 John Faldo's, who hath been sufficiently exposed for it by William Penn. Whilst I lived in London, in that private, retired manner I was just now speaking of, walking very humbly in the sight of God, and having opportunity to reflect upon my past life, as I had occasion to be one day at a bookseller's shop, I happened to cast my eye on Barclay's works ; and having heard in the country, that he was a man of great account amongst the Quakers, I had a mind to see what their principles were, and what defence they could make for them- selves ; for sure, thought I, these people are not so silly and ridiculous, nor maintainers of such horrid opinions, as the author of The Snake and some others would make us believe. I took Barclay home with me, and I read him through in a week's time, save a little treatise at the end, which finding to be very philosophical, I omitted ; but, however, I soon read enough to convince me of my own blindness and ignorance in the things of God, There I found a light to break in upon my mind, which did mightily refresh and comfort me in that poor, low, and humbled state in which I then was ; for indeed I was then, and had been for a considerable time before, very hungry and thirsty after righteousness ; and therefore I received the truth with all readiness of mind. It was like balm to my soul, and as showers of rain to the thirsty earth, which is parched with heat and drought. This author laid things down so plainly, and proved them with such ingenuity and dexterity of learning, and opened the Scriptures so clearly to me, that without standing to cavil, dispute, raise argument or objection, or consulting with flesh and blood, I presently resigned myself to God ; and weep- ing for joy that I had found so great a treasure, I c 18 LETTERS OF SAMUEL CRISP. often thanked him with tears in my eyes for so kind a visitation of his love, that he was graciously pleased to look towards me when my soul cried after him. So, though before I was in great doubt and trouble of mind, not knowing which way to determine myself, yet now the sun breaking out so powerfully upon me, the clouds were scattered. I was now fully satisfied in my own mind which way I ought to go, and to w r hat body of people I should join myself. So I immediately left the communion of the church of England, and went to Gracechureh Street Meeting. After I had read Barclay, I read some other books of that kind, among which was an excellent piece, though in a small volume, called No Cross, No Grown. Thus I continued reading and frequenting meetings for several weeks together, but did not let any one soul know what I was about. The first man I conversed with was George Whitehead ; and this was several weeks after I began to read Barclay, and frequent [Friends'] meetings. By him I was introduced into more acquaintance ; and still the farther I went, the more I liked their plainness, and the decency and simplicity of their conversation. They do not use the ceremonies and salutations of the church of England, but shake hands freely, and converse toge- ther as brothers and sisters, that are sprung of the same royal seed, and made kings and priests unto God. the love, the sweetness and tenderness of affection I have seen among this people ! " By this," says Christ, " shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." " Put on therefore," says the apostle, " (as the elect of God, holy and beloved) bowels of mercy, kindness, humble- ness of mind, meekness, long-suffering." Thus, my dear friend, I have given thee an account LETTERS OF SAMUEL CRISP. 19 of my proceeding on this affair. As to my bodily state, if thou desirest to know what it is, I may acquaint thee that I have my health as well as ever, and I bless God I have food and raiment sufficient for me, so that I want no outward thing ; and I have the necessities and conveniencies of life liberally : let us not burden ourselves with taking care for the vanities and superfluities of it. Let us possess our vessels in sanctification and honour : and as we bring our minds into perfect subjection to the whole will of God, so let us bring our bodies to the most simple and natural way of living • being content with the fewest things ; never studying to gratify our wanton appe- tites, nor to follow the customs and humours of men, but how we may so contract our earthly cares and pleasures, that we may bring most glory to God, most health and peace to our own souls, and do most service to the truth. And if this be our aim, certainly a very small portion of the things of this world will suffice us. Seeing we are christians, we should there- fore earnestly pursue those things w T hich bring us nearest to God, and which are most perfective of human nature. For what is more than a competency, seems to be a burden to a generous, philosophical soul, which would breathe in a pure vehicle, that so it may have a quick sense and relish of all blessings, both of the superior and inferior worlds. Thou knowest, my dear friend, that religion is a very serious thing ; repentance is a great work, and one precious immortal soul is of more worth than ten thousand perishing worlds, with all their pomp and glory; therefore let us take courage, and be valiant for the truth upon the earth— let us not con- tent ourselves with a name and profession of godliness — let us come to the life and power of it — let us not c 2 20 LETTERS OF SAMUEL CRISP. despond of getting the victory. We have a little strength for God : let us be faithful to him and he will give us more strength, so that we shall see the enemy of our peace fall before us, and nothing shall be impossible unto us. I say, my friend, let us be faithful to that measure of light and knowledge which God has given us, to be profited and edified by it in a spiritual life ; and as God sees we are diligent and faithful to work with the strength we have, he will more and more enlighten us, so that we shall see to the end of those forms and shadows of religion wherein we had formerly lived. But if he sees we are about to take up our rest in those shadows, that we grow cold and indifferent in the pursuit of holiness, running out into notions and speculations, and have more mind to dispute, and to make a shew of learning and subtlety, than to lead a holy and devout life, then it is just with God to leave us in a carnal and polluted state ; to continue yet but in the outward court, where we may please ourselves with beholding the beauty and ornaments of a worldly sanctuary, and never witness the veil being taken away, and that we are brought by the blood of Jesus into the holiest of all, where alone there is true peace with God, and rest to the weary soul. I could say much upon this head, if time or leisure would give leave. As for a particular answer to thy letter, I have not time now to give it ; and for the present let this general answer suffice : and if thou wilt consider things in their pure abstracted nature, and not suffer the prejudice of education to sway thee, but in fear and humility wilt search out the truth for thyself, thou wilt find that there needs no other answer to thy letter than what I have already given. For by waiting upon God, and diligently seeking him, thou LETTERS OF SAMtJEL CRISP. 21 wilt find an answer to it in thy own bosom ; and this will be much more full, clear, and satisfactory than I, or any other man living can pretend to give thee, or any other friend who hath lovingly written to me ; for whom I desire, with all the sincere-hearted in the church of England, that they may come to witness the almighty power of God, to save and redeem them from every yoke : and that they may clearly see to the end of those things which are abolished, and come to the enjoyment of spiritual and heavenly things themselves, is the daily prayer and deep travail of my soul, God knoweth. Till I can be more particular, if thou please thou mayst communicate this to them, and let them know that I am well, and thank them for their kind letters. Let us remember to pray for one another with all fervency, that we may stand perfect in the whole wall of God. Amen, saith my soul. I am thy most affectionate friend and servant in Jesus, Samuel Crisp. Letter II. My dear Friend, I lately received a kind and brotherly letter from thee, for which I return thee many thanks. I am now in the communion of the people called Quakers ; and I have cause to bless God for this happy change of my life. I am, through mercy, brought off from the shadow of religion, and am pressing forward to get acquaintance with the quickening power, life, and virtue of it, that I may be a christian indeed, and not in the name and profession only. I had a great while talked and discoursed of holiness, but did not under- stand what it was to walk with God, to live and dwell 22 LETTERS OF SAMUEL CRISP. in him. Perhaps, indeed, some may think I made a fair show of piety when I was with you ; but, alas ! I was deeply sensible of my own faults and mis- carriages ; and I resolved, through God's assistance, to inquire after something more noble and excellent than I had discovered in that state : and blessed be his name for ever, that God hath answered the cry of my soul, and let me see a people, that are hated and despised by the world, but are dear to him ; for he hath revealed to them the mysteries of the kingdom ; he hath carried them upon eagles' wings, and cherished them as the apple of his eye. As for me, I have been yet but in the outward court, and far short of that truth and righteousness that is taught and practised among this people ; for they are come within the holiest of all — they are come into a near communion with God — to behold the cherubims of glory that cover the mercy seat— to be fed with the true manna. These are mysteries that are revealed unto the meek and lowly ; but the haughty, insolent, and profane cannot come near them, nor taste of the sweetness nor comfort of them. Indeed the formal, traditional sort of people of the world may talk of these things, as they have heard them from others, and in their sober moments may have some faint glimmerings that way; but to be come to the real and inward enjoy- ment of them, they can no more pretend, than to work the greatest impossibilities : all their wit, and subtlety, and learning, cannot reach higher to handle of the word of life ; this is peculiar only to those who are content to forsake all, and become fools for Christ. They are those who are in a good temper to receive and co-operate with the influences of the Holy Spirit, and have seen the emptiness and vanity of all those things that are so much admired by the world. The LETTERS OF SAMUEL CRISP. 23 schools, and universities, and learned doctors, and great rabbies, have not profited me ; they are ravened from the Spirit of God, and gone out into their own notions and speculations, thinking thereby to search out God, and comprehend the truth. Alas ! the mysteries of the kingdom are far out of their reach in their carnal minds ; they weary themselves in vain ; the vulture's eye cannot pierce into these secrets ; all the great critics, scholars, and philosophers of the world, are fools in these things. They are wearying themselves to find the deep things of our God, studying and racking their heads, tossing and tumbling to and fro like a wild bull in a net, that knows not which way to disentangle himself: the more he struggles, the weaker he grows and the faster he is bound ; so the more these vain talkers read, the more they write, the more they cavil and dispute, the farther they are from God, and the more they declare their hatred and enmity to the spirit of Christ, and to the simplicity of the gospel. I have been a long time weary of the folly and impertinency of these men, and chiefly the celebrated fathers of the church, as they call them : the councils and synods of old are now of very small account with me. I am not ashamed to sit under the teachings of women and mechanics, howsoever they may seem in the eye of the world ; for they teach me more Christianity, and instruct me more perfectly in a divine life, than all the studied, elaborate sermons and discourses that ever I heard at the universities or since : their words are with power — they are mightily assisted with the spirit of God — they speak with majesty and authority — and there is a native beauty, clearness, and solidity of expression, that shines through their discourses, which is sufficient to answer that groundless calumny, 24 LETTERS OF SAMUEL CRISP. viz., the Quakers' preaching is nonsense, and nobody can understand them, This I have heard often refuted by many living testimonies ; so that I do rather think them the best wits, and the most ingeni- ous people in the world ; for they employ their parts and learning in the fear of God, to his glory and service, and to promote the true interest of mankind. As for the little jests, wittiness, and vain pedantry of the age, which I know the world hath esteem for, (and nothing will please but what abounds with such fooleries) ; 1 say, if the Quakers be deficient in any of these, it is not for want of abilities, or because they have less wit than other men, but because they have more prudence and wisdom to govern it ; and that is the reason why they avoid such childish vanities, which are so freely used and indulged in by others, to the great dishonour of God, and the christian religion. Therefore because they do not seek to please a wanton age, and make people laugh and be merry, nor to entertain that carnal, airy mind with pleasant stories, fine notions, and witty expressions of natural things ; from thence it is that they have been shamefully tra- duced by the world, as the most ignorant, blind, and foolish people that ever made any profession of reli- gion : and yet this is the people to whom I have now joined myself in a sincere love to truth, God knoweth. I glory more in this fellowship and acquaintance with these lambs of Christ, than if I were related to the greatest kings, lords, and potentates upon the earth. Oftentimes hath my spirit been refreshed with theirs, when we have met together to wait upon God ; and my soul still longs and pants more and more to be filled with these divine comforts. He is ready always to pour down blessings upon us, if we would qualify ourselves for the reception of them ; if LETTERS OF SAMUEL CRISP. 25 we would put away vain thoughts, which cloud and darken the mind, and so hinder the favourable influ- ences and irradiations of heaven. And since it has pleased God to visit me of late, and to make known to me excellent things in righteousness, he alone is to have the praise and glory of all ; and now I freely resign myself to the conduct of the blessed Spirit. Now let the truth prosper; now let it run and be glorified in the earth ; let it shine out in its full lustre, to the terror and confusion of all the enemies thereof, and to the reviving of the souls of the hungry and thirsty, who are ready to faint, waiting for and expecting the consolation of Israel, until the time of refreshment comes from the presence of the Lord ; who will open a fountain for Judah and Jerusalem, so that rivers shall run in dry places : there will he speak peace to his people. And after they have sat silent a little w T hile in the dust, suffering patiently the chastising rod of his love to pass over them, he shall then comfort the daughter of Sion, and say, H Arise, thou afflicted, and weep and mourn no more, but put on thy beautiful garments, Jerusalem ! raise thy head, uncover thy face, and gird up thy loins with strength ; see the day break, and the morning spread itself upon the mountains ; now the sorrowful nights of affliction are gone over, the clouds are scattered and gone, the sun is risen in its brightness, and now joy and peace shall be multi- plied ; in a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment, but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer." ! let us wait, in humility of soul and tenderness of heart, before the Lord, that w r e may witness this great change and salvation wrought in us and for us ; that the Scripture may be no more a sealed book to 26 LETTERS OF SAMUEL CRISP. us, but that we may feel the precious truth therein recorded, to be fulfilled in our own particulars. Then we shall never be weary of praying, and reading the Holy Scriptures ; we shall never be loth or unwilling to come into God's presence : for his love, and the sweetness of his ointment, will draw and allure us to dwell always under his canopy, that we may feel life and power to flow from him, who is the ocean that supplies all the wants of the children of men. And how shall we come to taste that heavenly banquet which he hath prepared for us, that we may eat and drink at his table, and that our souls may delight in fatness — I say, how shall we attain to this, but by a strict and mortified life 1 Certainly the more we retire from worldly joys, and empty ourselves of earthly comforts and false delights, the fitter we shall be to receive those that are spiritual and heavenly ; and not only to receive and rejoice in them for a time, but to live and dwell in them for ever. For this is the life of Jesus ; and here the kingdom of God reigns in the heart and soul, by which it is changed from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. And now I would ask all the wise and prudent, all the rich, all the noble and learned men of the world, what they think of these things 1 Whether this is to be learned in their courts and palaces 1 Or whether any of the great scholars and universities in Christendom can furnish us with such a system of divinity as this ? No ; they hate it and despise it ; and instead of a sober answer to my query, they return scoffs and contempt. " This is canting," they say, — " an idle dream, and forged chimera of his own brain ;" and a great many more opprobious names they have for such inquiries as these. Sometimes perhaps they will LETTERS OF SAMUEL CRISP. 27 soften the expression with an hypocritical show, will pretend to pity me, calling it an unhappy effect of melancholy, and too much retirement from the world ; and this they think too much condescension — that I ought to think myself beholden to them for giving it so mild a character ; for at other times they deal more sharply, and say confidently that it is madness, delusion, witchcraft, and diabolical enthusiasm. But I am content to lie under all these odious imputa- tions from the world, knowing very well, that better men than I, have suffered the same things before me, and do at this present time. As for my enemies, I can truly say, I thank God I pity them and pray for them : they do not hurt me, but themselves. And now my dear friend, before I conclude, suffer me a little to speak of thy present circumstances ; for as God knoweth, my bowels yearn towards thee in the tender love of Jesus. I suppose thou art now where I left thee, viz. with the lord Richardson, (so called), in the capacity of a chaplain ; an office which I have had a little experience of myself, since I last saw thee; but was quickly so weary of that servile yoke, so unworthy of that holy function I bore, that in ten days' time I quitted my new preferment, and left it more free than ever I undertook it. What peace or satisfaction thou canst have in such kind of employment, I know not • for my part I could find none ; my soul was grieved and burthened every day with seeing and hearing their evil deeds, beholding their vanities and excesses ; this was a sword to my soul and spirit, it wounded me very deep : and I do solemnly profess, I had rather beg my bread from door to door, than to live in the like bondage again, where I must be obliged to such ceremonies and formalities, — to flatter men in their sins, — to cry, "peace, peace;" — and to sew pillows 28 LETTERS OF SAMUEL CRISP. under the armholes of delicate people, who can never bear the least check or frown ; but expect the merce- nary priest should always laugh or smile in their faces, even when he sees plainly they are going to hell and destruction. And yet I must tell thee, the family I was in was looked upon as one of the most sober and regular, as the world goes now ; and I must needs say, I did not leave them for any drinking, gaming, swearing, or whoring that I perceived amongst them ; as to all these filthy, scandalous prac- tices, as far as I could see, they were blameless : but yet I saw their hearts were not right, for they were lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God ; and thou knowest that he or they, let them be great or small, if they live in pleasures, grow fat, and wanton against Christ, such persons are dead whilst they live. I say, whatever their faith, or principles, or professions may be, yet in religion they are dead. I shall say no more, but hasten to a conclusion. If thou desire a particular account of my convincement, thou mayst see it in a letter I wrote lately to Richard Lake, junior, wherein I gave him a fair and true relation of my proceedings in that matter — what steps I took — and how God did graciously assist me, when he had raised in me sincere desires and inquiries after truth and holiness. Dear friend, I have no more at present, but to let thee know, I do most heartily pray for thee, that thou mayst consider things without prejudice, and not suffer any of the temptations and allurements of the world to draw thy mind from God, and to hinder thee in thy pursuit of holiness. He that loves father or mother, brother or sister, or any of the endearments of this world, more than Christ, is not worthy of him : but if thou wilt come into com- munion with Christ, and follow the guidance of LETTERS OF SAMUEL CRISP. 29 his light and spirit, what a blessed and happy rest shalt thou find to thy soul ! what rivers of living waters will spring up in thee ! of which thou mayst drink freely, and praise God for all his mercies and benefits. That thou mayst indeed come to such spiritual enjoyments and refreshments as these, is the sincere desire of Thy loving and affectionate friend, Samuel Crisp, Letter III. Leeds, Sixth Month 7th, 1702, Loving Friend, G-. Paxton,* These may acquaint thee, that last Fourth-day was a week since I got well to my journey's end. But though my body rests as to the outward, yet I still feel a necessity to continue my inward, spiritual travel towards the new Jerusalem, the heavenly Canaan, where my soul may be satiated with ever- lasting and unchangeable felicity. I must still keep on my watch that the enemy of my soul may not at any time take an advantage against me : I must still stand upon my guard, go on in the Lamb's warfare, and diligently pursue such things as may make my calling and election sure : and this I think is the state of every christian, so long as he sojourns in this world. Perfect and complete rest and peace are only to be expected when we have laid aside these mortal, frail bodies, and shall enter those mansions of glory that Christ our Head hath prepared for us. But if w r e w r ould reign with him in another world, we must suffer with him in this — if we would wear the Crown, * A Friend who resided in Durham, 30 LETTERS OF SAMUEL CRISP. we must first bear the Cross — if we would be con- querors, we must fight — if we would win the prize, we must not be cool and indifferent, but exert all our strength in the christian race — in short, if we would be perfect, we must sell all, part with all our lovers, and [be willing to] sacrifice all the nearest and dearest enjoyments, that we have in this world [when called for] : this is self-denial — this is mortification indeed — and this is the repentance unto life, never to be repented of. My love to thy uncle and Friends. I am thy loving and affectionate friend, Samuel Crisp. EXTRACTS FROM SAMUEL CRISP'S " VINDICATION OF THE PEOPLE [The first of the three following pieces is extracted from the Preface to Samuel Crisp's Vindication, the next from the Treatise itself, and the remaining one from the Appendix to it. It is believed that the weighty counsel, sound doc- trine, and instructive remarks which these Extracts contain, will commend them to the cordial acceptance of the serious reader.] A PLEA FOR THE TRUTH, AND AN EARNEST EXHORTATION TO BE FOUND WALKING THEREIN. " Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls." — Jer. vi. 16, Reader, I desire thou wouldst be serious and unbiassed in the reading of what I here present to thy view — so mayst thou reap benefit and advantage by it to thy soul. The noise and clamour against the Quakers has of late years been carried on and promoted with 32 A PLEA FOR THE TRUTH, &C. great diligence by their adversaries ; insomuch as few, I think, who converse with the world, can be ignorant of it. This gave me occasion to inquire into their principles ; and that I might not take things upon trust, or believe the report of others con- cerning them, I was willing to see for myself — to read and consult their own authors. To this I applied myself with great seriousness ; desiring of the Lord in great humility and bowedness of soul, that he would open my understanding in the great things of his law, and that if the truth was amongst the Quakers, I might, without consulting with flesh and blood, join myself to that people, however slighted and despised I might be by the world for so doing. It was peace with God I wanted • and in comparison of that, I looked upon all other things as dross and dung. I had been always brought up in the national way of worship, and had been strict and punctual in the rites and ceremonies of the church of England beyond many • but yet I found all that would not do my business ; the seed was oppressed, and death reigned under all those forms and specious appear- ances of godliness. It was an easy matter to talk, and go the round of my devotions ; but I wanted strength and power to overcome my sins and corrup- tions. There was a cry raised in my soul after righteousness and truth • and this I found all my outward observations could not give me, for the kingdom of God is within men, though I was seeking for it abroad, doating upon shadows. And thus was I diverted from the pursuit of the knowledge of the truth, as it is in Jesus. I lived in darkness and ignorance of the true and saving knowledge of God, notwithstanding my high pretensions. But it has pleased God to rend the vail, to disperse the clouds, A PLEA FOR THE TRUTH, &C. 33 and scatter the mists and fogs, in a good measure, blessed be his name. Know, reader, that there is a people in this age, who have paid something for religion ; and they will not be put off with shams and pretences, nor decoyed by the wiles of the enemy : they are not easily to be imposed upon, in the great things that concern their everlasting peace : they cannot bow to images, nor satisfy themselves with the husks and formalities of religion, but labour to come into the life of holiness and the real practice of virtue ; whom neither smiles nor frowns can prevail with to forsake the truth: These the devil envies, and to render them odious, he paints them out in black colours. To be sure, in his account, they are fools and madmen — fanatics I'll warrant you — schismatics — heretics — a dangerous sort of people : Sirs, look to yourselves, and as you love your souls, beware of the infection of Quakerism. This is the common language when people do not please him ; but if they are tame, and easy to his insinuations, if they can rest in a form, and dwell upon words and notions, then he reigns in peace — his kingdom is quiet — no hard names then. Well, reader, what I said before, I repeat now — it concerns thee to be serious, and to weigh things with a clear and disinterested mind. If thou wilt serve God, thou must take courage and break loose from the world : if thou wilt come to Christ, thou shalt find true riches, and a fountain of inexpressible joy. If thou die with Christ, thou shalt live ; if thou suffer with him in this vain, transitory world, thou shalt reign with him in glory for ever. Look not at thy own weakness, but look unto God, whose grace is sufficient for thee ; his strength is magnified in our weakness. Let not then the cross discourage thee, D 34 A PLEA FOR THE TRUTH, &C. but take it up, and in meekness and patience bear it after Jesus, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of the majesty in the heavens. Strip thyself from the creatures; wean thy affections from the world ; strengthen thy hand in God ; cleave stedfastly unto him ; make him thy friend, and then thou needst not care who is thine enemy ; all the rage of men and devils can never hurt thee. Hearken unto God ; obey his voice ; mind the teachings of his Holy Spirit; give up thyself entirely to the conduct of it, for its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peace. This is that Comforter which is given to lead us into all truth : blessed are all those that are taught and led by it ; they see their way — it is made plain, and shines more and more unto the perfect day. Trust not to uncertainties ; put not off thy repentance ; de- lay not the time of returning to God. How dost thou know thou shalt live an hour longer ? Are all thy accounts fair and clear 1 Art thou ready to depart, if God should call thee before to-morrow morning *? Reader, once more I say — it concerns thee to be serious ; for the day of God hastens, wherein all false coverings shall be rent off ; fear shall take hold on the hypocrites, as sorrow upon a woman in tra- vail, and they shall not escape. A name and profes- sion of Christianity without the life and power of it, will then stand in very little stead ; it will be a ter- rible day, who shall be able to stand in it ! Certainly none of the hypocrites, and shufflers, and vain talkers, and disputers of this world, and empty notionists, and time-servers, and men-pleasers ; no, they will be all swept away, as chaff before the wind. " For behold the day cometh that shall burn as an oven ; and all A PLEA FOR THE TRUTH,