Jane Douglas (1761)
Obadiah Broad-brim, who though he was full of the spirit had not entirely subdued the lusts of the flesh; once upon a time ap plied to Mother D––s, and she being very glad of such a customer, promised to procure him one of the most fine, delicate young creatures in England, the next night. So she advertised for a servant under twenty at the register office.
She soon found one for her purpose, and Obediah paid ten guineas for the girl's maiden-head, so they were conducted into a private room and supper was served up,.
Obediah however soon began to to feel a longing for more delicious meat, than that which lay before him, retired to bed and there immediately ensued a combat between the flesh and the spirit in which the former soon proved too hard for the latter.
Obadiah, preparing to depart in the morning, was surprised to meet upon the stairs one of the Friends, who was come there upon the same account with himself. Benjamin, for that was the name of the other Quaker, expressed equal astonishment by his attitude, and cried out, "Obadiah, Satan has been too strong for thee."
Obediah very gravely answered, "Neighbour Benjamin, Satan has been too strong for us both, so let us make the best of our way, lest these things should become a laughing-stock to the people."
This prudent advice was followed by the other Quaker, but as they were going, some of the bucks happening to enter; one of them knew Obadiah, whereupon a great fit of laughter ensued; and the poor Quakers after being obliged to stand the brunt of their raillery for some time sneaked off to a public house at some distance and called for a bowl of brandy and water.
While they were drinking it, in came five or fix persons who with a great deal of noise and merriment, sat down to a bowl of arrack.
But how great was the confusion of the Quakers, when the three bucks whom they thought they had got clear of, discovered them and immediately related the above-mentioned adventure before the people of the house, many others coming in, about the same time the Quakers were laughed to scorn.
So they paid their reckoning and made off as fast as they could, acknowledging that misfortunes often befall the righteous, and praying heartily that these things might not come to the ears of the faithful. Their reputation for sanctity however did not suffer by this adventure; for they both preached soon after, and their auditors were as much edified as ever.