Chapter XVIII: The First Quaker Martyr

(_From another point of view._)

_Extracts from the Diary of the
Rev. Ralph Josselin, Vicar of Earls
Colne, Essex._

_1655.--'Preacht at Gaines Coln,
the Quakers' nest, but no
disturbance. God hath raised up my
heart not to fear but willing to
bear and to make opposition to
their ways, in defence of truth.'_

_Ap. 11, 1656.--'Heard this morning
that James Parnell, the father of
the Quakers in these parts, having
undertaken to fast forty days and
forty nights was in the morning
found dead. He was by jury found
guilty of his own death and buried
in the Castle yard.'_

_'Heard and true that Turner's
daughter was distract in the
Quaking business.'_

_'Sad are the fits at Coxall, like
the pow-wowing among the Indians.'_

_1660.--'The Quakers, after a stop
and a silence, seem to be swarming
and increased, and why, Lord thou
only knowest!'_

_'So there is no obtaining of Life
but through Death, nor no
obtaining the Crown but through
the Cross.'--JAMES PARNELL._