appearance, now stepped forward; an oath by
the uplifted hand was administered, and one commenced his testimony.

The substance of his story was, that Joy, on a certain occasion, and,
at a certain place, in his presence and hearing, had declared, with a
profane exclamation, that there were men in the colony, wiser, and
more learned, than either the magistrates or ministers; and that,
between them both, what with their long prayers and intermeddling in
every body's affairs, they were like to ruin the plantation.

Upon the conclusion of the testimony, the witness was sharply
cross-questioned by Governor Winthrop, and some inquires were made by
various Assistants, but nothing further was elicited. As for Joy, he
disdained to ask a question, declaring that his accuser, Timpson, had
already been in the stocks for leasing; and, besides, had been
cudgelled by himself for stealing.

Hezekiah Timpson, a villainous, lean, crop-haired fellow, with a
hang-dog look, and sanctimonious air, upon hearing himself charged
with delinquencies, which were notorious to the whole Court, raised to
heaven his eyes, which, until now, he had kept fastened on the floor,
and, sighing deeply, exclaimed:

"I do confess my iniquities and my sins are ever before me. Verily,
was I thus given over to Satan to be buffeted but by free-grace have I
been snatched, as a brand from the burning, even as I yet hope to see
thee, Philip."

"Canting rogue, I want none of thy hopes, good or bad," said Joy.

"Cease thy reviling," cried Dudley, starting from his seat. "What! are
we to sit here to listen to malapert railings against men of godly
life and conversation?" he added, addressing himself to Winthrop. But
before the Governor could reply, one of the Assistants interposed.

"Let the poor man unbosom himself freely," he said, "that the whole
truth may come to light."

"Our worshipful brother Spikeman," answered the Deputy Governor, with
a sneer, (which he did not attempt to suppress,) "was not always ready
to allow such free-speech, as witness the case of Martin Wrexham,
banished for speaking to his disparagement."

"I trust that I shall be able to give the worshipful Deputy Governor
such reasons for my conduct, as will satisfy him," said Spikeman.

Dudley threw himself back into his chair, as if not half satisfied;
and Winthrop, who had calmly listened to the colloquy, took advantage
of the pause that ensued, to direct the other witness to testify.