The journal : together with sundry epistles and other writings

Front matter

M

BX 7795 .M3 1844 Marshall, Charles, 1637-

1698.

Preface

vii faithful as well as affectionate : and as the Lord had been with him from the beginning, and gave him an honourable place in the hearts of his people that are Israelites indeed, so did he continue his strengthening and comforting presence with him to his end. For visiting him with divers Friends but a day or two before his departure, as one filled with the love, life and power of Christ, he prayed after a very earnest manner, " that the Lord would preserve his people, and carry on his work among them, and exalt his Truth and even as in an agony of spirit said, " The eternal and everlasting God bless and prosper thee and all his people, and stand by you and carry you through all opposition ; the eternal God and Majesty on high be with you with much more in the same fervent manner ; remembering his love to all his dear friends as opportunity offered.

Thus the Lord carried him through the labours of his life, as well as weakness of his body, till he took leave of us and it, to receive a more during and eternal mansion in the kingdom of glory. And reader, in this I write my knowledge of the author of the following book, upon an ancient, as well as very intimate acquaintance j for I must say, his friendship and society were always grateful to me, for the sake of that love, peace and piety that did adorn his conversation : and I beseech Almighty God, his following labours may be a seasonable and an effectual memorial of those many former personal ones, that were so beneficial and acceptable among the Lord's people.

viii

PREFACE.

Indeed his writings that were made public, are not many ; however they are too many and sensible to be lost ; and if the reader peruse them in seriousness, they will demonstrate from what fountain they sprang, even that of heavenly love and zeal, for the stirring up of those that read them, to the fear, love and service of the everlasting God, and that truth, unity, peace and concord may increase and be multiplied among the Lord's people where they come.

And I would add what I earnestly desire, viz : That Friends would be diligent in stirring up their children and families frequently to read the Holy Scriptures ; also the writings of our ancient departed Friends, which are an eminent vindication of the divine authority of that blessed book, upon the experience of those faithful ministers and servants of Christ ; and that all who make profession of the holy and blessed Truth in the inward parts, would make the lives and labours of those worthies of the Lord their lively and constant examples, in their known seriousness, retirement, silence, self-denial, temperance, humility, meekness, tenderness, brotherly kindness and sincerity to God and his people ; that so there may be a succession in sobriety, righteousness, and godliness, which is the very sum and substance of religion j and that one generation may become heirs in holiness to another, till days be no more, and time be swallowed up in eternity.

W. Penn.

Contents

PAGE.

George Whitehead's Testimony concerning Charles Marshall, and Postscript by the ^Morning fleeting xiii

John Freame's Testimony xvii

Section 1. Man's happy estate before the fall . . 71

2. Man's miserable estate in the fall ... 72

3. The way of restoration out of the fall,

into the image of God again, in which man was before the fall, &c. ... 78

4. The by-paths, crooked ways, wiles, and

snares of the enemy discovered . . 93

5. The utter end and final destruction pro-

phesied, of all false professions, which have had their rise in the night of apostacy 103

6. A call, in the tender bowels of the love

of God, shed abroad in this day, age and generation, unto all the scattered sheep, &c 105

Chapter VIII.— A V\^arning unto the Rulers and

People of England 114

An Epistle to Friends [under sufferings] . . .119

Chapter IX. — An Epistle to Friends coming forth

in testimony 122

Chapter X. — An Epistle to the Women's Halfyearly Meeting, 1677 126

* An Epistle to Friends in and about Bristol . .128

♦ Another Epistle to the Flock of Christ, [exhort-

ing to self-denial, stillness, watchfulness, and earnest prayer for the establishment of universal peace] 130

CONTENTS.

xi

PAGE

Chapter XI. — A tender Visitation of Love to the

called of God 13^'

An Epistle sent to Oxford 141

A general Epistle to Friends and Professors of the Truth, [on the necessity of the new birth] 143 » An Epistle to Friends, chiefly at Bristol . . . 147

Chapter XII. — A tender Visitation in the Love of

God 150

Chapter XIIL— A Call to the scattered Sheep . .166 An Epistle to Friends, [exliorting to self-examination, and warning against false liberty] . .169 An Epistle to the "Women's Meetings . . . .173

Chapter XTV. — A general Epistle to Friends, [cautioning against the spirit of the world, and recommending watchfulness, unity, humility and stillness] 1

Chapter XV. — Concerning the precious L'nity of

the Spirit * . . I Sl

Chapter XVI. — An Epistle to Friends in Pennsylvania 18S

• A Salutation to the Men's and Women's Meetings

about the city of Bristol 190

An Epistle to the Captives 192

• An Epistle to Friends of Charlecot 194

• A Letter to Friends of Falmouth 196

Chapter XVIL — An Epistle to Friends, exhorting

them to wait on the Lord ISS

Chapter XVIII. — An Epistle to the Men's and Women's Meetings in and about the City of London 204

Chapter XIX.— An Epistle in the Love of God to Friends everywhere, [exhorting them to jier-

severance] 210

- An Epistle to Friends, [recommending them to wait for, and live under the power of the

Lord] 213

An Epistle to Friends, [exhorting them to walk in the light, warning tlie disobedient, and recommending inwardness of spirit, humility

and diligence] 217

b2

ERRATA.

Paae 14, line 16, for " Camberwell," read ' Coraberwell."

15, line 26, 1st column, /b/- *' Absoni," read "Topsham."

\h, line 33, Isi column, for *' Trisren Jervis," read " Tregangeeves."

15, line 28, 2nd column, /lyr " Woodbury," read " "W'oodbridge."

83, line \S,for "is an objection," read " as an objection."

8a, line 23, read '* is, whether."

GEORGE WHITEHEAD'S TESTIMONY

COXCER>-I>G

CHARLES MARSHALL, DECEASED.

What the Lord our God promised by holy prophets, of the pouring out of his Spirit upon all flesh, and that his sons and daughters should prophesy, and declare his name in the earth ; and that when he gives his word, many become the publishers thereof ] — this truth the Lord hath renewed, and is fulfilling, even in our day ; so that a great cloud of witnesses, he hath been pleased to raise up even in these latter days ; and they have truly concurred in their blessed testimony, for the convincing, converting and confirming many in the faith of the everlasting gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ ; wherein this our wellbeloved brother, Charles Marshall, had a share and effectual service in his day and time, through great labour, travels and exercises. To whose memory, with that of many other faithful servants of Christ Jesus who are at rest in Him, we owe such tender respect, as truly to commemorate them, their service, and testimony for the name and power of the Lord our God, and his dear Son Jesus Christ, and to recommend the same to posterity ; for that " the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance." I knew this our deceased brother, in his young years ; wherein, as the Lord was pleased religiously to incline his heart and mind to virtue, and to the knowledge and love of the blessed Truth, as it is in Christ J esus, in spirit, xiv GEORGE whitehead's TESTIMONY

life, and power, lie received and retained the love of tlie same when discovered unto him; and accordingly his love was sincere to Christ's ministers and servants, who were instrumental for his 'and many others' information, and the good of their immortal souls. And his sincere love and regard to Christ'^ ministers and messengers, appeared to be a good and necessary preparation, for him to be a witness and partaker of the same ministry and testimony of Christ Jesus, and to have a share in the work of the same blessed, spiritual ministry of the gospel of the grace of God, which wrought in his heart for the same end ; and which accordingly the Lord was pleased to make him instrumental in, as a minister of the spirit, and not of the letter, to turn people from the flesh to the spirit, and from darkness, sin and Satan, to Christ the true light ; and from the barren and empty forms of religion, to the power of godliness. And as he was a loving and tender-hearted man, he was truly tender and zealous for the glory of God, and the honour of his holy name and Truth ; and retained unfeigned love to his brethren in Christ, and regard to the lively and comfortable fellowship of the Holy Spirit, wherein we M ere often comforted together. He was not one of them that would turn aside from the flocks of the Lord's companions, whom Christ esteems as his own brethren. He often zealously testified against the spirit of division and separation, and against treacherous apostates and soAvers of discord ; and often endeavoured to alarm and awaken the careless people, out of the sleep of sin, carnal security, fleshly liberty and ease therein ; for which end he laboured hard, and took great pains, as one given up to spend and be spent in the Lord's work and service. I truly loved him for love's sake, (for none ||^s lost between

CONCERNING CHARLES MARSHALL. XV

US,) and as one who kept the faith, and retained the unfeigned love of the brethren, and true love to all the faithful in Christ, even to his ^vhole heritage. And the Lord did not only make him truly compassionate and helpful by his spiritual ministry to poor souls under affliction and distress ; but also because of his tender-heartedness to such as were afflicted in body, or any ways indisposed as to their health, and his readiness to sympathize with them, and to help them in his physical practice, I believe, the Lord did the more bless the same for the help, ease and relief of many who had laboured under bodily weakness and distempers, as they have confessed.

And as an ancient Friend, in great tenderness, true love and affection, declared at his funeral his being then in paradise, I really believe he is written in heaven, and recorded in the Lamb's book of life, with all the faithful in Christ, the redeemed from the earth, who keep their integrity in the truth to God, and their faith in Christ, and love to all his saints ; even those who are faithful unto death, for whom the crown of righteousness, the crown of life and glory is prepared and reserved in heaven.

And though I have not had the opportunity to peruse all the writings, books, and papers relating to our holy profession of this good man, our deceased brother, I hope nothing will be found in them offensive, to the unprejudiced readers, or inquirers after the way to life eternal ; considering the validity and weight of his known evangelical ministry, and spiritual testimony.

London, tlie loth of the Xinth Month, 1703.

POSTSCRIPT.

[With] the fii^egoing testimony concerning our dear xvi POSTSCRIPT TO G. WHITEHEAD'S TESTIMONY, brother Charles Marshall deceased, his great labours and service in the gospel of Christ, and his zeal for God, and the spreading of the truth ; his unfeigned love to his brethren, and his great regard for the preservation of God's people in the unity of the spirit and bond of peace — we have true unity.

And having known him many years, and been witnesses of his labours, and having laboured with him in the same work ; in christian respect to his memory, and in real esteem and value for his faithful testimony, [we] do testify, he was an evangelical minister, and faithful servant of Christ, and hath left many seals of his ministry; for the Lord greatly blessed his labours, and filled him with his divine power, and attended him with his glorious presence, even unto the end j for he enabled him through all his exercises, to finish his course in peace : and we are fully satisfied, the Lord hath given him the crown of righteousness.

And we doubt not but all who shall read impartially his following writings, will find that he was what we testify concerning him, viz. a sincere man, of a tender spirit, full of love and zeal for God and his truth ; [one who] laboured in his day and time for the good of souls, in the gospel of our Lord J esus Christ ; to whom be glory and dominion for ever.

Signed at our Second day's Morning Meeting, the 22nd of the Ninth Month, 1703.

John Field. John Kent.

John Butcher. William Robinson.

Thomas Pitstow. John Tomkins.

William Hornoull. William Warren.

Joseph Baines. ♦

JOHN FREAME'S TESTIMONY

CONCERXISG

CHAKLES MARSHALL.

Although the several testimonies, relating to our deceased friend Charles Marshall, may sufficiently testify concerning him, yet I having had the benefit of his conversation for many years, think myself engaged to say something of him, in [that] true love and respect which I bear to his memory; he having entertained a particular kindness to me from a child, and continued his friendship stedfastly to the end ; affording me much of his company for the last ten years of his time, whereby I came to have a parti (5ilar knowledge of him.

And I can truly say, that he was a faithful and true Friend ; having often observed, where he professed friendship [to any,] it was so in reality, and not in show only ; being ready to serve such to the utmost of his power, not forsaking them in a time of adversity.

He was a faithful labourer, and true minister of the gospel, and had an eminent service in that respect, having been made a happy instrument for the convincement of many.

He was a zealous reprover of such as made profession of the Truth, and walked contrary thereto in life and conversation ; but very tender to those under xvlii

exercise of spirit. His ministry was such as effectually reached the divers states and conditions of people, [he] being skilful in dividing the word aright ; so that he was both a planter, as well as a waterer in God's vineyard : and there are many can say they have sat under his doctrine with great delight ; having been thereby comforted and greatly refreshed.

He was also eminent for an innocent life and exemplary conversation ; which being attended with good nature and a kind disposition, rendered his acquaintance and conversation both edifying and acceptable.

He was of a peaceable spirit, making it his concern to keep up love, unity and concord ; and, as occasion offered, frequently exhorting thereto : his demeanour was such, both in this and other respects, as made him an elder in the church, that deserved double honour : and it may be truly said of him, that he was a peace-maker, he being often [engaged in] performing that office of true friendship, by endeavouring to reconcile those that were at difference ; and as he was no favourer of that spirit t^at endeavoured to sow discord amongst brethren, so he was no encourager of such as would be secretly lessening the esteem one of another ; always looking upon such things to be of pernicious consequence.

He was a real sympathizer with those in exercise or affliction, often visiting them in the time of their greatest need.

And thus he continued until the time of his [last] sickness, which he had a sense of before it came upon him ; for a little before he was taken ill, he signified to me, that his departure was at hand ; and desired, amongst other things, that his Journal, Epistles, and other writings, might be collected, in order to be

JOHN FREAME's testimony.

XIX printed after his decease ; and earnestly pressed me to take some care therein.

I was frequently with him in his sickness, and observed him attended with great patience, and in a sweet composed frame of spirit, resigned up to the will of God : and although towards his latter end he grew very weak, yet he had still a care for the welfare of the church, and good of the poor, as appears by the following expressions, spoken to some ministering Friends that came to visit him ; and I beingpresent, and perceiving an earnest desire in him that the same should be communicated to Friends, committed them to writing presently after ; which were to this effect, viz : —

" I have loved the brotherhood ; I have sought the unity and peace of the church for these forty years ; and to my great comfort, never did anything tending to the breach thereof.

" I have two things that lie upon me to Friends, which I desire may be communicated to them : the first is, that they gather down into the immortal Seed and Word of Life in themselves, and be exercised in it before the Lord ; and duly prize, and set a right value upon the many outward and inward mercies, blessings, and heavenly visitations, that the Lord has eminently bestowed upon them, since the morning of the day of his blessed visitation ; then shall they grow, and be preserved in a living freshness to him ; and the Lord will continue his mercies to them, and they shall not want his divine, refreshing presence in their meetings together before him.

" The second thing is, that those Friends that the Lord hath given great estates unto, ought to cast their bread upon the waters, and do good therewith in their life-time ; for those that are enjoy ers of such things

XX

JOHN FREAME's testimony.

should see that they are good stewards thereof. 0 ! the many poor families that such persons might be a help to ; how easily might they with a little, assist many a family to live in the world ; and what a comfort would it be for such to see the fruits of their charity in their life-time. "

After which he grew daily weaker and weaker, and departed in great stillness and quietness of mind, being taken away from divers troubles and exercises, to possess and enjoy an incorruptible inheritance that will never fade away.

John Freame.

London, the 25th of the Eighth Month, 1703.

A TESTIMONY

CONCEKNING

CHARLES MARSHALL.

We understand that the memory of our ancient and faithful friend and brother, Charles Marshall, is likely to be revived by the publishing a collection of his writings. As to his conversation and character, this testimony lives in our hearts for him, viz., that he was known to be a lover of the Holy Scriptures, and early sought after the knowledge of God, by whom he was prepared to receive the testimony of Truth, which he soon received in the love of it, and became an able minister for the turning many from darkness to light.

And as he was a true believer in Christ, so he was a sufferer for his name and testimony ; and he underwent [sufferings] with patience and cheerfulness.

His endeavours were, where he came, not only to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace, but also to press to the same ; well knowing, that as the character of a disciple of Jesus was love, so by it unity and peace here, and happiness hereafter, would be secured to us.

He was indefatigable in his labours for promoting universal charity, but especially on behalf of the poor, for whom he was a constant advocate ; charging the rich not to put trust in their riches, nor shut their ears against the complaints of the necessitous.

In short, he was a loving husband, a tender father,

Xxii TESTIMONY CONCERNING CHARLES MARSHALL.

a good neighbour, a true friend, and a zealous and faithful minister.

He was for following after those things that make for peace, as well in his natural temper, as by a divine qualification : he had a very great sweetness in his conversation, which had a general tendency to the promoting of love and good works ; in which we believe he continued stedfast to the very last : and having left this troublesome world, is translated to a better place, where he is at rest with the Lord.

Bristol, 22nd of the Tenth Month, 1703.

HAN^s^AH MARSHALL'S TESTIMONY

COXCERNI>G HER HrSBAXD

CHAELES MARSHALL.

Dear Friends, It is a Christian obligation, as well as a commendable practice, for survivors to transmit to posterity something concerning the deceased, especially of such as have been exemplary in their lives, and whose death proves the church's loss, though their own eternal gain. Such are of that righteous generation, whose memorial is never to be forgotten.

Amongst these, my dear deceased husband was one who yielded early obedience to the visitation and call of God, persevered in his fear, and finished in his love. The testimony he bore for the Lord and his blessed Truth, was in the authority of divine life; and it often reached the witness of God in many hearts. He was zealous for God, tender of the good in all ; terrible against the works and workers of iniquity. In the exercise of his gift, he was grave and reverent ; his testimony was full of reproof and conviction, but in that meekness which made the same truly edifying : his doctrine was sound, and sufficient to stop the mouths of gainsayers, flowing from that living fountain and divine spring of light, life and heavenly wisdom, which the wisdom of this world could never comprehend.

Xxiv HANNAH MARSHALL'S TESTIMONY

He was often drawn forth in prophecy, which was attended with a suitable concern in himself, and which also affected those that heard him ; nor did the concern terminate when he had declared what was upon his mind, but in long and deep travail of soul would he plead M^ith the Lord to hasten the good, and avert the evil ; often with great brokenness of spirit beseeching God to bring over this land of his nativity a Nineveh-repentance, that thereby his judgments might be averted. In such travails as these did he spend the days of his strength, and prime of his years, whereby his outward man has often been weakened and made feeble ; such was his zeal for God, and his love to mankind : and the Lord was pleased many times to answer the desire of his travailing soul, which he always thought a good recompense for all the labours and sufferings he went through on that account.

0 ! dear Friends, let none quench the Spirit in themselves nor others ; nor despise prophesying^ where the Lord by his Spirit raises up servant or hand-maid in it ; such that do, are slighters of their own mercies.

My dear husband was a great sympathizer with the afflicted in soul, and with the mourners in spirit : he was a great lover of the brethren, and peace of the church, whose tranquillity he sought ; and knew right well the body could be edified in nothing but love ; often pressing the professors of Truth to keep to the precious unity of the Spirit, as the only bond of their peace. Nor did this tenderness with which he was wont to treat the weak, lead him into foolish pity to the ^diful ; for no man was more zealously concerned, when any went about to rend or divide ; nor few men more willing to sling a stone at them ; which he often did with great success, it being done in the authority given him of God over such spirits ; always continuing

CONCERNING CHARLES MARSHALL.

XXV in that Christian frame of spirit, that could forgive upon their repentance and return, which he often prayed for.

Nor did the heat of persecution hinder him from making a general visit to the churches through the nation, which he began in the year 1670, and which was richly blest : the Lord so ordered it, that scarcely any Friend suffered loss of goods upon that account ; and the meetings were generally quiet where he came, as may be more particularly seen in his following Journal. As his work was great, so was his faith ; and the power of God in which it stood, was greater than the power of the enemies of Truth. He was freely given up to the expense of substance, time, and strength, in that journey and service ; as indeed he was at many other times, when concerned to visit the churches of Christ, and heritage of God, especially for twenty years ; in which time, though I enjoyed but little of his company, the Lord bears me record, I never dared to murmur, but was kept in resignation to the will of God, in which I found peace.

Thus was the Lord pleased in the riches of his love, to make known his ancient way of Truth unto him ; and he with many brethren, were made able ministers of the gospel of salvation, and willing to run to and fro, that knowledge should be increased amongst the people, after a long night of error and apostacy, wherein the ancient path of Truth and Life had been departed from, the world had become as a wilderness, and the glory of the church obscured and eclipsed : many ran from one barren mountain of profession to another, seeking the living amongst the dead, and their bread in desolate places : I say, then did the Lord appear, and concern a remnant whom he had chosen and made vessels fit for his own use, to testify in his

c

XXvi HANNAH MARSHALL'S TESTIMONY

name, that the teachers of the people had caused them to err ; and that the true primitive and apostolical religion and ministry they were strangers to ; feeding themselves, not the flock, and seeking their gain from their quarter, instead of seeking the lost sheep. Nor could these for conscience' sake comply to pay for the support of such a ministry. For this testimony my husband suffered with cheerfulness, and valiantly bore the imprisonment of his body, the loss and spoil of goods, standing over the power of the oppressor, in the authority of Christ, whereby others were affected and strengthened to be faithful, in keeping up their testimony against tithes. I pray God his example in that, and all other branches of his testimony, wherein he was kept faithful unto death, may be a motive to all to follow the Lord fully ; then will God have his honour, and our souls the everlasting comfort.

And as he was thus given up for the spiritual welfare of all, so was he made instrumental of much temporal good to many. He was a lover of the poor, and a friend to the rich ; often putting the latter, at their well-furnished tables, in mind of the former ; recommending self-denial and hospitality, instead of high living. Nor was he wanting in example, any more than in advice ; often visiting and inspecting poor families ; always sympathizing with them in tender compassion, and true Christian charity, which were inseparable companions in him ; supplying the sick with advice and physic ; the hungry with bread, and the naked with clothes, according to his ability ; so that with Luke, who was both evangelist and physician, he was made serviceable in his generation, in both respects, to the relief and comfort of the souls and bodies of many.

He was a man of a self-denying life : he would not

CONCERNING CHARLES MARSHALL. XXVii

be moved by abuses or injuries when offered, imputing tliem to ill nature or ignorance, which he did not think worthy of possessing the mind. He approved himself a long-suffering, patient, meek and humble man, as became a minister of Christ ; always trusting in the goodness of God, to whom he delighted to pour out his supplications, in full assurance of faith, that he would have regard to the oppressed, to the afflicted and bowed in soul and spirit ; and that he would bring them into the divine bosom, where their souls should be filled with heavenly joy, [and enabled] to praise, magnify and bless his holy name.

What shall I say ! He was a loving husband to me, and a tender father to his children, for whose welfare he travailed in spirit night and day, in a great sense of the design of the enemy upon them and the offspring of Friends, to obstruct the prosperity of Truth ; often being drawn forth, with the apostle Paul, in great concern for his kinsfolks after the flesh, that they might be made partakers of the goodness and mercy of God. He was a kind master to his servants, an affectionate friend, well respected and of good report in his neighbourhood.

It pleased the Lord, after his return from visiting Friends of Bristol and the western parts, to afflict him with a long sickness ; and notwithstanding his physicians had hopes of his recovery, yet he often declared his distemper would prove mortal ; which indeed ended in his death.