Note 46 — Chapter IX
Reading edition
William Bailey (or Bayley), whose writings were published in one volume, 4to, in 1676, and of whom there is a brief account in Piety Promoted, vol. i., p. 83, is stated to have been “mighty in the Scriptures,” and not only a believer and preacher of the word of faith, but a sufferer for the same. OnOn one occasion, he was thrown down and dragged upon the ground by the hair of his head, his persecutors endeavouring to rend and break asunder his jaws, so that the ground whereon he lay was besmeared with his blood. As if this butchering had not been enough to make him a sacrifice, a heavy man stamped on his breast with his feet, endeavouring to beat the breath out of his body. When this persecutor had done his pleasure, he told the jailer to take him away and put him in some nasty hole, for his entertainment and cure.
William Bailey, being master of a ship, often crossed the mighty waters for the maintenance of his family, and many beyond the seas were comforted by his ministry. He was taken ill at sea on his return from visiting Friends in Barbadoes, and died on board the Samuel of London, in latitude 46° 36´ N. He died in great peace, as if he had fallen asleep, exhorting those around him to fear God.