Status
Available
Call number
Collections
Publication
Wallingford, Pa. : Pendle Hill Publications, 2011.
Subjects
ISBN
9780875744131
Other editions
James Nayler speaking by Brian Drayton (Pamphlet)
Description
"To read James Nayler is to connect with Quakerism's initial eruption of insight and obedience," writes Brian Drayton, who has found, in the writings of this influential and controversial Friend, messages that speak to the turmoil of our times, as they spoke to the turmoil of 1650s England. Some central themes in the ministry of James Nayler are explored, with attention to how they address the most basic challenges of faithfulness in what early Friends called "the Lamb's War." Through this exploration, Brian Drayton invites readers into a closer acquaintance and dialogue with the life and works of James Nayler. Discussion questions included. -- Back cover.
User reviews
LibraryThing member kaulsu
This pamphlet includes a portion of Nayler's trial for blasphemy which is fairly autobiographical in content. But the pamphlet as a whole I found disappointing. It is filled with excerpts from various writings but it all seemed disjointed. Drayton could have done a much better job at presenting
Show More
Nayler to us. In the end, it seemed I had neither read Nayler himself nor an essay about Nayler that had a coherent theme. At some point I will re-read it and may have a more favorable sense of its contents. Show Less
LibraryThing member QuakerReviews
This pamphlet is an introduction to the writings, the voice, and the ideas of this powerful, resourceful, and disturbing Quaker founder, from the first generation of Quakers.
The earliest Quaker preaching was a prophetic elaboration of the realization that Christ's spirit is present, active, and
But Naylor's writings, that Drayton summarizes, and his life also give us valuable teachings about how hard it is as well as how glorious, to live under the direct guidance of the spirit. We have become aware of the pitfalls and mazes for those who claim the spirit's guidance too easily. Discernment and faithfulness are necessary, and the life with the spirit has complexity. Naylor's life shows that the Light brings both disturbance and reassurance, both convictedness and consolation, trouble and healing. We may restrict our availability to both aspects of life with the spirit, for the sake of comfort, but thereby we are impoverished.
A short biography of Naylor's life follows, 1618-1660. He was a Friend for about 8 years.
The earliest Quaker preaching was a prophetic elaboration of the realization that Christ's spirit is present, active, and
Show More
reliably knowable by all who seek it. By its nature, it contradicts many conventional values, offering a kind of freedom and power that can actually overcome evil, both inward and outward. This offer can be accepted by a unique spiritual method, epitomized (for Drayton) by the phrases "mind the Light" and "living in the Cross." (See Drayton's previous PHP #391.) The Quaker vision of humans, God, and their relationship was compelling in the 17th century, and it seems we modern Friends long for that compelling energy.But Naylor's writings, that Drayton summarizes, and his life also give us valuable teachings about how hard it is as well as how glorious, to live under the direct guidance of the spirit. We have become aware of the pitfalls and mazes for those who claim the spirit's guidance too easily. Discernment and faithfulness are necessary, and the life with the spirit has complexity. Naylor's life shows that the Light brings both disturbance and reassurance, both convictedness and consolation, trouble and healing. We may restrict our availability to both aspects of life with the spirit, for the sake of comfort, but thereby we are impoverished.
A short biography of Naylor's life follows, 1618-1660. He was a Friend for about 8 years.
Show Less
Similar in this library
The messenger that goes before : reading Margaret Fell for spiritual nurture by Michael Lawrence Birkel
Christianity and the inner life : twenty-first century reflections on the words of early Friends by Margery Post Abbott
Friends for 300 years : beliefs and practice of the Society of Friends since George Fox started the Quaker movement by Howard H. Brinton
The Journal of George Fox, etc. [Revised by Norman Penney. A reduced photographic reprint of the edition of 1924, with a revised bibliography.] by George Fox
Spreading the fire : challenging and encouraging Friends through travel in the ministry by Debbie Humphries
Christian faith and practice in the experience of the Society of Friends by London Yearly Meeting (Society of Friends),
Call number
CP 413 c1