Barnardiston, Giles

Barnardiston, Giles, a minister of the Society of Friends, was born in Clare, Suffolk, England, about 1624. His parents, who were persons of repute in the world; gave him an education. consistent with their rank. After passing through the common schools, he was placed at the university, where he pursued his studies for six years, intending to take orders in the Episcopal Church. When civil war broke out in England, he was appointed a colonel in the army. Becoming weary of the service, he threw up his commission and retired to private life, and not long after joined the then greatly despised and persecuted Quakers, and proved to be one of the most earnest and zealous preachers among them. At once he became an object of the scorn and contempt in which the Friends were held in that ungodly age, He was despoiled of his goods to. a large amount and exposed to innumerable hardships. He was, however, most diligent and faithful in the performance of his duties. We are told that "he visited many parts of his own nation, and was also on the Continent; and in all places where he went he left a good report and savor." The heresies of one Jeffery Bullock, a professed Friend, called forth a reply from Barnardiston, in which he clearly set forth the teachings of Holy Scripture concerning some of the cardinal doctrines of the common evangelical faith. About the year 1677, he was imprisoned in London for conscience' sake, and during the next three years was more than once incarcerated. He died at his house in Chelmsford, Nov. 11, 1680. George Whitehead said of him: "My soul was deeply affected with his innocent life, sincere and tender spirit to God, and with his humble example among his people in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity, in gravity. and sound speech that could not be condemned." See Friends' Library, 4:1-10. (J. C. S.)