Quaker Heritage Press > Online Texts > Works of James Nayler > A Testimony to Christ Jesus


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A TESTIMONY TO CHRIST JESUS, DELIVERED TO THE
PARLIAMENT, WHO PERSECUTED HIM AS A BLASPHEMER:
WRITTEN IN THE TIME OF HIS IMPRISONMENT
IN BRIDEWELLa

     Christ Jesus, the Immanuel (of whose sufferings the Scriptures declare), him alone I confess before men; for whose sake I have denied whatever was dear to me in this world, that I might win him and be found in him, and not in myself, whose life and virtue I find daily manifest in my mortal body (which is my eternal joy and hope of glory), whom alone I seek to serve in spirit, soul and body, night and day (according to the measure of grace working in me), that in me he may be glorified, whether by life or death; and for his sake I suffer all things, that he alone may have the glory of my change, whose work alone it is in me: even to that eternal Spirit be glory, and to the Lamb forever.

     But to ascribe this name, power and virtue to James Nayler (or to that which had a beginning, and must return to dust) or for that to be exalted or worshipped, to me is great idolatry, and with the Spirit of Christ Jesus in me it is condemned; which Spirit leads to lowliness, meekness and longsuffering.

     So having an opportunity given (with readiness), I am willing in the fear of God the Father, in honor to Christ Jesus, and to take off all offences from every simple heart, this to declare to all the world, as the truth of Christ is in me, without guile or deceit, daily finding it to be my work to seek peace in truth with all men in that spirit.

James Nayler  


Editor's Notes

a. This statement is included in the 1659 collection, Several Papers of Confessions, Prayer, and Praise; by James Nayler. Most of the items in that collection can also be found in independent printings, but I have not found this one in any other early source. It was included in Whitehead's 1716 collection.