University of Virginia Library

August ye 8th, 1678.

Elnathan Stone, who died two Days ago, was buried
this Afternoon. A verie solemn Funeral — Mr. Richardson
preaching a sermon from the xxiii Psalm, verse
the 4th, “Yea, though I walk through the Valley of the
Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with

me; thy Rod and thy Staff, they comfort me.” Dea.
Dole provided the Wine and Spirits, and Uncle Rawson
the Beer, and Bread, and Fish for the Entertainment,
and others of the neighbors did, moreover, help
the Widow to sundrie matters of clothing suitable for
the occasion, for she was verie poor, and, owing to the
long Captivitie and Sickness of her Son, she hath been
much straitened at times. I am told that Margaret
Brewster hath been like an Angel of Mercy unto her,
watching often with the sick man, and helping her in her
work, so that the poor Woman is now fain to confess
that she hath a good and kind Heart. A little time
before Elnathan died, he did earnestlie commend the
said Margaret to the kindness of cousin Rebecca, entreating
her to make interest with the Magistrates, and
others in authoritie, in her behalf, that they might be
merciful to her in her outgoings, as he did verilie think
they did come of a sense of duty, albeit mistaken.
Mr. Richardson, who hath been witness to her gracious
demeanor and charity, and who saith she does thereby
shame manie of his own People, hath often sought to
draw her away from the new Doctrines, and to set
before her the dangerous Nature of her Errors, but
she never lacketh answer of some sort, being naturally
of good parts and well read in the Scriptures.