Chapter 11, The New England Way Summary and Analysis

Massachusetts can resist schism; and the people of Massachusetts under John Winthrop show that they can hold onto their goal of creating a society of God. However, the freemen will not let go of the powers they have secured for themselves. They cannot follow God and accept even a benevolent despotism. Winthrop disagrees; the laws of the land have to be the laws of God and sometimes that might require a despot. That said, Winthrop does not believe in total independence from popular control.

The interface between Winthrop and the people is between the magistrates and the deputies. The magistrates are Winthrop's servants, whereas the deputies are the representatives of the people. The General Court is the Supreme Court and legislature of Massachusetts. The magistrates have a negative voice against their rulings, however...