Milk for Babes and Meat for Strong Men
Stuart Masters continues his look at early Quaker tracts
Previously, we considered James Nayler’s tract The Lamb’s War against the Man of Sin, which was written in prison following his brutal punishment for blasphemy (9 October). Milk for Babes and Meat for Strong Men was also written at this time and published posthumously in 1661. The title is a reference to the New Testament book Hebrews:
…for everyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is unskilled in the word of righteousness. But meat is for the mature, for those whose faculties have been trained by practice to distinguish good from evil. (Hebrews 5:13-14)
The writer of Hebrews is warning his readers about the dangers of falling away from the true faith in the face of severe persecution. This is Nayler’s intention too. The tract reveals the importance of suffering within early Quaker spirituality and demonstrates that, in the way of Jesus, evil is always overcome nonviolently. Below is a simple summary of Nayler’s message:
Suffering leads to spiritual maturity and brings us closer to God – James Nayler suggests that the experience of suffering plays a significant role in our spiritual development. He argues that, when we bear all things with patience and fortitude, we come to know God’s love and understand God’s ways. Faithfulness in times of trial leads to a true understanding of evil, the purpose of Jesus’ death and the power of God to overcome our darkness. Like many of the great spiritual teachers of the Christian tradition, Nayler associates suffering with purification and cleansing. He suggests that there are two powers working within people: the sinful nature is like a strong man and the heavenly nature is like a newborn baby. We have to subdue the strong man before the baby can be born (Mark 3:26-27). Therefore, in order to bear all things in meekness and patience, we have to experience Christ’s suffering and death within us. The old self must die so that a new life can be born. When Christ is born within us, our darkness and evil are overcome, just as Jesus overcame darkness and evil in his own physical life. In the new birth, the way of Jesus becomes increasingly visible in the way we live our lives.
God’s people suffer at the hands of the world – Nayler warns his readers not to be surprised when they encounter suffering and persecution; God’s people have always suffered at the hands of the world. Jesus was condemned, rejected and denied, so his followers should expect to be treated in the same way too. The closer we are to God and the more we follow the way of Jesus, the more we will suffer. However, this should not be regarded negatively. Such trials are precious because, through them, we come to know God and overcome evil. We may have to endure shame and ridicule, but this will lead to glory, honour and eternal life. This is illustrated by the Exodus story: the Children of Israel suffered great hardship during their escape from Egypt, but they received liberation from slavery and became God’s chosen people.
The way of suffering love – Christ, by his own example, shows us that the world’s evil and darkness can only be overcome by bearing all things in meekness and patience. Evil can never be overcome by evil means, only by suffering love. We must share in Christ’s willingness to bear all these things. Meekness and love overcome anger and conflict. Patient suffering overcomes the temptations of comfort and an easy life. It is in Christ that we come to know the spirit that delights to do no evil, nor to revenge any wrong, but delights to endure all things, to outlive all wrath and contention, and to weary out all exaltation and cruelty. When this Spirit works within us, it also changes our lives in the world. The way to the kingdom of God is the way of suffering love.
The dangers of ‘fleeing the cross’ and seeking comfort – Nayler warns his readers to resist the temptation to ‘flee the cross’ by opting for comfort over the way of suffering love. This is dangerous because it draws us away from God. He points out that Christ paid a very high price to purchase our freedom from darkness (the idea that, in his death and resurrection, Christ achieved victory over the devil and freed us from bondage to evil and darkness). We should not throw this invaluable gift away by returning to the ways of the world. Seeking pleasure and comfort may seem attractive but it leads nowhere. We must all stand firm and fight against all the temptations that draw us away from God.
The importance of faithfulness and patient endurance – Nayler exhorts us to trust Christ even when the darkness that surrounds us seems overwhelming. He is the one who can guide us through the storm. We must remain attentive to our inward teacher throughout the darkest times and keep our wandering minds under control. Patient faithfulness creates the space in which Christ can work within us, taking away our darkness and evil. If we accept suffering with patience and meekness we will become aware of the joy and beauty of God. The value of careful and patient discernment cannot be overestimated. We should turn inwards, focus on Christ and maintain our attention.
The importance of a strong and cohesive community – Nayler is writing to a community that is experiencing increasing persecution. He explains that, in order to survive this, we need both the guidance and empowerment of the Spirit of Christ and a strong and cohesive community. Very few people can endure such suffering on their own. Nayler counsels his readers to maintain their unity and to avoid speaking or thinking evil of one another. He also emphasises the importance of meeting together regularly to nurture the work of the Spirit among them. This will enable them to overcome evil and endure anything that the world might do to them.
The promise – ‘God will always be with you!’ – Nayler reassures his readers that God will be with them in their suffering and will provide the power they need to overcome evil. He points out that Christ was accompanied by the Father through all his trials on earth and that those who accept Christ receive his power and protection. Despite all he has been through; the flogging, the boring, the branding, imprisonment, the ridicule and rejection by his own people, Nayler proclaims that God has kept his promise of being with him at all times. In response, he writes a moving psalm of praise to God for never abandoning him. This psalm is included in Quaker faith & practice (20.21).
James Nayler’s message is extremely challenging and one that might well make us feel uncomfortable. He tells us that to be a true follower of Jesus will always bring persecution, that suffering is essential for spiritual growth and that evil can only be defeated through a willingness to bear persecution and suffering without retaliation. Given his own experiences, Nayler is able to address such demanding matters with conviction and authenticity. How often do we ignore the promptings of love and truth in our hearts because we are fearful of the consequences? How often do we evade the leadings of God because we want to maintain our reputation and our comfortable lives? What does it really mean to attend to what love requires of us?
Stuart is senior programme leader at the Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre in Birmingham.
If you would like to read the original tract, it is available online at the Quaker Heritage Press website: www.qhpress.org/texts/nayler/milkmeat.html
