University of Virginia Library

Dec. ye 8th.

Yesterday I did, at my Brother's wish, goe with him
to Goodman Brewster's house, where I was kindlie
welcomed by the young Woman and her Parents.
After some little tarry, I found means to speak privily
with her touching my Brother's regard for her, and to
assure her that I did truly and freely consent thereunto,
while I did hope, for his sake as well as her own,
that she would, as far as might be consistent with her
notion of dutie, forbear to doe or say anything which
might bring her into trouble with the Magistrates and
those in authority. She said that she was very grateful
for my kindness towards her, and that what I said
was a great relief to her mind; for when she first met
my Brother, she did fear that his Kindness and Sympathy
would prove a Snare to her; and that she had
been sorely troubled moreover, lest by encouraging
him she should not only doe violence to her own Conscience,
but also bring trouble and disgrace upon one
who was, she did confess, dear unto her, not only as
respects outward things, but by reason of what she did
discern of an innocent and pure inward life in his
Conversation and Deportment. She had earnestly
sought to conform her conduct, in this as in all things,

to the Mind of her Divine Master; and as respected
my caution touching those in authority, she knew not
what the Lord might require of her, and she could only
leave all in His hands, being resigned even to deny
herself of the sweet solace of human affection, and to
take up the Cross daily, if he did so will. “Thy visit
and kind words,” she continued, “have removed a
great weight from me. The way seems more open
before me. The Lord bless thee, for thy kindness.”

She said this with so much tenderness of spirit, and
withal with such an engaging sweetness of look and
voice, that I was greatly moved, and, pressing her in
my Arms, I kissed her, and bade her look upon me as
her dear Sister.

The family pressing us, we staid to Supper, and
sitting down in silence at the table, I was about to
speak to my Brother, but he made a sign to check me,
and I held my peace, although not then knowing
wherefore. Soe we all sat still for a little space of
time, which I afterwards found is the manner of these
People at their Meat. The supper was plain, but of
exceeding good relish; warm Rye Loaves with Butter
and Honey, and Bowls of sweet Milk, and roasted
Apples. Goodwife Brewster, who appeared much
above her husband, (who is a plain, unlearned man,) in
her carriage and discourse, talked with us very pleasantly,

and Margaret seemed to grow more at ease, the
longer we staid.

On our way back we met Robert Pike, who hath
returned from the Eastward. He said Rebecca Rawson
had just told him how matters stood with Leonard,
and that he was greatly rejoiced to hear of his prospect.
He had known Margaret Brewster from a Child,
and there was scarce her equal in these parts for
sweetness of Temper and loveliness of Person and
mind; and, were she ten times a Quaker, he was free
to say this in her behalf. I am more and more
confirmed in the belief that Leonard hath not done
unwisely in this Matter, and doe cheerfully accept of
his choice, believing it to be in the ordering of Him
who doeth all things well.