F. H. What, against the Quakers? So I have heard indeed; though then that statute was made against Papists, thou lettest them alone, and executest it against the Quakers.
Judge. Well, you will meet in great numbers, and do increase, but there is a new statute will make you fewer.
F. H. Well, if we must suffer, it is for Christ’s sake, and for well doing.
Francis then being silent, the judge pronounced the sentence, but spake so low, that the prisoner, though near to him, could scarce hear it.
The sentence was, You are put out of the king’s protection, and the benefit of the law, your lands are confiscated to the king during your life; and your goods and chattels for ever, and you to be prisoner during your life.
F. H. A hard sentence for my obedience to the commands of Christ; the Lord forgive you all.
So he turned from the bar; but the judge speaking, he turned again, and many more words passed to the same purpose, as before: at last, the judge rose up and said.
Judge. Well, if you will yet be subject to the laws, the king will show you mercy.
F. H. The Lord hath showed mercy unto me, and I have done nothing against the king, nor government, nor any man, and blessed be the Lord, and therein stands my peace; for it is for Christ’s sake I suffer, and not for evil doing. And so the court broke up. The people were generally moderate, and many were sorry to see what was done against him; but Francis signified how contented and glad he was, that he had any thing to loose for the Lord’s precious Truth, of which he had publicly borne testimony, and that he was now counted worthy to suffer for it.
This he did cheerfully, and died in bonds, after above four years imprisonment, as may be related in its due time. He was a man of learning, and a great writer among his fellow believers; insomuch, that during his confinement he wrote not only several edifying epistles to exhort them to constancy and steadfastness, in the doctrine of Truth, but also some books to refute the opposers of it.