Other points of accusation which Parnell answers pertinently are: that the Quakers say they are perfect; that they do not believe in the incarnation of Christ, or observe the Sabbath; that they are one with (1) Ranters and (2) with Papists-the illogical nature of the last two objections is sufficiently obvious. That they "judge people," " justify themselves and condemn all others were better founded objections, which only showed the uncompromising spirit of their courage, and the sometimes over-hot zeal with which they combated ritual and ceremonialism.

"The Watcher" is a fierce diatribe against formalism, priesthood and pride, coupled with an invitation to come and join "the children of Light." Herein is the account of his public debates with the Baptists of Fenstanton, Cambridge and Littleport. All the sects, says Parnell, priests, i.e. Anglican clergymen, Baptists, Independents and Presbyterians, are banded together against the "life and power now manifested in the Lord's sons and daughters." The rest of his writings were penned in Colchester Castle. First in order was the "Fruits of a Fast," giving an account of his visit to

Coggeshall and his arrest there-fruits indeed. Then he penned another answer to the Baptists: "Goliath's Head cut off," etc., comparing himself to little David, and replying to a book written by Thomas Ray, a Baptist, of King's Ripton, Hunts. About Christmas time, 1656, after he had been six months in prison, he wrote a couple of heartening letters to the Friends in Essex, whom he had so quickly gathered and so early left. The Light, "messenger of God," is his message; stand in the denial of self and all its ends," and the Light will lead in singleness to God; it is your power and strength.

A letter to London Friends is dated 12th January, 1656. An Epistle to Friends generally, without date, but from its allusions to spring probably belonging to a few months later, and the last of his known writings, contains the following beautiful passages of poetic fervour:

"O, rest not above the Life; feed upon nothing below it. Follow the Light which leads your minds unto the Sun, for in Him is peace, yea, true peace which cannot be broken; yea, He is the bond of peace. He will

refresh you with the heavenly dew, and ye shall flourish as in a summer's day, as plants of

righteousness. But the spring comes first. O, how beautiful is the spring in a barren field, where barrenness and deadness fly away. As the spring comes on, the winter casts her coat and the summer is nigh. O, wait to see and read these things within. You that have been as barren and dead and dry, without sap; unto you the Sun of righteousness is risen with healing in his wings and begins to shine in your coasts. For this is a day wherein the Lord is come to visit you. O, mind the secret sprigs and tender plants. Now you are called to dress the garden. Let not the weeds and wild plants remain. Peevishness is a weed; anger is a weed; self-love and self-will are weeds; pride is a wild plant; covetousness is a wild plant ; lightness and vanity are wild plants, and lust is the root of all. And these things have had a room in your gardens, and have been tall and strong; and truth, innocency and equity have been left out, and could not be found, until the Sun of righteousness arose and searched out that which was lost. Therefore stand not idle but come into the vineyard and work. Your work shall be to watch and keep out the fowls, unclean beasts, wild bears and subtle foxes.

And He that is the Husbandman will pluck up the wild plants and weeds, and make defence about the vines. He will tell you what to do. He who is Father of the vineyard will be nigh you. Read within, or you will stumble. And what is not clear unto you, wait for the fulfilling ; he that believeth, maketh not haste."

CHAPTER IX.

FRIENDS IN ESSEX.

Y the sensational and pathetic

BY

death

of the young Parnell, Quakerism in Essex received such a startling impetus that before long the Castle cells were crowded with sober decorous prisoners brought from all parts of the county on one pretence or another of breaking the law.

Some of the offences laid to their door were trivial and absurd. A great many, both men and women, were committed for the crime of

speaking to the priest." Either in Church, after service was over, or when they met upon the highway, they invited him to advance scriptural authority in support of his practices.

Not to take an oath was, of course, another of their first principles. Christ has said "Swear not at all," and their literal interpretation of this injunction resulted as we know, in their