921.73 W589w.pdf - Mesa FamilySearch Library

Rev. Samuel W_iting. 89
Their names and sentences may be found in
i Mass. Rec., pp. 2o7, 208. The manly con-
duct of this independent clergyman has ren-
dered still more disgracefuI the action of the
civil authorities, who, having in vain attempted
to compel him to disavow his conscientious
convictions, finally sentenced him "to be disfranchised
and banished our jurisdiction, and
to be put in safe custody, except he should
give sufficient security to depart before the end
of March."* The Star Chamber never issued a
more arbitrary order, nor one which should have
sooner roused the indignation of thinking peo-
ple. The history of this persecution of Wheel-
wright is painful, but instructive. It seems incredible
that such laws should have Been made
as were enforced by the government for the
purpose of suppressing objectionable doctrines.
" Many persons of Mr. Wheelwright's opinions
in Boston were expecting their friends from
England. A penalty, therefore, was laid on
all persons against entertaining strangers who
came with intent to reside, without special
112
* Short Story, p. 48.
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