I've been working on my will transcriptions this week. The language and context are easy when transcribing 16th and 17th century wills. It always proper names, either personal or place names that are difficult to read. And if the will is say prior to 1575 there are arcane words to deal with as well. Wills always set up as: when, this is who I am, I'm mentally OK to write this. Then comes the first two bequests which are always the same. You will your soul to God and your body to the earth. Puritans, however, sometimes continue and give their own credos, like this example from 1624:
In the name of God Amen The fifth day of July Anno Dom.1624 I Edward Hooker of Dorkinge in the County of Surrey yeoman beinge weake of body yet of good and perfecte memory thankes be to Almightie God doe ordayne and make this my last will and Testament in manner and forme followinge. That is to say first and above all things I commend my soule unto the hands of God my Creator and Redeemer and My body to the earth from where it came to be buryed in the churchyard of Dorking aforesad steadfastly hoping and believing that by the full mercies of God toward me in Jesus Christ who dyed for the sinnes and rose again for the justification of all those that doe lay hold on his death and merits by a true and steadfast faith by which meanes I doe steadfastly believe and shalbe saved and not by any other whatsoever.
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