title: Journal of William Penn, while visiting Holland and Germany, in 1677.
text: ^se©s ^ O*" 0^,0,'* ^"^ '"y^fZ^ ''»/^.'» 0«r. s^ss5essse©£< LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. Chap. .^^XJ.hA'] Shelf .rp.iA4 I C -1 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. JOURNAL OF WILLIAM PENN. OF William Penn, WHILE VISITING HOLLAND AND GERMANY, IN 1677. PHILADELPHIA: FRIENDS' BOOK-STORE, No. 304 ARCH STREET. 1878. 'nutipmAftTl VOOMftM \ 1 ^% PREFACE. n^HIS ensuing journal of my travels in Holland and -■- Germany, in the service of the Gospel of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, was written for my own satis- faction, and that of some relations and particular friends, as the long time it has lain silent shows. But a copy that was found amongst the late Countess of Conway's papers falling into the hands of a person who much frequented tliat family, he was earnest with me, both by himself and others, to have leave to publish it for a common good. Upon perusal, I have found a willingness to comply with [this request], hoping that the Lord will make the read- ing of it effectual to some into whose hands it may fall ; — as well those who have received a dispensation of the same ministry, for their encouragement in their public service for God, as those who are under the same ministry, unto zeal and faithfulness. For it is the glorious Gospel-day, in Avhich God is ex- alting his dear Son, as Prophet, Priest, and King, in the hearts of his people. Oh, that the nations would hear Him, their only saving health, and Israel's great Shepherd! who takes care of his sheep, that hear his voice, and gives unto them that follow him in the daily cross unto Vll VIU PKEFACE. regeneration, eternal life. He hath sent, and is sending, forth his servants, to gather home the sheep that are gone astray in all nations, that so there may be but one Shepherd and one sheep-fold ; according to the glorious promise made to these latter times, in which He said, He would be the teacher of his people himself. For He is teaching thousands, by the Light, Spirit, and Grace of his Son Christ, in whom He is well pleased. To this, God hath sent forth his servants in this day, to turn all people, as God's call and visitation to the nations ; and blessed are all those who hearken to this testimony, both mediately and immediately. God is awakening men to the knowledge of his glory in the face or appearance of Christ, by his Spirit in their hearts and consciences, which reveals to men the Father, yea, the deep things of God. Oh, that they would hear and fear, and learn the things that make for their eternal peace ! For if the righteous scarcely are saved, where, oh,, where, shall they appear that neglect so great salvation ! — a salvation that comes so near them as to knock at the door of their hearts ; that searches them and tries their reins, and tells unto them their most inward thoughts ;, and brings a line of judgment over all their words and works. This is Christ Jesus, the Light of the world, w'ho was given of God for salvation to the ends of the earth. He has enlightened all, and shines to all, and calls all, that they should see their sins and be sorry for them, and forsake them, and take up his daily cross and follow Him, PKEFACE. IX whom God hath given for an example as well as a propi- tiation for our sins. And none can know him to be their propitiation, who reject him as their example and leader in their lives and conversations. Wherefore, reader, be serious, inward, and inquisitive for thy soul's sake. What faith hast thou ? Is it one that overcomes the world, or one that the spirit of the world overcomes ? This is not the faith of God's elect, without which we cannot please God. For that faith works by love. Is it such a love to God as will not offend him, but seeks his glory through a most willing obedience to his holy will ? Blessed are the souls in whom this love dwells ! For such have none in heaven but God, nor in the earth in comparison of him. As they receive all good from him, so they resign -all up to him ; and though it be through many tribulations that they must attain the rest of God, yet as nothing can separate them from his love, so neither can anything de^ prive them of their reward in the end. Wherefore, reader, be thou persuaded to take thy lot among that blessed number, if thou art not yet one of them. Thou seest the way to that Divine privilege ; walk in it ; for the end crowns all. And if thou art one of that number who have chosen God for their portion, be diligent, zealous and fervent in the work and service of God. Redeem thy time, and run thy race with care and constancy ; looking unto Jesus, the author, that He may be the finisher of thy faith. Remember who said, there are many mansions prepared for the faithful. Do we X PREFACE. believe and look for another world ? Let us not then live in this as if there were no other. Let our eyes be upon our better world, and live here as strangers who are but on our way to our eternal home ; that so we may answer the end of God's love, by working out the salvation of our own souls by his power with fear and trembling ; knowing that God will judge all, by Christ Jesus, according to the deeds done in the body. Reader, this journal is of a religious voyage, and has some passages in it that may engage thy soul to serious- ness, and let thee see how good God is to those that go of his holy errands. Mayst thou be heartily affected with this testimony of his love and presence with his people ; and feel good desires raised in thee to serve the Lord also, according to his blessed will, in thy day; that thou mayst know peace to thy soul, when time here shall be no more. I am thy assured friend in the best things, William Penn. CONTENTS. CHAPTEE I. TAQK Leave - taking — Rotterdam — Amsterdam — General Meeting — Letter to the King of Poland — Osnaburg — Herwerden — Princess Elizabeth — De Labadie and Company — Letter from Princess Elizabeth 13 CHAPTER II. Interviews with Princess Elizabeth and Countess of Homes — Meetings in the Family of the Princess — Paderborn — Cassel — Frankfort 37 CHAPTER III. Epistle to the Churches 50 CHAPTER ly. Krisheim — Epistle to Princess Elizabeth and Countess de Homes — Manheim — Letter to the Prince Elector Palatine of Heidelburg — Meetings at Krisheim — Worms — Frank- fort — Mentz — Cologne — Duysburg — Countess of Falken- stein — Sent out of his Territory by the Graef . . .68 CHAPTER V. Epistle to Countess of Falken stein — Letter to the Graef — Interview with Dr. Mastricht — Meeting at Wesel — Re- ligious Opportunity with a Lady at Cleves . . . .88 xi XU CONTENTS. CHAPTER yi. PAGE Keturn to Amsterdam — Letter from Princess Elizabeth — Goes into Friesland — Meets G. Fox — Monthly Meeting settled at Harlingen — Interesting Meeting — Letter to J. Eleonora Malane — Wiewart — Interview with Anna Maria Schur- mans and other followers of J. de Labadie — Groningen . 106 CHAPTER yil. Letter concerning Separatists — Embden — Interview with Dr. Andrews — Bremen — Interesting Interviews with sev- eral Persons — Keturn to Plerwerden — Religious Engage- ments in the Family of the Princess 128 CHAPTER VIII. Further Religious Service in the Family of the Princess — Graef of Donau — Parting Interview — Journey to Wesel — Letter to Countess of Homes, containing Narrative of Jour- ney — Dusseldorf — Meeting at Wesel — Return to Amster- dam — End of Letter . . 143 CHAPTER IX. Meeting with G. Abrahams — Interviews with different Persons — Has an interesting Interview with a retired great man at Wonderwick — Delft — Public Meetings — Letter to Prin- cess Elizabeth — Letter to Countess of Homes — Embarks for Home — Arrives at Harwich — Salutation to Friends of Holland and Germany — Epistle to those under Suffering in Holland and Germany 166 joxjii:na.l. CHAPTER I. Leave - taking — Rotterdam — Amsterdam — General Meeting — Letter to the King of Poland — Osnaburg — Herwerden — Princess Elizabeth — De Labadie and Company — Letter from Princess Elizabeth. ON the 22nd of the fifth month, 1677, being the first-daj of the week, I left my dear wife and family at Worminghurst, in Sussex, in the fear and love of God, and came well to London that night. The next day I employed myself on Friends' behalf, who were in sufferings, until the evening ; and then went to my own mother's in Essex. On the 24th I took my journey to Colchester, and met George Watts of London upon the way ; who re- turned with me, and came well to that town the same evening. We lodged at John Furly's the elder, and had a blessed meeting at Jonathan Furly's house, that night. The next morning early I left Colchester, and came to Harwich about noon, accompanied by George Watts 2 13 14 JOUKNAL OF WILLIAM PENN. and John Fiirly the elder, William Tailcoat, and J. Whiterly of Colchester, where we found dear George Fox at J. Vanderwall's house, with many more Friends. After dinner Ave all went to the meeting, where the Lord gave us a blessed earnest of his love and presence, that should be with us in this voyage. For his holy, overcoming, refreshing power did open all our hearts, and many of our mouths in ministry, prayer, and praises, to the magnifying of his own name and Truth in that place. The meeting done, we returned to John Vander- wall's house, where we took our leave of Friends ; that is to say, of the Friends of that place, with others that came with us, or met us there. And so we went on board the packet-boat : where, by the special favor of the master of the packets to me, (he having formerly served under my fatlier,) we had the best accommoda- tion given to us. Many of the Friends accompanied us to the ship, not leaving us until all was tixed ; and then we parted in the fellowship of Jesus. Those that came over, were George Fox, Kobert Barclay, G. Keith, G. Watts, John Furly, William Tailcoat, Isabel Yeomans, Elizabeth Keith, and my- self, with two of our servants. VV'^e set sail about three o'clock in the mornino; of the 26th, being the fifth-day of the week, and got the sixth-day at night within half a league of the Briel. ^W^ had good service those two days in the ship with several passengers, French and Dutch ; and though they seemed at first to be shy of us, and to slight us, JOURNAL OF WILLIAM PENN. 15 yet at last their hearts were much opened in kindness towards us, and the universal principle had place. The next morning Friends were fetched on shore by a boat of Rotterdam, with some Friends of that city who came to the Briel to meet us. The Friends that came were Aaron Sonnemans, Benjamin Furly, aiid S. Johnson, Vettekeuken, with three young men that live at B. Furly's house. After we had eaten, we took boat immediately for Rotterdam, where we ar- rived about noon, and where many Friends came to see us, among whom we were comforted. On the 29th, being tlie first-day of the week, we had two meetings at B. Furly's house; whither resorted a great company of people, some of them being of the most considerable note in that city; and blessed be the true Word of life, that never failed them that rest upon it and abide in it ! the Gospel was preached, the dead were raised, and the living comforted ; God, even our God, bore heavenly record to his only begotten Son ; and truth is honorable in the eyes of several of that place. The next day w^e spent in visiting Friends from house to house, not in one company, being lodged in several quarters of the city. All our visits were pre- cious meetings; for, indeed, for that end God brought us into this land. Several of us dined and supped that day at two great men^s houses, where we had blessed opportunities to make known unto them what was the hope of our glory; that mystery, which to the Gentiles is now revealing, even Christ Jesus, the light and life of the world manifested in us. 16 JOUENAL OF WILLIAM PENN. On the 31st G. R, J. F., W. T., and myself, after having broken our fast at A. Sonnemans', took boat for Leyden, where we came that night, in order to be at Harlem next day at a meeting appointed by G. F. and myself from Rotterdam : being accompanied by J. BocliiFs, J. Arents, and J. Glaus, who came from Amsterdam on pur^iose to conduct us thither. At Harlem we arrived about the eleventh hour, and went to the house of a good old man, who had long waited for, and is now come to behold the consolation and salvation of Israel. After we had a little refreshed ourselves, we went to the meeting, where the Lord •gave us a blessed oi)portunity, not only with respect to Friends, but many sober Baptists and professors who came in and stayed the meeting to the end : blessed be the name of the Lord. The meeting done, we went to Amsterdam, in com- pany Avith several Friends of that city, and of Alk- maer and Embden, who met us at the meeting at Harlem. We were lodged at Gertrude Dirick's house. G. K. and his wife and R. B. stayed over the fourth- day's meeting at Rotterdam, and so came not till the next day ; Avhich was the day of the General Meeting of Friends in this country. On the 2nd of the sixth month, at G. D.'s house, the General Meeting was held, both of men and women : and the Lord, who is setting up his own kingdom by his own power, owned us with his blessed presence, and opened us in that wisdom and love, that all things ended with peace, great concord, and comfort : many JOUENAL OF WILLIAM PEXN. 17 things being spoken, especially by our dear friend G. F., that were of good service ; and I hope will dwell with them forever. These several things agreed upon, being of good savor and report, I think fit here to insert : " At the General Meeting of Friends at Amsterdam, the 2nd of the sixth month, 1677. "1. Be it known to all men, that the power of God, the Gospel, is the authority of all our men's and women's meetings ; and every heir of that power is an heir of that authority, and so becometh a living mem- ber of right of either of those meetings, and of the heavenly fellowship and order in which they stand ; which is not of man, nor by man. " 2. That each Monthly Meeting have a collection apart ; and also that there be another collection quar- terly at Amsterdam from each meeting, for general services ; and that it be not disposed of, but by the consent of the said Quarterly Meeting. " 3. It is agreed upon, that henceforth a Yearly Meeting be held here at Amsterdam ; unto w^hich Friends in the Palatinate, Hamburgh, Lubeck, and Fredericstadt, etc., be invited ; of which meeting there shall be given notice to the Friends of the Yearly Meeting at London, to be kept always on the fifth-day of that week, w4iich is fully the third week following after the Yearlv Meetino; at London. ^' 4. It is also agreed upon, that henceforth this 2* li 18 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM PENN. General Meeting is to be changed into a Quarterly- Meeting : and that the first Quarterly Meeting here- after shall be on the second fifth-day of the ninth month following, and so forth every quarter on the second fifth-day of the month. This 2nd of the ninth mouth is to be this first Quarterly Meeting. " 5. It is also agreed, that henceforth a Monthly Meeting in Friesland should be established, as also at Rotterdam ; and that on the second second-day of each mouth : and at Harlingen upon the third third-day of the month. "6. Further, that in the interim, the Friends of Alkmaer, and Harlem, and Waterland, are to have their Monthly Meeting with Friends at Amsterdam : and to begin the said meeting the Cth day of the seventh month, and so forth ; always upon the first second-day of the month at the eighth hour. '' 7. And further, concerning Gospel order : though the doctrine of Christ Jesus requireth his people to admoni.?h a brother or sister twice, before they tell the church ; yet that limiteth none, so as they shall use no longer forbearance, before they tell the church; but that they shall not less than twice admonish their brother or sister, before they tell the church. And it is desired of all, that before they publicly complain, they wait in the power of God to feel if there is no more required of tliem to their brother or sister, before they expose him or her to the church. Let this be weightily considered. ^' 8. And further, when the church is told, and the JOURNAL OF WILLIAM PENN. 19 party admonished by the church again and again, and he or she remain still insensible and unreconciled, let not final judgment go forth against him or her, till every one of the meeting hath cleared his or her con- science ; that if anything be upon any, further to visit such a transgressor, they may clear themselves, if pos- sibly the party may be reached and saved. And after all are clear of the blood of such an one, let the judg- ment of Friends in the power of God go forth against him or her, as moved for the Lord's honor and glory sake ; that no reproach may come or rest upon God's holy name, truth, and people. "9. As much as possibly can be, let all differences be ended by some honest Friends ; and trouble not the Monthly or Quarterly Meetings with them: and if that will not do, proceed to your particular Monthly Meetings. But if they be not there ended, then take aside six honest Friends out of the Quarterly Meet- ing, and let them hear and determine the matter. And in case any person or persons be so obstinate, as that they refuse the sense and love of Friends, and will not comply with them, then proceed towards them according to the way of Truth in such cases. " 10. That all such as behold their brother or sister in a transgression, go not in a rough, light, or upbraid- ing spirit to reprove or admonish him or her, but in the power of the Lord and Spirit of the Lamb ; in the wisdom and love of the Truth, which sufPereth thereby, to admonish such an offender. So may the soul of such a brother or sister be seasonably and effectually 20 JOURNAL OP WILLIAM PENN. reached unto and overcome, and have cause to bless the name of the Lord on their behalf: and so a bless- ing may be rewarded into the bosom of the faithful and tender brother or sister that so admonisheth. "11. And be it known unto all, we cast out none from among us: for if they go from the light, and spirit, and power, in which our unity is, they cast out themselves. And it has been our way to admonish them, that they may come to the Spirit and light of God which they are gone from, and so come into unity again: for our fellowship standeth in the light, that the world hateth, and in the Spirit, that the world grieveth, vexeth, and quencheth. And if they will not hear our admonitions, the light condemneth them, and then goeth our testimony out against them. " 12. That no condemnation is to go further than the transgression is known. And if he or she return, and give forth a condemnation against himself or her- self, which is more desirable than that we should do it, this is a testimony of his or her repentance and restoration before God, his people, and the whole world : as David, when Nathan came to admonish him. Ps. li. '^ 13. That no testimony by way of condemnation be given forth against any man or woman, whatever crime they commit, before admonition, and till such time as they have Gospel order, according to Christ^s doctrine. " 14. And if any brother or sister hear any report of any brother or sister, let him or her go to the party, JOURNAL OF WILLIAM PENN. 21 and know the truth of the report ; and if true, let the thing be judged ; if false, go then to the reporter, and let him or her be judged. And if any should report it at a second or third hand, without going to the party of whom the report goeth, let such be brought to judgment; for thou shalt neither raise nor suffer a report to lie upon ray people, saith the Lord : for they are to be holy as He is holy ; and just as He is just. "15. And if any controversy or weakness should appear in either men's or women's meetings, let it not be told out of your meetings ; because such speeches tend to the defaming of such persons and meetings, and to the hurt of the common unity, and breach of the heavenly society and privilege." This is an account of what passed in this General Meeting. Next day, notice being already given, we had a large public meeting, in which the sound of the ever- lasting Gospel, testament, and covenant went forth ; and the meeting ended with a sweet and weighty sense. That evening we had a more select meeting of Friends than the day before, in which the nature of marriage, and the practice of Friends relating to it and other things were very weightily and closely discoursed. The resolutions were these following : "1. A scruple concerning the law of the magis- trate about marriage, being proposed and discoursed of in the fear of God among Friends in a select meet- ing, it was the universal and unanimous sense of 22 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM PEXX. Friencls, tlmt joining in marriage is the work of the Lord only, and not of priest or magistrate. For it is God's ordinance and not man's, and therefore Friends cannot consent that they shoukl join them together. For we marry none; it is the Lord's work, and we are but witnesses. " 2. But yet, if a Friend, through tenderness, have a desire that the magistrate should know it before the marriage be concluded, they may publish the same, after the thing hath by Friends been found clear; and after the marriage is performed in a public meeting of Friends and others, according to the holy order and practice of Friends in Truth throusihout the world, and the manner of the holy men and women of old, may go and carry a copy of the certificate to the mag- istrate ; they arc left to their freedom herein, that if they please they may register it. But for priests or magistrates to marry, or join any in that relation, is not according to Scripture; and our testimony and practice have been always against it. It was God's work before the fall, and it is God's work alone in the restoration. " 3. If any Friend have it upon him to reprint any book already printed and approved, either in England or here, they may do it upon their own charges. " 4. It is also agreed, that the care of reading and approving books, be laid upon some of every meeting; to the end no book may be published but in the unity. Yet any other faithful Friends not so nominated, are not thereby excluded. Though in all these cases it is JOURNAL OF WILLIAM PENN. 23 desired J tliat all would avoid unnecessary disputes about words, which profit not, but keep in the love that edifieth. ^' 5. It is further concluded, that the general stock of the Quarterly Meeting be not disposed of, but by the consent of the Quarterly Meeting. But if, betwixt times, there should be pressing necessity concerning the public, let that Monthly Meeting where it shall fall out lay down the money, and give in an account at the next Quarterly Meeting in order to their relief, if it appear that they are thereby overcharged. And let all things be done without favor, affection, relation, or any respect to persons, even for the Lord's sake, and his blessed everlasting Truth ; that God may bless and prosper his people. " And let all things be written down, both as to your Monthly and Quarterly Meeting collections ; what you receive, and what you disburse; that all may be fair and clear, to the satisfaction of all that desire to see and examine the books.'' And the Lord's fear, and life, and power was over all, in which the Lord God preserve his forever. The 4th of the sixth month, being the seventh-day of the week, was employed in visiting Friends, and preparing ourselves for a further journey ; that is to say, George Keith, Robert Barclay, Benjamin Furly, and myself. Finding letters here from the Friends of Dantzic, complaining of the heavy sufferings they underwent ; informing us also that the king of Poland was there, 24 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM PENN. and asking advice about an address to him, it fell upon me to write the following letter in the name of the Friends of Dantzic. "To THE King of Poland. " Great Prince ! "Actions of justice, mercy, and truth are worthy of all men ; but in a most excellent manner of the serious consideration of kingsand princes. We, certain inhabitants of the city of Dantzic, have been long great suiferers, not for any wickedness committed against the royal law of God, or any breach of those civil laws of this city, that relate to the well government of it in all natural and civil things ; but purely and only for the cause of our tender consciences towards God. "This severity being by us represented to the magis- trates of this city, we could not as yet receive from them any relief; some expressing, as if easing the burden of our oppressions should give thee, O King, an occasion of dissatisfaction against them ; who art our acknowl- edged protector. " Being thus necessitated, and in a manner driven to make this address unto thee, take it not amiss, that we, with that humility and patience that becometh the servants and followers of Jesus, and with all manner of Christian respect and sincerity of mind, briefly relate to thee the most fundamental principles most surely believed by us; which, we hope thou wilt believe, deserve not those punishments that are inflicted upon us as evil-doers. JOURNAL OF WILLIAM PENN. 25 '' 1. We do reverently believe that there is one God and Father, one Lord Jesus Christ, and one Ploly Spirit, and these three are one. Eph. iv. 6. '' 2. We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to have been given forth by Divine inspira- tion ; and that they are profitable for doctrine, for re- proof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness ; *able to make the man of God wise unto salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus.' 2 Tim. iii. 15, 16. '' 3. That these Holy Scriptures are not to be under- stood but l)y the discoveries, teachings, and operations of the eternal Spirit, from whence they came. ^' 4. We believe that all mankind, through disobe- dience to the Spirit of God, are ftdlen short of the glory of God, and in that state are under condemnation ; but that God, out of his infinite goodness and kindness, hath sent his Son a light into the world, that whoso- ever belie veth and obeyeth this light, should not abide in darkness, but have the light of eternal life. ^' 5. We believe this gift of light and grace through Jesus Christ to be universal ; and that there is not a man or woman upon earth, that hath not a sufficient measure of this liglit, and to whom this grace hath not appeared to reprove their ungodly works of darkness, and to lead them that obey it. to eternal salvation. And this is the great condemnation of the world at this day, under all their great professions of God, Christ, Spirit and Scriptures : that though Christ hath enlightened them, yet they will not bring their deeds 26 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM PENN. to the light, but hate the light, and love their dark customs and practices rather than the light, ' because their deeds are evil.' " 6. We do believe in the birth, life, doctrine, mira- cles, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ our Lord; and that He laid down his life for the un- godly, not to continue so, but that they should deny their wickedness and ungodliness, and live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present evil world, as the saints of old did, who were redeemed from the earth and sat in heavenly places. " 7. We do believe that as the devil, through man's disobedience, brought sin into man's heart, so Christ Jesus, through man's belief in, and obedience to his Holy Spirit, light and grace, cleanseth the heart of sin, destroyeth the works of the devil, finisheth transgres- sion, and bringeth in everlasting righteousness. That as the devil hath had his kingdom of darkness in man, so Christ may have his kingdom of light, life, right- eousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost in the heart of man ; and not that Christ Jesus saveth men from wrath and not from sin ; ' for the wages of sin is death,' in whose heart soever it liveth ; ' but the gift of God is eternal life,' to all that believe and obey, through Jesus Christ. "8. We do believe that all true ministry and wor- ship stand only in the experimental sense, operations and leadings of this holy light. Spirit or grace, that is shed abroad in the hearts of men and women, to conduct them in the holy way of regeneration unto life eternal. JOURNAL OF WILLIAM PENN. 27 This was the ancient apostolical doctrine ; they spoke what they had seen, tasted, and liandled of the Word of God. And this is our faith, doctrine, and practice in this day. " And be not displeased with us, O King, we entreat thee, if we give this for the reason of our absenting our- selves from the public and common ministry or wor- ship; namely, that we have no taste or relish, no sense or evidence that their ministry and worship are au- thorized and performed by the apostolical power and Spirit of Jesus ; but rather that they are the inventions, studies and powers of man's nature ; all which are but strange fire, and therefore cannot kindle a true and acceptable sacrifice to God. " For it is not man's spirit and degenerate nature, speaking and professing the words of God's Spirit, that giveth acceptance with the Lord, or administereth heavenly edification to men. Nor can we believe, that where pride, passion, wrath, malice, persecution, envy and strife, lusts, vanity, wantonness, and worldly-mind- edness have such sway and power, that the true Chris- tian spirit, life, and doctrine can be heartily received and followed. " And as this is the reason, in the sight and presence of that God that made heaven and earth, and will judge the quick and dead, wherefore we cannot join in tlie common and public worship of these parts, so doth the same light and Spirit of God lay an holy necessity upon us, with a meek and quiet spirit, to come together after the manner of the ancient Christians, that were the true fol- lowers of Jesus ; and with godly fear and a retired mind 28 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM PENN, to wait upon God, and meditate in his holy law of life^ that He hath written in our hearts, according to his new covenant promise ; that He may feed us, teach us, strengthen us, and comfort us in our inward man. And as by this Holy Spirit, according to the practice of the churches of old, any are inclined or moved to re- prove, exhort, admonish, praise, or pray, we are found exercised in these holy practices. " Now, O Prince ! give us poor Christians leave to expostulate with thee. Did Christ Jesus or his holy followers endeavor by precept or example to set up their relio'ion with a carnal sword? Called He anv troops of men or angels to defend him ?, Did He en- courage Peter to dispute his escape with the sword ? But did He not say, put it up ? Or did He countenance his over-zealous disciples, when they would have had fire from heaven, to destroy those that were not of their mind? No; but did not Christ rebuke them, saying, ^ Ye know not what spirit ye are of?^ And if it was neither Christ's spirit, nor their own spirit that would have fire from heaven, oh ! what is that spirit that would kindle fire on earth, to destroy such as peaceably dissent upon the account of conscience? If we may not wish that God would smite men of other judgments, because they differ from us, (in which there is no use of carnal weapons,) can we so far de- ceive ourselves as to esteem ourselves Christians and followers of Christ, whilst we encourage men with worldly weapons to persecute such as dissent from us ? "0 King! when did the true religion persecute? JOURNAL OF WILLIAM PENN. 29 When did the true church offer violence for religion? Were not her weapons prayers, tears, and patience? Did not Jesus conquer by those weapons, and vanquish cruelty by suffering ? Can clubs and staves, swords, and prisons, and banishments reach the soul, convert the heart, or convince the understanding of man? When did violence ever make a true convert, or bodilv punishments a sincere Christian? This maketh void the end of Christ's coming, which is to save men's lives, and not to destroy them ; to persuade them and not to force them ; yea, it robbeth God's Spirit of its office, which is to convince the world ; that is the sword by w^hich the ancient Christians overcame. It was the apostle's testimony that their weapons were .not carnal, but spiritual ; but the practice of their pre- tended successors proveth that their weapons are not spiritual, but carnal. '^ Suppose we are tares, as the true wheat hath always been called ; yet pluck us not up for Christ's sake, Avho saith, ^ Let the tares and the wheat grow together until the harvest,' that is, till the end of the world. Let God have his due as well as Caesar; the judgment of conscience belongeth to him ; and mistakes about reli- gion are best known to him. " And here give us leave to remind thee of a noble saying of one of thy ancestors, Stephen, king of Po- land : ^I am king of men, not of consciences; king of bodies, not of souls.' And there have been found, and still are among the emperors, kings, princes, and States of the w^orld, some who have had that noble 30 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM PENN. spirit of indulging their conscientious dissenting sub- jects; and not only with Gamaliel and Gallio not to persecute, but also eminently to protect and defend them from the hatred and violence of their enemies. Be not thou less noble than they ; consider how quietly and comfortably our Friends live under other governments. " And indeed, ^ve conceive it to be the prudence of the kings and States of the world. For, if the wise man say true, ' The glory of a prince is in the multi- tude of his people ; ' but this practice saith. No, the glory of a prince is in the conformity of tlie people to the canons of the clergy; which seemeth to strike at all civil society, wliich consisteth in men of virtue, parts, arts, and industry. But let men have ever such excellent abilities; be ever so honest, peaceable, and industrious — all which render them good and profitable subjects to the prince — yet they must not live within their native country, unless they will sacrifice the peace of their consciences by an hypocritical submis- sion to the canons and fashions of the church. Is not this, O Prince, to set the church above the state? the bishop above the king? to waste and give away the strength and glory of a kingdom? ''O that thou mayst be wise even in thy generation ! and use the power that God hath given thee, for God, and truth, and righteousness ; that therein thou mayst be like unto God, Avho, Peter telleth us, accepteth of all that fear him and work righteousness, throughout the world — whose sun shineth upon all, whose rain Cometh upon all. JOUENAL OF WILLIAM PENN. 31 "And lest any should be so injurious to us as to render us enemies to civil govern ment^ be it known unto thee^ O King, that we honor all men in the Lord, not with the vain invented honors of this world, but with the true and solid honor that cometh from above ; but much more kings, and those whom God hath placed in authority over us. For we believe magis- tracy to be both lawful and useful, for the terrifying of all evil doers, and the praise and encouragement of those that do well. " The premises duly considered, we entreat thee, O Prince, to take our suffering case into thy serious re- gard ; and by that power and influence thou hast with the magistrates of this city, to recommend our suifer- ing condition to their serious consideration ; that we may no longer lie under these not only unchristian, but unnatural severities, but receive that speedy and effectual relief which becometh Christian magistrates to give to their own sober and Christian people." * * W. Penn liad greeted these sufferers with a consolatory letter as early as the year 1673, after his first journey to the continent. It appears by Besse's account of these Friends, that they had no sooner joined the Society, and began to distinguish themselves as belonging to it, by publicly assenabling after their usual manner for the purpose of divine worship, than three of them were appre- hended by the magistrates. After being detained some time in prison, they were actually banislied beyond tlie seas by order of the senate. The little company continuing to meet together, came to be more and more molested, both by magistrates and people, till, in one instance, the rude mob, to the number of a hundred persons, thronged into their meeting room, pillaging their property, and using almost all manner of shameful insolence ; on which, the town 32 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM PENjJ^. On the 5th of the sixth monthj being the first-day of the week, meeting begun about the eleventh hour, and held till the fourth hour in the afternoon. There was a mighty concoui'se of people from several places of this country, and of several persuasions, Baptists, Presbyterians, Socinians, Seekers, etc., and God was with his people, and his Word of life and power, of wisdom and strength, covered them ; yea, the hidden things both of Esau and Jacob, the mystery both of iniquity and godliness, were opened and declared in the demonstration of the eternal Spirit that day. And, blessed and magnified be the name of the Lord, who hath not left himself, nor his servants, without a wit- ness ! Oh, He is worthy to be loved, and feared, and obeyed, and reverenced forever ! The next day George Keith, Robert Barclay, Ben- jamin Furly, and myself, having taken our leave of dear George Fox and Friends, took boat for Naerden, arriving there about the second hour in the afternoon. oflieers making their appearance, carried off these unoflending suf- firers into confinement. Nor did such cogent appeals as tliat of William Pcnn prevail, on their behalf. For during the space of pome 3'ears the storm of persecution continued, insomuch tliat most of tliem, by frequent imprisonment, oppression, and banisliment, were reduced to poverty, and unable for a considerable time to sup- port tlicmselves and their families. In 1G84, two letters from them were read at tlie Yearly Meeting in London, describing their strait bondage in tlie liouse of correction, under extremely Iiard usage antl (•ruclty, being chained together two and two by the liands, fed only with bread and water, and forced to lie upon straw through the severe winter. JOURNAL OF WILLIAM PENN. 33 After having eaten, we took our leave of those Friends that had accompanied us thither, and begun our journey in the common post-wagon to Osnaburg ; where we came on fourth-day the 8th, in the evening. We passed througli a very dark country to that placg; yet I felt not so great a weight and suffering in my spirit as six years ago, when I went through the same places. At Osnaburg we had a little time with the man of the inn, where we lay ; and left him several good books of Friends in the Low and High Dutch tongues to read and to dispose of. The next morning, being the 9th of the sixth month, we set forward for Herwerden or Plerford, and came thither at night. This is the city where the Princess Elizabeth, Palatine of the Rhine, hath her court; whom, and the Countess in company witli her, it was especially upon us to visit; and that, upon several accounts. First, in that they are persons seeking after the best things. Secondly, in that they are actually lovers and favorers of those who separate themselves from the world for righteousness' sake. The Princess is not only a private supporter of such, but gave protection to De Labadie himself, and his company ; yea, when they went under the reproachful name of Quakers, about seven years since. This man was a Frenchman, who, being dissatisfied with the looseness and-deadness of the French Protestants, even at Geneva itself, left them and came for Holland ; and so vehemently declaimed against the apostasy of the C 34 JOURNAL OF WILLIAM PENN. priests and people there, that the clergy were enraged, and stirred up tiie magistrates against him, and the rather, because many followed him, and several women of great quality. Upon this, the Princess gave them an invitation, and they came and were protected by her. But since, some miscarriages falling out iy that place, she thereupon in good measure withdrew her favor from them, and they removed to another place. I was moved to visit this man and his company six years ago, and saw him and his two great disciples ; but they would not suffer me to see the people, which I labored for. In that day I saw the airiness and un- stableness of the man's sjiirit, and that a sect-master was his name. And it was upon me, both by word of mouth and writing, to let them know that the enemy would prevail against them to draw them into incon- venient things, if they came not to be stayed in the light of Jesus Christ, and to know the holy silence; and that at last they would come to fall out one with another, and moulder away; which is in some meas- ure come to pass as I feared. For I clearly perceived, that thouo:h they had received some divine touches, there was a danger they would run out with them, and spend them like prodigals ; not knowing then where to stay their minds for daily bread. Yea, though they were something angelical and like to the celestial bodies, yet if they kept not their station, they would prove fallen stars. They moved not in the mo- tion of Him who had visited them, but were filled with gross mixtures, and thereby brought forth mixed JOURNAL OF WILLIAM PENX. 35 births, that is to say, things not natural but monstrous. In fine, they were shy of us, they knew us not ; yet I believed well of some of the people, for a good thing was stirring in them. 