John Welch was one of the few ministers who braved the king's wrath, and
approved of the forbidden meeting. Within a month he was in jail. The
place of his detention was called "Blackness." In his little cell, damp,
dark, foul, and lonely, he had time to reflect. He remembered his happy
home, faithful wife, loving children, garden walks, sweet sunshine, soft
breezes, pleasant Sabbaths, inspiring pulpit, glowing audience--he could
now think of all, and see the cost of fidelity to Jesus. Did it pay? He
could lay his aching head on its hard pillow, and dream of the happiness
that was gone, and awaken to ask if it had been worth while. Did it pay
to be true to Christ? Listen; he speaks from his prison: "We have ever
been waiting with joyfulness to give the last testimony of our blood to
Christ's crown, scepter, and kingdom."

Welch found his great strength in prayer. Prayer to him was conversation
with God. His soul was familiar with Jesus. He often arose from his bed
to talk with God. He kept a shawl at hand, when at home, to cast over
his shoulders during these rapturous hours. In the summer nights he
spent much time under the trees in communing with the Lord of heaven. To
him the stars lost their brilliancy in the presence of the Bright and
Morning Star. His soul took many a bath in the ocean of eternal light.
On one occasion his wife listened to his mysterious talk with God. He
was in the agony of earnestness. "Lord, wilt not Thou give me Scotland?"
he cried. Then followed the outpouring of contentment: "Enough, Lord,
enough." At another time, the awful glory of the Lord was let in upon
his soul, till he called out, "O Lord, hold Thy hand; it is enough; Thy
servant is a clay vessel and can hold no more."

Mrs. Welch was as heroic as her husband. When she pleaded with the king
for his release, he consented, on condition that Welch would recede from
his position. Mrs. Welch, lifting up her apron in the presence of the