[39] Such were the sound reasons which animated the martyrs to resist unjust human laws, interfering with or directing the mode of divine worship; and such are the reasons which prevent conformity to national religions, to the payment of church rates, and similar ungodly impositions.—Ed.
[40] The Quakers braved the storm, met in public, and appeared to court persecution. Not so the Baptists; they met in woods and caves, and with such secrecy that it was not possible to detect them, unless by an informer. William Penn taunted them in these words: 'they resolve to keep their old haunt of creeping into garrets, cheese-lofts, coalholes, and such like nice walks.' And so would I, rather than be disturbed by constables.—Ed.
[41] Sink them is an unusual kind of oath, wishing that body or mind might be depressed. Shakespeare uses the word in reference to mental suffering: 'If I have a conscience, let it sink me.'—Ed.
[42] Noddy, a simpleton; see Imperial Dictionary.—Ed.
[43] Fraudulent bankruptcy is a sore and prevailing evil. It is thieving under the protection of the law. How many live in state, until their creditors get a few shillings in the pound, and the bankrupt gets the curse of God upon his soul!—Ed.
[44] Quean, a slut, a strumpet; see Imperial Dictionary.—Ed.
[45] Witness the shepherd boy's song in the Pilgrim:—
He that is down need fear no fall,
He that is low, no pride;
He that is humble ever shall
Have God to be his guide.
This poor boy, in his very mean clothes, carried more heart's ease in his bosom, than he that was clad in silk and velvet.—Ed.
[46] For this use of the word lap, see Proverbs 16:33.—Ed.