Mary Dyer
vers 1611-1660 17th century
Going back where one is forbidden, for love of those who suffer there.
Who was Mary Dyer?
She came from England to Massachusetts, took Anne Hutchinson's side at her trial and had to leave Boston with her. Having become a Quaker in England, she returned to visit prisoners of her faith and was banished on pain of death. She came back, was reprieved at the foot of the gallows, came back one last time, and was hanged in Boston on 1 June 1660.
In their own words
My life is not accepted, neither availeth me, in comparison of the lives and liberty of the Truth and servants of the living God, for which in the bowels of love and meekness I sought you.
In love and in the spirit of meekness I again beseech you.
In obedience to the will of the Lord God I came; and in his will I abide faithful to the death.
I came to keep blood-guiltiness from you, desiring you to repeal the unrighteous and unjust law.