Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection)

9.4.1657 (Thursday 9 April 1657)

document 70010170

9. By Mr Harl: view of the Justices letter to Cap: Harl . I find the tang of quakerism on his spirit, which thus settled, a high fever even distracted him and laid him at deaths door, he recovered a little out, and told of his strange raptures into the 3rd heaven, none had the like since Paul. god had assured him of his love, given him the white stone new name, revealed unto him he should live, and that he had a work on him to witness against ministers gathering of churches, preaching for hire, receiving tithes, he has the word written in him, and so has the true meaning hereof. In the meantime the Quakers that heard of his affliction looked on it as a judgement of god on him for Parnels imprisonment. my thoughts were pensive about him, and his condition what to do in it, desiring to eye the rule. 2 texts came into my mind. 2. Tim. 2.24.26. Jude. v.22.23. he is one deceived in his weakness, and not one that choose the delusion by rejecting the truth, and the text presents hope, in the manner and means lord help me, thy glory is concerned herein