“There are things,” he said, “in the speech of the worshipful brother whereof I approve, and others, again, whereunto I may not give my assent.  Though it may savor of worldly pride, and be proof of the old Adam lingering in me, I will say, that however guilty in the sight of God, before whom I acknowledge myself the chief of sinners, I challenge before man an examination of my life, and fear no evil report from England or elsewhere.  But for this self-boasting, I crave the pardon and prayers of my brethren.  Touching the prisoner, which is the matter in hand, I find him somewhat bold, and not altogether in other respects what I desire, but yet not worthy of severe punishment, or likely to be a dangerous person in the Commonwealth.  Where need requires, I trust, with preventing grace, never to be deficient in prompt and energetic action, but no necessity therefor hath, in my judgment, at present arisen.  For, as for this young man, ye are to recollect that he is a soldier, and that a stout one, and may yet do the Commonwealth service in her defence, whereunto I doubt not his willingness, and that his free speech doth proceed rather from the license of camps than from malignity of temper.  Moreover, I find not the rule of Scripture whereby we are bound that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established altogether complied with, meaning not, thereby, to impugn the statement of our brother of the congregation, worthy good man Timpson, but only that his words are not confirmed as our law requires.”

Thus spoke Endicott, who was afterwards so notorious for his severities against dissidents; but these sentiments found no echo in the mind of the Deputy Governor.

“I thank God,” he said, “that however gross and innumerable my errors and backslidings, I am no libertine.” (Here Endicott’s eyes flashed, but he contented himself with stroking, in a musing manner, the long tuft of hair on his chin.) “The evil we are called upon by the united voice of the suffering saints in this wilderness to suppress,” continued Dudley, “demands, I trow, sharper practice than has hitherto been applied, and I do admire at the milk-and-water temper of the worthy Assistant at this present.  Not thus is he wont to speak, but in the common is zealous even unto slaying.  What incantation or witch of Endor hath blinded him, I know not.”

The blood mounted into the face of Endicott, for he, as well as the others present, understood the remark to refer to the young and gentle wife of the ex-Governor of Salem, and who was supposed to exert a great influence in soothing the fierceness of his disposition, (alas, if it were so; how short a time that influence lasted!) and many were the smiles that circled the table, but Winthrop, apprehensive of a storm, interposed.

“My worthy friend,” he said, “can surely intend no disrespect toward one of the stoutest champions of our Israel.  Doubtless he will be able so to explain his words, as to make their meaning innocent.”