[75]. It is from the account of Mr. Bownas (conversation with John Rogers) we gain knowledge that there were “goods” in the wheelbarrow, which were offered for sale before the pulpit. The court record mentions only the wheelbarrow. Mr. Bownas had evidently a mixed recollection of this portion of John Roger’s conversation (relating to work, etc., upon the first day Sabbath), since he appears to suppose this was a thing that might have happened more than once, whereas it was an extraordinary measure suited to an extraordinary occasion, and one which would surely receive court notice and record.
In his conversation with Mr. Bownas, John Rogers also said, in this connection, “that the provocations he met with from the priests, who stirred up the people and the mob against him, might sometimes urge him further than he was afterwards easy with in opposing them, but that when he kept his place he had inexpressible comfort and peace in what he did;” adding, “the wrath of man works not the righteousness of God.”
[76]. “I John Rogers, a servant of Jesus Christ, here make an open declaration of war against the great red dragon and against the beast to which he gives power; and against the false church that rides upon the beast; and against the false prophets who are established by the dragon and the beast; and also a proclamation of derision against the sword of the devil’s spirit, which is prisons, stocks, whips, fines and revilings, all of which is to defend the religion of devils.”
[77]. The “&c.” is of the record.
[78]. Although the “Proclamation” put out at the prison window appears (by absence on the court records) not to have figured in open court, it was evidently in the minds of these priestly judges.
[79]. After diligent search, no evidence has been found of enmity on the part of the Rogerenes towards the Stonington church.
[80]. Miss Caulkins says regarding this burning of the meeting-house: “It was supposed to be an act of incendiarism, and public fame attributed it to the followers of John Rogers. Several of these people were arrested and tried for the crime, but it could not be proved against them, and they may now without hesitation be pronounced innocent. Public sympathy was enlisted on the other side, and had they committed a deed which was then esteemed a high degree of sacrilege, it is difficult to believe they could have escaped exposure and penalty.”
[81]. The capital crime with which he was charged appears not to have been well-proven, for which reason the condemned prisoner petitioned that there might be a fuller investigation. (See Book of Crimes and Misdemeanors, State Library.) The fact that, although meriting severe punishment, this youth was not guilty to the extent presumed by the penalty, is indicated by his after reprieve.
[82]. Where he was doubtless confined for his “disturbance outside the meeting house” in the recent countermove, the “ten stripes” being too mild a punishment.
[83]. A very distinct glimpse of the power given to ministers of the standing order in state legislation.