The Notorious Impostor (1692); Diego Redivivus (1692)Settle, Elkanah
General
The Notorious Impostor (1692); Diego Redivivus (1692)
Settle, Elkanah
Morrell, William, -1692 -- Fiction
It was very remarkable, that during his Sickness, his Landlord, being
Overseer of the Poor, had requested a kind Brother in Office, the
Church-Warden, to pay a small Office of Christian Duty to this poor
languishing Gentleman; who making him a condoling Visit, with wet Eyes
and uplifted Hands, was so kind as to wish his Worship's Soul
everlasting Rest, which was seconded by many a repeated sigh from the
rest of the Condolers about him: And one more especially, having heard
of this great Wind-fall, lamented much his Unhappiness, in not visiting
this Gentleman, saying, _He was never born to do himself good, having
lost by his Negligence at least_ 1000_l._ Also another eminent Man of
the Parish, being dissatisfied that he did not come in for a Share with
the rest of his Neighbours, went and told them, _That the Coroner ought
to be sent for, and an Enquiry made how he died_.
All Care and Application signified but little, for his last _Exit_ was
drawing on; in which time, not in the least to shrink from his
Character of Quality, he still kept up the Honourable Figure he had so
long presented; and accordingly made most prodigious Protestations of
Good-will and Acknowledgments to the Family, avowing that the few
Hundreds he had bequeathed them, was nothing to what he would do for
'em, if please God to lengthen his Life to serve them and theirs.
And now having performed the Part of a good Patron and Friend, as his
last Legacies do sufficiently testifie; he was resolved to be as good a
Christian too, and thereupon requested the taking the Sacrament: To
which, being admitted (with what Integrity you'll find by the Sequel)
with a grave Countenance to the very last, he was very ready to receive
the Sacrament; and upon so serious an Undertaking, was pleased to put a
Case of Conscience to the Minister, _viz._ having made a Vow never to
pay the 500_l._ he stood engaged for, Whether he was obliged to keep
his Vow, or no? To which being answered in the Negative, That he was
obliged to pay his Debts, notwithstanding his rash Vow. He made answer,
That truly now drawing near Heaven, he considered the point, and
acquiesced with his Ghostly Monitor; and thereupon incerted the 500_l._
into the Will.
This piece of extraordinary Justice being perform'd with a very
composed and setled mind he left this troublesom World on _Sunday_ the
Third Instant, seeming very well contented to part with his great
Riches and Lands, for the more valuable consideration of future
Happiness.
Now I must do the Family this Right, That notwithstanding the great
Sums they gain'd by so ample a Testament, and such bounteous Legacies,
however their sorrow for the lamented Departure of so worthy a
Gentleman was very hearty and cordial: Nay, some are of Opinion, that
instead of diminishing (as Sorrow generally wears off) theirs, on the
contrary is daily encreasing.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account