|
THE LIFE OF FRANCIS HOWGILL MEMOIRS of FRANCIS HOWGILL, PREFACE The following work is chiefly compiled from the writings of Francis Howgill, which were collected after his death, and published in the year 1676 in one volume folio, containing 730 pages, and entitled The Dawning of the Gospel Day, and its Light and Glory Discovered, &c. The first part, comprising the life of Francis Howgill, has however received many additions from writings of some others of the Society of Friends, and from manuscript letters addressed by Francis Howgill and Edward Burrough to Margaret Fell, with which the compiler was kindly furnished by one of his friends; and he hopes it may prove a useful specimen of the labors and exercises into which the faithful laborers, in the earlier periods of the Society, were introduced, in bearing their testimony to the Truth as it is in Jesus. Many of Francis Howgill's other writings besides those from which extracts are here given, contain much valuable matter; but those presented to the reader in this volume, appear to comprise the substance of most of the others; and to set forth the most important of the doctrines which he believed himself called upon to advocate. In digesting the whole into its present form, the compiler has endeavored to keep to the style and expressions of the originals, as much as the correction of verbal inaccuracies peculiar the day in which the essays were written, and the reduction of great redundancy of expression, would admit. And he desires that the perusal of the records of the lively zeal, and patient and faithful labors, of such as were successful advocates of the Truth, may tend to stir up others to diligence, in the most important object of life, which is righteousness; so that they may know its work, which is peace; and may prove its effect to be quietness and assurance forever. LIFE of FRANCIS HOWGILL CHAPTER I Francis Howgill, (1618-1669), received a university education in preparation for the Episcopalian ministry. He became a minister in the Episcopal church; but afterwards left it, being dissatisfied with the superstition which he saw remaining in it, and joined himself to some Independents, among whom be became a teacher. Still lacking that spiritual comfort after which his soul thirsted, he went among the Anabaptists, thinking that they walked more in accordance with the Gospel of Christ. Still he remained destitute of that peace of mind which he so earnestly longed for; and at length, in about the thirty-fourth year of his age, he joined the persecuted society called Quakers; among whom he became a widely respected member and evangelist. In prison, he died as a noble martyr of truth, after having been an eminent minister for sixteen years, leaving an account of his writings and sufferings. He has left a particular account of his early religious experience, starting as an Episcopalianin a work entitled, The Inheritance of Jacob discovered after his return out of Egypt; from which the reader is here presented with a copious extract.
It appears that the great change just alluded
to started in the
year 1652. He was at a fair, at Sedburgh,
to the west of Yorkshire, through which,
George Fox passed, declaring the day of the
Lord. George Fox went afterwards into the
steeple-house yard; and many of the people of
the fair went to him, with a number of priests,
and professors of religion. There he declared
the everlasting truth of the Lord, and the word
of life for several hours; showing that the Lord
had come, to teach his people himself; and
to bring them off from all the world's ways,
and teachers; that these teachers were like
those that were of old, condemned by the prophets,
by Christ, and by the apostles. He
exhorted the people to come off from the temples
made with hands; and to wait to receive
the Spirit of the Lord, that they might know
themselves to be the temples of God. Not one
of the priests opened his mouth against what
he declared; but a captain said: "Why will
you not go into the Church? This is not a fit
place to preach in?" George Fox told him,
he denied their church. Then Francis
Howgill stood up, who had not seen George Fox before,
and answered the captain: "this man speaks
with authority and not as the scribes," which put the captain to silence.
In a testimony respecting Francis Howgill, by George Fox, he states him to have been,
As the Son of God came to be revealed in him, be began to know his command: to powerfully and freely preach Him, and his word of life. John Audland and he, all the days of their lives, after their convincement, preached Christ Jesus freely, as they had received Him, and turned many to God. But, no sooner was his mouth opened, than the priests, magistrates, and professors, began to rage against him, and to be offended at the word of God, and the gospel. Francis Howgill was one of the friends alluded to, in H. Tuke's Biographical Notices, vol. 2 page 69, who with James Naylor, designed to have held a religious meeting, at Orton, in Westmoreland, in the year 1652.
The priests in this country, appear to have been uncommonly violent and cruel. Not content with preaching against Naylor, and imputing to him blasphemy, with many other false accusations, they raised an armed multitude, who came to the house where he was, threatening to knock out his brains against the wall, or to pull down the house if he would not come out; and when they were told that the doors were open, the people informing the priests, they rushed violently into the house, seized James Naylor by the throat, dragged him into the yard, and afterwards, with a pitch fork, struck off his hat, commanding him to answer such questions, as the priests should ask him. They put many questions to him, which he answered so well, that they could not take any advantage from them to prosecute him. After much wrangling, one of the priests advised the people, not to receive James Naylor into their houses, and then departed, leaving him and his friends to the violence of the rude multitude. But a justice of the peace who was present, seeing the dangerous situation in which Friends were placed, kindly assisted them in returning to the house from where they came, which they entered without receiving much harm. On this occasion, James was publicly engaged to praise the Lord, for the wonderful deliverance from the power of his enemies, which some of them hearing, said, " if we let him go on thus, all people will run after him." He was therefore, again haled out of the house, taken by the justice and priests to a neighboring ale-house, and then committed to Appleby jail. He was taken to Kirby Stephen that night; and a guard placed over him in a chamber. Several of his friends followed him, and among them was Francis Howgill, who took an opportunity of preaching to the people, who were collected in the street in a great number. When a complaint of his preaching was made, he was sent for before a justice, who commanded him to take off his hat. He answered, "I knowof no such law." One of the priests, five of whom were present, testified that Francis had said, "he will tread both the ministry and magistracy under foot." Francis replied, "you are a false accuser, prove your accusation." Then one of the bystanders took off his hat, and threw it into the fire. Then the justice said: "What is this you speak against the ministers ?" He answered, "What have you to accuse me of," at which point the justice said that Francis had stated that any minister who persecuted those who did not give him money was not a minister of Jesus Christ. He said, “you speak against the law, for the law has given them their maintenance." Francis said, “I do not meddle with the law, but with their persecution.” Then Francis said to the priest, "did you ever know a minister of Christ that was a persecutor, or who labored to imprison any?” And after more discourse, he said to the priest, “I have seen a great deal of tyranny and persecution in this day’s actions.” Then the justice said to the people: “Take notice, he said the law I act by is tyranny and persecution;” to which the people assented. Then Francis said, “you may give out to the people what you will, but I speak not of the law, but of your actions.” Upon that they made out a mittimus to send him to prison, placing over him a guard of eight men, who spent that night in drinking, swearing, and filthy talking; and the more they were reproved the more often they repeated their wickedness. The next morning he was sent to Appleby jail, along with James Naylor. While these innocent sufferers were in prison, their enemies were busily employed, in obtaining all the accusations they could against them. At the sessions held at Appleby, in the month called January, 1652, James Naylor was tried on an indictment for blasphemy. This charge was occasioned by the doctrine preached, and particularly insisted on, by our early Friends, that of the light of Christ universally communicated to the human race, as John said: the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. This they further explained with Paul's letters referring to, "Christ in you the hope of glory;" and further illustrated by an exhortation of the same apostle: "Prove yourselves; know you not yourselves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except you are reprobates." This doctrine, the enemies of the Society endeavored to convert into a blasphemous application of Christ to themselves; but, despite the strenuous endeavors of some of the justices, the charge could not be substantiated; and Anthony Pearson, who then sat on the bench, was convinced by the examination of James Naylor. Benson was another of the justices, and was fully sensible of the insufficiency of the evidence to prove the charge of blasphemy; but notwithstanding the evident innocence of the prisoner, two other justices were so violent as to commit him upon the petition of the priests, though at the hazard of being fined by the judges at the assizes. It was therefore ordered that James Naylor and Francis Howgill should remain in prison, where they were arbitrarily confined about five months and then discharged. After Francis Howgill was set at liberty, he grew valiant and bold for the name of the Lord and traveled up and down on foot preaching the everlasting Gospel. He went to many steeple-houses, to warn both priests and people of the day of the Lord that was coming upon them; directing them to Christ Jesus, their Teacher and Saviour. CHAPTER III In the spring of 1654, Francis Howgill went to London in company with Edward Burrough, and Anthony Pearson the justice before mentioned, but who had now become a preacher of the truth as it is in Christ Jesus. They are said to have been the first, who publicly preached the doctrines of Friends in London. A meeting was appointed at the request of Francis Howgill, who had written by post from York on that account. It was held on a first-day, at the house of Robert Dring, in a close yard in Watling-street. Before Francis Howgill and Anthony Pearson arrived, a great many people were assembled, whom the former addressed. As soon as he ceased many wild people came in, who made a great noise. They went to Simon Dring's, in Moorfields in the afternoon, where they met many people of honest, simple hearts, to whose conditions they were much drawn forth to minister, and who received them gladly. Edward Burrough is said to have been that day at an assembly of a separate society. Previously, however, to the arrival of these laborers in the Gospel, the workings of the power of truth were felt by some tender hearted people in and about London; and a few were convinced and turned to the Lord. Two women who came out of the north, namely Isabel Buttry and her companion, became acquainted with Simon Dring of Moorfields, and Amos Stodart who had been a captain in the parliament's army, but having been convinced of the truth had left his military calling. These women having in their possession, printed copies of an Epistle addressed by George Fox, "to all that would know the way to the kingdom, whether they be in forms, without forms, or got above forms," to direct people to turn the attention of their minds within, where the voice of God is to be heard, dispersed them among such as would receive them; and walking in company with Amos and Simon in the fields towards Stepney, they were overtaken by Ruth Brown, who was then about sixteen years of age, and who afterwards became the wife of William Crouch. Isabel Buttry looked steadfastly on her, and gave her one of the epistles, on reading which she was convinced of the truth, and added to the small number who believed. After this they, with Anne Downer, who afterwards married George Whitehead, held private meetings at Robert Dring's house, in Watling-street, and at Simon Dring's in Moorflelds, in which Isabel Buttry sometimes spoke a few words; but Anne Downer is said to have been the first woman of this society, who preached publicly in London. On the first-day week after the arrival of Francis Howgill and his companions, they appointed another meeting in Moorfields, for those only who appeared to be simple hearted, and who had been much borne down by the violence of the people among whom they were mixed, before the coming of these friends. But many wild spirited peoplealso came to the meeting; and after Anthony Pearson had said a few words, a Ranter* stood up and spoke until Francis Howgill became grieved in spirit; and he, under a sense of the power of God, stopped him with he and Anthony speaking again. Then several men and women fell down on the ground, in a Ranting spirit, and confessed that their ministry was of God; but F. Howgill and his friends denied them and declared against them, so that the simple hearted ones were much comforted and strengthened.
The next first-day, they had another public meeting in Watling Street; but before they got there a Ranter spoke, and another opposed him, and there was a great contest, so that the people were much troubled. At length, under a sense of the power of the Lord, Francis Howgill stood up and spoke; and all the others were silent. The mouths of his fellow laborers were afterwards opened in great power, so that many owned their ministry. In the afternoon many more came and there was strong opposition; but Francis and his companions, after speaking to them for about two hours, withdrew, and were followed into another room by the honest hearted, whom they addressed; being much concerned to get them separated from among the mixed multitude. In a short time, John Audland, John Camm, and Richard Hubberthorn, arrived in London and took part in the labors of the day. Francis Howgill informs us that on the same day Edward Burrough and Richard Hubberthorn were at a place in the City, called the Glass House, which was a great meeting place of the Baptists; and that after Edward Burrough had spoken, Richard Hubberthorn stood up and addressed the assembly; but presently they shut him out and bolted the door. Edward remained silent within, until another person had spoken, and then he said a few words; but they stopped him, and after a little dispute he left them. The same day, John Camm was with a people who had been called Lockers, whose hireling teacher had left them; and had afterwards been promoted. Richard Hubberthorn went to him from the Baptists, and they had liberty to speak for a good while and cleared their consciences. Francis Howgill, with Anthony Pearson, were the same day at a meeting of a people called Waiters, in Cheapside, where a man was speaking when they went in; he soon ceased on seeing them. Here the former spoke three quarters of an hour; and one Colonel Rich then confessed that the Light was the guide, but said that it led into innocence, and that he looked for a greater which would lead into glory. This was not satisfactory to them, therefore Anthony Pearson said, a few words on the subject; after which Francis again addressed them; and Edward Burrough coming in also spoke a few words; after which they parted with the people in much love. On the sixth day following, they appointed a meeting for those who were convinced On first day, Francis Howgill and Edward Burrough had a meeting at a large place called Ely-house, of which the governor of the place began to Speak; but soon ceasing, another person, a Ranter, stood up-in a pulpit and spoke a while; so that they saw they were in danger of losing the opportunity. Edward Burrough therefore stood up and addressed the meeting, the people being very attentive. After he had finished, the Ranter spoke again; and Francis, under a sense of the power of the Lord, then stood up and addressed them. Upon which the Ranter and the rest of the people were silent for nearly an hour longer. Afterwards the Ranter said the people could not but witness that he spoke to their conscience as well as Francis and his companion; but the people, with one consent, said he did not, and were very loving to them. But the governor, perceived that in the eyes of the people his honor and the Ranter's honor were gone. So he refused to let them have a meeting there in the afternoon. So they appointed one in Watling Street. The same day, John Camm went to a great meeting of a society who were translating the Scriptures anew, and were judging of them by their own reason. At mid-day they all met again; and Richard Hubberthorn went to Friends' meeting, and Anthony Pearson and Francis Howgill to that of the Bible people, and there they spoke a little; but except they would dispute and be tried by the Scriptures, they would not hear them; they therefore consented, and were furnished with wisdom, so that they soon confounded their opponents. Passing from them they were joined by Richard Hubberthorn, and went to Edward Burrough who was at a steeple-house in Lombard Street, which most of the high notionists in the City frequented. They got to him before the priest had done; and after he had ceased, Edward stood up on a seat and addressed the people for about an hour, with a loud voice, and in much power; they being very still and calm. When he had finished, Francis also addressed them ; and they cleared their consciences and went away. The same afternoon, John Camm was at a meeting of Baptists, where he had an opportunity of preaching the Truth to them. In the evening they all met again; and closed the day in peace, in their Heavenly Father's love. After a short time, Anthony Pearson went into the county of Durham; and John Audland, John Camm, and Richard Hubberthorn into Oxfordshire; but Francis Howgill and Edward Burrough still remained in London, diligently; having three or more meetings every week, larger than could be contained in any place they could conveniently obtain for the purpose. One fourth-day, they had a meeting in Southwark, in a large room where the Anabaptists met on first-days; several of whom, with many hundreds of people attended. The Anabaptists, after it, fell out about them. Those who heard them pleaded for them, while others who were absent were offended, and blamed those, 'who gave them liberty to use the room;’ and one of the Anabaptist teacher's who had been in the north, brought many false reports respecting Friends, which those who were at the meeting, would not give credit to. This occasioned many of the Anabaptist congregation to secede, which made the others greatly afraid of Friends. The ministerial labors of these devoted servants of the Lord were blessed with signal success; being attended with a convincing power, impressing awful considerations, and awakening the consciences of the audience to a sense of their conditions, and to earnest desires after salvation. Being prepared for the work of the ministry, by the previous work of inward sanctification, and believing themselves "called of God as was Aaron," to that arduous undertaking, they were eminently qualified for the service in which they were engaged; not only possessing a sound understanding and a sufficient share of literature, but the superior qualification of that experience of the quickening power of inward religion, which they endeavored to recommend and propagate a religion not amusing the head in curious speculations, but purifying the heart, and cleansing the conscience from dead works, to serve the Lord in newness of life. CHAPTER IV In the autumn of this year, both Francis Howgill and Edward Burrough left London for Bristol, after having a meeting with many of their friends who came say goodbye to them. In this meeting they commended their friends to the Lord, to whom they had directed, settled, and charged them to meet together. It was a time of great brokenness of heart; the tendering power of God being witnessed among them, so that the recollection of it often raised the hearts of many of them in thankfulness and praise to God. On the first-day after the arrival of Howgill and Burrough in Bristol, they had a meeting in the castle, at which were many hundreds of people. After it was over they went out, hoping to get away from the multitude; but the people followed them along the streets to the house of a captain, which was filled with them until late in the evening. Every day in the week these friends had meetings in or about the city; and on the first-clay following, they had one in the house of one captain Bishop; (probably George Bishop who became convinced of the truth, and suffered imprisonment for it). The rooms in this house were huge, but both were insufficient for the meetings; and therefore they went in the afternoon to a place called the fort, where about two thousand persons were assembled, among whom were many great men and women. All the people were very still, though Howgill and Burrough could scarcely raise their voices so as to be heard by the most distant of the them; and the people were so unwilling to leave them, that they were obliged to go into the house of a captain, and hide themselves in a private chamber. These things were great news through the city, and the priests and magistrates were soon in an uproar, seeking to find something against these laborers in the Gospel. Two priests went to hoar them in order to entrap them, but were disappointed. On the second-day of the week they went into the city; to the house of a merchant; and the mayor, aldermen, justices of the peace, and priests assembled in the hall; and sent a sergeant to desire them to come to the council, to where they went freely, many captains and great men of the city accompanying them. When they reached the place, a great concourse of people was gathered together; they were therefore taken into an inner chamber, into which many persons of respectability who were kindly disposed to them went also, but they were not permitted to stay; while their opposers were freely admitted. Howgill and Burrough informed the magistrates, that they had come there according to their request. The magistrates then queried of them, if they knew to whom they spoke. They answered, that they believed they were before the magistrates or rulers of the city. The magistrates were displeased, that they neither bowed to them, nor put off their bats; but they informed them, that they did not omit doing so in contempt of authority, but for conscience' sake. The magistrates then asked of them their names and country, which they declared to them, telling them also, that they had been in London about a quarter of a year. The magistrates next inquired their purpose for coming to Bristol, to which they answered they came in response to the commandment and motion of the Lord, to bear witness to his Name, and to declare the gospel committed to them. The priests then began to ask them questions; but they refused to answer any persons except the magistrates, to whom they signified their readiness to answer. These then inquired whether their call was mediate [implicit] or immediate [explicit]; to which they replied, immediate. They were then asked if they had an immediate call to declare it. Francis therefore told them what kind of preacher he had been, and what he then was, and informed them that he, and his companion had witnessed the same call, which Abraham had to leave his country and his habitation; and had left their habitations at the command of God. The magistrates listened to him quietly for about a quarter of an hour. They then queried if the friends could work miracles. They answered, that they should not boast of those things; but on being urged, they stated, that many persons could bear witness, that by their ministry many had been turned from darkness to Light, and from Satan to God. The priests then inquired whether they accused all the ministers in England; and they told them, that there were many ministers of Christ in England, and with them they had unity; not all hirelings, and those who sought their gain from their quarter they denied. The priests pleaded for hire, and said, that Francis and Edward dishonored the Gospel; that the Light was natural; and that everyone had it not, which was contradictory to their own declaration that it was natural. After much striving and contending, when they found that they could not; ensnare the prisoners, they consulted together and said, that the friends had held tumultuous meetings; to which one of their own number answered, that there were many godly, honest papule met, and without tumult. When the magistrates could find nothing against them, they commanded them to depart out of the city. To this they answered: "We came not in the will of man, nor stand in the will of man; but when He moves us to depart, who moved us to come here, we shall obey; but your wills we cannot obey, for your will is no law. If we are guilty of the transgression of any law, let us suffer by it; but rather than we will transgress the righteous law of God, written in our hearts, by subjecting ourselves to your wills and lusts, we shall choose to walk in the law of God, and to suffer under your wills what you can lay upon us. We are free born Englishmen, and have served the Commonwealth in faithfulness, being free in the presence of God from the transgression of any law. To your commands we cannot be obedient; but if by violence you put us out of the city, and have power to do it, we cannot resist." Having said this they went out of the court, but tarried in the city until night; and the next day returned and walked In the streets. After this, they had several very large meetings; it being supposed that there were at one of them, about three thousand persons. They staid about seven weeks in and about Bristol, laboring diligently; and many received the Truth which they preached. For the last three weeks of their Stay, they had the company and joint labors of John Audland and John Camm, who had also been there before them, and whom they left in this extensive field of labor. Some time after they left Bristol, the magistrates issued the following warrant to the constables of each ward of that city, under pretension of an information, the absurdity of which must appear to ever unprejudiced reader, as the parties named to it were well known to be natives of England. But the spirit of persecution which raged in those days, seemed so blind that nothing, however improbable or foolish, if it could be turned to the disadvantage of this harmless, but despised people was thought too low to be pressed into service against them, by many of those who ought to have been a terror to evil doers, and a praise to them who do well.
While Francis Howgill and Edward Burrough were in Bristol, twelve Baptists came out of Wiltshire to encounter them, who quickly defeated in their dispute and hastily left. On their return home, they reported that Francis and Edward were cursers and swearers, and denied Christ and the Scriptures. So when Francis and Edward were returning to London, they stopped in Wiltshire; believing the false report spread about them, the people were very fierce in their reaction to them. However, they appointed a meeting in the market-place. When Francis and Edward were traveling to the meeting place, they felt themselves very low and weak; but when the people had come together, they felt the Power of the Lord arise in them so powerfully that they spoke for two hours withou resistance, and they cleared the Truth. Two of the Baptists then spoke, and they disputed with them for four hours, at the expiration of which they parted; the Baptists laying aside their boasting. A justice of the peace who was present on this occasion, declared that he never beard any who spoke like Howgill and Burrough, and invited them to his house, to which they went the following day. The mayor of the town went to them in the evening, and confessed that they spoke the Truth; and that, if he failed to acknowledge it, his conscience would witness against him. They had many meetings in this court; and among those who were convinced of the Truths they taught, were a justice of the peace and his wife, by the name of Stookes. The Stokes asked them to come to their house, where they had a large meeting, and stayed two days; after which, they set out for London; the justice kindly sending his man and horses with them, fifteen miles on their journey. CHAPTER V On the return of Francis Howgill and Edward Burrough to London, they saw the fruit of their labor in that city, and rejoiced; for the mighty power of God had so manifested itself, that many mouths were opened to bear testimony to the Truth, and several meetings were established; and those who continued in their doctrine were more separated from the multitude. A meeting was held for some time at the house of a widow, named Sarah Matthews, in White-Cross Street, on first-day mornings; and one at Simon Dring's, in Moorfields, in the afternoons; and sometimes at Glazier's Hall, at the house of Sarah Yates, a widow, in a Court in Aldersgate-Street. They continued some weeks in London laboring diligently, not only among those who were thus gathered from such as cried: " Lo! here is Christ," and "Lo! He is there," to the knowledge of his clear arising in themselves, as the lightning coming out of the east, and shining unto the west; and to the witnessing of his Spirit abiding in them, and giving them strength to overcome sin; but they had also many public meetings, at which numbers of people were convinced. During their stay in the city, they were joined by George Fox, Richard Hubberthorn, James Naylor, and some other laborers in the same cause. About the beginning of the year 1655, Francis Howgill went with John Camm to visit Oliver Cromwell, in order to warn him, and to deliver some papers addressed to him by some friends, reasoning with him in regard to several laws, which were at that time so rigorously put in force against friends, that many of their ministers and others were suffering imprisonment under them. In a letter to Margaret Fell on this occasion, Francis says of the Protector: "He is full of subtlety and deceit; and will speak fair; but hardens his heart and acts secretly underneath." Soon after this visit he addressed the following letter to Cromwell:
William Sewell, in his History of the people called Quakers, says in reference to this letter: "How this was received I am not" acquainted; but this I have understood, that some of Cromwell's servants, and among these one Theophilus Green, and also Mary, afterwards wife of Henry Stout, were so reached by Francis Howgill's letter, that afterwards they entered into the society of the Quakers." In the second month of this year, Edward Burrough went to Edmond's Bury where Francis Howgill joined him; and they went from there into the Isle of Ely, at the time of the assizes, and had a very precious meeting. The Baptists at Cambridge had challenged James Parnell to a dispute; these friends therefore returned with him to Cambridge on the day appointed. The Baptists had fixed on a steeple house to dispute in; but when they went down they found themselves shut out. The tows and scholars were in an uproar; and when the Baptists perceived that Francis and Edward were there, they were unwilling to meddle. Howgill and Burrough were so thronged, that they conceived they were in danger from the multitude, who were very rude; and therefore made their way to the house of justice Blackley. The Baptists then perceiving the people to be on their part, ran up to the shire-house, and James Parnell went after them. When the multitude was appeased, Francis and Edward also went up. The Baptists then asked James a question, to which he did not give them they and answer that they had hoped; they therefore went away, and desired the people not to let Friends stay after them. In a short time, Francis and his companions went to the house of a Friend in the town; to which they sent for their brethren and a number of others, and had a meeting that evening with them. The next day, they went to a place where they had two meetings in yard, at which many persons were convinced; among whom were some who had been unruly. On the following first-day, they had another meeting in the Isle of Ely; at which there were about seven hundred people. To this meeting Col. Russel, whose son had married Cromwell's daughter, sent two priests, one of whom was an Independent; but they were both confounded, and returned to Russel, and told him, that the Quakers were far ahead of them; upon which, he wrote asking the friends to come to his house, or send him word where they would be, and he would come to them. They readily accepted his invitation and were kindly received. All the family came together, and they declared to them the Way of Life. The colonel's wife was much affected and wept greatly. The next day the colonel sent to inform them, that if they would go to the house of the Independent, he would send him word and acquaint the people. They gladly received this message and went, as did also the colonel, his wife, and many of their family, along with the Independents, with many other people of the parish, and their teachers. Here they spoke powerfully as the Spirit gave utterance; and the priests being convinced of the truth of their doctrine, hung down their heads, and shame covered them; but the hearts of the people were drawn to the friends in love. In the course of this journey, they visited the city of Norwich; in which, as well as in most of the market-towns of Norfolk and Suffolk, they had meetings. On their return to London, they were again refreshed among their friends, whom they found prospering and growing in wisdom; and Howgill informs us, that "several of them were moved to go forth in the ministry:" two young men and two young women for Barbados, a young Scotchman for Scotland, two other young women for Wales, and two others to Oxford; and many others to preach the Gospel to the congregations they had formerly belonged to, and they were yet preserved at liberty. CHAPTER VI Francis Howgill spent five weeks in Kent about this time, and had meetings every day but two. Here he was attacked with an sickness, and brought near to the grave. "But," he says, “the Lord for his work's sake gave me strength, and many great meetings I had in that county; the magistrates were moderate." He returned to London again after this visit; and so many people wanted to hear the doctrine preached by Friends that they frequently had about twenty meetings in a week; feeling that the laborers were few in proportion to the harvest. After remaining a while in London, Francis Howgill believed it was required of him to pay a religious visit to Ireland. In a memorandum, dated the 7th day of the 4th month, he stated his belief that Christ had commissioned to go to Dublin with Edward Burrough; and it was strongly impressed upon his mind that a door was opened for them, so that the living presence of the Lord would go before them, and that his righteousness would be their reward; that his everlasting blessing and eternal power would be with them; and that He would open their mouths in wisdom, in utterance, and understanding. They understood that His power would compass them as a wall of brass; and that many should bless them in his name, and say: "What has God wrought?" By a memorandum left by Edward Burrough it appears, that he also received a similar impression, on the 10th day of the 4th month, to which he submitted on the 30th of the same, not knowing whether his brother, by which it is presumed he meant Francis, should go with him or not; and that he had the comforting assurance, that nothing should befall him, but what should be permitted of the Lord; and that his life would be preserved, although it was required of him to give it up freely to the keeping of Him, who called him to the great work of declaring his Word in that nation. They spent about three months in Dublin without being disturbed, though they took advantage of every opportunity to declare the doctrine of Truth; and a small meeting was settled there. After this they believed it their duty to separate, traveling in different directions. Francis went to Kilkenny, Waterford, Youghall, and Cork; at each of these places, meetings were gathered, and all seemed as a level plain before them. After being separated five months, he wrote to Edward Burrough, desiring him to join him in Cork, where Francis often had great liberty in public. He had often great contests with the Baptists; and many were raised up in the Lord's power, to bear witness daily against the Priests, so as to become a torment to them. The governor was moderate toward him, but his family was very receptive; and many officers of different descriptions went to hear him. At Bandon there was a meeting gathered, and at Kinsale also, where the governor was kindly disposed to him; and among those who were convinced, were some soldiers. At this place Francis, had many meetings in the garrison, which greatly enraged the priests, who informed against the officers that had received him, and rode to Dublin to procure an order to examine him. They sent him bound to Dublin in the eleventh month; but the justices to whom the order was directed him sent to Cork, where place he went; and they seeing into the malice of the priests set him at liberty. On which release, the priests lodged an information against them also. At Cork he was again joined by Edward Burrough; and the priests obtained an order from Henry Cromwell, then Lord Deputy of Ireland, to banish them out of that nation; and a guard of soldiers was ordered to conduct them from place to place, until they were shipped off. The soldiers were kind to them, and allowed them to have meetings where they came; so that several received the Truth.
CHAPTER VII After returning from Ireland, Francis Howgill and Edward Burrough separating for awhile, going through many counties of England, holding numerous meetings, and meeting again at Bristol. This was the time of the fair, where they had a meeting with about five thousand people on a first-day. In a short time they received letters from London, by which they were informed that some who had been convinced of the Truth there, had lent an ear to certain deluded people, and had been turned from the simplicity of the Gospel of Christ. On this occasion Edward Burrough went speedily to that city, to endeavor to prevent the spreading of the delusions by which these people had been led away. But Francis Howgill and John Audland still remained in Bristol, and from where, after holding a few more meetings, Francis also hastened to London; where he continued with his companion for some time, laboring particularly for the restoration of those, who had fallen into the delusions before alluded to, until things were again brought into a more settled state. Few particulars appear to be found, respecting the labors of Francis Howgill, from the latter part of the year 1656 to 1661. But he is stated by George Fox, to have gone with him from Robert Widders', along with Thomas Curtis, to Swarthmore, in 1660. And George Fox says, in a Testimony concerning him, that he continued in the labor of the Lord, from the time of his return from Ireland, until the year 1661; when he was imprisoned in London with many others, on suspicion of being concerned in the insurrection of the fifth Monarchy people. Friends, notwithstanding their avowed testimony against all war and bloodshed, as utterly inconsistent with Christianity, were often charged by persons evilly disposed towards them, with being parties in any plots or disturbances which happened to occur; and, by this means, they were subjected to long and unmerited imprisonments. Being cleared of this charge, the Friends imprisoned on this account were set at liberty. Their weapons being spiritual, they fought not earthly power; but patiently endured suffering, in the hope of obtaining, by submission to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, a better inheritance, through the mercy of God, and the mediation of Jesus Christ. After the liberation of Francis Howgill, he traveled into various puts of the nation in the work of the Lord, and turned many to God. This being a time of hot persecution, he was concerned to give forth the following paper, which, with many other powerful exhortations of such as stood boldly for the cause of Truth, and never left the oppressed flock of its professors, tended greatly to their encouragement; for however furious their enemies were, these, nevertheless, continued faithful in supplications and fervent prayers to God, that He might be pleased to assist them in their upright zeal, as they aimed at no selfish end; but acting from a true fear and reverence before Him, they dared not omit their religious assemblies. And thus, persevering in faithfulness to what they believed the Lord required of them, in process of time, when their enemies had taken such measures as they were persuaded would suppress, and ultimately extinguish the Quakers, the Almighty was pleased to overrule and confound the wicked devices of their persecutors; although in unsearchable wisdom He saw fit before that time, to permit many of his humble followers to seal their testimony with their lives, in close prisons, and under severe bodily privations. In a time of great persecution in London, Francis Howgill wrote from his deep, rapturous experience in heaven:
In the 12th month, 1662, he was at Reading, in Berkshire, where he wrote a Testimony concerning the life, death, trials, travels, and labors of Edward Burrough, who died in Newgate that year, aged twenty-seven years, a prisoner for the testimony of Jesus. They had been companions and fellow laborers in the Gospel for many years. They were closely united to each other, having their hearts set upon the propagation of that Truth, by which liberty from the bondage of sin is obtained, and salvation received through Jesus Christ, the true Light of the world. When his dear friend and fellow preacher, Edward Burrough, had died in Newgate prison earlier, Francis Howgill then gave forth the following beautiful and powerful testimony: [which is also descriptive of Francis' own accomplishments]
With these sublime expressions Francis Howgill lamented his endeared friend Edward Burrough.
CHAPTER VIII Francis Howgill did not remain at liberty long, after the decease of his friend and fellow-laborer, Edward Burrough; for in the latter part of the fifth month, 1668, he was sent for "Out of the market," at Kendal, in Westmoreland, where he happened to be about his ordinary occasions; being summoned by the high-constable, to appear before the justices of the peace, then present at a tavern, who tendered to him the oath of allegiance and supremacy; and because, for conscience's sake, in obedience to the commands of Christ, he could not swear, they committed him to Appleby jail, where they kept him, in a smoky hole, from the sessions until the assizes; at which he appeared, and had the same oath tendered to him in court, by the judges; and for not taking it he was indicted, not had liberty to answer to the indictment the next assizes. In the mean time a jail-delivery occurring, he was, in order to ensnare him, required to enter into bond for good behavior, which he refusing, the judges again tendered him the oath; and he was recommitted to prison for persevering in his testimony against all swearing. It is probable, that it was in the interval between the time of his being recommitted, and the following assizes, that the justices indulged him with a few days liberty, to settle his affairs; in the course of which time he visited a justice of the name of Duckett, who lived at Grayrigg-hall. He was a great persecutor of Friends and also one of the magistrates, who committed him. Francis Howgill was accompanied by a Friend whose initials were J. D. according to one of the accounts, of this visit, of which the editor is in possession of three, which he has received through different channels, all to the same import. By these it appears. that the justice was much surprised at seeing Francis, and said unto him: "What is your will now Francis. I thought you had been in Appleby jail." Francis replied to this effect: "No I am not; but I have come with a message from the Lord. You have persecuted the Lord’s people; but His hand is now against you, and He will send a blast upon all that you have; and your name shall rot out of the earth; and this your dwelling shall become desolate, and an habitation for owls and jackals." When Francis had delivered this message, the justice trembled, and said: "Francis are you in earnest.” Francis replied: "Yes I am in earnest. It is the Word of the Lord to you ; and there are many now living, who will see it." This prediction appears to have been remarkably fulfilled; for according to the testimony of James Wilson, who was an approved minister among Friends, and who lived at Grayrigg Root, in Wiestmoreland, and afterwards at Darlington, in the county of Durham, this justice Duckett had several children, and all his sons died without issue, and some came to poverty. James Wilson had also himself, repeatedly given alms at his own door, to a woman who was the last of the Duckett family. Burns, the historian of Westmoreland and Cumberland, also speaking of this family in allusion to Anthony Duckett, Esq. and the Grayrigg-hall estate, about the year 1670, says: "Not long after this, the said Anthony sold the estate to Sir John Lowther, and died without issue; all his brothers also died without issue male; and the name and family, in Westmoreland, is now, 1771, extinct Grayrigg-hall, being the ancient manor house, was a strong old building, in a quadrangular form, adapted more for defense than convenience. It is now, 1777. totally in ruins, most of the lead and timber thereof having been removed to Lowther." Since the time of Burns, the ruins which "owls and jackals" had long inhabited, have been removed; and a farm house has recently been erected upon the site of the old ball. The account of the examination of Francis Howgill, and of his trial, is given at the commencement of a volume containing his works, entitled, The Drawings of the Gospel Day; from which the following is extracted. Being at the assizes, he had liberty to speak freely before the judges, and great men of the country, and many others. Indeed the Lord made him without fear, girded his heart with strength, and opened his mouth with wisdom, so that he gained on his adversaries; for which glory is given to God, who was present to help him in a time of need. Having come into court before the judges arrived, he spoke to the clerk of the assizes, and told him that he did not know whether they expected his appearance then or not. The clerk said, 'You have done well,' and that he would acquaint the judge, and he should only engage to him to appear the next assizes, to answer the indictment against him, and that he should not appear in court. Francis told him, do what he would. In the meantime Sir Philip Musgrove, (so called), an adversary to the Truth, and the great and chief prosecutor of Francis, had informed the judges against him, that he was a dangerous person, a ringleader, and a one who kept meetings of dangerous consequence, and destructive to the peace of the nation; so then they concluded he should appear in court; and so the clerk informed him, and told him about what time he should be called. So the court began. Judge Twisden gave the charge to the grand jury, in which he said, there was a sort of people, who under pretence of conscience and religion, seemed to build upon the king's declaration from Breda, [King Charles' promise of liberty of conscience], and under excuse of this, hatched treasons and rebellions, and gave the jury charge to inquire and present such, that the peace of the nation might be preserved; so they impaneled the jury, and Francis was called to the bar, and the judge spoke as follows: Judge, speaking calmly to him, said, the face of things was much altered since the last assizes, and made a large speech to him and the country, telling him that all sects under pretence of conscience did violate the laws, and hatched rebellions, ‘Not, (he said ), that I have anything to charge you with; but since the oath of allegiance was tendered to you the last assizes, and you refused to take it, it was looked upon that such persons were enemies to the king and government;' and said, ‘I will not trouble you now to answer to your indictment, but I must do that the next assizes; in the meantime you must post a bond for your good behavior.' To which Francis Howgill answered, I desire liberty to speak, which he had without interruption, and said as follows : F. H. Judge Twisden, you very well know upon very slender an account, or none, I was brought before you the last assizes, where you were pleased to tender me the oath of allegiance, though I believe both you and the rest of the court, did know it was a received principle among us not to swear at all. Many reasons I gave you then, many more I have to add, if I may have audience; for it may appear to you an absurd thing, and obstinacy in me to refuse it, if I should not tender a reason. I am, (said he), done of those that make religion a cloak of maliciousness, or conscience a cloak to carry on plots or conspiracies; the Lord has redeemed me and many more out of such things, and seeing I am engaged to appear at the next assizes, I desire no further thing may be required of me. Judge. You must enter into bond this dangerous time, and therefore consider of it, and tell me now, or before the assizes end. The second day of the assizes he was called again. F. H. Seeing you are pleased to let me answer to the indictment, which I am willing to do, I have been of good behavior, and shall so continue. But it seems a hard thing to me, and full of severity, that seeing I am obliged to appear to answer an indictment of so high a nature, (if prosecuted against me), which leads to the loss of my liberty for life, and my estate forever, I hope the court will not envy my liberty for five months. Judge Tumer said, We do not desire your imprisonment, if you will be of good behavior, Francis pressed that they would not put him upon giving bond to be of good behavior, knowing himself to be bound by the truth, that he could not misbehave himself. One Daniel Flemming, another persecuting justice, had framed another indictment against him for meeting, and stood up, (fearing the snare of giving bond would not hold), and said as follows: D. Flemming. My lord, he is a great speaker, and the Quakers want him. F. H. said he had nothing to accuse himself of; for his conscience bore him witness that he loved peace, and sought it with all men. Judges both spoke. What do you tell of conscience? We meddle not with it; but you show contempt for the laws, and keep up great meetings, and preach not to church. F. H. We are fallen in a sad age; if meeting together peaceably, without arms, or force, or intention of hurt to any man, only to worship God in Spirit, and exhort one another to righteousness, and to pray together in the Holy Ghost, as the primitive Christians of old, that this should be reckoned breach of peace and misbehavior. Judge Twisden. Do you compare these times with those? They were heathens that persecuted, but we are Christian magistrates. F. H. It is a doctrine always held by us, and a received principle which we believe, that Christ's kingdom could not be set up with carnal weapons; nor the gospel propagated by force of arms, nor the church of God built with violence; but the Prince of Peace was manifested among us, and we could learn war no more, but could love enemies, and forgive them that did evil to us. Philip Musgrave stood up, and said, 'My Lord, we have been remiss towards this people, and have striven with them, and put them in prison again and again, and fined them, and as soon as they are out they meet again.' Then stood up John Lowther, called a justice, and said, 'My Lord, they grow insolent, notwithstanding all laws and the execution of them, yet they grow upon us [they are increasing in number of Quakers], and their meetings are dangerous.' [This was the real problem: the Quakers were growing in number, at the expense of the Protestant sects; therefore the power structure of the entire country plotted to destroy them by enforcing laws designed to trap them into violation, resulting in the loss all their property, (by which their persecutors became richer), and being imprisonment for life.] Philip Musgrave stood up, and produced a paper, (and justice Flemming seconded him), in great capital letters, and gave it the judge; he told the judge, that it happened some Quakers were sent to prison, and one of them died at Lancaster, and they carried his corpse through the country, and set that paper upon his coffin, 'This is the body of such an one, who was persecuted by Daniel Flemming until death.' Judge. We have spent much time with you; I will discourse no more. F. H. I acknowledge your moderation towards me, allowing me liberty to speak; I shall not trouble you much longer; I shall be willing to appear to answer to the indictment at the assizes, and in the meantime to live peaceably and quietly, as I have done, if that will satisfy. Judge. You must enter into bond to go to no more meetings. F. H. I cannot do that; if I should, I were treacherous to God and my own conscience, and the people and you would not judge me a hypocrite. They were loath to commit him, yet at last they did. This was in the latter part of the month called March, and he was kept about five months as before in a bad room, and no one was allowed to speak with him, except those who got secretly to him without the jailer's knowledge. Francis Howgill now appeared again at the assizes, which was held at Appleby, in the month called August. When he got liberty to speak with the clerk of the assizes, he told him that he believed their purpose was to prosecute him to the maximum; which proved so, as will appear by what follows, for the county justices had incensed the judges against him before hand. Yet Howgill endeavored all he could to convince them of his innocence; and to that end drew up the substance of the oath into several points, which he could subscribe to. To these points, he joined another paper to judge Turner, showing the cause of his first commitment and the former proceedings against him: and how unequal it was to prosecute him upon a statute made against Roman church recusants. He also signified in that paper, that he was a man of a tender spirit, and feared the Lord from child, and had never taken any oath but once in his life, which was twenty years ago; and that his refusing to take the oath of allegiance, was not in any evil intent to the king's person or government, but merely upon a conscientious |
