Mary Dyer, Quaker Martyr, Hangs
Condemned to Die in 1660, Woman Pleads Her Case for The Inner Light
Mary Dyer had visited Boston once before. During that time she had stirred up quite a controversy by espousing her Quaker beliefs. The Puritan Government in Boston felt threatened by her unique theology and asked her to leave. They also warned her that she should never come back to Boston or she would face the death penalty. This was her defense before the General Court.
A Capital Offense
Even though many have charged me and I have been convicted of a capitol offense by coming to Boston as a Quaker, I will say that I have a clear conscience and that I am justified before my Lord because it was His will that I came here. You can be sure that He will surely hold my blood to your account because you have made this law that takes the lives of God’s servants who come to your city. You call those like me “Cursed Quakers” but I am here to say as a living witness before the Lord, that He blessed them and sent them to you.
Innocent Blood
This is why I plead with you not to be found fighting against God. Instead, please hear my counsel. Please accept my earnest request that you repeal all of these laws that the servants of truth might have the freedom to travel here. I ask this for you, so that you will not be guilty of shedding innocent blood. The enemy that stirs within you to destroy this Holy Seed will not be able to protect you from the damage you are about to do.
A Warning
Since the Lord has not seen fit to hide this light from me, it is my duty, out of love for your souls, to share this warning with you. The Lord knows that I have no self interest in this message. Even if you were to set me free and grant me my life I could not in good conscience keep this from you as long as I would continue to see the suffering of these people, my dear brothers and the Seed, to whom I am bound as a servant.
See the Light
Have laws like these ever been heard of among people who profess to believe that Christ came to earth as a human? Are there no other weapons in your arsenal, no other laws on the books that could be more appropriate to fight against what you call “spiritual wickedness”? I feel great pain and sorrow for you. Who has led you astray? I challenge you to search the light of Christ that is in your hearts. This light will make it clear that you have been disobedient and deceived. As you begin to be aware of and obey The Inner Light that shines within, you will be persuaded to repent that you were not kept from shedding blood, even though I am only a woman.
Freedom of Conscience
On June 1st 1660, Mary Dyer was hung in Boston Massachusetts for returning to Boston as a Quaker when she had been warned that she would forfeit her life. Her mission in this last act of her life was to bring “Freedom of Conscience” to New England. In that respect her death was a success. In time even the Puritans in Massachusetts came to think of Mary Dyer as a martyr. A statue now stands in her honor on the grounds of the State House in Boston.
Source
Proclaim Liberty Thoroughout the Land, by Edwin S. Gausted, 2003, Oxford University pp.14-15
Mary Dyer, Quaker Martyr
|
Mary Dyer,Statue, Boston MA
|
Mary Dyer, Led to Execution
|
What do you think about this article?
More in History
Latest Articles