" Dr. Cheever's Lectures on Pilgrim's Progress, p. 158.]
present a petition to the judges three times, that I might be heard,
and that they would impartially take my case into consideration.
The first time my wife went, she presented it to Judge Hale, who
very mildly received it at her hand, telling her that he would do
her and me the best good he could; but he feared, he said, he could
do none. The next day again, lest they should through the multitude
of business forget me, we did throw another petition into the coach
to Judge Twisdon, who, when he had seen it, snapt her up, and
angrily told her I was a convicted person, and could not be released
unless I would promise to preach no more, etc.
Well, after this, she again presented another to Judge Hale, as he
sat on the bench, who, as it seemed, was willing to give her
audience; only Justice Chester being present, stept up and said that
I was convicted in the court, and that I was a hot-spirited fellow,
or words to that purpose; whereat he waived it, and did not meddle
with it. But yet, my wife being encouraged by the high-sheriff, did
venture once more into their presence, as the poor widow did to the
unjust judge, to try what she could do with them for my liberty
before they went forth of the town.
Pages:
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338