I shall now proceed to lay down a few of those things, which are, in some Measure, an Evidence to me, That my aforesaid Sense touching G.F. is true; referring the Reader for further Satisfaction, to the First and Fifth Parts of the Christian-Quaker distinguish’t from the Apostate and Innovator.
First, I take notice of Seven Questions, which were sent unto John Wilkinson, by Robert Barrow and others; who said, They were desired by G.F. so to do.
The Queries are as followeth, together with the Substance of the Answers thereunto.
Query 1. Whether didst thou say, concerning that Paper sent down to the Quarterly Meeting at Kendal, That is came from the Female?
Answ. I Remember no such Words; yet was greatly troubled at a *1 Paper from the Female, Read with grievous Accusations against our Faithful Brother John Story; which (as I said) greatly troubled me, and many besides me, {Fourth Part 8} knowing his Clearness from such Things, and knowing his Vessel filled with the Power of God, in abiding in his House.
Qu. 2. Whether didst thou say at the Quarterly-Meeting at Kendal, to Margaret Fox; what Ground or Foundation have Friends, to practice things which are imposed by Man, or in the will of Man, which the Scripture gives no Authority, or Warrant for; or Words to that Effect?
Answ. The Words, as states in this Question, I did not speak to M.F. yet the Substance I own for the Truth in it.
XR6171 Qu. 3. Whether didst thou Read, or consent to be Read, in the latter-End of a Quarterly-Meeting at Kendal, a Paper of Anthony Pearsons, or others, that directed or advised, That the Way of Truth should be as the Way of a Ship in the Sea; or such-like?
Answ. Nay: But if they mean no Impression of Form left behind, I like it well.
Qu. 4. Whether didst thou advise, That Papers of Condemnation should not be Recorded?
Answ. Nay; I had no Occasion to Advise: But my Advice was, and is, That Condemnations should not stand on our Deacons Books to Posterity, according as the Meeting agreed unto; because Failings in the Holy Scripture, have proved Weapons for the Man of Sin to fight with against Perfection: This is one Reason of many, that was given. Neither would I have them go further, than the Offence is known; nor continue longer, than the Memory of the Offence abideth; that we may walk in the Foot-steps of the only Flock of Christ, and not Retain, when God Remitteth; but Measure as we would be Meeted unto; and {Fourth Part 9} Judge, as we would be Judged; considering our selves lest we also be Tempted.
Qu. 5. Whether thou opposed bringing in Friends Testimonies in Writing, concerning their Faithfulness, or Unfaithfulness, in Case of Tythes?
Answ. Nay; for I brought in One my self, as a Testimony against Tythes, I never gain-sayed or hindred, neither would I force any one to write such Testimonies. One ought not (in my Judgement) to use Force against another, in bringing Testimonies for God, beyond the Force of the Word of Life.
Qu. 6. Whether didst thou approve, or consent, or wer’t present at the racing or tearing out of the Book, H.G’s Paper of Condemenation, for being Marryed by a Priest?
Answ. Nay; but Friends agreed that Papers of Condemnations should be taken out of the Book.
Qu 7. Whether thou didst not say, as touching Tythes, That thou wouldst have all friends left to their Freedom, to pay them, or not to pay them?
Answ. I remember no such Words spoken by me, as to put such an Indifferency concerning Testimonies for God, against the grand Oppression of Tythes; but I would have no other Force amongst Friends used, but the Word of Life to stir them up with Testimonies of God, against the Grand oppression of Tythes; which I have suffered the spoiling of my Goods for denying this many Years.
-
*Note, This is that Paper mentioned in the Title-Page, that G.F’s Wife caused to be Read In a Quarterly-Meeting, and was given in her Name.↩
No comments:
Post a Comment