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BRIEF ACCOUNT

EXERCISES FROM MY CHILDHOOD:

LEFT WITH MY DEAR DAUGHTER,

GULIELMA MARIA PENN,

MARY PENINGTON

PHILADELPHIA ;

IR48,

 
Stockton, Calif.

Mary PeNiNeTON, the authoress of the following narrative,
was a daughier of Sir Joun Proubpk, a native of the County of
Kent. He was an officer in the service of the States of Holland,
and was killed at the siege of Groll in Guelderland, in the year
1628.

She was twice married. Her first husband was Sir WiLLian
SPRINGETT, a colonel in the army of the Parliament during the
great civil war. By him she had a daughter GuLizLma Maria
SpriNceTT, Who became the wife of WILLIAM PENN, and to whom
this narrative was addressed, and which is now for the first time
printed.

Her second husband was Isaac PeNiNeTON, one of the early
writers of the Society of Friends. By this marriage she had
several children. Epwarp PrNINeTON, the third son, emigrated to
Pennsylvania, and was appointed Surveyor General of the Pro-
vinee, which office he held at the time of his death in Philadelphia,
in the year 1701.

She died at Worminghurst in Sussex, July 18, 1682, having
survived her husband about three years, and was interred at Jor-

dans, in Buckinghamshire.

H. P.
Philadelphia, Sep!. 20, 1848.

 
———— Stockton, Calif.

The first Scripture that I remember I took notice of was
this, * Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteous-
ness for they shall be filled.” This I heard taken for a text:
I was then about eight years of age: brought up by those
who were a kind of loose Protestants, that mind no Religion,
but go to their worship on first days, which was to hear a
canonical Priest preach in the morning, and read common
prayers in the afternoon ; and they used common prayers in
the family, and observed superstitious customs and times and
days of feasting and fasting, as Christmas, (so called,) Good
Friday, Lent, and such like. At that time, when I was afraid
in the night season of such things as would run in my mind,
of Spirits walking and of thieves, I would always account
prayer my help and succour, and so would often say, (as |
had been taught) that which is called the Lord’s Prayer,
hoping by that to be delivered from the things I feared.

Afterwards, I went to live with some that seemed to be
more religious, and would not admit of sports on the first
day, calling it the Sabbath, and heard two sermons a day of
a Priest that was not loose in his conversation, but he used
a form of prayer before his sermon and read common prayer.
At this time I was about ten or eleven vears of age, and a
maid servant, that tended on me and the rest of the children,
was zealous in that way, and would read Smith’s and Pres.
ton’s Sermons on first day between the sermon time: I dilj-
gently heard her read, and liked not to use the Lord’s prayer
alone, but got a prayer book, and read prayers mornings and
nights, according to the days and occasions, and left saying
that prayer in my bed, mornings and nights, (us I had been
taught at the forementioned place.) That scripture, viz: of
howling on their beds was much on my mind, and by it I
was checked from saying prayers in my bed. About this

1

 
2

101 ay alter

: and one day alt
o or po on his forementioned

blic place of w : on
Prins sermons—the text, pray
h was spoken of prayer,
cellency of prayer; this

time my mind w
we came from the pu
maid servant, read one o
continually” —in which Sg fe
. 1 Ne C3
ae gn ok hed a saint from the world,
. . ' ( S o j co
Mtpual, ats > he world and hypocrites could ny
ly # 1 , Ings ; rr ! " y y
fon Bh rr n this they could not. This thing wroug At
itate a saint, but 1 JY seid it was in me,
i: in oY mind all the time she Fu anf 1] he:
3 ) SN what I used for prayer, a
that I knew not prayer ; for as to read out of a book, and
Tl i Rl Sagi 7
Ba : raver ne meant, . .

s could not be the pray A ercised in
Hus oh a wicked one. My mind was Soeniy a was gonc
sain ¢ 1 do e reading, and a os
this, and as soon as she had dor . and in great distress

at of the chamber, 1 shut to the door, an edly cried out
ou os « ~ “YN i SSE

f mind, flung myself on the bed nd ope oe that at
0 ’ oO “il. . er! This wrought SO ! ’
aloud, Lord what is pray -er in a book in a room by
nicht when 1 used to read a prays ft " it. At this time |

o : ‘as 1n trouble abo . ] b

self, T wept and was | i ‘wise than by
oy DR iy nor of any that pi ed other) prayer : the
composing a prayer, which they ig : next morning or

en pg ht, that as I remember the ne: wp
thing so wrought, th: e into my mind to write a praye I
‘ery soon after, it came 4 3 ing: <0 as SOON AS
NT composing, to use in the peiion) 5 a
ERE of my bed, | wrote a De time to ate I writ

« > .

. y arnt so hittie a u h
So of this nature—That as the Lord co a
a fle: ip a morning sacrifice, so 1 pine : P $

sraelites to offer up « ing d that day an
iim of prayer, and desired to he DE time wi me
oa hat purpose. The use of this for a ttl Re to
y he ji I left my books soon; and i fis ea
J : § C v , : - .

ii rayers according to my several ao for my sins.
" prays vas for the assurance of pard d his sins
prayer I wrote ws that God pardoned David and his sins,
heard one preach that h affeeted with it.

of fs grace, ir} ie aol ii it was in me, that
: the place of w ’ { one’s

As 1 came from be assured of the pardon o
: $ e assurcd o : .

TE siruble thing to t. and felt

ap Df a pretty Jarge prayer concerning 1! 4

Sins § SO r v rh I was un

that it coming of grace, Chetan arnest expressions about

night receive pardon, and so uscd earncs acknowledgments
he A little time after, I received some ack memory, and
by several persons, of the groniuegs 9 oy it. and wrote

raise for it: I felt a fear of being fh o bY to use it to the

P rayer of thanks for that gift, Jd dos e, and I not puffed

i that it might be sanctified to 2 Bei Ee ce of

up with it. These three prayers I used w

worthy,) yet I

= Stockton, Calif.

3

mind, but not long ; for then I began again to question wheth.-
er | prayed right or not, and much trouble was in my mind
about it, and | knew not that any did pray extempore; but it
sprang up in my mind, that to use words according to the
sense I was in, was prayer which I attempted to do but could
not. Sometimes kneeling down a long time, and had not a
word to say, which wrought great trouble in me, and I had
none to reveal myself to nor advise with, but bore a great
burthen on my mind a pretty time, till one day, as I was sit-
ting at work in a parlour, one, called a gentleman, that was
against the superstitions of the times, came in, and looking
sadly, said “it was a sad day :” this was soon after Prim
Bastwick and Burton were sentenced to have their ears cut
and to be banished. This thing sunk deep into me, and strong
cries was in me for them, and for the innocent people in the
nation; and it wrought so strong in me, that I could not sit
at my work, but went into a private room, and shutting the
door kneeled down and poured out my soul to the Lord in a
very vehement manner for a pretty time, and was wonderfully
melted and eased. 1 felt peace in the thing, acceptance with
the Lord, and that this was prayer; which I never was ac-
quainted with before, either in myself or from any one. Not
long after this, word was brought to the house, that a neigh-
bouring Minister that had been suspended by the Bishops for
not being subject to their canons, was returned to his peo-
ple again, and that he was to preach at the place where he
did three years before, (being suspended so long.) I hearin
of it desired to go, but was reproved by those who had the
education of me, as being not fit to leave my Parish church,
but I could not comply with their mind in it, but I must 0,
and when I came I found the minister was one called a Pu-
ritan, and he prayed fervently and in much sense; and then
[ felt this is that prayer which my mind pressed after but
could not come at it in my own will, but only had tasted of
it that time I mentioned before, Now I knew this was prayer;
but IT mourned sorely for that I kneeled down morning after
morning, and night after night, and had not a word to say,
and the trouble of this was so great, that it appeared to me
Just, that I should perish in the night because I had not prayed,
and in the day that my food might not prosper with me, be-
cause I could not pray: I was exercised with this a great
time. Then I could not come to the common prayer that
was read in the family a nights, nor could I kneel down,
when I came to their worship house (as was the custom and
I had been taught) but this scripture was in my mind, “ Be
more ready to hear than offer the sacrifice of fools,” and I

 
4

some other book, nies he finest
: : : and at las
r worship house; and at last
he up to join with the pies jy

: : to near

ither did I care :

VE e the sermons, ne : -conformist,
Draven [ln mind ran after hearing Je Hong one he
DE Puritan, before mentioned ; Dus or I was, but
hi tnt with those of the fis Aor ro
in Puritan prea :

m the Pu : o
ga os a suffering for this, being forced to g
I went throug

: ith me;
. rmitted to go wit

miles, and none pe : after
Sis us “compassion Soni ob erin
vi .
Ia id be frighted going alone. a EA
Malye lous in this, that all their reasoning
but so zea ’

hear
in a short time I would not
could not keop AL all, but went, wet Ode
a I would go in with the faints oan op
Rp D1 did happen to go in before t oda imme
Toei I would sit when they kneeled. sseibings
oy Dari in the family, and there gi dante
vo et t two of the maid servants, w ° Fin
ety op [ said against their prayers 2 oe
Cri ith them, which the governors 3 Shed iy
fused to ye at, and made me the sul je ie io
bi re ny as that I woud Fomine Spits
— ga rayers, an ’

ww Sa ii Ap places to meet young men,
schismatick,

and such like. ot
In this time I suffere

could but read the Bible or

read common prayer at i io
could neither kneel nor s

i FA
itted (who bo
Lwasibyinsy SE also suffered ich La
i od kindred ; notwithstanding which, i ih
a bo and was sequestered from vain Sompany,
zeal I grew et such like things, and was a zea dos Kasps
iv h, not daring to eat such things as occ % os
be hs Ba time on that day that was appoin
trouble o
hoa WA marriages that was fyopauced ioe
Lion i having desired of the Loid i inion
ee De . ed, I had a belief that though t end on
ave one thot es. rank that was such a one, got aie
pon of ty Stax one for me; and in this belief £08 Raed,
Tosd youd er reproaches that would say » yo hat
AE ne but mean persons was of t jo 3 grand
pe a some mean one or other; but oy wore
i : op for the Lord touched the heart of him th:
isappo y

afterwards my husband,

and my heart cleaved to him for the

we

J

Lord’s sake. He was a man of a good understanding, and
had cast off those dead superstitions that were manifest to
him in that day beyond any I then knew of his rank and
years, which were but small for that stature he was of in the
things of God ; being but of about twenty years of age. We
pressed much after the knowledge of the Lord and walked
in his fear : being both very young, were joined together in
the Lord, and refused the ring and such like things then used
and not denied by any we knew of. We lived together

about two years and a month; we were zealously aflected,
daily exercised in t

those that were counted hon ance sing-
ing David’s Psalms in metre, and when we tore out of our
Bibles the common Prayer and form of prayers at the end of
the book : Iso tore out the singing psalms, as being the
invention of vain poets as in metre, not being written for that
use ; and we found that songs of praise must spring from the
same thing as prayer did; and so could not in that day use
any one’s song, no more than their prayer. We were ajso
brought oft from bread and wine and baptism with water,

we having looked into the independent way, saw death there,
and that it was not what our souls sought ; and looking into
the baptism with water, found it not to answer the cry of
our hearts. In this state my husband died, hoping in the pro-
mises afar off, but not seeing or knowing him that js invisj-
ble to be so near him, and that it was he that shewed unto
him his thoughts and made manifest the good and the ej].
hen he was taken from me | was with child of my dear
daughter Gulielma Maria Springet.

It was often with me that | could not comply with that
thing to be done to my child which I saw no fruit of, but a
custom which men were engaged in by tradition, having not
the true knowledge : that scripture in the last of the (ialy.
tians, of circumcision or uncircumeision availing nothing, but
4 new creature, was often in my mind, and I could not byt
resolve that it should not be done to it; and when I was de.
livered of that child I refused to have her sprinkled, which
brought great reproach on me, and I was a by-word and a
hissing amongst the people of my own rank in the world, and
a strange thing it was thought to be by my relations and ac-
quaintance. Those who were accounted able ministers, and
such as | formerly delighted to hear were sent to persuade
me; but I could not do it and be clear. He that doubts is
damned, was my answer to them. Through this | waded,

after some time: but soon after I went from the simplicity

 
6

into notions, I changed my ways often, and ran from one no-
tion to another, not finding satisfaction nor assurance that I
should obtain what my soul desired in—The several ways
which I sought after satisfaction in—I was weary of prayers
and such like exercises; not finding acceptation with God, nor
could I lift my hands without doubting, nor call God, father.
In this state and for this cause | gave over all manner of ex-
ercises of religion in my family and in private, with much
grief; for my delight was in being exercised in something of
religion. I left not these things in a loose mind, as some
judged that abode in them ; for had I found that I did perform
what the Lord required, and was well pleased with me in it,
I could gladly have continued in them; I being zealously af-
fected in the several things that were accounted duties: a
zealous sabbath keeper (as I have before expressed,) and in
fasting often and praying in private (rarely less than three
times a day, sometimes oftner;) a daily hearer of sermons
upon all occasions, both lectures and fasts, and thanksgivings;
most of my time in the days was spent in reading scripture,
raying or hearing or such like; I durst not go into my bed
till I had prayed, and I durst not pray till I had read scrip-
ture and felt my heart warmed thereby, or by meditation.
I had so great a zeal and delight in the exercise of religion,
that when 1 questioned not but it was my duty, I have sought
oftentimes in the day, remote places, as the fields, the gar-
dens, or outhouses, when I could not be private in the house ;
And 1 was so vehement in prayer, that I chose the most re-
mote places to pray in, that 1 might not be heard to pray,
and could not but be loud in the earnest pouring out of my
soul. Oh! this was not parted with, but because I found it
polluted, and my rest must not be there. I then had my con-
versation much among the people of no religion, being
ashamed to be counted religious, and to do any thing that
was called so; finding my heart not with the appearance
held forth; and I began to loathe whatever profession any
one made and thought in my mind that the professors of
every sort were worse than the profane; they boasted so
much of what I knew they had not attained : 1 being zealous
in whatever they pretended to, and could not find purging of
heart, nor an answer from the Lord of acceptation. In this
restless state, I let in every sort of notion that rose in that
day, and for a ti ne applied myself to get out of them what-
ever I could find; but still, sorrow and trouble was the end
of all; and I was ready to conclude, that though the Lord
and his Truth was; vet that it was made known to none upon
earth: and I determined no more to enquire, or look after

-
{

him, for it was in va; igus .
in ani in lg seek him, for he could not be found
a ty gs i met withal; and so for sometime took
a ba gr 1ehsion, but minded recreation (as it is
Sn ono ge a anion as foolish
: » 4d singing. requ i
Het i : ‘; Ings to satisfy the extravagant appetite. I de
gn i : at would please the vain mind, and with curio.
Ele is yo was to satisfy the lust of the eye the
oF ne 10 1isis of the flesh ; and frequenting places
and to see i a resara] Se themselves
alos r SS Of fo In : ; 3
ho alc ec the Sire td
. : a eart was constantly sad and pained
i After such follies, I did retire ig
ANE Pot an was in much trouble ; and to al] this iy
Th a as was not hurried by being captivated by those
thing hmv vn found what I did seek for in religion, nor
re ellihi iy i wi would often say within myself, what
wy A i a d easily leave all this for jt Nath fot
oy samy i is lg I am weary and know not what
had otlir a elight, it hath not power over me: I
performeth a : is LordifI could indeed feel that which
ressoll Stare peep ly to the Lord. In this restless, dis.
A Ria) ‘wou d often retire into the country without
ec pany save my dear child G. S. and her maid
i ould spend many hours in the day, he and
Signin] dosed the knowledge of the truth; Lo i
i denote; and fell in with some deceitful notion or othos
oe Sis and left me without any clearness or der.
WA Wo Fi it in the retired place in the country, I went
HiT he ; Sodnsine and sad from the afflicted ie
ab { Hie out religion, and I dreamed that night J y
os gh VgroRivpkicks of religion, of things to Come Sn
lich OF Te/igious state; and 1 dreamed that | took no d
ght at all in them, and felt no closing in mv mind wi oh il
but turned from them greatly op ok ind with them,
ning, I went out from the Bo i i being eve-
3 ound or yard

505 Ey oe lifting up mine eyes to the heavens I cried
wi «ord sutler me no more to fall in with any false
b iy 8 the ruth ; and I immediately thought oe a
pened, and a bright light like fire fel] upon my hand ich
so frighted me, that I awaked and cried o ; ag i
daughter’s servant that was in my chamber i ie w]
side to see what was the matter with me: a1 od
great time after it. 48nd Lionlisd a

 
N

Thus not knowing what to turn to, or rather believing
there was nothing manifested since the Apostles days, that
was true religion ; so I would often express, that I knew no-
thing to be so certainly of God, as I could shed my blood in
defence of it.

One day, by accident, going through the city, from a coun-
try house; I could not pass through the crowd, (it being a
day wherein the Lord Mayor was sworn,) but was forced to
go into a house till it was over; I being burthened with the
vanity of their show, said to a professor that stood by me,
*“ what bencfit have we by all this bloodshed, and Charles’s
being kept out of the nation?” He answered, none, that he
knew of, saving the enjoyment of their religion. To which
I replied, that is a benefit to you who have a religion, to be
protected in the exercise of it, but ii is none to me. Here I
must mention a state I then knew, notwithstanding all my
darkness and distress about religion; which was, in nothing
to be careful,*but in all things to let my request be known in
sighings and in groans; for that help I frequently had, was

in the most confused disquieted estate I ever knew ; and trust
in the Lord was so richly given me (in that day when I durst
not own myself to have any religion I could call true,) as it
is wonderful to take notice of : for if [ were to take a servant,
or remove to any place, or to do any outward thing that con-
cerned my condition in this world; I never contrived, but re-
“tired to see what the day would bring forth. and so waited ;
and as things were offered to me closed with them, if I felt
my heart answer it; and be it more or less of concern, I be-
lieved things should be offered to me which I should embrace,
and so enquired after no accommodation of that kind ; but
in all things else in a dissatisfied hurried condition as being
neither night nor day with me, I could with anguish of spirit
cry to the Lord, “if I may not come to thee as a child, be-
cause I have not the spirit of sonship, yet thou art my Crea-
tor, as the beasts that have their food from thee: I cannot
breathe or move as thy creature without thee, and help is
only thee, and if thou art unaccessible in thy'own glory, vet
I must have help where it is to be had; thou only having pow-
er over me to help me.” Oh! the distress I felt in this time,
having never dared to knee! down, as ‘going to prayers, for
years because I could not call God father in truth; and I durst
not mock or be formal in the thing. Sometimes I should be
melted into tears, and feel an inexpressible tenderness, but
not knowing what it was from, and being ready to judge all
religion, I thought it was some influence from the planets
that governed this body, an so I was sometimes hard, and

9

Someries ong as under such or such a planet, but durst
‘0 any thing in me being of G
y thi od, or that I felt
influence of his spirit ; ri
on my heart; but I was lik :
ho i as like the parched
n, and like the hunted H:
: art for water; sc
was my thirst after that, whi AB
was. : which I did not bel
Ya : at, )t believe was near.
sa cmy ba on almost constantly exercised about
-=1on, 1 dreamed that | was sitting in
tired and sad ; and as itti Ey om, aione ye:
ad ; as I was sitting, 1 heard :
ey suf 8, 1 heard a very loud, con-
S¢; some screeching and velline. aring i
» Some roaring in a
piteous doleful manner : other ing up thei d
ous : $s casting up their ¢
lowing ina w lon re. oF A
gina way of triumph and joy. 1 listen;
fii ia; wi joy. Istening what should
» It was manifested to me,
le § 1at ¢ hrist wa
and that this was th ore | Is Cena
€ state people were in at his
hat IS coming;
SE 9 Spe in extreme sorrow and amazement.
alied in much dread: at last I fou the joy
rat lk nd, that neither the
0 i » - . ? 4 Oy
iki Sov of this confused multitude ‘was that which
i jh + IS coming ; but it was the effects of some false
ime . So _abode in the room solitary, and found | was
ope Jus with either, but be still and not aflected with the
a g 2 all, and not to go forth to enquire concerning it. Sit-
Ing as a Uma, all was whist, and it was manifested to me it
i e. remaining cool and low in my mind abode in the
P 2 iy when all this distracted noise was over, one came
i N Y ! { | ’ |
pis Spo . with a low voice to me, Christ i$ come indeed,
bin in t s next room, and the Bride the Lamb’s wife: at
‘hich my heart secretly leaping j :
Y icaping in me, | was ready t
up to express my love to hij "hi To
toe A im and joy at his coming ; and
going into the next ) A as
going room, but a stop was
2 hoy § as put to me ;—I was
i 4a ba lasts but soberly wait, and then come coolly and
sof 1¢ next room, which | did, and bli
Aka tho pest \ » and stood trembling
om, which I found to b
3 send ’ 0 be a spacious hall.
7 hs Jo) ed 2 he appearance, but durst not go near him,
a as Sid in a, stay and see whether he own thee and
such an one as thou lookes
te a ookest upon thyself to.
bi hal 00d Li Sigel distnned, at the lower end of that
all, : rist at the upper end; who i
m I saw in th
appearance of a fresh lov r d | t
ely youth, clad
2 ¥ ' In grey cloth (at
ihe I bad boy heard of a Quaker or their habit) oS
li Ba 6 wos oa sweet, affable, courteous car-
age, ced several poor old simple le, wh
appearance was very co SB
ntemptible and I
isa) y contemptible mean, without wis-
oo oy hos. Wd beholding this judged in myself, that tho’
os Shon bee be Jounz, Jat a wisdom and discretion is
: ; the n behold the hidden worih in th
flea; that th 1n those people
igh estar, SO mean, so unlovely, old and Spiro
: ckoned to me to come to him, of which | was very

2

 
ORIGINAL DEFECTIVE

10

glad; but came lowly and trembling, and solid in great
weightiness and dread. After a little time it was said, ** The
Lamb’s wife is come. At which time I beheld a beautiful
young virgin, slender made and grave, in plain garments
becoming and graceful, and her image was fully answering
his, as a brother and sister. After I had beheld this and
joyed in it as far as I durst, I spake to Thomas Zachary,
(whom I then knew a secker after the Lord, though tossed
as myself in the many ways, yet pressing ater the life,)
seeing Christ is indeed come and few know it; and that those
who 1n the confusion mourned and rejoiced knew it not, but
Christ is hid from them. Let us take the king's house at
Greenwich, and let us dwell with Christ, and enjoy him from
those who look for him in that, in which they cannot find
him; or to this purpose. Several vears after this I had
another dream.

In this condition that I mentioned of my wearied seeking
and not finding, I married my dear husband Isaac Penington.
My love was drawn to him because I found he saw the deceit
of all notions, and lay as one that refused to be comforted by
any appearance of religion, until he came to his temple who
is truth and no lie. All things that had the appearance of
religion were very manifest to him, so that he was sick and
weary of all that appeared, and in this my heart cleft to him,
and a desire was in me to be serviceable to him in this his
desolate condition, for he was alone and miserable in this
world; and 1 gave up much to be a companion to him in
this his suffering. But, Oh the groans and cries in secret that
was in me, that I might be visited by the Lord with the
knowledge of his way, and that my foot was but set in the
way before I went hence, though I might never walk in it
to my joy and peace, but that I might know myself in the
way or turned to it. Although all my time was spent in
sorrow or exercise, I resolved in my heart I would never go
back to those things I had left, as having discovered death
and darkness to be there: but would be without a religion
till the Lord manifestly taught me one. Many times by my-
self I should reason thus, why should I not know the way of
life? For if the Lord should give me all the world it would
not satisfy me. Nay | would cry out, I am miserable with
it all, it is to be in that which I have had a sense is to be had
that I desire and can only be satisfied with. In this state I

_ heard of a new people called Quakers, but I resolved I would
not enquire ‘after them nor what they held; and for a year
or more after I heard of them in the north I heard nothing
of their way, save that they used thee and thou, and I saw

11

a book of plain language wrote by George Fox, as I re-
member, which I counted very ridiculous, and so minded
them not, but scoffed at them in my mind. Some that I knew
formerly, in those things where I was, mentioned to me, that
they had heard the Quakers, but they were in the vain ap-
parel and customs for which I upbraided them, and thou th
them very deceitful and slighted the hearing of them oe
resolved I would not go to hear them preach. I despised
them in my mind, yet often had a desire (if I could go to
their meetings unknown,) to go and be there when the
prayed, for I was weary of doctrines; but 1 did believe if T
was with them when they prayed I could feel whether they
were of the Lord or not; but | put this by, thinking I could
not go unknown, and if known I thought 1 should be reported
ny ama the Quoion, who [ had no desire to enquire
after or understand their principles. B > day
husband and I were w lk in Sark Bena 4
: a ark, a mz at had been
a little time at the Quakers’ meetings spied us, (as he rode
by.) in our gay vain apparel. and he cried out to us of our
pride and such like, at which I scoffed and said. he was a
public preacher, indeed, that preached in the hichwayvs, He
came back again, having as he said a juve for my husband
seeing grace in his looks; so he drew to the pales and spake
of the light and grace which had appeared to all men My
husband and he engaged in discourse, and afterwards he
was invited in by the man of the house. He was but young
and perceived my husband was too hard for him in the
fleshly wisdom, said he would bring a man next dav which
should answer all his questions or objections, which (as I af-
terwards understood) was George Fox. He came again the
next day, and left word that the friend he intended could not
come, but some other would be with us about the second
hour, at which time did come up to the house Thomas
Curtis and William Simpson. My mind was somewhat al
fected with the man who had discoursed the night before
and though I judged him weak in managing what he pre-
tended to, yet many Scriptures he mentioned stuck with me
and weighty; and what I was out of the practice of, also
many things disowned by the Scriptures which I was in the
vanity of practising, and these things made me very serious
and soberly inclined to hear what they had to sav : and their
solid and weighty carriage struck a dread over me, for they
came in the authority and power of the Lord to visit us and
the Lord was with them, and we were all in the room sen-
sible at that time of the Lord’s power manifested in them.
Thomas Curtis repeated the Scripture that struck me out of

 
12

all enquiries or objections. * He that will know my doctrines
must do my commands.” Immediately it arose in ne, if 1
would know whether that was truth which they had spoke,
I must do what I knew to be the Lord’s will; and what was
contrary thereto in me was set before me as to be removed,
and join in the obedience of what was required before I was
in a capacity to receive or discover what they laid down for
their principles. This wrought mightily with me, and my in-
clinations to vain things seemed more strong than ever, and
things 1 thought I had slighted much seemed to have a
stronger power over me than ever | imagined. . . . terrible
was the Lord over the evil inclinations in me. This made me
continually night and day to cry out; and when it did but cease
a little, I then mourned for fear I should be reconciled to things
which I felt under judgment such a detestation of. I then
cried out, that I might not be left in a state secure or quiet till
the evil was wrought out many times. I have said in my-
self, ye will not come to me that ye may have life; it is true
I am undone if I come not to thee O Lord, but I will not
come. for I must leave that which cleaveth close to to me. I
cannot part with it, not that | was necessitated, but that |
chose and consented to my state, according to this saying, of
Christ was continually before me; I justified the truth of
that saying and the justice of the Lord in casting re off and
not giving me life, for that I saw ard would not come from
my beloved lusts to him for life. Upon every pain I felt in
this state (which was more than I could well bear,) I stil!
had this sense in me, that the wealth of God was more, and
then I should cry out in great bitterness. A little time after
I had heard Friends, it was said in me (one night upon my
bed,) be not hasty to join with these people called Quakers.
I never had peace or quiet from a sore exercise in my mind
for many months, till I was by a stroke of the Lord’s judg-
ments brought off all these things, which I found the light to
manifest deceit in; bondage, vanity and the spirit of the world.
And giving up to be a fool, a scorn, and to take up the cross
to my honour and reputation in the world, which cost me
many tears and nights’ watching, and doleful days; nol all
that time ever disputing (nay not so much as in my mind,)
against the doctrine, but I was exercised against taking up
the cross to the language and fashions, customs, titles, ho-
nours and esteem in the world, and the place and rank I
stood outwardly in; and my relations made it very hard;
but as I gave up out of reasoning or consulting how to pro-
vide for the flesh, I received strength and so went to the
meetings of those people. I never intended to have meddled

13

With ind found hen truly of the Lord, and my heart owned
onoured them, I longed to b “thei
oy 8 inured Hie lo be one of their number,
rouble, but judged it to b
cost and pains, if cam A A
e to witness such a ch
Sos | ; a change as | saw
A piwe wire their corruptions they who
orid and had fellowship with i !
Norn T Ip with 1it came to tur
om it. In taking up the cross, | received strencth noni .
many things that | o h eter
ing hs t ong It not possible to deny; but
shed and great bitt
SWART Leafs dle g erness of soul did |
e this, and have someti
naw / '€ sometimes cried out, 1 shall one
i Je evsinomarny of the enemy ; but oh! the joy
ul at the first meeting in our th itation of
es mys g In our then habitation of
‘ ave a fresh remembra fit,
CE nbrance of it, in the sense
p given me to live to worship him i
which was undoubtedly hi pi
as y his own; and that I need
to my spirit in it b im i I
: ut swim in the life, and gi
' ive up my whole
di flap oe melted me and OST Ae
. t lor long had I desired to worship i
rship in the full as
sage : | e: p e full as-
OR lift up my hands without doubting
g 1 witnessed that day; and to the | in spirit in
a X o the Lord in spirit in
s *knowledged the gre:
hissy g g greatness and wonder-
s at rich mercy to be able 1 Is is i
2) ‘ 0 say, this av
longed for and waited, though 1 feared | pitt Nae
ar 8 ave
Sestwaion the Lord owned and accepted and blessed in as-
ing together. Many trials have [ been exercised with
Shee GLa which came by the Lord’s ordering strength.
sas boy ife in him and hurt me not But my mind running
pus i asin some Friends did sorely hurt me,
a time of deep and unknown so
| sorrow the Lord re
moved it, and gave me a cl in his si  .
a clearness in his sight and lov
. . s gi e
Seceptanee with his beloved ones. The Lord hath a
fis re ose my soul in his presence, and gave me an as-
Siransen 1at I knew that estate in which he will never leave
ok goer me to be drawn from him. Though infirmities
bess be yet my heart cleaveth to the Lord in the ever.
ins ing 08 sg never be broken, and in his strenoth
see those infirmities, and bemoa I feel th
» | see t ities, an myself and feel th:
hajth in him which gives victory, and keeps low in the in
o at Wankness, and quickens in me a lively hope of seeing
¥ pi trod underfoot. By the grace that is sufficient | feel
an haw where my strength lieth, and when I have slipped
i Wo or ioian | know my advocate and have Ph
» and feel pardon healing and a goj
h, and fe ) alin and a going on to overcom
{tlio 2 Jvstohing against that which easily besets me; Te
yin ? ieve the enemy could not prevail, but that he is suf-
0 prove me that I might have my dependance on the

 
14

Lord, and be kept on the watch continually, and know the
Lord only can make war with this dragon; and so by dis-
covering my weakness I might be tender of those who are
tempted, and watch and pray least I also be tempted. Sweet
is this state thro’ love, for in it I receive my daily bread, and
have that I have continually given forth from the Lord, and
live not but as he breatheth the breath of life upon me every

moment.

POSTSCRIPT.

This after I had written it laid by me a considerable time,
it came into my mind one day to leave it with Elizabeth
Walmsly to keep till I was dead, and then for her to shew it
to such as had a love for me. So one day I appointed her
to meet me at John Mannock’s in Giles Chalfont, and there
I told her this and read it to her, desiring her to write it out
if she could read it, and I would leave it with her. This
was in the year 1668 that I proposed it to her, but it after-
wards went out of my mind, now it is 1671 almost 72, in
which I lighted of it amongst my writings, and reading Be
found it to be a true brief account of passages from my child-
hood till the time it was written. I am now willing to have
it written out fair for my children and some peculiar Friends,
who know and feel me in that which witnesseth a_hungering
and thirsting after, and many tines being livingly satisfied

in God my life. :
wei y Mary PENINGTON.

I here mention a dream | had. at Wormingshurst, be-
tween twenty and thirty years afier that mentioned in page
7, which I put here, because at the close of this Senn !
dreamt that I related part of the foregoing dream, as I sha
express hereafter. Being at Wormingshurst in Basser v
mv son Penn’s, the 30th of the 7th month (the sevent a
of the week,) being in bed and asleep, I dreamt I was wit

two more in an upper room (who the persons Jones not
perfectly remembered by me.) 1 looking towards the ip: he,
saw the sky very dismal and black, which was dreadfu io
me and the others who beheld it with me, but Aone £80
and lowly in our spirits to see what would Iollow, wi shy
grew thinner and began to clear ; not by rain descen ing bb
an usual way, but by «ne great vent of water out wh p
midst of those thick clouds, like a great ‘water-spout, v eb
oured water and cleared the clouds. Soon after the ack
clouds seemed to be driven away, like as if they were divide

on heaps and a great clearness in tie midst, out of which

15

clearing was a very bright head, breast and arms, (the com-
plete upper part of a man) very comely, as I have seen a
picture drawn to represent an angel’s form in; he had in his
hand a long green bough, (not so green as a laurel, but of a
sea or willow green) like as they draw a palm. This bough
or palm was held over his head; this was such a significa-
tion to us of good, that we both in voice and action made
acclamation of joy, and uttered forth through fullness of joy
undistinct sounds like being overcome with that greatness of
our sense, and could not send forth melody but a sound like
ah, ah, ah, ah! in an astonished manner, spreading our
hands and going about the room swiftly with a constant note
of admiration and joy, signifying by our manner we were
ready to burst with sense, and our tongues and voice not
able to deliver us of what we were big with. After a little
time appeared lower in the element, nearer the earth, in an
oval like, transparent glass, a man and a woman, not in re-
semblance but real persons; the man with a greater majesty
and sweetness than ever | saw any, brown hair, black shin-
ing eyes, fresh ruddy complexion, quick, affable and courteous,
piercing, dominion in his countenance, yet great gentleness
and kindness. The woman resembling him in favour and
complexion, but in a tender bashful appearance, \et quick
looked. At the sight of these persons we (not in a disturbed
confused manner but in a clear sense, Joy and reverence of
majesty and dominion,) fell on our faces and in a solemn
manner iu gesture and voice cried, glory! glory! glory!
glory! at which the man in our sight ascended, an! the
woman came down to us and in creat sweetness and gravity
spake to us; the distinct words 1 have forgotten, but this I
had a sense of; that we should not be formal or fall out.
So she passed by us, and we looked one on another after a
melted serious manner, and I spake to them thus: This is a
vision to signify to us some great matter and glorious ap-
pearance, more glorious than the Quakers at their just com-
ing forth. and told them I had a distinct vision and sight of
that state in a dream before ever I heard of a Quaker, but it
was in a more simple plain manner than this. It appeared
to me this was more quick and more majestic, for I then
saw Christ a fresh, sweet, innocent youth, clad in light grey,
neat but plain, and so likewise was the bride the Lamb's
wife in the same manner; but there was deep wisdom under
this appearance, that I was forced then te confess that there
was a deep discerning in the youth, though his appearance
was youthful, tender and courteous, &c. in that I did find
him to own such and embrace them, that I could not see any

 
16

acceptable thing in, as being no ways promising to be such
as Christ would own being old and poor, and contemptible
women. But now said I the complexion and garb altered,
and great sweetness and majesty is together. The habit not
of gay superfluous things, but a neat acceptable dress, a free-
dom of look and carriage, with that which we call an inno-
cent smartness, and brisk and courteous. The form of their
faces was somewhat long, their cloathes without any garnish,
neat and (as we used to say,) spruce. The woman lively
and familiar, with an authority in her look.

After we had received the testimony of God’s faithful ser-
vants to the light and grace in the heart, we became obedient
to the heavenly voice and received his truth in love; and
took up the cross to the customs, language, friendships, titles
and honours of the world; and endured despinings, re-
proaches, cruel mockings and scornings from relations, ac-
quaintance, neighbours and servants, those of our own rank
and those below us, and became a by word and a wagging
of the head, and accounting us to be bewitched, mad and
fools, and such like; being stoned and abused in towns
where we went, and at meetings in several places, and sul-
fering imprisonment. This not being enough to try us, we
were also tried with the loss of our estate, injury from rela-
tions in witholding our due, and suing us unrighteously for
our own; tenants wronging us from what the law gave, put-
ing us into the Chancery because we could not swear; rela-
tions taking that course to defeat me of my land; we were
put out of dwelling-house in an injurious unrighteous manner.

Thus we were stripped of my husband’s estate and wronged
of a great part of mine. After this we were tossed up and
down, from place to place, to our great weariness and charge.
We had no place to abide in in this country near to meet-
ings, which gathered at our house at Chalfont, but we were
pressed in our spirits to stay amongst them if any place
could be found, with any conveniency, though but ordinarily
decent. We sought in many places within the compass of
four or five miles from this meeting but could find none ; but

we had such a sense of its being our place that we had not
freedom to settle any where else. so boarded at Waltham
Abbey for a summer for our children’s accommodation ot
the school there; and thought to leave our friends to provide
or enquire for us, and at our return to have been with some
friends in the winter, so have seen for some place in the
summer. We in all the time of seeking a place, did never
enter into the thoughts of buying any thing to settle ourselves
m. Nay we rather endeavoured to have no concern in our

habitation but room for our family and no land, we frequent]
desired a disentangled state. | seeing no provision Tike .
be for us in the country near, those people told my hush d
I should not be willing to go from them into any other ”
CXcept our own estate in Kent; which he liked pit to ) a
cepting against the air and dirtiness of the place, this or oe
upon a great strait. I could not bear to leave ghtn os ro
who we had been instrumental to in their gating £m
truth, and had known our suflerinos in our Srtate and ; ihe
passionated us, and we had suffered together and beer co
forted together, unless we went to our estate in Kent “We
also had many reasons in regard to our own estate not to go
we strangers, the people and neighbourhood#* (of the
wordy Lis sense of our former condition of fullness, and
50) passionate of us, for we being in their sight
stripped, and expected no great things of us to answer ¢ "
rank in the world, but rather wondered we were not s ok
but were able to live decently and pay every one their
Siig 19 Deny things which our condition SCA
4s honourable before them, which strancers wou:
despised, which would have beer MS ak
Whereas the other temper amongst our acquaintance d
countrymen helped us the easier to bear meanness Ey
great deal of straitness more than we had ever known, be; 2
born to and having lived in great plenty. Thus we we wo
ercised, and one day when we were near going to Wether
Abbey, R. T. coming to see us, and bewailing that w wy
going ot oh 118 eonsiry and had no eo Jn ig
urn to. said: “Why will ye not buy some ljti]
near us?’ I refused this with oreat neglect, s: ‘ Dhes
condition would not admit of such a gis sg —
an hundred pound besides our rents, and that we must cell
Sg! ine 3 to oo He told me he had an uncle oo
sell a place of about thirty pounds per v
stood near the meeting and was a a: 122 Jon, wilh
house might be trimmed and made habitable. My husb d
was not there at that time; soon after R. B. came a
told them what R. T. had proposed, who seemed to en-
£oueage the thing ; said he had heard that there were some
Jopms in the house that might serve. That night Thomas
wood came out of Kent, and told me he had much to d
come back and not sell my farms at West Bur. I laid the :
things together and said—I think this must be our wa if
we can sell West Bur to buy this that R. T'. has ord and

* The people of other societies in their neighbourhood.

3

 
18

with the overplus of the money put the house in a condition
to receive us; for we saw no way of dwelling in the country
unless we took this way. Next day I took Ann Bull with
me, and went on {oot to Woodside, to John Humphries’
house, to view it and its situation; 1 came in by Hill’s lane,
through the orchard. lt locked so ruinously and unlike to be
trimmed up for us, that I did not go into the house; so it
quite fell till we were going away, and were disappointed of
a house at Becoasfield which my husband was in treaty
about. Upon this we pressed again to see the house, which
1 did, T. E. and H. B. going with me, my husband having
said he left it to we. Ho 1 went into the house and they
viewed the grounds, and in half an hour’s time there I had
the form of the thing in my mind, what to sell and what to

pull down, and what to add, and cast it would be done with

the overplus of the money—ithat £50 a year sold to buy £30

would be. So I gave up to have them treat for it; the very

day we went away we walked to Chalfont to take away my
son Penn’s coach; there had some words with T. E. and H.
B. of our going out of the country, and of their making en-
quiry of things and to let us know at Waltham, which they
did; and sent us word the titie was clear, but they judged
it £50 too dear. When I received this message I had my
mind much to the Lord in this thing; that if it were the
place he gave us liberty to be in, he would order it for us;
and I had requested of my husband that seeing he had lost all,
and the children had no provision but my estate, and that
we were so tossed about and had no dwelling place for our-
selves nor our children, I might build some little thing for
them. My husband was averse to building, bat I weighing
that could I part with my land and buy a place with the
money, and put it in condition for us and them, and he not
be troubled with the building; that it should be made over to
Friends for me and the children; he considering the estate
was mine and that he had lost all his and brought that suffer-
ing upon me, was willing I should do what I would, and
added he took delight 1 should be answered in this thing,
though it was contrary to his temper either to have a house
or to build. So I sent word to the Friends that they should
conclude for it; that I did not matter £50, if they thought
it for our own turn in other respects; so it went on. | was
often in prayers and tears that I might be preserved from
entanglements and cumber, and that it might be such an ha-
bitation as would manifest the Lord was again restoring us,
and had a regard to us. When it was bought I went indus-

triously and chee: ful about the business, though 1 saw many

19

unusual | es |
: EL pa themselves before me in which
o the Lord that I might ¢ in hi
1 the o through in his fe
and not cumber or dark ind. es
: he aren my mind. We met with
Interruption after we had conc or | ap
tio ve had concluded for i
onc or it—the wor b
advised to make a pre oe dra
a prey upon us, by an unre: al :
LW re; » by nreasonable demand
sent. I earnestly desired o
I earnes sired of the Lord
i ;  eaTpesity ne Lord to make
way for us to get clear of the matter. thoueh with ore: I
if we should run into entar ] y nt
n nto entanglements in the manage
it; and 1 besought Thomas Ellwood to cet off from on or
iy SOU mas | cet rom the bar-
fat the dread of running into debt was heavy upon me, but
got over it, and I went
got ov on to plant a isi
Co bt pli nd to make provision
REA I was (by the survivor#) put out of my own wav, and
. ! r ho
DUE ao oar Bow the ground a new part, which my
alling in with him I tavoi thi
g could not avoid; but this
avoid; k 1s brought
great trouble upon me, for I di :
: , for I did not see my way
but felt o : : 'y way as before
reat pain that I could i havi :
g at 1 could not see the end, h:
hs OL see | end, naving stept
ho | n own proposal, and not knowing how to a,
harge, I took no pleasure in doing anv thine al it
I fell ill and could not look after it, and oreat was
cise . one while {ari J " ‘ He a ana greai was mv exer-
>15€e vile tearing the [Lord did ne prove of thi
another while saying withir alt a oy ayave oF ly
on te saying within myself, I did not seek great
gs nor vain giory in a fine habitation; for as I cast jt
first, and did not intend to do more it would have ro
ordinary. 1 had, after n tL WOU: AnVe been very
nary, 1ad, atter many close exercises and earnes
prayers, come to a clearness that [ had ar h i Suny
prayers, coms | 1ess that I had an honest intent and
xP s¢ was undiscerne:d by me; I then felt a still actine
5 . . nm ns o - : J Liv aN L C
Spat Sn 0! disquiet, an | the building was managed by me
A 2 of lelight (thr uzh an answer of my inclining to build
ng rignt,T) than a distinguishing care. "P “th
a Tal) thas guishing care. Part of the house
| 8 i0wn, by the new casting of it, wrought in me a care
ay should compass it. In the falling [ was most remark-
abv [g ; : 3 AOD TLV “in-
bly preserved. After a time I felt an innocent proceed;
rise in my mind, and I went on very cheerfully nev Tooking
yr went on very cheerfully neve 1]
out, and WICH tere VAS O0( as] I fOr mao ii OF load if
ot Bd money, loving ooo wo Ld oo De pd]
ny rents came in towards (1 1 . ye ‘ PRE = | eat pas Ol
"we | ne, as also the selling of
i ctond of nd pleasure
insiead of pam in laying out mv ne budcad ov ele
- OU my money. indeed mv mind
provided with meney that tie a
pre w : y iat io Imes said, that
if 1 nad lived in the time wl building of houses f te
service of the Lord was accent 3 Blessed ey
V pied and blessed, 1 could’ not

xiv Fools i
have had a sweeter, stitier or nleacanter time I cot ol ‘
leasanter time. set all thinos

1)
ole nougses ana bark and several ather ih v i

re . 1 21 4 ¢ ! i { :
was so aatly tO He i.ord In

5 I suppose supervisor or surveyor

$5 rye
Phrongh an assurance that mv nndartakir hiviid ‘ol
FLORINC TO DuNd was rant

 
 

20

in order in a morning when | went to meetings, and so left
them till | returned, rarely finding them so much as rise in
my mind when going to and when at meetings; and this
kept my mind very sweet and savory, for [ had nothing in
all this which disquieted me, having no further care than that
nothing was wasted; but 1 perceived by my eye and not by
disquieting care. and so no cause of fretting or anger admin-
istered to me. I lay down sweetly and very pleasantly,
awaked in a sweet sense, employed all day but had no labour
in my mind, which seasoned me and kept me pleasant and in
health; and when I had compassed all this in less than four
vears, [ was free to leave the account with my children. 1
could have compassed it in much less time. but then 1 should
have been streightened for money, which doing it by degrees
it stole in undiscerned in point of charge: for know all is
finished except the wash-house part, and I have taken up
but £100 to discharge this building and planting with; and
during this time we have not omitted being helpful in giving
or lending in our places.

Now the Lord hath scen good to make me a widow, and
leave me in a desolate condition as to my guide and com-
panion; but he hath mercifully disentangled me, and 1 amin
a very easv state as to my outward being. 1 have often
desired of the Lord to make way for my waiting on him
without distraction. Living a free life out of cumber, I most
thankfully and humbly in a deep sense of his gracious and
kind dealings receive the disposing of my lands from him;
and now through the kindness of the Lord, I have cleared
great part of the mortgage, and paid most of my bond debts,
and I can compass very easily the ground in my hands. In
this 4th month 1680, I have made my will, and disposed of
my estate, and have no considerable debt on it, and leave a
handsome provision for J. P.,, M. P. and the younger ones,
to fit them for trades in a decent calling, and have left pro-
vision for my debts and legacies.

I call it a comely provision, considering that they are able
to be provided out of my lands of inheritance, having
nothing of their father’s to provide for them. I am mourn-
ing for the loss of my worthy companion, and exercised
with the great sickness and weakness of my children; but,
in regard to my outward condition and habitation, to my
heart’s content. No great family to cumber me, am private
and have time to apply my heart to wisdom in the number-
ing of my days (believing them to be but few,) and in a clear
manner, stand ready to die. In reference to my outward
affairs, having set my house in order, and in that respect 10

 

 

   

21

ee nothing to do but to die, and am waiting sensible of
eath; and have no desire after life, and fee] a satisfaction
that I leave my children in an orderly way, who are now in
less need of me than when things were less compassed and
settled. I feel that death js the king of fears, and that my
strength to triumph over him must be given me; and at the
very season when the needful time is; that mv sight to-day
beyond the grave will not help me against the sting of death
when It cometh, but the Lord must help and stand by me
and resist that evil one who is busy when the tabernacle is
dissolving ; his work being at an end when the earthly vessel
is laid down, :
_ Oh! Lord what quiet, safety or ease is in anv state but
in feeling thy living power, all is in this and nothing but
amazement, sorrow, anguish distress, grief, perplexity, woe,
misery, what not, out of it. Oh! let me be kept by that
power, and in it walk with God, in his pure fear; and I matter
not how low, how unseen in this world, nor how little friend-
ship, nor any pleasant thing I have in the world ; for [ have
found it to be sufficient for every good word and work and
state, when stripped of every pleasant picture and acceptable
and helpful thing. Oh! Lord, thon knowest what I have yet
to go through in this world, but my hope is in thy merey to
guide and support me, and then I need not be doubtful nor in
concern what is to come upon me.
_ This far I writ before I went 10 Fidmonton, which was
in the 6th mo. 1680. And as if | were to go thither on pur-
pose to put all the foregoing things in practice : and Vy be
proved by the Lord, according to what I have before written;
and to be exercised by him in all things, that were in my
view, when [ set my house in order, as if I were to rei
no more, in all kinds of particulars, jt pleased the I.ord, in
a week’s time after my coming there, to visit me with a vie-
lent burning fever ; beyond what I ever had felt since | was
born. Indeed it was very tedious, insomuch. that [ made my
moan in these doleful words i—“Distress, distress,” feeling
these words comprehended, sickness and uneasiness, want
of rest through vapours, ill accommodations in the place, it
being a school, and so ungtiiet and little attendance to be
had ; and these things bein al npon me, from my own
homme, where | might have nceded nothing. This was ac-
compamed with many aggravations; ns mv two younger
children lying in the same room. not well : "one of Them in
the bed with me ; my elder children, many miles distance
from me, who knew nothing of my condition. when most
desperate. 1 was looked upon by most persons as not likely

  
to recover, especially by the physician. 1 had scarce time

in all this illness, to have took one quarter of an hour als
the settling of my affairs, if they had been Be Go jis i
such was the eminent kindness and-mercy of the Lor 0 2
rt to consider, that it may be, I might
ins as it was with my dear husband,

as to put it into my hea

pever return home agai wih mpeor
and so that I might wait on the Lord in my sickness, and

lay down this body without distraction in aftard £oncers
These memorable dealings of the Lord with Sd J yo
count the 3d day of the 2d mo. 1681, In a ann ba
sense of his mercy; being in my bed, unrecovered, of th:

v . . 2 ot. os y it

f i S 3 sicht months since, and now 1
1entioned illness ; being eig ne
J ar of the Lord to declare to

r heart in the holy fe ord ;
ey do children, of what great service Si 3 ie,
in mv sickness, that I had nothing to do but to io % 1en y :
Lord visited me. The Lord was pleased to a 5 %
should not go down into the pit with the wicked gil y S ph
have a mansion, according to his good pleasure, in pis 10 y
habitation ; through the knowledge of which I y os ns
quiet state, out of the feelings of the sting o ie Ty
having the least desire to live ; though I oo GRR y
measure of triumph and joy; yet 1 could oiten sa
I am still, and have not a thought day nos
ng that is to be done, in preparation to my
But after fourteen days illness at Ildmonton,

enough, in that
night of uny thi
a srg abated, and in
y Aly avail, ait } ) Ee
hi to in in some degree of strength. iter Ssoven
weeks time there, the Lord brougnt me home Ts 0 my
own house. Iwas smitten that night with sickness, 0 en
I remain weak and low in the flesh, to this Say, bo
mourning i! springs in mv heart to express Ts
dealings of the Lord with me in the fashel maares oo
ness. On the 27th of the 4th month, (in he Sorin
was waiting on the Loid with some of my fami ys Finis
an inclining in my mind to mention the Sosa) ny
illness, to this day; which from the time ol my ing 3
visited. :s before wants not many weeks of +E Jini
which time such was the goodness of the Lord to irs ot
as it was said of Job, “in all this he sinned not nor Wa
God foolishly,” so may 1 say (through Dea
power with me, in all this time I have not Popa ing
complaining mind, but this has been my anBunY hn is
well I have no grievous thing to undergo, except! 2 oe
late sore fits of the stone which have been full SPonstim
misery. And the Lord hath graciously stopped my hh fiat
every pleasant thing; and as I have not been uneasy his

a month’s time came from .

23
long confinement, for the most part to my bed, and this pre-
sent day to my chamber, where | have had very little com-
fort, through sleep or pleasantness of food, or any thing of
that kind ; nay, further, 1 have not found in my heart to ask
of the Lord to be restored to my former health and strength,
that I might have the pleasantness of my natural sleep; nor
eating my food with acceptation to my palate, (not fearing
pains por distempers,) nor to walk about the house upon my
occasions; nor to go abroad in the air, to take a view of the
beautiful creation. But all that I have desired, during this
long exercise, in reference to my present condition, hath
been ease in these late fits of the stone. For this I have
earnestly cried to the Lord, to help me and give me such
directions for means of help, or minister help unto me, that
I might have my pain removed saving in these fits. I have
not asked any thing of the Lord concerning life or health;
but rather have felt a pleasantness in being barred from that
which is acceptable to all my senses; because therein I have
been near to the Lord. [ have waited upon him with less
distraction than in my health, and have many times said
within my self,Oh, this is very sweet and easy. He makes
my bed in my sickness and holds my eyes waking to con-
verse with him. Death hath been many times before me;
in which I have rather embraced it than shrunk from it;
but have for the most part found a kind of yielding in my spirit
to die. Like as it was said, he vielded up the ghost. I have
all my days had a great sense of death, (as I may say,) till
I came to be settled in the truth, and been in subjection to
the tear of it; but now the fear of death, that is, the state
after death, is at present removed. But there remaineth still
a deep sense of the passage ; how strait, hard and dithicult it
is; and many times to those on whom the second death hath
no power. As it was with the Lord Jesus Christ, who felt
such a season as made him cry out, * My God! my God
why hast thou forsaken me’ As also the instance of my cer-
tainly blessed husband, who-e mind was constantly with the
Lord in his sickness. Yet when the last breath was breathing
out his groans were dreadful. 1 may call them roarings, as
they seemed to me, through the disquiet of his soul at that
moment. Indeed this passage of his has so deeply affected
me, that | have often since said within me: If it be thus
with the green tree, what shall it be to me who am to him a
dry tree’
A letter from me to my dear grand child Springett Penn,
written about the year 1680, and left to be delivered to him
after my decease.

 
24

Dear Child,

‘Thou bearing the name of thy worthy grand-father
Springett, I felt one day the thing I desired was answered,
which was the keeping up his name and memory not in the
vain way of the world, who preserve their name for the
glory of a family ; but in regard that he left no son, his name
might not be forgotten. He dying before thy mother was
born; thou couldst not have the opportunity of her putting
thee in remembrance of him ; so 1 am inclined to make men-
tion of this good man to thee, that thou mayest preserve the
memory of this just one in thy mind. and have for a pattern
for thee; that imitating him and following him, as he followed
Christ, thou mayest continue his name in the family, not only
by being called after him, but more specially by walking in
his footsteps and bearing his image, and partaking of his re-
nown; by being the virtuous offspring of this truly great
man. Well, dear child, [ will give thee some account of
him Thy dear mother’s father was of religious parents;
his father (thy great grand-father,) though a lawyer, was re-
ligious and strict, as I have heard of him, in those things,
wherein the administration of that time consisted. Zealous
against Popery; scrupled putting his money to use, and was
of a sober conversation; and in the exercise of what (in that
dim day-light,) was accounted holy duties, he was much in
prayer, though in a form reading scripture by himself, and
in his family, exercised much, on such like things on that
day which they then accounted their Sabbath. He died of
consumption, leaving thy great grand-mother with two sons,
and with child of a daughter. She was married to him
about three years, and left a widow about 22 or 23. She
was an excellant woman; and had a great regard to the
well being of her children, both in the inward and outward
condition; and that she might the better bring up her children
lived a retired life, refused marriage, though frequently well
offered, as I have heard her say. She suffered pretty hard
things from his two brothers, Sir Thomas Springett and a bro-
ther-in-law, who were his executors, through their jealousy,
that she being so very young a widow would marry. They
refused her the education of her children, and put her upon

suing for it, which she obtained with charges, and some
ears suit. She lived a virtuous life, constant in morning
and evening prayer by herself, and often with her children;
causing them to repeat what they remembered of sermons
and scriptures.
I lived in the house with her from nine years of age, till
after | was married to her son; and after he died she came

25

and lived with me, and died at my house. In all which
time, I never, as | remember, heard her sav an immodest :
indecent word, or saw her do an evil action. She spent tor
ii very ingeniously, and in a bountiful manner bestowed
great part of her jointure yearly upon the poor, and in phy
sick and surgery. She had about twelve score A
year jomnture, and with it she kept a brace of in ‘
man and a maid. She boarded at her only brothers Bh
Edward Patridge; she kept several poor women ,
stantly employed simpling for her in the summer 0
the winter procuring such things as she had use of in
physick and surgery, and for eyes; she having emi ”
Jia ien in ail three and admirable success, Wy
Wi fumes aid sought to, out of several countries by
ne greatest persons, and by the low ones. She wis
daily employing her servants in making oils, salves bal.
SAMS, drawing of spirits, distilling of waters, making of
syrups and conserves of many kinds, with purges pills
and lozenges. She was so rare in taking off cataracts d
Spots mn eyes, that Stepkins the great occulist oy oe
to her house where there was difficulty of cure and he co Id
not attend or spare so much time as could compass it : Sho
cured in my knowledge many burns and desperate cuts al n"
Sang sores that have come by thorns; likewise pein
Sues a ey out several bones; one
pec ; ember—a child’s head was
$0 burnt, that its skoll was like a coal; she brousht jt to hav
skin and hair, and invented a thin pan of beaten silver or
vere with a bladder, to preserve the head in case of a nk
uf E She frequently helped in consumptions, (beyond the
il ol doctors to help,) through her dilizence and care j
the villages about her, lodged several patients that ci
some hundreds of miles for cure, and lav there PR Wei
quarter of a year from their families. ‘She has Mad teal
persons in a morning, (men, women and children ) to dress
their wounds, apply physick to and 10 cure of sore eyes I
have heard her say she spent half her revenue in makine
medicines which she needed for these cures, and never ro
feted fresenss of much value, only thus she would do—if
; € patients were able and needed not what she had in the
Hause; she gave them a note of what things they should buy,
igs ay e their medicines. She was greatly beloved and
Aoonryd or this: her man spent great part of his time in
hi ing irections and fitting of salves and medicines. In
Case Whare she dwelt, she was (in her latter time,) once
: a Puritan in her religion, and afterwards an Indepen-
ent; had an Independent minister in her house, and Cn

4

 
26

twice a week to her house to hear
tly set apart the seventh day Zo
for her family to leave a

liberty to people to come
him preach. She constan
3 or 4 o'clock in the afternoon, eached and prayed with
their occasions, and this minister pi eac ope De
them for a preparation for lo- morrow. on a
tender and affectionate mother to thy Pe "he for his wife
- « « oe oh ’
.indness to me; chose
shewed great kindne « indn s very
ds Lia delighted in his love to me; indeed oe Py
ang greany unselling her son not to marry for an estate;
honourable in co ne offers, of persons with thousands
2 vy e oat. . io
and put by many great Ss Id make him happy in his
urging him to consider what would m him, because we
¥ a *1 9 OO 1 1 w
choice. She proposed my. a old and he
vere bred tozether from children; I MUG Years ou Sho
wo y 3 > half when we came to ive togetuer. De
EIR BIG ly ye be alan. thal che Lnowilve OF
nt diss irse to him on this wise, that pe a me for
were known {oO onc another, ana said, yao on a) and
bis of If I had no portion (because of RE i
11S WIC. > ; ves a d vears. ne 1V¢ {
TES tward condition ang a.
our equality 1n out aa wd was very affec-
i iT three or four yea! s old, all 1 w WL
ia Late to her, and took great delight to see or Bedosuens
L ’ 1 . NE TU 17 S
°N w to come to thy grand-father; she A the
3 oducated him and the rest of her chi rengtn
fear of the Lord, according to vo him both at
d _— - a 1 or
h dav: and took great care In placing bridee (as
bane os 3 : versity She sent him to Cambri EY
« and university. ot I Wp L ac 1m
Johaol counted more sober than Oxford) ed hace a
being 2 0 > Clalinue called Catharine Hall, where was
in a Paritan Colleg
very sober tender mn

a i Colibri
fo. 1. y $n
tutor; as a&iso sac apposs

er of the house, and a grave sober

a]

-
$
Si

‘nted him one Ellis who was accounted

ucht him up in his youth, and got
a Fellow in that college. ; Thy ig
ymine from Cambridge young, was placed at the
father coming foo being reliziously inclined staid not long
J HE Reo. wh re his mother Jas oa she
Jae one Wilson preach who wos SORDSTRY Be ou gs
vears, for not conforming to the bishops i
na an in his day. Thy grand-father sav youl,
gms ot from the bishops and common pi yer
wa pine he was between twenty 208 ively
Sa ] rl of their
dark words were le
Fealons pgs ar Do amongst his intimates
PRs: ph to dishonour him they reported npn
a him, as that he should say he never aske

God forgiveness for two sins; one Ww
the other was for sav

.
no ry

a Puritan, she having
. Covviant Of
him the preferment oi ¥
3

and superstitious customs,

as for going to share,
! 7 e was.
ing the [.ord’s prayer. Indeed h

7

so sensible of their blind superstitions concerning what they
call their churches, as he would give disdaining words about
it; and speak of using their church timber for very common
uses; to show his abhorrence to their placing holiness in it.
When we had a child he refused the midwife to say her
formal prayer, but prayed himself, and gave thanks to the
Lord in a very sweet melted, way which caused great amaze-
ment. He never went to the parish church, but went many
miles to hear Wilson the minister I before mentioued, nor
would go to prayers in the house, but prayed morning and
evening with me and his servants in our chamber, which
wrought great discontent in the family, we boarding with
his uncle Sir Edward Partridge. He would not let the pa-
rish priest baptize his child, but when it was eight days old
had it carried in arms to this Wilson five miles, about that
time called Michaelmas. There was great seriousness and
solemnity in doing this thing; we then looking upon it as an
ordinance of God. Notes were sent to the professing people
round about more than ten miles, to come to seek the Lord
at such a time for a blessing upon his ordinance. There was
none of their superstitious customs, and that they call gos-
sips,* nor any person to hold the child but the father, whom
the preacher when he came spoke to to hold the child, as
being the fittest person to take charge of him. It was a great
cross to him, and a new business, and caused much gazing
and wonderment ; for him (being a gallant and very young
man,) in the face of so great an assembly, to hold the child
in his arms. He received a large charge about educating
his child and his duty towards the child, was declared to him.
This was so new, that he was the first of quality in this
country that had refused the common mode, in this zeal
against dark formalities and the superstition of the times, he
took the Scotch covenant against all Popery and Popish inno-
vations, as also the English engagement when the fight was
at Edge Hill, (which happened when his child was about a
month old) he had a commission sent him to be a colone] of
a regiment of foot, and he raised eight hundred men without
beat of drum, most of them professors and professor's sons.
There were near six score volunteers of his own company ;
himself going a volunteer and took no pay. He was after-
wards made a deputy lieutenant in the county of Kent, in
which employment he was zealous and diligent for the cause,
insomuch as they looked upon him as like to be mad, because
he reproved their carnal wisdom in managing of things; and
told them it was the cause of God and they should trust God

 

* I suppose Godmothers.—Ep.

 
es

in it, and do what in them lay, to act according to their co-
venant and engagement which they had taken to oppose
with thetr lives Popery and Popish innovations. Within a
few days after his regiment was raised, there was a rising
in the vale of Kent of many thousands, to the suppressing of
which he and his new gathered undisciplined soldiers were
commanded from their rendezvous at Maidstone, where it
was said, the vain company in the town had a design of
doing them injury by gunpowder. He having placed his
men in such order as their inexperience and the time would
permit, came to see me and take his leave of me before they
encountered the enemy; but when he came he found me in
danger of being put out of the house, in case the enemy pro-
ceeded so far; he having had orders that morning to march
with his regiment in company with some other regiments,
to keep a pass which it was reported Prince Rupert was
coming over to join with the risers. It was a great surprise to
him to find me in that danger, and it put him upon great diffi-
culties to provide for my safety, and to return to his regiment
at the time appointed. But he being of a diligent industrious
mind and of a quick capacity, found out a course that did
effect it, which was this, he fetched a stage-coach from Ro-

chester, (which was about seven miles {rom Maidstone, in

which parish I was,) and in the night, carried me and my
child to whom I gave suck, and my maid servant to Graves-
end ; and there hired a barge for me to go to London, and
took a solemn leave of me, as not expecting to see me again,
and went post to his regiment. When I came to London I
found the whole city in arms; and there was nothing but
noise of drums and trumpets, clattering of arms, and crying
arm! arm! for the enemy was near the city. This was at
the time of that bloody fight between the parliament forces
and the king’s, at Hounslow heath. Not many days after
the risers being dispersed in Keut, my husband came to Lon-
don, having behaved very approveable in getting restored
the cattle and horses to the persons that had been piundered
by the risers, who had taken a great quantity ; but then were
(the risers being dispersed,) in possession of the soldiers.
Thy grandfather being advised with, what place they
should secure the stock in, that the owners might come to
claim what was theirs. He pointed to what they call their
church, which he saw done; but being applied to by the
owners for their cattle, he went with them to this place. but
he found the cattle were driven away by a colonel of that
county into an island of his own; accounting them his spoil
for his service which proved honourable, for thy grand-fa-

29

ther he havi .
than Shes i hase in the suppression of the risers
that were oppressed b 0 y applied himself to relieve them
the enriching himself ¥ Pe er, while the other endeavoured
this regiment Wa : 2 went upon several services with
Hooke n eid rs at the taking of the Lord Craven's
Junioers rere A oe several of his own company of vo-
He was also at LE Ware of the forlorn hope.
INS ome aa rer oanps Sihere ho wis fn dns.
enter, * he lay some wight ys i: ay Sn
ti . Pr mR : there being neit
Mi el oan ieNiency lo pholiite ten, wie), a
upon eating flesh ony of salt, so he would not venture
and bisket. He v ut lived some days upon candied citron
nas b le was 'n several other engagements. Then he
ho oi with his regiment into Kent. The ]ast i
wy A in Sussex, where he died. font
taking notice to th ee an account, but T am not to let siip the
He opposed wos bit of his gallant and true English spirit
which purpose ie WL in the discipline of an army to
council of er 281g his right as a colonel, to sit in the
i bo he (there being a scifish cabal,) they
thems! ng the management of secret desions te
ves, which he gave testimony agains: gas ke
Canary 0 all military laws. Ye gamy,
ose :
whose Ri0phs rand were one Merrick, and a Scotchman
donee, IR Sins and he had his eve =o much
Tite aed: ered so much of their intending a trade
for their own aa at least a compliance with the King
dislike. Insane] F age that he constantly published his
mates of havine ny 12 was warned, by scme of his inti-
but he received st him. if not his life sought:
management of ho a dislike of those secret and selfish
bravery of the ca ” together with the exaltedness and
with Clone, fe ins and colonels, that went out at first
am. S (hay of them that went out being but
one a Te) and the cons'deration of what glory he had
Ties uh ane iio what measures we had put ourselves
ec pin 2 concluded the cause was lost for which
more ; as RD } thereupon resolved not to go forth an
Kent. Not long a isi returned with his regiment wd
(danas Ahi ga er, be own native country Sussex, was
and drt Sa eavy ier party, which had taken Arundel
commanded in wg and castle. Sir William Waller.
associated c against them, to whose assistance the
associated counties were sent for. Amongst the
- g several

, saying it was

* He lay some nights in Lord Robert's coach

 
30

grandfather's regiment, was thio he
Ls es there
own country, with great freedom went o EAE taken
they had a long siege before the low. 2 uy hard diffi-
the town they besieged the castle ; A and Colonel
cult service, but being taken, thy RR ald
Morlev had the government and amare eth
committed to them; a few wecks after a town and castle
disease that was amongst the er dies’ near Arundel,
seized him at his quarters, at one ya a frost and
whither he sent for me, (in the fey This WE very diffi-
snow) from London to come 10 him. ith child of thy mother.
cult for me to compass, ing real d rah] places, that
The waters being out at Newington a hy arate
we were forced to row In the By Were ded to the
the things in the coach with oo r with the coach;
bridles of the horses, and they ie ic
the coachmen were so sensible of these oS Aare at that
badness of the ways between London anc : dha
; of the year, made them refuse me a Se ett
ns streets; only one widow won Sr
a coach and had taken a great deal of es have her
very great respect i gi. EEE So | gave
J y @ az S ses. « :
Sepvaat 7o, OE : anal pounds,) to carry me down
a mt with br) win das i.
It was a very tedious journey, wherein I was benig

. ices which when we came
yn i : 'k into a hedge; whic !
thrown in the dar Be a al line dew R
WA t of we had hardly room, for fear oi falling dc : :
to hston ‘as on the other side; whichif we

pic was

teep precipice that : log! Pane
es o Hin side, we certainly had broken ourselves
ad fi : > 3

i d only a cuide with us, that ‘was the
Hh i Wp Rtn El to me, who riding on a
an was the only help we had to follow In ihe weg,
awl to a garrison late at night, the commander whereo
i wr $a the coach, and give notice to phy sass
ur vhich the centinel did; and the colonel came
ing of Ba 1 to invite me to stay, and to encourage me
edna Sans rk like to mend ; that he understood I
al Hive, and beseeched me I would not hazard
RE hi h the coachman being sensible of the diffi-
a OD wn derco, would needs force me to lodge in
quliics be 000A Ine his 1 908 would not hold out, and they
ne et “To which I replied, I was obliged to pay
a or or if they suffered, and I was resolved not in

regiments, thy
looking upon this engager

* Whether 1 was with him or not.—E. P.

31

go out of the coach unless it broke, until it came so near ‘he
house that I could compass it on foot; so finding my reso-
lution, he put on. When we came to Arundel we met with
a most dismal sight. The town being depopulated, all the
windows broken with the great guns; the soldiers making use
of all the shops and lower rooms for stables, and there was
no light in the town but what came from the light in the
stables. We passed through the town towards his quarters,
within a quarter of a mile of the house, the horses were at a
stand, and we could not understand the reason of it; so we
sent our guide down to the house for a candle and lanthorn,
and to get some to come to our assistance. Upon which the
report came to my husband that I was come; who told them
they were mistaken, he knew I could not come I was so near
my time, but they affirming it was so. He ordered them to
sit him up in bed that I may see her, said he, when she
comes, but the wheel of the coach being pitched into the
root of a tree, it was some time before | could come. It
was about twelve at night when I got there, and as soon as I
put my foot into the hall, (there being a pair of stairs out of the
hall into his chamber,) I heard his voice—why will you le to
me? «If she be come let me hear her voice,” which struck
me so that 1 had hardly power to get up stairs, though 1
was borne up by two. He seeing me, and the fever having
took his head in a manner, sprang up as if he would come
out of the bed, saying let me embrace thee before I die. Iam
going to thy God and my God. I found most of his officers
about the bed attending on him with great care and significa- -
tion of sorrow, for the condition he was in, they greatly
loving him. The purple spots came out of him the day
before, and now were struck, and the fever got into his head
upon which they caused him to keep his bed, having not
before been persuaded to go to.bed any day since his illness till
then, which had been five days before his spots came out.
They seeing his dangerous condition, (so many of Kentish
men both commanders and others having died of it in a
week’s time, near his quarters,) constrained him to keep his
chamber. But such was the activeness of his spirit and
stoutness of his heart, that he could not vield to the illness
that was upon him; but covenanted with them that he would
shoot birds with his cross bow out of the window, which he
did, till the fever took his head, and the spots went in after
that, the fever was so violent, and he so young and strong of
body, and bis blood so hot, (being but about twenty-three) that
they were forced to sit round the bed to keep him in, or else
they must have tied him; but he spake no evil, or raving

 
32

i is dying to m
words at all, but spake seriously CT Ty
doctor, whom |] brought down with me re hi avine also:

On d him what physick he should give him, say 11 hel
Rms do do quickly, if this does not do nothing Sd : ‘
what you yake A aflectionately to me, and very y ; 12 "
nk he ail were about his bed (but no wayBaNm ho ing
oh ie offices, as the marshal and ohn ee
Hy risoner, and making up the breacy BR Tr nEaY bed

: by which he meant he preventing his ge his legs and
walsh attempted to do often,) or putting out his de his

(which he a “ DL was so very scorching that 1t too he
Se To discerning my uh to be a

pss : ww i "to breath, but would cry oul,
take it off to d servant,
al stor, my mai
Wins ain at; looking

permit me 1o
e
don’t go from me, :
: ; very ;
‘ » attendants were : eit 3 ancered the in-
aise 4 fection to be so high, that it endangere
gpanthe: ialeel i aking in his breath into me;
fection of myself and child hy wi it a very uneasy pos-
ino very near time foun : nvse
L also boing very near my ar if not more) to bow myself
ture for me, (two hours at a ime i h the physick he ordered
. . : ' Ne ’
‘ th my mouth, . i
to cool his lips wi its operation
o ie lied to him, he observed the Inasior lbs ra H
ew f death, and called out to the do
to be a signification 0 A dead nian! The doctor
these like words: this won’t do, 1 am 4 fay rt ho sid
had concluded the same, upon the like iy th to bis,
nothing; hy a%jied wha abl a to wand be very
DF al 1 { time, «© s f v
; a considerable ’ SoWiir OR
which 1 did for ~ this posture of bowing uj
; RN e to bear this p : a wold
st, which I was abl Yiah thew that were
quiet, 1in this stillness he fell asleep, W hich 1 Fe
him, and 1 ed me to go to bed. Consider! hed
irht leave my maid Satya) a un
& - ye a «
brine me an account, | was preval - wired
When he awaked he seemed much 1 you are
~ rH (» saving
1 maid servant, ying |
at notice of the ; : here
(For she waited on men piety wis
: » boy!” and many pe
« how does my boy i
to my wife,
: .oncerning me. Go ,
. Q ired of her, con DO : ace her
toate he Shem her I am almost ready to atiracy hen
said he, an } ame up
iy “0 refreshed Wh oy Shi oe ve A and
‘ 5 y | w {
. : ‘+ t upon Ww IC ' Id Oo
e this account, aving he wou
I Nwo. but she persuaded ne i sent her or
c ) I would but hinder it; :
wou CoN,
to sleep again, 3 him and went to rest; not ing oy
i ssage si : might have
Yih oe Sin to the description she made, 1 2 Oo
that he according -ecovering, so 1 lay late. Inthe m
been in a possibility of rec g
een )

hange upon him,
I saw a great C
ing, when I came down,

by observing. constrain
condition, and that [m

who might

went to bed.
and took gre
my wife’s maid,
is my wife, said he,

; 33
having left him in hopes as before. He spoke affectionately to
me; and several weighty and serious expressions he had; at
last he called to me—< come my dear, let me kiss thee before
Idie I” which he did with that heartiness, as if he would have
left his breath in me. Come once more, said he, let me kiss
thee and take my leave of thee; which he did in the same
manner as before; saying now no more, no more, never
no more. Which having done, he fell into a very great
agony. He having but about seven days illness, of this vio-
lent contagious fever, and it not having impaired his strength
but inflamed his blood and heightened his spirits, and being
a young lusty man, he in this agony, snapped lis arms and
legs with such a force that the veins seemed to sound like
catgut tighted upon an instrument of musick. Oh! this was
a dreadful sight to me; my very heart strings seemed to me
to break, and let my heart fall into my belly. The doctor and
my husband’s chaplain, and some of the chief officers who
were by, observing his violent condition, and that the bed
seemed as if it would fall into pieces under him, considered
together what to do, and taking notice that this befel him on
his taking leave of me, they concluded that they must either
persuade me or take me by force from the bed ; his great
love to me, and beholding me there, being the occasion of
this. Upon which they came to me and desired me to go
from the bedside to the fire, for my being there occasioned
this deep perplexity; and while I staid there he could not
die; which word was so great, so much too big to enter into
me; that I like an astonished, amazed creature, stamped
with my foot, and cried, die! die! must he die! I cannot go
from him. Upon which two of them gently lifted me in their
arms and carried me to the fire, which was at a pretty dis-
tance from the bed, and there they held me from going to
him again, at which time I wept not, but stood silent and
struck. Soon after I was brought from the bed he lay very
still, and when they thought his sight was gone that he could
not see me, they let me go. I standing at his bedside saw the
most amiable pleasant countenance that [ ever beheld. Just
like a person ravished with something that he beheld; smil-
ing like a young child, when, (as the saying is) they see
angels. He lay about an hour in this condition, and towards
sunset he turned quick about, and called upon a kinsman of
his, “Anthony come quickly ;” at which very instant we
found him come riding into the yard, having come many
miles to see him. Soon after this he died, it being in the
twelfth month. When he was dead then could I weep. So
soon as the breath was out of his body, they immediately

5

 
34

ore to see

took me up into a chamber and Seng a 2 I

him, for fear that in my condition it shou 2 = Ey

wr ut in a coffin, the next morning Or tort

Ces ;

ia away in his own ammunition oad, Ar Ror

man in which he was born and eo a in en
y Loh nly accompanied by his officers ;

y ng only buried
lay; be a tice micht be taken of his being ih 1d
liers, that no no Fe > uneral shoulda
ly on it was expected and intended that a ino a!
Si .ording to the formalities and manne f
jeans, woes he rmy, and accordingly there was order

44 e army, « v 1 ¢
condition in th te. mselves In a
taken with the officers and soldiers oe be bio to London
posture for the time apy ut ron he died in exa-
) 3 ; ened, and the con , hi
and the will os Gr were not in a condition to
. ’ rac | Ja ey"

twas foun JL vi me hun-
mined, .h a charge, which would have been so ;
admit of such & axarge, i nds in debt; great
d eds. He died above two thousanc Jou Ns Britt Biotls
ar S. k IarQe = 3 0

vo. ‘ey on 1 wars; as

att contracted by t Cw us : ents
pat a to Guildhall, all his ammunition Wa i wv
Lousy ma accommodation for him in several engag

ture. and k ying a table at
hry Lasidas roine out a volunteer, and keeping ¢
ments ; besides Zong

. P i n e 1€

in in his there were
but twelve pounds in money in his trunk, and

] 3 “tora Q el
‘eat sums to be paid at his quarters, also at A fonds
a and where his sol-

: - places in his march;
and several other place orf  ybel rses that
4 d laid, there were bills for provision, for ho e
diers had laid, riaces; wages to his waggoners,

ttended his person and carriages; wag Kim in the army.

2 d such like, that attended him ¥

grooms, ad - none of them. Besides all this there was
] { r none 2

hevioy py x¥ farm, called Chandlers on the Downs, ©

TO abouts, whieh he took up of his sister's portion

i s, whic .

I thereabouts, w : d to one
£300 He also mortgaged another pint Sasa hs
money. yr er of the Kentish reg ’

: aids >», treasurer o

anks of Maidstone, : narched to
Bas £200, taken up but a few days oh
a del, for his present accommodation, his | Wi Carrs, Clots
A, paid; then he also had contracted i ol n
| . « - § C
Bo who had a lease of twenty-one ri or oni
oT Frith to pay him at expiring of his pases son

’

for standars to be

his

. 1
portion was spent, which

left in the woods; which UA Np

S

t of it he had power to cut down and J Spihosoody

as payable within a year after his ou + Y Wl es
A bv those that understood things, to be

to be paid.

 

 

35

Now* all that ever he had of pay was that £150 or £200,
which I sent by the deputy lieutenant to pay, least the mort-
gage that was made should be forfeited. And now my dear
child, after I have related what I can remember at present,
of his parents, his education, marriage, and going into the
wars, and death in the wars, (though not in bate, yet of
the disease in the castle of Arundel after it was taken) I will
give thee some small hint of the many excellent things that
he was eminently exemplary in. As his zeal, generosity,
compassionate, charitable mind, his affableness, justice, in-
genuity, activity, industry and courage; without harshness
or cruelty, to mention first his zeal for the Lord, (for that it
truly was, which he engaged for in his day) he began very
early to see the superstitious follies and fruitless devotions,
both in the ministry and whole worship of the Church of

England ; he abhored their manner of making and ordaining
bishops, and ministers, and ecclesiastical officers, (so called)
the common prayer-book, their surplices, and the adminis-
tration of their sacramenis; as their baptisms and the Lord’s
supper. This turning in him proceeded from a glimpse of
the dawning of the day wherein prayer was to be put up in
the spirit and in the understanding ; and that there was a
spirit of prayer and supplication in which any one was to
have acceptance with God. Nay, that the very sighs and
~3roans were to go forth from that spirit which alone ean
make intercession. Ile also saw in the little measure of light,
(according to the disnensations of that day) that the priests
Were Lot to preach for hire; but were to be sent of the Lord
and to reach the conscience. This made him decline those
false dead ways, and cleave in heart to those people called
Puritans, amongst whom was his delight, to be exercised in
the worship of God and in their chaste conversation, coupled
with fear; for in that day those that feared the Lord, went
under the nickname of Puritans.

le in all company would stand a witness very bold]

against the doctrine, in some points; but more especially the
worship of the Church of England; and that he might have
arguments to overturn them in their own view, and to mani-
fest the trath of what he said to the tender ; he was a dilizent
reader of the Scriptures, and kept a common place-book, in
his pocket, where he entered scriptures, for proof of the right
worship. In the zeal of the Lord, he engaged in the Scotch
protestation against all Popery and Popish innovations; and

fo answer his engagements, he received a commission to be

* It seems she received £150 or £200 afier her husband’s death, which she
made use of to discharge one of the mortgages —E. P.

 
36

a colonel of foot (about the time of Edgehill fight) under the
Earl of Essex ; he furnished himself at his own charge, and
went out without pay. Afterwards he wes made a deputy
lieutenant in Kent. In both which undertakings, he expressed
rreat zeal against superstition; encouraging his soldiers and
requiring of them to break down idolatrous pictures and
crosses; going into the steeple houses and taking the sur-
plices and distributing them to big bellied women. When
he was upon the service of searching Popish houses, what-
ever crucifixes, beads and such like he found, if they were
ever so rich he destroyed them, and reserved not one of
them, for its comeliness or costly workmanship, nor saved
any thing for his own use. I find freedom to mention one
passage in this pursuit of destroying Popish relicks and pic-
tures. There was a parliament man who was also a deputy
lieutenant of the county, a great stirer in the parliament cause
and his wife a zealous Puritan. This man was assisting to
him and his companion in this searching of Popish houses, and
destroying their pictures and trumpery. Thy grand-father
going one day to their house to visit them, as he passed
through the hall he spied several superstitious pictures, as
of the crucifixon of Christ, his resurrection, and such like,
very large pictures that were of great ornament to the hall,
and were removed out of their parlour to manifest a neglect
of them; but he looked upon it as & very unequal thing, to
destroy such things in the Popish, and leave them in their
opposers ; he drew out his sword and cut them all out of
their frames, and spoiled them upon the sword’s point, and
went into the parlour with them. The woman of the house
being there, he said to her what a shame it is, that thy hus-
band should be so zealous a prosecutor of the Papists, and
spare such things in his own house; but, saith he, 1 have
acted impartial judgment, and have destroyed them here.
As he was thus zealous, so he was just and merciful in it, as
the converting none of their estates to his own use; nay,
refusing to buy any of the goods that were plundered from
them. nor never made use of one pound’s worth, I dare aver,
of any one thing that belonged to them. He had very great
roffers, from those in power, of houses and goods of those
called delinquents, (and because his diligent minding the par-
liament affairs, caused his family to be much in London) all
which he refused, and rather chose to give 20s. a week for
lodgings, than to touch with any one of those things. One
considerable thing I shall instance, which was Leeds castle in
Kent. It was seized on by the parliament and made a gar-
rison. and he intended the commander of it, and greatly

 

37

ressed to m .
Pr have his She ln of the goods (it being well furnished
Also another h y to live in the castle, but he refused 3

sh her house was offered, Hollingb Sod Ik
nished, within a few mil gborn, (very well fur
Wiig. thot miles of this castle) he refused it aj
ee an answer to this eflect:—That he d it also,
eof any man’s estate or goods, nor d ie dust not
jecnasterad house, much less this th: t : el Inany man’s
: : ula . e was also so dite 3 Ir
istering merciful i
tne, that I never heard of any er oe nm
ok: Vy hare him of unmercifulness to any of pt cou
oy oncerned with in the cause he was ene persons
hn yh 2 to those particular concerns, the age 1h
hs ne, emper, and course of life, was in the Se ome of
os ros and charitableness, in which there ha oy oF
: s hav
the places HA me by persone that observed Se
whet 1 myself hav was engaged and quartered, besid
from twelv © Joon. having had converse with oy
¢ years old to his dying dav : ! Im
that I had from the may ying aay enc! shall mento
mea bill of £3 al ayor of Maidstone, in Kent. He brou
RE ei idan obs dead, with my Sy
: . al as ne wa ra lls .
with no. a poor man was had to vane in the street
miserable , SOI, ana he ma
ana AE Eh thy grand-father stopped on
ey w i : : v
hin Mr, Moves Lo , at which he said you shall not carry
charged He b ay down the money and I wil] see ; any
of kindne © was very generous in his assistance and i Sr
ng eI804S also very frequent in alms deed ye
1 4 The the Irish Protestants came
nassacr 0
toa pig Also to the plundered minister
less than 20s were wounded in the army. He rar ]
whl | J lv oa v
sufferings w i piece 21 4 time at the private fasts, wt " give
gs were presented before him, and that SA Hage
once and sometimes twice a week ly
yor remarkable instance of his ch
y e Yaral a fast at Milk stre
-ase, a Puritan preacl
. acher, (as they wer

a dolefu : y were called) s :

Soa | Banat, tho great distress that the Ini Pr farsh Hg

he ihe need they stood in of assistance to ole8Iants

v . > , . . . 5 ie . o rer

i Be ul eed it so aflectingly, that it us

he folt a atly, and as he was writing the sermon after PY

he felt an engagement in his mind to give £20 2 9ter Bim,

te Tareq this was determined when he Wows dit i

be drawn ol thelr misery, and as he grew covler oa

took his bo the engagement of his mind. Where igh:
ok and wrote a most solemn eno upon he
gagement before

turn
ds, especially
ver upon the
s and maimed

as constantly
1 shall mention here a
Hi airy to those-of Ireland
In London, where one Thos

 
38
the Lord, to perform it when he came home; setting his
name to it and using such like expressions as these :—That
his hand writing should be a witness agains him. When all
was over, there was appointed at the door two men of quality
to stand with basons to receive the collections for the Irish
Protestants ; and some others (that were ollicers,) were ap-
pointed to receive for the maimed soldiers. My husband
as he passed out, put in 5 ps. of gold to the Irish,and one piece,
into the other bason; so he went away, and said nothing to

me of it; but when we came to our lodgings he refused to
sup, but went up to writing. After some time, he called me
and bid me fetch £15 in a bag; when I brought it and he
had taken it of me, he spoke to me to this purpose :—Now I

have made sure of the thing, I will acquaint thee what it is

to do; so he told me the business, and read to me the engage-

ment in his book, and the letter he had written to this Thomas

(Case, giving him an account how it was with him, but not
setting his name to it, declaring that he had given it to the
Lord, and desired to be unknown and untaken notice of his
ith this money and letter sealed
should observe what livery he
ong outwards, when he came
deliver the money and letters
asked any questions. Next
tions went to Thos. Case’s
tiful one youn gentleman

foot-boy, was sent away wi
up, with these orders: that he
wore, by turning his coat the wr

near the place; and he only to
‘nto his hands, and not stay to be
day those that received the collec
house, and speaking how very boun

had been, in putting in five pieces At which T.C. replied,
last nicht late T received £15 from the same person; he de-
termining to give £20, and having no more about him at that
rime that he could spare than £5. ‘ihe next first day, or in
a few first days after this, 'T. C. provoked the people to en-
allant young gentleman’s example,

large their bounty by this &
but chiefly took notice

and there related the whole business;
of his endeavour not to be known.

He was of a most courteous afiable carriage towards all.
Most ingeniously inclined from a very lad, carving and form-
ine things, with his knife for his tools. So industriously
active, that he rarely ever was idle. For when he could
not be employed abroad in shooting at a mark with guns,
pistols, cross-bows or long-bows, munaging his horses, which
he brought up and managed himself; teaching them boldness
in charging, and such things as were needful for service.
When he could not, as I said, be thus engaged abroad ; then
he would fence within doors, making cross-bows, placing the
sight with that accurateness as i it had been his trade;
making bow-strings, casting bullets of all sorts for his car-

 

39

ise and feathering his arrows
Deng It or hen any defect
use Cc OCK tnd .
postures of oer) raining his servants and himself; ys; g
pose. He SG to books that he had i ; using of
: was also a gr ion ad for that p
making of lines, and is vi In shooting and 47 dl
pose. He was : nz 0 alts and thi nl , He g,
: salsoa go ings for the nur
his dogs hi a great lover of : > e pur-
s himse : : coursing, anc :
but his mind i hh things I mention to shew Ly managed
was engaged in ohio of the vanity of those I gh
to me and his child, by He was most affectionately ton fe
in any, the tern eyond what I had known or 2 ender
. y ance consid : observed
and active mi : sidered of his y
ind, which : youth. Gal]
created Galiantr
that might have occasio d uD a great deal of busin
us; but on the contr ned a stop in his tender rec ss
an opportunity slip oy I do not remember hat cr i
acquainti mu e let
when abse spt quainting me :
nt; is 5 with h sis
Viole ; either by writing or 1 is condition
e letters, where h : > nessage he hath of
travellers ini or e baited on purpose Bo ord 1 often
A : wi meet on the road OE me Ly
27D C Ne t at N : : . WwW en e
e messeng di r the battle w
to acquaint th ger (that was sent le was
‘ em with the § sent to the parliam
to knock at tl issue of the battle : ent
: 0
word that ie tons img loging, in Black Pei, jy oly
> i S, an ,
for no / him well after the batt] eave
more; whic he battle, there bei y
my life. I b h message of his, in all probabil; Ing time
menses i being with child of thy moth probability, saved
C S, wiic oY O11 er, was “ial
of my mind a could not come out, because a ok of the
. v . V reas . 2 Se O the DX OT (Ce
this message om an of my having heard of Sop Ise
morning h t between three and fc ’ > battle,
g, at the hearine of whi war o’clock in il
and the measles ny i ii the removal of a Di hid
: e immed] Jha great stone
this gent] lately fortl ,
enes i 1. Im St:
ol “ S83 SWoelnum, compassion and Buy add to all
dante he Page without harshness or cruel eness, and
with the a ant pa which was rare dh
; 1oned excellenci e founc
rous mind, whi ’ encies. He w ,
’ ch rn : ; € was o
bountiful in retur made him very liberal in dik gene-
pitable ; his n of kindnesses. He was : | ards, and
’ oe : . « «ISO verv
that were Sana Tin delighted in ory hog:
i 8 1e cause with hi : 108
In great freedom and h ause with him ; not in exce $
with savory and ed; eartiness. ‘This was alwave ss, but
ws . § y y
courage wy 4 ons ing discourse, in which rays seasoned
Lord went out hi rejoice in thier een Sue
make mentio fl h their host and returned with d Shai he
ne his gracious dealings with th ith them, to
vy grand-mother, em.

ull Yous, ;
vs, | illing his watch to pleces
; taking to pie ie

g to pieces and mending

Mary PrNineTON.