A Book of Quaker Saints

by L. V. Hodgkin

XVIII. THE FIRST QUAKER MARTYR

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(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.