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for heaven. John Thomas came part of the way home with me, the last time I ever was in his company; for that night, when I came home, I was freed from the burden of my doubts and fears, by the powerful answer that was given to me in prayer, which is mentioned in my Fifth Book This refers to Southcott's "The Strange Effects of Faith," specifically the fifth part of her published prophecies and spiritual experiences.. I then bid adieu to the world. After that I went down into the West Country Typically referring to the counties of Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and Dorset.; and Mr. Rigsby made me an offer of his hand and fortune, which was sixty pounds a-year; and said, the first moment he saw me in Black Torrington A village and parish in Devon. church, he was deep enough in love with me to be married before he went out of it. But I refused the man, because they told me he had had a base child an illegitimate child born outside of marriage. All my friends were provoked with me; but I could not bear his sight, though they would persuade me it would be an advantageous match for me; but I told them, I never would be wedded to a man that was wedded to sin; nor have a man for my husband that had the devil for his father; so I left the West Country; and after I was gone Mr. Rigsby came to my Sister Page’s to see me. The servant maid told him I was gone home into Devonshire. She said he turned as pale as death—"She is gone! she is gone! indeed she is gone!" I returned to my Father's; and after that he went down to the West Country to my Sister's. My Sister told my Father of Mr. Rigsby's attachment to me. My Father came home in great fury and asked me how I could refuse a man of such fortune? besides he was a handsome, genteel man; and he believed I was mad. I told my Father I did not like him. He in heat of anger exclaimed, I don't know what the devil thou dost like! thou shouldest have a man chalked out for thee; and if thou dost not like him he shall be blotted out again. I said a man must be of a more noble spirit than he was for a Husband for me. My Father said, he did not see any of these noble spirited men going; he had seen men of my Sister's liking; but he never saw a man of my