USA > Massachusetts > History of Massachusetts, for two hundred years: from the year 1620 to 1820 > Part 7
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Several towns and settlements in Maine, and within the terri- tory claimed by Sir S. Gorges, were induced to put themselves under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts. Gorges and his friends complained that improper measures were adopted. by the rulers in that colony, to bring about this union. A portion of the people in Maine were willing to become united to the government of Massachusetts; but its proceedings, in this case, as in some others, did not escape the charge of being arbitrary and unjust. Afterwards, the commissioners of Charles II., in 1664-5, on complaint of Gorges' heirs, ordered Massa- chusetts to relinquish its claims ; but it continued its pretensions till 1691, when Maine was included in the new charter for the province.
At this period, (1654-5) the navigation and trade of Massa- chusetts were in a prosperous condition. With all the diffi- culties the people had encountered, such were their enterprise and industry, they had extended their commerce; and their exports were so great that they could purchase, with the pro-
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ceeds, all that was necessary to their comfortable subsistence, and promotive of a gradual improvement. In the time of the commonwealth, and of Cromwell, acts of parliament were passed, regulating trade with and in the colonies. During the reign of Charles I., restrictions were imposed on the colonial trade, for the purposes of a revenue for England, which were oppressive, and justly considered a monopoly.
In many respects, these regulations were rendered less oppressive, and some dispensations were granted for the relief of the colonies. Free trade was in a great measure allowed. The vessels of Massachusetts traded to Dutch, Spanish, and French ports. Its commerce was then the chief source of wealth.
In 1656, the lord protector meditated the wild plan of re- moving the inhabitants of New England to Ireland, or to Jamaica. This was as unaccountable a project, as any one planned by those who have suddenly risen to power in modern times. Perhaps the possession of great authority, unexpectedly obtained, intoxicates the mind, and naturally leads to impracti- cable and extravagant projects. But the people were too wise to listen to the proposal. They had become attached to the soil and climate, by a residence of twenty-six years ; and some were ready to suppose, that they would, in no other place, so fully enjoy their religious rights and principles. Mr. Leverett, then agent for the colony in England, and afterwards governor, satisfied the protector that such a project would not be favora- bly received ; and Cromwell forbore to urge it. Leverett was highly useful to the colony, at this period, in vindicating the character and conduct of its rulers, as to various complaints pre- ferred against them by their political enemies. Leverett be- lieved he had great influence with Cromwell ; others, of differ- ent views, boasted also of his favor towards them. If not a hypocrite, the protector could, certainly, flatter and dissemble. It is evident, however, that, for some reasons, whether it were esteem for Leverett, or real regard for the rulers of Massachu- setts, he was particularly favorable, in many instances, towards the colony.
The conduct of the government of Massachusetts, in 1656, is justly liable to censure, for the severe treatment of the Quakers, who had then recently come into the jurisdiction. They were undoubtedly reprehensible, for their intrusion into the colony, without permission ; for their turbulent conduct to the governor and magistrates ; and for their profanation of the Lord's day and worship. It is to be remembered, also, that they were ordered to depart the jurisdiction, and not to visit it again. But after a legal banishment, and warning of the fate
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which awaited them, if they returned, they came again into the colony, and were highly disorderly, in opposing the authority of the rulers, and in disturbing and ridiculing the mode of worship observed by all the churches. Before their return, a severe law had been made against them. And when they again came and remained in the colony, and persevered in their disorderly behavior and gross heresy, as it was called, several of them were imprisoned, and two suffered death. No one will doubt that their conduct was highly reprehensible and imprudent ; and perhaps not the legal right of the government to banish them from their territory, purchased, defended, and maintained chiefly for the enjoyment of their own mode of worship; but no justification can be found for the punishment of death, or of imprisonment. The Baptists were treated with almost equal severity ; and laws were enacted to banish or suppress them. A few years after, directions were given by the parent govern- ment, to forbear persecutions against the Quakers, and other sects, which had been so unjustly and cruelly treated ; and from regard to these instructions, as well as from their own maturer reflections, they refrained from such acts of severity. The Quakers and Baptists, being free from persecution, became more regular and correct in their deportment ; and were justly regarded with far more favorable sentiments by the rulers and. the people.
Though such conduct is not singular in the history of man, even among pious professors, it deserves severe rebuke; as it is alike inconsistent with the spirit of the gospel and a wise policy in civil governments. And it is matter of surprise with enlightened men, that christians should ever so much mistake the genius of their religion. The charter declared, that there should always be liberty of conscience, in matters of religion. There was also an early ordinance of the assembly of Massa- chusetts, that all strangers, professing the christian religion, who should flee to the colony from the tyranny of their oppres- sors, should be succored at the public charge. But this seems to have been applied only to those of the same religion, faith, and modes of worship. Another order of a similar character was adopted in 1641, " that no injunction should be put on the churches, or members thereof, as to doctrine, worship, or discipline, besides the institution of the Lord." But this liberal decree was sadly disregarded, or misapplied.
The efforts, which were made in 1646, to disseminate the knowledge of the gospel among the Indian tribes, were con- tinued, with great zeal, in various parts of the colony. Several clergymen devoted much time to this benevolent object; and
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eminent laymen gave their assistance to promote the design. By the influence of Governor Winslow, of Plymouth colony, a society was formed in England, to further this good work. Rev. Mr. Eliot, of Roxbury, labored more abundantly than any other, except Mayhew, of the Vineyard. The result of their early labors gave promise of great success, which was never fully realized. There were, indeed, many cases of faith and conformity to the gospel ; but after nearly thirty years of missionary service among them, Eliot lamented, "that it was a day of small things with them." It is difficult to pronounce whether this want of success were owing to the obstinate habits of the Indians, and their aversion to the manners of civilized society, or to the disputes among the professed disciples of Christ, and the immoral conduct of many who assumed the name, without the spirit of christianity. Exertions have been also made in later times ; but with no greater success. The Indians of North America are more ready to imitate the vices than the virtues of those who call themselves christians.
If the clergy, sometimes, gave their opinion and advice on political subjects, the magistrates and laymen considered it their duty to regulate, in some measure, ecclesiastical proceed- ings, and to provide for the order and peace of the churches. This will not create much surprise, when it is recollected, that they were all religious characters, and that one great object of the settlement was to enjoy the worship and ordinances pre- scribed in the gospel, as they interpreted it. And yet they constantly disclaimed such a close connexion between the church and state, as existed in England. It is not to be denied, however, that in many instances, their practice was not strictly conformable to their theory. An order of the general assembly provided, that in calling and settling a minis- ter, the approbation of some magistrate in the vicinity should be obtained, as well as that of the neighboring clergyman. And some cases occurred of the interference of the civil author- ity in the ordination and continuance of ministers, till satisfaction was given of the regular proceedings of the church and of the sound doctrines of the preacher. But it was soon found to be in vain, and worse than vain, to produce entire uniformity, as to articles of faith, or as to church government, and modes and forms of outward worship. Wherever there is freedom of inquiry on theological subjects, or as to the rites and forms of religion, there will be some differences of opinion. But as this diversity of sentiment is not really unfavorable to the peace of society, nor to christian piety, persecution must be condemned, and an attempt to have perfect agreement of opinion hopeless.
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Not only were different sects persecuted in Massachusetts, at this period, but individuals of the congregational churches were also censured for the expression of opinions at variance with the commonly received articles of faith. A member of a church was censured for his opinion, that the church of Rome was really a christian church. Mr. Pynchon, one of the first settlers of the colony, long an assistant, and the founder of Springfield, was severely rebuked for publishing a tract, in which he contended, that the sufferings of our Lord were trials of his virtue and obedience, rather than a vicarious sacri- fice, according to the prevailing faith. He made a partial recantation of his error; and his treatise was ordered to be burnt. Afterwards, however, he explained his recantation : which showed that his sentiments were not materially changed. Mr. Pynchon was among the eminent men who contributed to the establishment of the colony. But whatever was supposed to be error or heresy, was sure to be visited with severe repri- mand, however distinguished the individual who broached it. The principle was truly republican, but the application, in cases of speculative opinions, was alike unchristian, and unrea- sonable .*
The growth and condition of the colony, in 1655, about twenty-five years from the arrival of the large company with Winthrop, in 1630, may be in some good measure estimated, by a reference to the records and publications of that period. The number of incorporated towns were then forty-four or forty-five,t and of churches, forty-six, within the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, including, probably, a few in the territory, after- wards a part of New Hampshire. And in Plymouth colony, there were ten or eleven towns, and as many churches. The college at Cambridge was fostered by the government ; and at this period, in addition to former grants, two thousand acres of land were given to that seminary. Public schools, for the
* It was observed by the celebrated Dr. Owen, about this period, " that he would not be a rival to the theologian, who could boast, that in fourteen years, he had not altered or improved his conceptions, touching some things in religion." This was said to one who was very positive and dogmatical, and who censured all further inquiry, or change of opinion after such exam- ination.
The following declaration of an early and eminent settler in Massachusetts, will show the views entertained as to liberty of conscience. " Above all things, God has blest us, in giving us his own ordinances ; and our endeavor is to have his own institutions, and. none others; and these in their native simplicity, without any human dressings ; having liberty to enjoy all God's commands, and yet urged to nothing more than he commands."
. + Northampton and Hadley were settled in 1656, in consequence of some religious contentions in the churches at Hartford, and Windsor, in the jurisdiction of Connecticut.
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education of youth of all classes, were also required by law ; and generally, the order was faithfully observed. A large majority of the inhabitants, as well as of the rulers and minis- ters, were fully convinced of the necessity of learning, to fit men to advocate the cause of religion, and to be useful and estimable citizens.
After 1642, when a large number came from England, and settled in Massachusetts, the emigrations from the parent country were far less than in former years; and many left the colony to reside in their native country. A great portion of those educated at the college in Cambridge, during the period of 1642 and 1658, visited England, and there took up their residence. Several of these were eminent in that coun- try, as preachers of the gospel ; and most of them were perse- cuted and ejected from their churches under Charles II., in 1662, and subsequently.
The population of the colony could not have been less, at this period, than forty thousand. In 1641, it was estimated at twenty thousand and upwards. The natural increase, with the emigrations, though these were not so great as at a former period, would probably make the numbers double in fifteen years. The greater portion of the inhabitants were farmers. Fifteen thousand acres were then under cultivation, in the colony, for tillage and pasturage, and one thousand acres appro- priated to orchards. Grain was now exported, as well as lum- ber, spars, and fish. Hence a profitable trade was supported to foreign ports ; and the merchants became very opulent. And their enterprise and success could not fail to give employ- ment to various mechanics and artisans, whose individual and united labors served to increase the general prosperity.
CHAPTER IV.
Dudley Governor-His Death-Endicot, and Bellingham-Liberty in the Colony in danger, on the restoration of Charles II .- Policy of Massachu- setts-The" Regicides-Charges against the Colony-Agents sent to England-King's Letter and Requirements-Ecclesiastical Affairs- Baptism, Independence of Churches-Baptists oppressed-Chauncy Presi- dent of College-His Opinion on Baptism-Schools in Plymouth-Com- missioners from England, with great powers-Their Reception in Massa- chusetts-Letter to the King, and contend for Charter Rights-Dispute with Commissioners-Treatment of Commissioners in Plymouth-Re- ligious Liberties-Commissioners in Maine-King dissatisfied, and orders Agents to appear before him-Bellingham, and Willoughby- Troubles in England-Trade and Navigation-Disputes in the Churches in Boston.
AFTER the decease of the very worthy and honorable Gov- ernor Winthrop, in 1649, Mr. Dudley, and Mr. Endicot, were, alternately, the first and second magistrates for some years ; but in 1653, Governor Dudley died, at an advanced age; and Mr. Bellingham, and Mr. Endicot, filled these high offices, for nearly twenty years ; Endicot, the greater number of years, during the first part of that period ; but, on his death, Belling- ham was governor for eight successive years, till Mr. Leverett was elected, in 1673. The education of Bellingham was supe- rior to that of Endicot ; but the latter was equally the favorite of the people, though very rigid in his religious views. He was well fitted for bold enterprise, and was, probably, more of a practical man than Bellingham. The character of the latter for stern integrity was his highest praise.
On the restoration of Charles II. to the throne of his fathers in 1660, the colonies of New England were exposed to new dangers. They had reason to apprehend, from his political advisers, the exercise of arbitrary power, which would interfere with the rights secured to them by their charter, as they construed it, and with that degree of self government, which they had hitherto, generally, enjoyed. Attempts had been often made, indeed, before that period, to deprive them of the political power derived from that instrument. But, from various causes, these designs had proved, in a great measure, ineffectual. They had been exposed to the in- trigues of personal and political enemies ; but by the vigilance of the government and the ability and fidelity of their agents in England, aided by some able friends in that country, they
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had maintained, with some occasional interruptions, their civil and religious rights, to the fullest extent. They had even exercised a higher political authority, on some occasions, than the royal charter intended, or clearly granted : and yet they always referred to this instrument, in connexion with their rights as British subjects, in justification of their proceed- ings. Thus there was almost a constant effort, by the parent government, to keep the colony of Massachusetts in due sub- jection ; and by the rulers of the colony to extend their civil powers, under the sanction of the royal charter.
The disputes in England, for several years, between politi- cal parties there, prevented that degree of attention and legislation over the colonies, which, no doubt, would other- wise have been extended to them. Neither the political sentiments of the king and his ministers, nor the interested designs of parliament, the chief object of which were the strength and wealth of the whole kingdom, permit the sup- position, that Massachusetts and the other colonies in New England would have been allowed the exercise of the powers they claimed and assumed, but that affairs of state in England demanded constant attention. For the latter part of the reign of Charles I. from 1645 to 1650, the parent govern- ment was engaged in maintaining its own immediate powers, against the efforts of those who would limit and restrain them. The protector possessed great energy of character ; and it was his object to raise both the glory and the terror of the com- monwealth. For this purpose, he was disposed to keep the colonies in due subjection, and to preserve the unity and strength of the whole nation. On some occasions, he mani- fested a disposition to legislate for the colonies, as much as Charles had done. But from motives of policy and reasons of state, he did not proceed to recall their charters, or to limit their former powers. When the government reverted to the Stuart dynasty, the people of Massachusetts, and of the neighboring colonies who had similar views of their charter rights, had too much discernment not to fear the exercise of power in the government of England over them, which might be highly injurious to their liberties. They understood the doctrines of legitimacy and the claims of unlimited power by the friends of the Stuart family too well, to expect the continuance of their charter rights and privileges, to their full extent, without a struggle. In this critical situation, they took counsel of prudence and of their better judgment ; resolving, however, if possible, to maintain their freedom to the last. Whatever were their private wishes and feelings, they had
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forborne to exult publicly, at the defeat of the king, or the elevation of Cromwell. They manifested towards the pro- tector none other than proper respect for the chief ruler of the nation ; and when his son came into power, they declined or omitted to recognise him by any formal act. But as soon as it was known that Charles II. was restored to the throne, they proclaimed him as their rightful sovereign. This, how- ever, was done with apparent caution, and not until they had official notice of the fact ; for, as before stated, they had just cause, from the conduct of his father, to anticipate the heavy hand of arbitrary power.
After Charles II. was quietly seated on the throne, by advice of their able and prudent agent, Mr. Leverett, then in England, the General Court forwarded a respectful address to the king and parliament. It was towards the close of 1660, that the measure was adopted. At a meeting in June, when it was proposed, on the first report of his restoration to the crown, the motion did not prevail ; a proof, either of reluc- tance in acknowledging him, or of doubt as to the continuance of his royal power.
The views of the leading characters in Massachusetts, as to their civil and political powers, not only at that particular juncture, but for a long period both before and after that event, will fully appear, by referring to a declaration of the general assembly, solemnly made and published in June 1661; being the report of a large committee of that body, appointed ' to consider matters of public concernment, as to our patent, laws and privileges, as well as our duties to the king.' The report stated, that they considered the patent, under God, as the foundation of their civil polity here, by a governor, assistants and their representatives ; and that the government, so organized, should appoint civil and judicial officers, and define their powers and duties ; that it had just authority to make laws for the direction and control of the people, both in civil and ecclesiastical affairs, without appeals to England, except as to such as should be alleged to be repugnant to the laws of parliament ; that it had a right and was bound to provide for the defence and welfare of the colony, and the due execution of the laws; and that all impositions pre- judicial to the colony and contravening just laws here made, were an infringement of their rights. At the same time, they acknowledged it to be their duty and their purpose to uphold the royal authority, and to seek the prosperity of the whole kingdom ; to refuse aid and protection to the enemies of the crown, and to spread the knowledge of the gospel among the heathens, according to the doctrines of Jesus Christ.
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Soon after this address and declaration, two persons who composed the tribunal by which Charles I. was con- demned, came into Massachusetts ; and at first were treated with attention and respect by Governor Endicot; but when the proclamation of the king, for their arrest, was received, it was soon published in the colony, and attempts were made to apprehend them. They fled, or were secreted ; and afterwards were kept in private places by their friends, both in Massachusetts and Connecticut ; and thus escaped public execution, as murderers of their king.
Endicot and Bellingham were in office, at the time; and neither, probably, made greater efforts to apprehend the regicides than their stations as magistrates required of them. Both these characters were obnoxious to the king and his ministers, for their republican principles ; and it was even intimated, by some of the king's council, that it would be agreeable to his majesty, if Endicot were left out of the high place in the government, which he then held.
Soon after, orders were received from the king, for the colony to answer to complaints which were made against its proceed- ings during several years then passed. Among these were charges of intolerance towards the episcopalians in the colony, and of severe persecutions against the sect of Quakers. A general charge was also preferred, of exercising powers of gov- ernment not warranted by the charter, and of unjust interfer- ence with the people settled on lands claimed by Mason and Gorges, in New Hampshire and Maine. Two agents were appointed by the general court, for the purpose of defending the colony from these weighty accusations. These were Hon. Simon Bradstreet, and Rev. John Norton, who were instruct- ed to assure the king of the loyalty, both of the people and the magistrates ; to plead for the continuance of their civil rights ; to answer complaints which might be made against the late proceedings in the colony ; but to do or consent to nothing prejudicial to their charter privileges.
The agents met with a more favorable and gracious recep- tion in England than had been feared; and on their return, were bearers of a letter from the king, which, in some points, was satisfactory to the people ; but, on others, was not of a character to allay their apprehensions as to the future. In this letter, the king promised to confirm their charter, and to continue to them the rights and privileges which it granted ; but he also declared his expectation and desire, that the epis- copalians in the colony should enjoy perfect toleration in their mode of worship, and that they would refrain from all mea-
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sures of severity against the Quakers. He condemned their conduct, as it was represented to him, but disapproved of the cruel persecutions which had been exercised upon them. It was further signified to be his royal pleasure, that the laws of the colony should be revised, and that such as were derogatory to his authority should be repealed; that an oath of allegiance to him should be taken; that justice should be administered in his name; and all men of honest and moral deportment should have the privilege of the ordinances of the gospel. To most of these directions, the general court voted to submit, probably, with some misgivings ; but they expressly claimed the right to regulate all ecclesiastical affairs, and to decide as to the worship and discipline of the churches. For the mainte- nance of the faith and worship, and the church government, which they had done and suffered so much to enjoy, they boldly contended ; it was a peculiar privilege, which they re- solved never to forego or relinquish.
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