THE PREFACE; Being a summary account of the divers dispensations of God to men, from the beginning of the world to that of our present age, by the ministry and testimony of his faithful servant, George Fox, as an introduction to the ensuing Journal. xix. CHAPTER I.—1624-1647.—George Fox’s birth and parentage—his gravity and piety in youth—apprenticed to a shoemaker, who is also a grazier, &c.—his integrity in dealing—refuses to drink healths—his exercises of mind commence—he lives retired—is tempted to despair—his sorrows continue for some years—has a sense of Christ’s sufferings—confutes a people who held women to be devoid of souls—begins to travel on Truth’s account—meets with Elizabeth Hooton—fasts often, and retires to solitary places with his Bible—his exercises intermit—sees why none but Christ could speak to his condition—visits a woman who had fasted twenty-two days—first declares the Truth at Dukinfield and Manchester—preaches at a great meeting at Broughton—his troubles wear off, and he weeps for joy—sees things which cannot be uttered—is reported to have a discerning spirit—overcomes his temptations through the power of Christ. 1 CHAPTER II.—1648-1649.—Begins to have great meetings—at Mansfield he is moved to pray—the Lord’s power so great the house is shaken—cannot pray in his own will—a temptation besets him that there is no God, which is dissipated by an inward voice—he afterwards disputes with and confounds some Atheists—goes to courts and steeple-houses, &c., to warn against oppression and oaths—reproves a notorious drunkard, who is reformed—sees who are the greatest deceivers—shows how people read and understand the Scriptures—various mysteries are revealed to him—he is sent to turn people to the Inward Light, Spirit, and Grace, the Divine Spirit which he infallibly knew would not deceive—priests and professors rage at these innovations—he cries for justice in courts and against various wrong things—denounces the trade of preaching—is sent to preach freely. 23