Quaker Heritage Press > Online Texts > Penington, Works


>> print edition

THE

WORKS

OF THE

LONG MOURNFUL AND SORELY DISTRESSED

ISAAC PENINGTON

WHOM THE LORD IN HIS TENDER MERCY, AT LENGTH VISITED AND RELIEVED BY THE MINISTRY OF THAT DESPISED PEOPLE

CALLED QUAKERS

AND IN THE SPRINGINGS OF THAT LIGHT, LIFE, AND HOLY POWER IN HIM, WHICH THEY HAD TRULY AND FAITHFULLY TESTIFIED OF, AND DIRECTED HIS MIND TO, WERE THESE THINGS WRITTEN

AND ARE NOW PUBLISHED AS A THANKFUL TESTIMONY OF THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD UNTO HIM, AND FOR THE BENEFIT OF OTHERS

"THEY ALSO THAT ERRED IN SPIRIT SHALL KNOW UNDERSTANDING, AND THEY THAT MURMURED SHALL LEARN DOCTRINE."
ISAIAH 29:24

WWW EDITION, FROM FOUR PRINTED VOLUMES


CONTENTS

Editor's introduction (Quaker Heritage Press) [12 KB]

[Volume 1]

Testimony of George Fox Concerning Isaac Penington [5 KB; p. 1]

Testimony of Thomas Ellwood Concerning Isaac Penington [26 KB; p. 3]

The Way of Life and Death made manifest, and set before men [207 KB; p. 14]

Some positions concerning the Apostasy from the Christian spirit [p. 18]
Some Principles guiding out of the Apostasy, to the Christian spirit [p. 60]
A Testimony of great concernment to all called Christians [p. 90]
A brief Account of what we are, and what our work is in the world [p. 92]
An Addition concerning the doctrine of Justification [p. 96]
The scattered Sheep sought after [77 KB; p. 101]
A Lamentation; with a call to mourning and lamentation, &c. [p. 104]
Some Propositions concerning the only way of Salvation [p. 111]
The fundamental Principle of the Gospel [p. 116]
A short Catechism for the sake of the Simple-hearted [p. 120]
Babylon the Great described [145 KB; p. 134]
The Sins of Babylon [p. 148]
The judgment of Babylon [p. 169]
Some plain Queries drawn out of the Book of the Revelations [p. 182]
Some Considerations, helping out of the Suburbs of Babylon, &c. [p. 184]
An Exhortation to the Present Powers [p. 187]
The Jew outward: being a Glass for the Professors of this Age [74 KB; p. 195]

The Axe laid to the Root of the old corrupt Tree [117 KB; p. 226]

Some Assertions concerning Faith, its Nature, Rise, &c. [p. 239]
A necessary warning, of great importance to all called Christians [p. 249]
A brief History of the state of the Church since the Apostle's days [p. 261]
An Exhortation to the present Age, relating to the workings of the mystery of Iniquity, and the mystery of Godliness [p. 268]
To the Parliament, the Army, and all the Well-affected in the Nation, who have been faithful to the Good Old Cause [13 KB; p. 276]

A brief account of Some Reasons why the Quakers cannot do some things, and forbear doing some things; for which they suffer, &c. [7 KB; p. 282]

Some Considerations proposed to the City of London, &c. [6 KB; p. 285]

Some Considerations proposed to the distracted Nation of England [11 KB; p. 287]

To the Army [2 KB; p. 292]

A Question proposed to the Rulers, Teachers, and People of England [18 KB; p. 293]

An examination of the Grounds or Causes which are said to induce the Court of Boston, to make that Law of Banishment &c. [213 KB; p. 301]

Examination of the Appendix of John Norton's Book [p. 353]
Answer to another Paper called "A True Relation &c." [p. 373]
The Authority which Christ excluded out of his Church [p. 377]
Some Considerations concerning the state of Things, &c. [25 KB; p. 391]

A Warning of Love from the Bowels of Life to Professors [21 KB; p. 402]

Where is the Wise, where is the Scribe? &c. [24 KB; p. 411]

[Volume 2]

The Root of Popery struck at [53 KB; p. 1]
Somewhat concerning the Ground of Error, and the Way, &c. [p. 22]
An Epistle to such as observe the Seventh Day for a Sabbath [9 KB; p. 25]

The New Covenant . . . distinguished from the Old [120 KB; p. 29]

Some Queries answered [p. 49]
A Brief Explication of the Mystery of the Six Days' Labor, &c. [p. 71]
Some Considerations propounded to the Jews [p. 76]
Some Queries and Considerations proposed to the Cavaliers [18 KB; p. 84]

Some Queries concerning the Work of God in the World [20 KB; p. 92]

An Advertisement to the Powers and People of this Nation [p. 96]
Consideration of a Position conc. the Book of Common Prayer [67 KB; p. 101]
A Warning of Tender Bowels to the Rulers, Teachers, &c. [p. 121]
Of the Kingdom, Laws, and Government of Christ &c. [p. 125]
An Answer to that Common Objection against the Quakers &c. [20 KB; p. 131]
A Loving and Faithful Advertisement to the Nation, &c. [p. 136]
The Great Question concerning the Lawfulness or Unlawfulness of Swearing under the Gospel [24 KB; p. 140]

Somewhat spoken to a Weighty Question concerning the Magistrate's Protection of the Innocent [39 KB; p. 151]

Some Considerations for the Serious and Wise in Heart [p. 160]
A brief Account of what the People called Quakers desire in Reference to Civil Government [p. 163]
A few words to such as have felt the Power of Endless Life &c. [p. 166]
A few Words about the present Work of God in the World [p. 167]
Concerning Persecution [66 KB; p. 170]
A brief Account of the Stubbornness which by many &c. [p. 194]
Some Directions to the Panting Soul [23 KB; p. 200]

Concerning the worship of the Living God, which He teacheth &c. [17 KB; p. 200]

Some Questions and Answers relating to Conversion &c. [p. 214]
Some Questions and Answers for ... the Jews Natural [103 KB; p. 218]
Some Questions and Answers for the Direction, Comfort, Help, and Furtherance of God's Spiritual Israel [p. 233]
Some Questions and Answers Conducing towards the further Opening of the Path of Redemption [p. 245]
Some Questions and Answers Showing Man his Duty [42 KB; p. 266]
Some Questions & Answers Concerning the Seed of Israel, &c. [p. 277]
To all Such as Complain they Want Power [32 KB; p. 287]

Some Queries to the Professors of this Age [10 KB; p. 301]

Some Observations on that Portion of Scripture, Rom. 14:20. [14 KB; p. 305]

Three Queries Propounded to the King and Parliament [20 KB; p. 312]

A Salutation of Love to the Commissioners of Peace, &c. [7 KB; p. 321]

A Weighty Question Propounded to the King and Parliament [18 KB; p. 324]

Concerning the Persuasions of Reason and Faith in Religion [p. 329]
Some of the Mysteries of God's Kingdom Glanced at [61 KB; p. 332]
Some Questions & Answers of deep Concernment to the Jews [p. 353]
Some Queries concerning the Order and Government of the Church [29 KB; p. 361]

Some Deep Considerations Concerning the State of Israel [31 KB; p. 374]

Some Questions and Answers Concerning Spiritual Unity [p. 385]
Concerning God's Seeking out His Israel [45 KB; p. 388]
Concerning the Seed, or Inward Principle, whereby Life &c. [p. 394]
Concerning the Two Covenants [p. 398]
To Friends in England, Ireland, Scotland, Holland, &c. [23 KB; p. 409]

One more tender Visitation to the Men of this Generation [6 KB; p. 419]

Concerning the Church, or Church State under the Gospel [42 KB; p. 422]

Some Queries to the Professors of Christianity [p. 436]
Some Observations upon the Eternal Judgment [p. 437]
Concerning the Substance of our Religion who are called Quakers [36 KB; p. 441]
Concerning Christ, and Reading the Scriptures aright [p. 446]
Concerning the Gospel Ministration [p. 450]
Concerning Christ's being Manifested without and also within [p. 451]
A few Words concerning the Principle of Truth; what it is, &c. [p. 454]

[Volume 3]

Some things of great Weight and Concernment to All [39 KB; p. 1]

A Question to the Professors of Christianity [114 KB; p. 18]

Some Queries concerning Christ and his Appearances [p. 35]
Some Propositions and Considerations conc. Church Worship [p. 51]
The sounding of Bowels towards thee, O England [p. 55]
A Faithful Guidance to the Principle and Path of Truth [p. 57]
Some Questions and Answers from the Tenth Chapter of John [p. 63]
To Such as are not satisfied with a Profession, without the true Life [24 KB; p. 68]
Concerning applying the Promises [p. 72]
A Postscript concerning Deceit and being Deceived [p. 76]
Observations on some passages of Lodowick Muggleton [64 KB; p. 78]
A Brief Account of my soul's travel towards the Holy Land [p. 99]
Some Things relating to Religion, proposed to the Royal Society [43 KB; p. 106]
Concerning the Ground of Certainty and Assurance in Religion [p. 108]
Of Tenderness of Spirit, and Persecution [p. 111]
A Query concerning Separation [p. 112]
Concerning the Washing away of Sin from the Conscience [p. 113]
Questions and Answers concerning the Church of the New Covenant [p. 116]
Some Queries to professors who speak of high Attainments [p. 122]
Of the Church in its pure, declining, and declined state, and recovery [164 KB; p. 125]
The Way of Salvation in the Covenant of Life Opened [p. 144]
Some Queries concerning the New Covenant [p. 156]
An Exhortation to all People, especially the Desolate and Distressed [p. 158]
A Visit of tender and upright Love to Professors who are sincere [p. 161]
A Brief Account of the ground of Certainty and Satisfaction, &c. [p. 173]
A Question answered about the way of knowing the Motions, &c. [p. 176]
Somewhat touching the Gospel Rest, or Sabbath [p. 183]
Some Queries to Such as Complain of want of Power to become, &c. [p. 186]
Postscript containing more Queries concerning the New Covenant [p. 192]
An inquiry after Truth and Righteousness, and after the People, &c. [14 KB; p. 196]
Some Queries on the Fifty-fourth Chapter of Isaiah [p. 198]
The Holy Truth and People Defended, in answer to a letter, &c. [97 KB; p. 202]

The Ancient principle of Truth, or the Light within, asserted [80 KB; p. 244]

An appeal to God's witness in all Consciences [p. 263]
Naked Truth, or truth nakedly Manifesting itself [141 KB; p. 279]
Some Experiences added [p. 306]
A Few Words concerning the true Christ, how certainly known [p. 336]
A Few Words in Love and good-will to my native Country [p. 338]
The Flesh and Blood of Christ in the Mystery, and in the Outward [67 KB; p. 341]
A Brief Account concerning the People called Quakers [p. 355]
A Few Words concerning the way of Peace [p. 360]
Postscript concerning the Sufferings of the People called Quakers [p. 364]
An Exhortation to true Christianity [p. 366]
To the Jews Natural, and to the Jews Spiritual [97 KB; p. 370]
A Few Words to England, my native Country [p. 389]
Three Queries upon three verses of the Forty-sixth Psalm [p. 391]
Concerning the true Church and Ministry under the Gospel [p. 393]
Some Questions Answered concerning the Lamb's War [p. 396]
Some Sensible, weighty Queries concerning some things very sweet, &c. [p. 404]
Postscript containing some Queries on Isaiah 50:10-11 [p. 409]
The Everlasting Gospel and its blessed Effects Testified to [13 KB; p. 412]

[Volume 4]

A Further Testimony to Truth, revived out of the ruins of the apostasy [111 KB; p. 1]
Concerning the True Church and Ministry [p. 6]
An Objection concerning the newness of the way of Truth answered [p. 9]
A Caution to those who are touched with the Power of Truth [p. 12]
An Objection against the Principle we bear witness to answered [p. 18]
Some Questions and Answers concerning the New Covenant [p. 19]
A Question or two relating to Election, answered [p. 25]
Concerning Men's misunderstanding and wresting of Scriptures [p. 26]
Questions, Answers, and Queries concerning Deceit and Deceivers [p. 28]
The Way of Life and Salvation freely held forth by God to all [p. 31]
Some Questions answered concerning the Spirit of Christ, &c. [p. 35]
Questions answered concerning Blaspheming and Blasphemers [p. 37]
A Question concerning Miracles answered [p. 41]
Some further Questions answered concerning the New Covenant [p. 43]
A Brief Account concerning Silent Meetings [p. 47]
Life and Immortality brought to Light through the Gospel [278 KB; p. 50]
A Few Words to those that desire the knowledge of true God [p. 53]
Queries concerning the State of the Church in the Apostles' days, &c. [p. 55]
Queries on Chap. 29 and 30 of Deuteronomy compared with Romans 10 [p. 58]
Queries concerning Destruction and Salvation [p. 60]
Queries on Colossians 1:27-29 [p. 61]
Queries concerning the Way of Life, and Mystery of the Gospel [p. 63]
Queries concerning Righteousness and Justification [p. 66]
Queries about being under the Law, and being under Grace [p. 67]
Queries for the Professors of Christianity to consider of, &c. [p. 68]
A Question answered about Preaching the Gospel after the Apostasy [p. 70]
Two Questions answered [p. 73]
Of the Threefold appearance of Christ [p. 75]
Concerning Mount Sinai, and Mount Zion [p. 82]
Of the Signification of Mount Sinai, and Mount Zion [p. 84]
Concerning the Temple and Sacrifices under the Gospel [p. 86]
Some Questions conc. the Light of Christ's Spirit answered [p. 87]
The way to know one's election, and to be fully assured of it [p. 93]
Some Observations concerning the Priesthood of Christ [p. 97]
A Relation of the Estate or Condition the Lord found many of us in [p. 106]
Concerning the Gospel State [p. 115]
Concerning Baptism [p. 125]
Some Questions and Answers concerning the Gentiles, &c. [p. 135]
Concerning the Rule of the Children of the New Covenant [p. 138]
Queries concerning the Law or Word, Statutes, Testimonies and judgments which David was so delighted in... [p. 141]
Some Observations on 2 Peter 3:14-16 [p. 145]
Concerning the Gospel Ministry [p. 148]
A few Words concerning the Old and New Covenant [p. 150]
Queries on Romans 6, 7, and 8 [p. 152]
A Further testimony conc. the Work of God upon our hearts [p. 159]
A Brief Account of the Ground of our Worship [p. 161]
Queries concerning knowing and owning the Lord Jesus Christ truly [p. 163]
A Query added concerning Imputation [p. 167]
A Reply to thy Animadversions [85 KB; p. 170]

Experiences concerning things relating to God's everlasting Kingdom [49 KB; p. 207]

A Faithful Testimony concerning the true and pure Way of Life [p. 207]
Concerning the Perfecting of God's Work in the Heart [p. 209]
Concerning the true Christ, how it may be known which is he [p. 211]
Some Queries to such as affirm the Scriptures to be the only Rule [p. 212]
Concerning the Light, wherewith Christ enlighteneth every man [p. 214]
A Few Words further concerning Perfection [p. 215]
Concerning Imputation of Righteousness [p. 217]
Some Queries concerning the Time and Work of Reformation [p. 218]
Some Queries concerning the Spirit of Christ [p. 222]
Of the True Way, and of the True Teaching and Knowledge [p. 225]
Concerning Separation from the Spirit and Ways of the World [p. 226]
A Treatise concerning God's Teaching, and Christ's Law [77 KB; p. 229]
Concerning God's Teachings [p. 231]
Concerning the Law of Christ [p. 234]
A Brief Relation concerning myself [p. 237]
A Question about Preaching the Everlasting Gospel answered [p. 240]
Concerning Christ's Ministry and Priesthood [p. 242]
Concerning the true knowledge of Christ [p. 242]
A Few Words more about the right way of knowing [p. 244]
Concerning Christ's Righteousness [p. 245]
Of the Grace of the Gospel; [p. 248]
A Question answered concerning Real Holiness [p. 251]
Concerning the Law of Sin..., and the Law of Life [p. 253]
Concerning God's Gathering us Home to Himself [p. 256]
Concerning the Worship which our God hath taught us [p. 261]
A Question answered concerning Reading the Scriptures Aright [23 KB; p. 263]
A Few Words to such as complain of Want of Power [p. 272]
Somewhat relating to Church Government [68 KB; p. 273]
Remarks on a late Book entitled "Antichrist's Transformations" [p. 276]
Some Misrepresentations of me concerning Church Government [75 KB; p. 303]
Three or four considerations added conc. Church Government [p. 327]
The Seed of God, and of his Kingdom treated and testified of [50 KB; p. 336]
What is hid or wrapped up in this Precious, Heavenly Seed [p. 341]
The Nature of this Seed [p. 348]
Of the Effects [p. 349]
Some Queries concerning God's Kingdom, whereby the Seed thereof may be the better illustrated and understood [p. 352]
An Epistle to all serious Professors of the Christian Religion [20 KB; p. 358]

A Reply to an answer to Queries by I.P. concerning gospel Baptism [69 KB; p. 367]

Epistles to Friends [42 KB; p. 397]

Some Queries concerning Compulsion in Religion [8 KB; p. 415]

Concerning the Dispensation of the Gospel, or the Dispensation of the Son in Spirit, which is the last dispensation [14 KB; p. 419]

Experiences concerning God's Way, Truth, Church, and People [15 KB; p. 425]

Concerning the Times and Seasons, both which have been, and are yet to be [13 KB; p. 431]

Index [p. 437; contained in 8 files of 40-95 KB each]

Letters of Isaac Penington

[in volume 1]
To his father [9 KB; p. 421]
[in volume 2]
To Thomas Ellwood [2 KB; p. 457]
To King Charles II [6 KB; p. 457]
To ------- ------- [3 KB; p. 460]
To A Parent [4 KB; p. 461]
To Bridget Atley [5 KB; p. 463]
To One who sent a paper of Richard Baxter's [3 KB; p. 465]
To A Friend in London; supposed to be written on occasion of the Plague. [2 KB; p. 466]
To Elizabeth Walmsley [2 KB; p. 467]
To Friends at Horton and thereabouts [7 KB; p. 468]
To A Friend [1 KB; p. 470]
To Friends in Truth in and about the two Chalfonts. [4 KB; p. 471]
To Elizabeth Walmsley, of Giles Chalfont [2 KB; p. 472]
To The Earl of Bridgewater [6 KB; p. 473]
To ------- ------- [4 KB; p. 476]
To ------- ------- [3 KB; p. 477]
To Friends in Truth in and about the two Chalfonts [7 KB; p. 479]
To M. E. [1 KB; p. 481]
To The single, upright-hearted, and faithful Friends of Truth, in and about the two Chalfonts [10 KB; p. 482]
To Friends in Amersham [2 KB; p. 486]
To His children, J.J. and M.P. [10 KB; p. 487]
To Dear Friends, Brethren, and Sisters in the Truth, in and about the two Chalfonts. [3 KB; p. 491]
To The Friends at Chalfont, in Buckinghamshire [3 KB; p. 492]
To George Fox [2 KB; p. 493]
To Friends of both the Chalfonts [12 KB; p. 494]
To ------- ------- [5 KB; p. 499]
To M. S. [2 KB; p. 501]
To His Brother [9 KB; p. 502]
To ------- ------- [3 KB; p. 505]
To Bridget Atley [5 KB; p. 507]
[in volume 3]
To Friends [3 KB; p. 418]
To ------- ------- [4 KB; p. 419]
To ------- ------- [5 KB; p. 420]
To A couple about to Marry [2 KB; p. 422]
To Miles Stanclif [3 KB; p. 423]
To John Mannock [9 KB; p. 424]
To John Mannock [4 KB; p. 428]
To ------- ------- [3 KB; p. 429]
To Catherine Pordage [5 KB; p. 430]
To Thomas Walmsley [5 KB; p. 433]
To Elizabeth Walmsley [5 KB; p. 435]
To Widow Hemmings [3 KB; p. 436]
To ------- ------- [5 KB; p. 438]
To Nathanael Stonar [5 KB; p. 439]
To Widow Hemmings [12 KB; p. 441]
To ------- ------- [3 KB; p. 446]
To ------- ------- [7 KB; p. 447]
To Widow Hemmings [8 KB; p. 450]
To Elizabeth Walmsley [2 KB; p. 454]
To Elizabeth Stonar [3 KB; p. 454]
To ------- ------- [3 KB; p. 456]
To ------- ------- [2 KB; p. 457]
To ------- ------- [3 KB; p. 457]
To The Friend of Francis Fines [12 KB; p. 459]
To The Lady Conway [5 KB; p. 463]
To ------- ------- [3 KB; p. 465]
To ------- ------- [2 KB; p. 467]
To ------- ------- [3 KB; p. 467]
To Widow Hemmings [3 KB; p. 469]
To Catherine Pordage [3 KB; p. 470]
To ------- ------- [3 KB; p. 471]
To Catherine Pordage [6 KB; p. 472]
To Nathanael Stonar [10 KB; p. 474]
To Nathanael Stonar [6 KB; p. 479]
To Catherine Pordage [10 KB; p. 481]
To Catherine Pordage and another [5 KB; p. 485]
To ------- ------- [8 KB; p. 487]
To Ann Fleetwood [8 KB; p. 490]
To Widow Hemmings [6 KB; p. 494]
To Thomas and Ann Mudd [5 KB; p. 496]
To Colonel Kenrick [8 KB; p. 498]
To Widow Hemmings [3 KB; p. 501]
To ------- ------- [6 KB; p. 502]
To Elizabeth Stonar [9 KB; p. 505]
To ------- ------- [2 KB; p. 508]
To Widow Hemmings [3 KB; p. 509]
To Catherine Pordage [5 KB; p. 510]
To Suffering Friends in Scotland [5 KB; p. 512]
To His Brother Arthur [8 KB; p. 514]
To Sir William Armorer (so styled) [4 KB; p. 517]
To The Lady Conway [4 KB; p. 519]
To James Eeles [4 KB; p. 521]
To Dulcibella Laiton [4 KB; p. 522]
To Thomas Walmsley [4 KB; p. 524]
To George Winkfield [4 KB; p. 525]
To Sir William Drake (so styled) [6 KB; p. 527]
To The Women's Meeting of Friends in the Truth, at John Mannock's [5 KB; p. 529]
To Those Persons that Drink of the Waters at Astrop Wells [3 KB; p. 531]
To Such as Drink of the Waters at Astrop Wells [4 KB; p. 532]
To One who Sent a Message to him at Astrop Wells [4 KB; p. 534]
To The Women Friends that meet at Armscot in Worcestershire [5 KB; p. 535]
To the Scholars that disturb Friends in meetings at Oxford [3 KB; p. 537]
[in supplement to volume 4]
To S. W. [4 KB; p. 1]
To the Lady Conway [5 KB; p. 2]
To S. W. [8 KB; p. 4]
To M. Hiorns [5 KB; p. 7]
To Sarah Elgar [3 KB; p. 8]
To William Rolls [3 KB; p. 9]
To the Poor among Friends [4 KB; p. 10]
To Sarah Bond [6 KB; p. 11]
To Friends at Lewes [3 KB; p. 13]
To _______ _______ [6 KB; p. 14]
To E. Terry [5 KB; p. 16]
To a Near Relative [5 KB; p. 18]
To Richard Roberts [4 KB; p. 19]
To the Independents at Canterbury [6 KB; p. 21]
To Francis Pordage [4 KB; p. 23]
To I. H. [5 KB; p. 24]
To Bridget Atley [4 KB; p. 26]
To Abraham Grimsden [4 KB; p. 27]
To _______ _______ [3 KB; p. 28]
To _______ _______ [6 KB; p. 29]
To _______ _______ [3 KB; p. 31]
To _______ _______ [9 KB; p. 32]
To Ruth Palmer [11 KB; p. 35]
To Joseph Wright [4 KB; p. 39]

Appendices

[in volume 1]
Appendix A. Additional Testimonies for Isaac Penington [68 KB; p. 425]

Appendix B. Joseph Bevan's Review of the Writings of Isaac Penington [176 KB; p. 449]

Appendix C. A Touchstone or Trial of Faith [67 KB; p. 515]