921.73 W589w.pdf - Mesa FamilySearch Library

Rev. Samuel WMting. 55
degree of forbearance. In this he was disap-
pointed. Complaints of nonconformity were
renewed from time to time against Rev. John
Cotton and himself. Proceedings were already
commenced, and swift pursuivants were on the
track of the eloquent rector of Boston, who was
obliged to secrete himself, and to leave the
c9untry in disguise, that he might escape im-
prisonment. No cheering prospect this for his
bosom friend and relative who was still preach-
ing bravely in his chapel on the banks of the
Witham, and within hearing of the bells of St.
Botolph. John Whiting, his brother, was then
mayor (I633)for the second time; and it has
been thought that he lent a helping hand to
John Cotton in escaping the king's pursuivants.
The only question was how soon every non-
conforming minister would be obliged to leave
his country, give up the expression of his
honest convictions, or quit the ministry. Mr.
Whiting had every reason for desiring to re-
main at home. His family then consisted of
his wife (Elizabeth St. John), a daughter (Dor-
othy) by his first wife, and his son Samuel,