George Bancroft, History of the Colonization of the United States, Vol. 1, 17th edition.

[456] rather to the contest of will, than to the opinion that

Chap. X.} 1659. Sept.

Quakerism was a capital crime.

Of four persons, ordered to depart the jurisdiction on pain of death, Mary Dyar, a firm disciple of Ann Hutchinson, whose exile she had shared, and Nicholas Davis, obeyed. Marmaduke Stephenson and William Robinson had come on purpose to offer their lives; instead of departing, they went from place to place ‘to build up their friends in the faith.’ In October, Mary Dyar returned. Thus there were three persons arraigned on the sanguinary law. Robinson pleaded in his defence the special message and command of God. ‘Blessed be God, who calls me to testify against wicked and unjust men.’ Stephenson refused to speak till sentence had been pronounced; and then he imprecated a curse on his judges. Mary Dyar exclaimed, ‘The will of the Lord be done,’ and returned to the prison ‘full of joy.’ From the jail she wrote a remonstrance. ‘Were ever such laws heard of among a people that profess Christ come in the flesh? Have you no other weapons but such laws to fight against spiritual wickedness withal, as you call it? Woe is me for you. Ye are disobedient and deceived. Let my request be as Esther's to Ahasuerus.

Oct. 27.

You will not repent that you were kept from shedding blood, though it was by a woman.’ The three were led forth to execution. ‘I die for Christ,’ said Robinson: ‘We suffer not as evil-doers, but for conscience' sake,’ were the last words of his companion. Mary Dyar was reprieved; yet not till the rope had been fastened round her neck, and she had prepared herself for death. Transported with enthusiasm, she exclaimed, ‘Let me suffer as my brethren, unless you will annul your wicked law.’ She was conveyed out of the