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History of Amesbury - Merrill.org

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66 HISTORY OF AMESBURY.<br />

overseer <strong>of</strong> schools in Salisbury in 1652, deputy to the General<br />

Court in 1654, and chosen clerk in 1655. His occupation is<br />

not definitely known, but in ancient deeds he is called "Mer-<br />

chant " and " Clothier." The record is in his hand-writing<br />

until the first <strong>of</strong> November, when a meeting was held to grant<br />

Walter Taylor a commoner's right in town. The next March<br />

meeting is recorded by Richard Currier,, who was a poor pen-<br />

man.<br />

In some part <strong>of</strong> this year he was so unfortunate as to harbor<br />

two or three Quakers for a few minutes in a severe rain storm,<br />

which act brought the wrath <strong>of</strong> the General Court down upon<br />

him, accompanied with a fine <strong>of</strong> " thirty shillings " and " be<br />

admonished " by the governor.<br />

In May, 1657, a very stringent law was passed against harbor-<br />

ing "any <strong>of</strong> the cursed sect <strong>of</strong> Quakers," and attached was a<br />

fine <strong>of</strong> 40 s. for every one that should be entertained or con-<br />

cealed." Macy was quickly complained <strong>of</strong> and included in the<br />

following order from the Court :<br />

—<br />

"The Court, understanding that severall inhabitants <strong>of</strong> this<br />

jurisdiction have lodged the Quakers now in prison, doe order,<br />

that the Secretary issue out a warrant to the severall persons &<br />

send the same by a messenger <strong>of</strong> purpose to bring them all<br />

with speede to this Court, to ans r for their <strong>of</strong>fence therein."<br />

The neighbors <strong>of</strong> Mr. Macy reported his generous act to a<br />

brother in need to the pious but horror-stricken members <strong>of</strong><br />

Mr. Worcester's church, and it quickly reached the great Gen-<br />

eral Court, which was determined to punish with " speede " all<br />

such terrible sins.<br />

Thus for years was this harmless, quiet people persecuted,<br />

hunted from town to town as criminals and <strong>of</strong>fenders against<br />

God and man, and unworthy <strong>of</strong> the common courtesies <strong>of</strong> life.<br />

In fact, no more heinous sin could be committed than that <strong>of</strong><br />

harboring or in any way administering to the wants and com-<br />

forts <strong>of</strong> these peaceful sectarians. They openly violated the<br />

plain commands <strong>of</strong> that Gospel which, in their blindness, they<br />

were trying to uphold : " If thine enemy hunger, feed him ; if he<br />

thirst, give him drink."

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