Mary Howgill facts for kids

Mary Howgill (born 1623, died before 1681) was an important early member of the Religious Society of Friends, also known as Quakers, in England. She is famous for bravely defending Quakers in a letter she wrote in 1656 to Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell was the leader of England at that time. Mary Howgill delivered the letter herself and then had a long talk with him.

Standing Up for Quakers

Mary Howgill's letter to Oliver Cromwell was written during a difficult time. Quakers and other religious groups faced harsh treatment. People were often punished for their beliefs. They could lose their property, be hurt, or even be sent to prison.

In her letter, Mary Howgill reminded Cromwell of his earlier days. She said he used to be humble and relied on God. But now, she felt he had forgotten that. She believed he was acting with pride and cruelty against people who followed God.

When you were a soldier for the Lord, you were humble and small in your own eyes. Then you remembered the Lord and stood in his fear, and he was your strength. But now you are strong on your own, and you have forgotten that time. I say, you have turned away from the Lord God and your own laws with the pride of your heart. And the pride of your heart is now doing all kinds of cruel things against those who live in the fear of the Lord.

Her letter was a strong challenge to the leaders of the time. It spoke out against the unfair punishments given to people for their religious beliefs.

Her Life and Writings

Mary Howgill was likely the sister of Francis Howgill. He was also a Quaker from Westmoreland, England. Both Mary and Francis wrote letters to Oliver Cromwell. Both of them were also put in prison because of their beliefs. Mary Howgill had been imprisoned even earlier, in 1653. This happened because she preached Quaker ideas in public in a town called Kendal.

She also wrote another important pamphlet called "The Vision of the Lord of Hosts." A pamphlet is like a small booklet. She wrote this after King Charles II became king again. In this writing, she described a dream she had. In her dream, God told her that Quakers would face terrible suffering.

She wrote that God would allow this violence to happen. This was to test the faith of his followers. She believed that after this hard time, Quakers would share an even clearer message about God. This message would last for ages and inspire future generations. It would show how God supported his people during great suffering.

See also

• English Dissenters
• Ordination of women