If I forget you, then let the Lord forget me. Nay, verily, you cannot be forgotten by me: so long as I abide in the vine, I am a branch of the same nature with you, which springs from the same nature which the Lord hath blessed, where we do grow together in his life and image, as members of his body; where we shall live together to all eternity, and sit down in the kingdom of rest and peace, with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to sing. the songs of deliverance to the Most High that sits on the throne, who alone is worthy of all honour and living praise, to whom it is due now and for ever. AMEN."

CHAPTER V.

LIFE OF MARY DYER.

CONCERNING Mary Dyer, whose reprieve has been already noticed, I find but little account except what relates to her sufferings at Boston.

She was a married woman, and lived in Rhode Island, where she bore an excellent character. She was the mother of several children, and her husband was a man of reputation and respectability; but not of the same religious persuasion. After her companions had received the judgment of the court, sentence of death was also passed on her, to which she replied: "The will of the Lord be done." Endicot then ordered the marshal to take her away to the prison, when she said "Yea, joyfully I go," and in her way there, she was engaged in uttering praises to God. She was indeed full of joy in the Holy Spirit, and told the marshal that he might let her alone, for she would go to prison without him; to which he replied:

"I believe you, Mrs. Dyer; but I must do what I am commanded." Whilst in prison, she wrote to the General Court in Boston, remonstrating closely with them on the subject of their bloody laws.

After her fellow-prisoners, William Robinson and Marmaduke Stevenson, had suffered, she stepped up the ladder, expecting immediately to undergo the same punishment. Her clothes were tied about her feet, the halter put about her neck, and her face covered with a handkerchief, with which 'Priest Wilson supplied the hangman. But after all this preparation was made, a cry was heard: "Stop, for she is reprieved." This appears to have been no tidings of joy to her, for her mind had entered into so full a resignation to the prospect of death, that she seemed already participating of the joys of that eternity which appeared then before her. When her feet were loosed, and she had liberty given her to come down, she continued where she was, and told those about her, that she was there willing to suffer as her brethren had done, except they would annul their wicked law. She was at length forced away and taken back to her prison. This reprieve was owing to the intercession of her son, to whom it seems the magistrates durst not then deny that favour.

The day after her reprieve, she again addressed the General Court, at Boston. The address shows the fortitude of her mind, and the deep sense which she entertained of the cruel disposition of her persecutors. It begins thus: "Once more to the General Court assembled in Boston speaks Mary Dyer, even as before. My life is not accepted, neither availeth me, in comparison of the lives and liberty of the truth and servants of the living God, for which in the bowels of love and meekness I sought you; yet nevertheless, with wicked hands have you put two of them to death, which makes me to feel that the mercies of the wicked is cruelty. I rather choose to die than live as from you, as guilty of their innocent blood. Therefore, seeing my request is hindered, I leave you to the righteous Judge and Searcher of all hearts."

By her reprieve, it was directed that she should continue in prison forty-eight hours; after which it appears she was put on a horse and conveyed fifteen miles towards Rhode Island, and was 'then left with a man and horse to be conveyed forward; but she sent them back, and went home without their assistance. After residing here and on Long Island for several months, she again apprehended it her duty to visit the town of Boston. She accordingly returned there on the 21st of the 3d

month, 1660, and ten days afterwards was summoned before the General Court, where, after a few interrogatories, Endicot passed this sentence upon her: "You must return to the prison, and there remain till to-morrow at nine o'clock; then from thence you must go to the gallows, and there be hanged till you are dead." On this Mary Dyer remarked: "This is no more than what thou saidst before;" to which Endicot replied: "But now it is to be executed, therefore prepare yourself to-morrow at nine o'clock."

She then addressed the Court in these words: "I came in obedience to the will of God the last General Court, desiring you to repeal your unrighteous laws of banishment on pain of death, and the same is my work now and earnest request; although I told you that if you refused to repeal them, the Lord would send others of his servants to witness against them."

After a little more conversation, she was ordered to be taken to prison, and about the time appointed next morning, the marshal came in a hasty, rough manner to take her to the place of execution, to which she was led by a band of soldiers, and with drums beating before and behind, to prevent her being heard if she should say any thing to the people. The gallows were about a mile distant