thought necessary, to account for the lapse of time which has occurred, and which, perhaps, may yet occur, in the further prosecution of the work. In the Prospectus it was mentioned, that the volumes were intended to be published in octavo; but, on further consideration, the duodecimo size has been preferred, because more matter may be given at less expense; and because a volume may be brought out more frequently. Care, however, is intended to be taken that the book be clearly and neatly printed; and to accommodate those who wish for a superior work, part of the impression is struck off on a fine paper at a moderate advance in the price. This Volume, it will be observed, is appropriated to the Life of George Fox, who was the principal instrument in the formation of our religious society. At a time when great zeal, but much unsettlement, prevailed in the religious world, this extraordinary man was peculiarly raised up, to gather a people into the patient waiting for Christ, and to an attention to his secret illuminations of the soul, by that Light which enlighteneth every man that cometh into the world, Considering him in this point of view, and apprehending that his real character is but little known, on account of the valuable Journal of his Life and Labours, published soon after his decease, being very voluminous, it has appeared desirable that a small volume should be occupied with an account of him, selected from his own memoirs; with such additional matter, as might be in manuscript only, and suitable for publication, In executing this work, the selection of the most interesting and valuable matter has been attended with some difficulty, on account of the various tastes of different readers. To some it may appear that there is too much minuteness, to others that too much valuable matter is omitted; and there may be those who will think that both these errors are committed. The Author certainly does not intend to be so particular, in recording the Life of any other individual; but considering that this memoir, will contain an account of the origin of our Society, a particular mention of those places, which were early visited, and in which Meetings were first settled, has been deemed interesting to Friends in general, and especially to those who reside at or near such places. This consideration has occasioned a pretty close attention to the route of his travels, and the notice of most of the places he has mentioned; at least in the early part of his life. To those who may think that much valuable matter has been omitted, it may be replied, that to take in all of that description, and even to relate at length what has been selected, would have increased this volume to an unsuitable size. Many, it is presumed, will read this Epitome, who would not peruse a folio volume; and it is hoped that some, after reading this, may be induced to peruse the original; in which they may be assured they will find much, not inserted here, that is interesting and instructive. The Reader will observe, in page 30 of this vo◄ lume, a reference to some Author, who gives an account of the practice of those who were not considered regularMinisters, preaching in the places of public worship. This has since been found in Gough's History of the Quakers, Vol. 1, page 86 to 89; to which it may be sufficient to refer the Reader. From the accounts which George Fox gives of the large numbers convinced in many places, we may be led to suppose that the settled Meetings of Friends must, at that time, have been very large in those places. But this does not appear to have been always the case; if we may judge from the size of those Meeting-houses, which appear to have been built at or about that time. For instance, at Synderhill Green, it is said, that some thousands attended the Meeting, and that there was a general convincement. This place is on the confines of Yorkshire and Derbyshire, near Handsworth Woodhouse, where a Meeting-house was early built, which it is supposed could, not accommodate more than two hundred persons. From this and similar. circumstances, it appears that all those who are said to be convinced, did not join in strict membership with the Society; but that they simply assented to the truth of the doctrines preached to them. In the Publication of this Volume, the Author has been, in an especial manner, desirous of attracting the at tention of the Youth of that Society, which George Fox had been instrumental in forming, to the labours, the sufferings, and the character of this devoted servant of Christ. To these in particular, the call of the Almighty to the Jews is affectionately recommended: "Look unto Abraham your father I called him [when] alone, and blessed him, and increased him." N. B. It is apprehended that some Friends may possess manuscripts, relating to George Fox, which might have furnished additional matter for this volume. If this is the case, the Author will be obliged by the communication of them, as he may perhaps find an opportunity to introduce some addi tion afterwards, on the subject of this Memoir. CHAP. I. 1624 to 1649-G. F.'s Birth, Parentage, and Religious Disposition-His serious Thoughts, secret Exercises and Views of various Points of Christian Doctrine and Prac- 1649 to 1651-Many convinced by his Ministry-Preaches in Places of Public Worship-Imprisoned at Nottingham, 1651 to 1652-Extraordinary Concern at Litchfield-Tru- · 1652-Visits several Places in Westmoreland and Lancashire- His first Visits at Judge Fell's, Swarthmore Hall-Is 1653-Fasts ten Days-Visits Cumberland-Anthony Pear-· son and many others are convinced-Is arrested at Car- lisle, and committed to Prison-After his Liberation, goes into Westmoreland, Durham, and Northumberland. p. 63 1654-Returns into Yorkshire-Large Meeting at Synder- - hill Green-Goes into Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire -Visits his Relations in Leicestershire, and travels to |