Chapter VIII: 1654-1655.—Address to professors of Christianity

against persecution—to such as follow the world’s fashions—to
the Pope, and all kings, and rulers in Europe, against
persecution—to the justices appointed for trying ministers of
religion, being a testimony against hireling ministers—Samuel
Fisher and others are convinced at a meeting at Romney, where
the Lord’s power is marvellously displayed—a large meeting at
Coggeshall of about two thousand people, which lasted several
hours—many reproaches are cast upon the truth, and lying,
slanderous books published, which are answered, and the truth
set over the gainsayers—to those who scorn trembling and
quaking—great rage is manifested against the truth and Friends,
and their plainness is contemned—to the churches gathered into
outward forms, opening their state and warning of the woes
coming upon them—to the Protector, respecting the imprisonment
of Friends for refusing to take oaths and pay tithes, &c.—to
Friends to offer themselves to lie in prison for a brother or
sister—an encouragement to Friends in their several exercises. 216