Letter from J Naylor to R Rich

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The Last Letter from James Naylor to R.R. writ about the latter end of Anno 1657 at the beginning of 1658.

Alas Dear Heart,
I know there is that amongst them which must be purged, and I have learned, yet are they the People of God, and bear his testimony against the Beast and his mark, and its their zeal for his name, and the weight of his cross that the world is not able to bear; and better it is to suffer with them for a little time than to be tormentors of them; and when every one comes to drink as they have filled their Vessels, then shall strife inherit wrath, and the tormentor be tormented; and he who now rejoyces to see those scattered with wind who have been gathered with blood and great suffering, shall receive his reward according to his work, and bear his own sin whoever it be; for now the Tares and Wheat is seen. Truly my table is spread, and my cup over-runs with love, and peace, and joy in the Spirit, wherein I am covered from the delights of the flesh, and not seen to the world: but truly my peace flows as a River, as my Father did me promise when I was in the Fire, glory for ever beyond expression, and I know nothing can take it away, only that all the scattered of my Fathers might come feed within, is all lies upon me; and truly, my soul hath fulness, indeed, of the best since I was stript of all: and exceeding great is my drawings towards you all, who were with me in the hour and power of Darkness, that ye all might drink abundantly of my joy, that we might be filled with unity. I know and feel the Lord hath not forgotten thy labour of love, in that day added to all thy former testimony, wherein thou hast born reproach, with me and with the despised stock, not can he forget it so long as there is a breathing of that seed to him ward, but truly it is a little one that gives the entrance into the reward, which from that is hid, which is high, and looks for great things. Dear Heart, do not hearken to that which would perswade thee that I would lay any evil upon thee, or burthen the innocent in thee, God knows I had rather suffer my self; its love, a love that moves in me daily to thee; let its own answer, and we are one, and the Lord God of Peace rebuke him that seeks occasion.

J.N.