The active part taken by Mr. Downing in the affairs of the settlement is illustrated in the following extract from the Salem town records:—­

“At a general Town meeting, held the 7th day of the 5th month, 1644—­ordered that two be appointed every Lord’s Day, to walk forth in the time of God’s worship, to take notice of such as either lye about the meeting house, without attending to the word and ordinances, or that lye at home or in the fields without giving good account thereof, and to take the names of such persons, and to present them to the magistrates, whereby they may be accordingly proceeded against.  The names of such as are ordered to this service are for the 1st day, Mr. Stileman and Philip Veren Jr. 2d day, Philip Veren Sr. and Hilliard Veren. 3d day, Mr. Batter and Joshua Veren. 4th day, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Clark. 5th day, Mr. Downing and Robert Molton Sr. 6th day, Robert Molton Jr. and Richard Ingersol. 7th day, John Ingersol and Richard Pettingell. 8th day, William Haynes and Richard Hutchinson. 9th day, John Putnam and John Hathorne. 10th day, Townsend Bishop and Daniel Rea. 11th day, John Porter and Jacob Barney.”

Each patrol, on concluding its day’s service, was to notify the succeeding one; and they were to start on their rounds, severally, from “Goodman Porter’s near the Meeting House.”

The men appointed to this service were all leading characters, reliable and energetic persons.  It was a singular arrangement, and gives a vivid idea of the state of things at the time.  Its design was probably, not merely that expressed in the vote of the town, but also to prevent any disorderly conduct on the part of those not attending public worship, and to give prompt alarm in case of fire or an Indian assault.  The population had not then spread out far into the country; and the range of exploration did not much extend beyond the settlement in the town.  None but active men, however, could have performed the duty thoroughly, and in all directions, so as to have kept the whole community under strict inspection.

Mr. Downing probably expended liberally his fortune and time in improving his farm, upon which there were, at least, four dwelling-houses prior to 1661, and large numbers of men employed.  He was a ready contributor to all public objects.  His education had been superior and his attainments in knowledge extensive.  He was of an enlightened spirit, and strove to mitigate the severity of the procedures against Antinomians and others.  He seems to have had an ingenious and enterprising mind.  At a General Court held at Boston, Sept. 6, 1638, it was voted that, “Whereas Emanuel Downing, Esq., hath brought over, at his great charges, all things fitting for taking wild fowl by way of duck-coy, this court, being desirous to encourage him and others in such designs as tend to the public good,” &c., orders that liberty shall be given him to set up his duck-coy within the limits of Salem; and all persons are forbidden