The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1878-10-24
Strange Events in Massachusetts.
1866.

history of Quakerism in the colonies,
exhibit the policy and influence of that
religious body in marked contrast with
the narrowness and cruelty OF the Pu-
ritans, and will be considered as among
the most vigorous portions OF the vol
ume. With his invincible propensity
to dwell upon the darker traits in the
settlers of Massachusetts, the author
describes the arrival of the Quakers III
Boston as atlording n grateful oppor-
tunity for the exercise of the fierce re-
ligious zeal which was so powerful an
element in the Puritan character. Even
before they made their appearance they
were held in dread by the people of
New England.
In May, 1856, the General Court OF
Massachusetts, appointed day OF hui
initiation "to seek the face of God on
behalf of England, which was infested
with errors, especially those Of the
Rlnters and Quakers, whom they thus
COMPOUNDED. Two months late, Mary
Fisher and Annie Austin, who had al
ready made themselves famous for
their enthusiastic PRONUNCIATION of the
new light" in various parts of the
world. arrived in Boston from Barba-
does. Mary Fisher had already been
several times imprisoned in England
for her denunciation of 1.-THE sacra-
ments and the ministry" She was the
first member of the society who was
publicly whipped After visit to the
West Indies, she made her way to Iur-
key, aud was admitted to an interview
with the Sultan at Adrianople. She
was kindly received by him. ana was
everywhere we'll treated in the East.
On coming into Boston hnrhor, the
"two pestilent women were not per
mitted to land. Their baggage was
searched, and all their books were con
tiscatad. They were then transferred
to the Boston Jail, closely confined I'M
der lock and key, deprived of writing
materials, and the window of their cell
was boarded up to prevent intercourse
with the inhabitants. Their persons
were stripped and examined for signs
of witchcraft, but not a mole nor spot
was discovered. Not only the jailor,
but the citizens were cautioned not to
supply them with food. After five
weeks imprisonment they were re-
turned to Barbados, the jailor Selling
their beds and their Bibles for his fees,
and the master of the vessels in which
they sailed was held responsible for
their transportation and their expenses
in Jail They were soon followed by
more Quakers from England, who were
treated in the same way. Women
were stripped tor whipping; one of
them with a new born babe at her
breast; and every refinement of cruelty
became the order of the day. The
spirit of the sufferers prayer
full, forgiving, apparently beyond the
reach of pain, yet resolved TO endure
to the end-made a profound impress
sion on the minds Of the people. But
the magistrates, though secretely
alarmed, gave no signs of relenting,
but rather sought to crush the popular
sympathy by increased severity. \ law
was ut length passed to punish with
death such Qnakers as refused to sub
nit to punishment The children of
the recusants We're to be transported
to remote parts and sold AS slaves
The first person vino was sentenced
under the new law was Mary Dyer.
Her superb tranquility at the trial
seemed to touch the hearts of the OBJ
dura'e Puritan magistrates. On com
ing to Boston Common, the place Of
execution, her voice rose above the
drums, which beat furiouslv in order
to drown her words: This is to
me an hour of the greatest Joy |
ever had in the world. No ear can
hear, no voice can utter, and no heart
can understand, the sweet incomes and
the refreshings of the Spirit of the
Lord which now feel" Mary Dyer
was reprieyel at the last moment. but
80 lofty was the strain of her soul,
that she seemed reluctant to accept the
fresh gift of life. Her reprievo was
changed to Punishment, and she re-
turned to her abode in Rhode Island,
but only for a short time. In little
more than six months she came back
to Boston, rs she sail, "to finish her
sad and heavy experience in that bloody
town. Her husband, who was not II
Quaker, in vain implored her life of
the magistrates. Il only say this, he
tells them in his appeal to their pity
and favor, ''you yourselves have been,
or are, or may be, husbands to wives;
so am /, yea, to one most dearly be.
loved. On, 10 not deprive me of her.
but | pray you give her to me once
again. Pity me. | beg with tears.
and rest your humble suppliant.' But
all to no purpose. The Governor
again pronounced the sentence of
death upon her before the General
Court. She was taken once more to
Boston Common. where ''she refused
to purchase her life at the expense of
r L