In case of Heresie incorrigible, in conjunction with endeavours to seduce others thereunto, and tending to the disturbing of Publick-order, we acknowledge it to be the pious Wisdom of the Magistrate to proceed gradually, and where gentler meanes may rationally be looked at as effectual, there to abstain from the use of any severer remedie.
And according to this method, hath been the gradual proceeding of the Magistrate here, with those (hitherto incorrigible) Quakers, who from England have unreasonably and insolently obtruded themselves upon us. 1. Instructing them. 2. Restraining them untill an opportunity for their returne. 3. Publishing a law to warne and prohibite both them and all others of that sect, from Coming into this jurisdiction: otherwise to expect the house of Correction. And in case they returned yet again, then to loose one of their eares, etc.
At last upon experience of their bold contempt of these inferior restraints, and that after their being sent away again and again, they continue to return yet again and again; to the seducing of diverse, the disturbance, vexation and hazard of the whole Colonie. The Court finding the Law passed, to be an insufficient fence against these persons, proceeded to a Sentence of Banishment.
Their restraint before the Law published, was but restraint in the Prison, until an opportunity of shipping them away. They who after the Law was published, would that notwithstanding, break in upon us from England, or other forraign parts, by Rode-Island, after their correction received, and discharging their dues, might return again to the Island, if they pleased. The wolfe which ventures over the wild Sea, out of a ravening desire to prey upon the sheep, when landed, discovered and taken, hath no cause to complain, though for the security of the flock, he be penned up, with the door opening unto the fold fast shut; but having another door purposely left open, whereby he may depart at his pleasure either returning from whence he came, or otherwise quitting the place.
Their Sentence of Banishment as Circumstanced, by an Impartial and equal eye, may be looked upon as an Act which the court was forced unto se defendendo, in defence of Religion, themselves, the Churches, and this poore State and People from Ruine: which the principles of confusion, daylie and studiously disseminated by them, threatened to bring all unto, if not seasonably prevented. Exile from a wilderness, from a place of exile; though voluntarie, from a place; confinement whereunto would indeed justly be called exile, is an easie exile.” (Pages 48, 49, 53, 54.)
[19] Rhode Island Records, i. 376–378. See also the letter of the General Assembly, 378–380.
[20] Bishop, 95.
[21] Mass. Records, iv. (1), 383.
[22] The Sufferings of the People called Quakers, by Jos. Besse, London, 1753, ii. p. 177.
[23] Bishop, 89–95, 109.