GEORGE FOX AND CROMWELL.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 150, 25 February 1916, Page 4 (Supplement)

GEORGE FOX AND CROMWELL.

Tn November 16->t there was rumour of a plot formed against the Protector, in which it was thought the Quakers l'.ad a hand, and in consequence Fox was seized at one of his meetings, and carried a prisoner to London. Captain Durv. who had charge of him, reported h's arrival to Cromwell, who asked Fox to sign a paper to the effect that he would never use a carnal weapon against him or his Government. I 1 ox, who abjured the sword even in selfdefence, readily did so. Next morning lie was taken to Whitehall that the Protector might see him and judge of him for himself. When he arrived Cromwell was not up,- but Fox was at once admitted to h s presence, which he entered with the priestly words,

''Peace h L > on this house," and with his hat firmly fixed on his head. Tho great Protector receiving the humble Quaker a man half-crazed, but destined by the earnestness of his convictions to found a sect which has lasted for centuries. The conversat on was about religion, and the Quaker exhorted the Prelector t;> live in the fear of God, and order all things for his glory. The Protector remarked that the Quakers quarrelled with the ministers of religion. The Qualcer replied that the prophets and apostles preached not for hire, whereas the priests of that day (1 vined for money, and bartered the free Go-pel for filthy lucre. He declared that the Spirit was necessary to illuminate the nnnd, and that without it tln> Scriptures were useless. As he preceded. Oliver frequently interjected, ''lt is good."' "It is truth." When Fox was ready to leave, the absolute master of three kingdoms took him warmly by the hand, and with tears in eyes, said, "Come again to my house, for if thou and I were but an hour of a day together, we should bo nearer one another." As lie was returning, a servant followed him, and invited him to remain and dine with the Protector's attendants, but, though pleased with his reeeption, he. in rather a surly way, told the servant to say to his master that he would not eit of his bread nor drink of his drink.