On the part of John Rogers, his procedure, from beginning to end, indicates his knowledge of an important crisis, as regards the Seventh Day cause, and his judgment that the boldest move possible on his part is the wisest at this time.
[For many a year to come, there will be found no presentment at court of any of the Rogerenes for servile work upon the first day of the week. Nevertheless they do not escape. When it becomes doubtful if juries will punish them; the town authorities may be instigated to the task.
The wheelbarrow episode was an extreme measure adopted at a critical time, when, after so long a cessation of violent measures, the battle was begun anew under the leadership of Mr. Saltonstall.]
CHAPTER V.
1695.
In May, at a special session of the Superior Court, at Hartford, John Rogers is tried upon the following charges:—
1. For that in New London, in Feb. last, thou didst lay thy hand upon thy breast and say: This is the humane body of Christ, which words are presumptuous, absurd and of a blasphemous nature.
2. For saying, concerning a wheelbarrow thou broughtest into the meeting house about a week or fortnight before, that Christ drove the wheelbarrow—an impious belying of Christ, accusing him to be the author of sin and was on the Sabbath day.
3. Thou art presented for disturbing the congregation of N. London on the Lord’s day, when they were in the public worship of God.
4. Also for saying in court that thou did’st nothing and had said nothing but what thy Lord and Master sent thee to doe etc.[[77]] which expressions were spoken in answer to the governor, who reproved thee for disturbing God’s people in his day and worship.