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but, for her part, she would rather see him dead than live to bring reproach upon his family and the Church by following after the blasphemers.
I ventured to tell her that I did look upon it as sheer kindness and love on the young woman's part; at which Elnathan seemed pleased, and said he could not doubt it, and that he did believe Peggy Brewster to be a good Christian, although sadly led astray by the Quakers.
His mother said that, with all her meek looks, and kind words, she was full of all manner of pestilent heresies, and did remind her always of Satan in the shape of an angel of light.
We went away ourselves soon after this, the sick man thanking us for our visit, and hoping that he should see us again.
‘Poor Elnathan,’ said Rebecca, as we walked home, ‘he will never go abroad again; but he is in such a good and loving frame of mind, that he needs not our pity, as one who is without hope.’
‘He reminds me,’ I said, ‘of the comforting promise of Scripture, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee.”
’
June 30, 1678.
Mr. Rawson and Sir Thomas Hale came yesterday from Boston.
I was rejoiced to see mine uncle, more especially as he brought for me a package of letters, and presents and tokens of remembrance from my friends on the other side of the water.
As soon as I got them, I went up to my chamber, and, as I read of the health of those who are very dear to me, and who did still regard 