The History of the Rise, Increase, and Progress of the Christian People Called Quakers: Intermixed with Several Remarkable Occurrencs.Sewel, William
History
The History of the Rise, Increase, and Progress of the Christian People Called Quakers: Intermixed with Several Remarkable Occurrencs.
Sewel, William
Society of Friends -- History -- Early works to 1800
But let me now return to G. Fox, who coming to Kendal, had a meeting
there in the town hall; where declaring the word of life, he showed the
people how they might come to the saving knowledge of Christ, and to
have a right understanding of the Holy Scripture; opening to them what
it was that would lead them into the way of reconciliation with God.
This was of such effect, that several became convinced of the truth
published by him; and others were so well affected to him, that when he
went to Under-Barrow, several people accompanied him, and he had great
reasonings with them, but especially with one Edward Burrough, who,
though of extraordinary parts, and acquired knowledge, was not able to
withstand the efficacious sayings of G. Fox. And because this Burrough
became an eminent man among the Quakers, so called; being endued with
courage and understanding, fit to overcome his opposers, and to break
even stony hearts; I will mention here a little of his descent and
quality.
He was born in the barony of Kendal, in Westmoreland, of parents who
for their honest and virtuous life, were in good repute; he was well
educated and trained up in such learning as that country did afford.
His knowledge and understanding soon passed his years; for being but
a boy he had the spirit of a man, and in his youth was endued with
wisdom above his equals in years. Moreover, he was very religious,
conversing frequently with those that were in esteem for piety and
godly life. Neither was he inclined to the ordinary pleasures of youth;
but it was his delight to be exercised in reading of Holy Scripture,
wherein he was well versed. By his parents he was trained up in the
Episcopal worship; yet when but twelve years of age, he often went
to the meetings of the Presbyterians, because their doctrine in many
things seemed to him to approach nearer to truth, than that of the
public church; wherefore he became a follower of the Presbyterians,
although he was reviled for it by his acquaintance. But being come to
the age of about seventeen years, and growing more and more sensible
of his own condition, he was often struck with terror; and when he
had been praying, he heard, as it were, a voice ‘Thou art ignorant of
God; thou knowest not where he is, nor what he is; to what purpose is
thy prayer?’ This brought him under such a concern, that he began to
take diligent heed to his life, so that he abstained not only from all
vanities, but, when occasion offered, he reproved others for their vain
conversation and wickedness; but for this he was derided and looked
upon scornfully by many, yet continued to live religiously, and felt
sometimes sweet refreshments to his soul. But though he had the Truth
in his comprehension, yet he wanted the real and experimental knowledge
of it, and so became darkened again, losing what he once possessed: and
being too ready to flatter himself, would say, ‘Whom God loves once, he
loves for ever.’ Now he grew weary of hearing any of the priests; for
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