CHAP. XV.

1666 to 1669-Remarks on George Fox's Imprisonment and Oaths-After his Release, hears of the Fire in London-Travels in divers Parts of Yorkshire, and through the Counties of Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, &c. to London-Visits the Ruins there-Goes to Bristol, and returns to London-Establishes Meetings for Discipline in London and most Parts of the Nation-Also promotes Schools-Visits Esquire Marsh in LondonDisputes with a Papist-Goes into Surrey and Sussex -Turns into Warwickshire-Passes through Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, &c. to Liverpool-Sails for Ires land, and visits Friends there.

WE are now come to the conclusion of a Jong and cruel imprisonment. It continued about three years, above one of which was at Scarborough, and the rest of the time at Lancaster. The fortitude and meekness with which it was endured, was consistent with the character of a Christian, suffering for a compliance with his Master's positive command; a command which, however it may be attempted, no sophistry has been able to invalidate. And it is a sorrowful reflection, that, in a christian country, a compliance with so unequivocal an injunction of our common Lord, as that of "Swear not at all," supported as it is by one of his Apostles, should have ever subjected those who acted in obedience to it, to such suffer

ings, as would have disgraced the character of Heathens. But though sufferings on this occasion, have now ceased, it is still desirable that so direct a violation of this divine injunction, should be removed from the legal code of all nations, professing the Christian name; in some of which, at least, it may be said as formerly," Because of swearing (both legal and profane) the land mourneth."

The day after George Fox's release from Scarborough Castle, the great fire broke out in London. Some Friends had not only foreseen it, but forewarned the people of it, or some similar calamity. One Friend, in particular, George mentions, who was concerned to go through the streets of London, a short time before the fire, scattering his money up and down, having the knees of his breeches untied, his stockings down, and his doublet unbuttoned; at the same time telling the people," So should they run up and down, scattering their money and goods, half undressed like mad people, as he was a sign to them;" all which was very soon fulfilled.*

George Fox being now at liberty, staid a few days at Scarborough and its neighbourhood, hav

* See Sewell's History of the Quakers, for further par ticulars relating to this circumstance. Anno 1666.

ing meetings among his Friends and others. From Scarborough he went to Whitby, and then turned to Burlington and into Holderness. At Marmaduke Storr's, who probably lived at or near Owstwick, he attended a marriage of two of his Friends; on which occasion there was a very large meeting, in which he explained various matters on the subject of matrimony, and on the duties of the married state. This is the first marriage which he mentions attending among his own Friends.

Whilst in Holderness, George visited a Priest, who, when he was in that country, in the year 1651, had threatened, If ever he met with George Fox again, he would have his life, unless prevented by George killing him. This man was now very loving and kind, and his wife had become a Friend. Various circumstances of this kind he met with in his travels; many persons who had been violent against him, having become much softened in their minds, and others even joined in society with him. Such are frequently the effects of faithful labour and patient suffering in the cause of truth and righteousness; verifying the truth of the observation: "When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him."

Leaving Holderness, he came by Malton, Hull, and Howden, to York. Here he had a large

meeting, and visited Justice Robinson, now au ancient man, who, at Pickering, had formerly shown much kindness to him; and on vario occasions had manifested a favourable disposition to Friends; which his successors for several generations have continued to evince. From York, George Fox passed through the South-West part of the County, till he came to Synderhill-Green, on the borders of Derbyshire, where he had formerly had some large meetings, at which many had been convinced of the rectitude of the doctrine which he preached. Here he again had a large and satisfactory meeting; but narrowly escaped being arrested, a warrant being issued at the instigation of the Priest of the place. The constables, however, were too late for the meeting, and thus missed of their object. He now passed into Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, having meetings at Skegby and Mansfield; after which he came to Nottingham, where he had a large and quiet meeting. Of the Society here he makes this observation: "Friends were brought to sit under their teacher, the grace of God, which brought them salvation; and were established upon the rock and foundation, Christ Jesus." Here he visited John Reckless, who was now a Friend, but had been Sheriff of the County, and whose prisoner he had been in the year 1649.

Hence George Fox passed towards London, through Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Northamp

tonshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire. In Leicestershire, as usual, he visited his relations. nie had many large and precious meetings in those counties; but travelling he found very difficult and painful, from the great stiffness in his limbs, and other infirmities, occasioned by his long and severe imprisonments. He could not even bear to be near the firé, nor to eat warm meat, which he imputes to having been kept so long from them. When he came to London, he visited the ruins occasioned by the fire; on which he observes, "I saw the city lying, according as the word of the Lord came to me concerning it, several years before."

Notwithstanding his great bodily weakness, he left London and travelled as far as Bristol, having large meetings at various places, both going and returning. About this time, and in the course of this journey, he had the satisfaction of seeing many, who had been drawn aside by John Perrot and others, convinced of their error, and condemning their conduct.*

*John Perrot thought himself more enlightened than George Fox, and objected to Friends uncovering their heads, whilst a Minister was engaged in prayer; in which notion many joined him. Afterwards he let his beard grow, in which some also united him; but, at length, going to Amesica, he wore a sword, and, getting a place in the Govern