CHAPTER VII.—1653-1654.—George Fox disputes most of the day with

priest Wilkinson—Many Friends lose their business for declining the world’s salutations, but afterwards their tried faithfulness and integrity procure them more than their neighbours—George Fox issues an address to Friends everywhere—two persecuting justices at Carlisle are cut off and a third disgraced—George Fox passes through Halifax, a rude town of professors—at Synderhill-Green, he has a mighty meeting of some thousands, and there was a general convincement—about sixty ministers are now raised up in the north, to travel towards the south, the east, and the west, in Truth’s service—George Fox’s address to Friends in the ministry—Rice Jones and many other false prophets rise up against friends and are blasted—a wicked man binds himself with an oath to kill George Fox, but is prevented—great convincement in Lincolnshire—at Swannington, George Fox has much controversy with professors—has a great dispute with priest Stevens and seven other priests at Drayton—his father being present was convinced, and said, “Truly I see he that will but stand to the truth it will carry him out”—priest Stevens propagates lies respecting George Fox, which the Lord swept away—is taken before Colonel Hacker, who sends him before the Protector—speaks prophetically to the Colonel—has a friendly conference with the Protector—is dismissed by him very friendly—refuses his entertainment—Captain Drury scoffs at trembling, but is made to tremble in a remarkable manner—George Fox prays with some officers, who are greatly shaken by the Lord’s power—priests and professors greatly disturbed because many of the people are convinced, and moved to declare against the rest. 184