Anne Hutchinson - Trial Transcript Pt.3

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Trial Transcript (cont.)

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: But put the case, Sir, that I do fear the Lord and my parents. May not I entertain them that fear the Lord because my parents will not give me leave?

Gov. John Winthrop: If they be the fathers of the commonwealth, and they of another religion, if you entertain them then you dishonour your parents and are justly punishable.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: If I entertain them, as they have dishonoured their parents I do.

Gov. John Winthrop: No but you by countenancing them above others put honor upon them.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: I may put honor upon them as the children of God and as they do honor the Lord.

Gov. John Winthrop: We do not mean to discourse with those of your sex but only this: you so adhere unto them and do endeavor to set forward this faction and so you do dishonour us.

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: I do acknowledge no such thing. Neither do I think that I ever put any dishonour upon you.

Gov. John Winthrop: Why do you keep such a meeting at your house as you do every week upon a set day?

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: It is lawful for me to do so, as it is all your practices, and can you find a warrant for yourself and condemn me for the same thing? The ground of my taking it up was, when I first came to this land because I did not go to such meetings as those were, it was presently reported that I did not allow of such meetings but held them unlawful and therefore in that regard they said I was proud and did despise all ordinances. Upon that a friend came unto me and told me of it and I to prevent such aspersions took it up, but it was in practice before I came. Therefore I was not the first.

Gov. John Winthrop: ...By what warrant do you continue such a course?

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: I conceive there lies a clear rule in Titus that the elder women should instruct the younger and then I must have a time wherein I must do it.

Gov. John Winthrop: All this I grant you, I grant you a time for it, but what is this to the purpose that you Mrs. Hutchinson must call a company together from their callings to come to be taught of you?

Mrs. Anne Hutchinson: If you look upon the rule in Titus it is a rule to me. If you convince me that it is no rule I shall yield.

Continued...

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