Note 16 — Chapter V
Reading edition
Francis Howgill and John Audland were both religiously inclined, and were convinced during the present year. They became eminent ministers, travelling in the gospel, and suffering fines and imprisonments for its sake, turning many to God. Howgill, for refusing to swear, was sent to Appleby jail, the following sentence being passed against him:—“You are put out of the king’s protection and the benefit of the law: your lands are confiscated to the king during your life, and your goods and chattels for ever; and you to be a prisoner during your life.” He praised God for the many sweet enjoyments and refreshments he received on his prison bed, whereon he lay, freely forgiving all. His end was in great peace, in 1668. See Piety Promoted, i. 64-67.
John Audland also laboured much in the gospel, for which he suffered persecution and imprisonments. In his last sickness he was exceedingly filled with high praises to God, being overcome with a sense of His love and joy. When he grew weaker he was helped on his knees, and upon his bed fervently supplicated the Lord on behalf of all His people that “they might be preserved in the truth, out of the evil of the world.” See Piety Promoted, i., 41-44; and Memoirs of F. Howgill, by James Backhouse.