James Nayler was born in 1617 and died in 1660. Though he was among the early Quakers nevertheless his writings have been neglected among Quaker circles over the last three centuries unlike the writings of other Quakers such as George Fox, Isaac Penington, Robert Barclay, William Penn etc. This may be due to the fact that in 1655 James Nayler had a fall (spiritually) which marred his reputation among the Quakers as well as people outside that fellowship.
His fall related to some people bowing to him and worshipping him since he showed forth the holy virtues of Christ so strongly. Unfortunately he did not rebuke those who did that to him. Though he never claimed to be Christ or equal with Christ others treated him that way which caused his fall. As a result he was severely punished (200 lashes on his back, tongue bore through with a hot iron, a letter "B" branded on his forehead for blasphemy).
Though he later repented of his error and came back into the truth his writings have nevertheless been neglected and his spiritual fall seems to have been highlighted and remembered.
